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First-Timer’s Guide to RVing in Mexico: how to stay safe

• Last Updated: June 4, 2024
• 9 minutes read

When the mercury in the thermometer dips below freezing, it can be tempting to head as far south as possible to escape the cold.

Cold temperatures are especially tough if you are a full-time RVer. My wife and I full-time in an Airstream — I’ll never forget the time we were in Tucson and froze our tails off one night even with the heater running.

We thought we were as far south as we could get and yet, we were still cold. If you’ve ever found yourself in a spot like this, you might be asking: Is it safe to RV in Mexico?

It can be quite safe to RV in Mexico if you have the right plan and travel with a safety mindset. On the other hand, there are reasons you might want to avoid RVing in Mexico. If you travel alone, have a lead foot, have no knowledge of the Spanish language, and/or don’t like travelling with a game-plan, then RVing in Mexico would likely not be safe for you.

In this post, we’ll break down the strategy and conditions that can make RVing in Mexico safe while also pointing out situations where you should avoid RVing in Mexico.

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why Would You Avoid RVing In Mexico?

RVing in Mexico is not a one-size-fits-all idea. For example, you might have heard friends say they “RVd in Mexico” — which might really mean they drove their camper to a beach town and stayed put. 

That’s a very different trip from RVing all over Mexico. 

The point is, if you’re thinking about RVing in Mexico, you need to assess the safety of the specific areas you want to go to and the unique way you plan to travel.

If some or all of the following is true for you, you should avoid RVing in Mexico:

Safety concerns for the area you want to go to

Rather than avoiding RVing in Mexico because of countrywide travel warnings you see online (that’s like deciding to avoid New York State because of high crime rates for a tiny neighborhood in NYC), you should only avoid RVing in Mexico if you find specific information about travel dangers in the area you want to go to.

If, for example, you wanted to RV all along Mexican border towns, you’d likely want to avoid this trip due to higher general crime rates in those cities.  

Language barrier

If you have no knowledge of the Spanish language, no desire to learn a few phrases, and/or no interest in hiring a Spanish speaking guide, you should probably avoid RVing in Mexico. 

You don’t like rough roads

If you’re the type of RVer who always seeks out that perfectly paved road and gets nervous about potholes, you should probably avoid RVing in Mexico.

Mexican roads range from good to terrifying. If you’re not ready to drive slow, have a navigator guide you, and/or traverse roads with a caravan of people you know, you might want to avoid RVing in Mexico. 

You need well put together RV parks and campgrounds

Mexico has some wonderful RV parks. But they also have RV parks that are more disorganized than just about anything you’ll find stateside.

For some of us, that can be a fun adventure as we roll with the punches of fluctuating electricity, water shut offs, and other misadventures.

Personally, I find that to be all part of the adventure of RVing and I often meet some incredible people when I break out of comfort-zones.

But if you’re just not wired that way and crave well-established RV parks, you should either plan your Mexico RVing very carefully or avoid RVing in Mexico all together. 

If you’re bringing pets

You can bring pets to Mexico. But you’ll have to provide just about every record you’ve ever gotten for your animals and you’ll need to have all sorts of vaccinations and meds up to date.

If that seems like too much hassle, you should avoid RVing in Mexico.

7 Reasons Consider RVing In Mexico?

Just as there might be reasons for you to avoid RVing in Mexico there are also many reasons why you should consider RVing south of the border:

Great weather — Even the southernmost places in the U.S. can still freeze. Not so with many areas of Mexico.

Great people — Mexico does it right when it comes to welcoming visitors. You’ll be hard pressed to find a warmer, more welcoming group of folks than the ones you’ll find along the way while RVing in Mexico.

Caravans are fun — One of the best ways to RV in Mexico is with a caravan of friends or of a group you put together with fellow RVers. It’ll help keep you safe and you’ll probably make lifelong friends and memories on the trip.

Good cell coverage — You’ll generally have reliable cell service in Mexico.

Low costs — From campgrounds to food to repairs you might need along the way, you can save a bundle while RVing in Mexico compared to the U.S.

Practice Spanish — If your Spanish is somewhat bueno and you make an effort to speak it while RVing in Mexico, you can make big linguistic improvements while you travel.

Good places to park your RV along the way — Even if Mexican campgrounds can be less well put together than their U.S. counterparts, they are still often very warm and inviting places that are run by families.

On top of that, Mexico’s national gas stations (Pemex) almost always offer a safe, secure, and guarded place to stay for the night.

How To Stay Safe: Practice A Safety Mindset To RV In Mexico

If you plan to RV in Mexico, there are several strategies for staying safe:

Don’t carry wads of cash 

As with international travel of any kind, don’t set yourself up for a bad situation if you don’t have to. Carry limited amounts of cash and use secure ATMs to get what you need.

The ATM fees you pay will be a small price to make sure you don’t lose a fat wad of cash.

Don’t stand out 

You know how they tell you not to stare up at tall buildings in New York because they’ll know you’re a tourist? The same is true here. Be low key.

Don’t wear crazy clothes or valuable looking items. You’ll never be able to totally blend in, but you can still take steps to not draw attention when you RV in Mexico. 

Travel in groups

The best strategy for safely RVing in Mexico is to travel as part of a caravan with people you trust.

Avoid travelling at night

This is as much because of the roads as it is for your personal safety. Mexican highways are full of speed bumps and potholes that are almost impossible to see at night.

Additionally, you can help protect yourself from criminal activity by travelling only when you can see and be seen. Start early and end early while RVing in Mexico.

Travel with extra supplies 

Bring extra water, blankets, food, and anything else you might need in case you have to unexpectedly stop in a place for a long time.

You should also bring extra repair items for your RV like extra leaf springs, a bearing kit, extra spares, etc.

Make sure you have the basic tools you need to keep your RV running as you travel through Mexico.

What You’ll Need To RV In Mexico

There are several tools you need to avoid problems and safely travel in Mexico:

• Surge protector — RV parks in Mexico are much more prone to electrical issues. Protect your sensitive RV electronics by getting a good surge protector .
• Mexico specific RV insurance — Because it’s highly unlikely that your U.S. based insurer will cover your RV in Mexico, you’ll need to get a special policy.
• A way to communicate with your caravan — If you’re travelling with a caravan, grab some walkie-talkies before your trip so you can easily talk along the way.
• Cell phone plan with Mexico coverage — These plans are usually quite affordable and you should also chat with your current carrier to see what sorts of coverage options they offer in Mexico.
• Paperwork for pets — If you plan to travel with pets, be sure to have all the required paperwork to enter Mexico and return to the U.S. with your furry friends.
• A route plan — We know it can be fun to RV without a roadmap and discover things along the way, but Mexico is not the place to do that your first time. Instead, plan to RV in Mexico along a defined route. You should also seek out Mexico’s toll roads, which tend to be higher quality and much safer for road travel.
• Photocopies of all your info and emergency plans — Be sure you have photocopies of your driver’s license, passport, and any other important documents in case they get lost or stolen along the way.

Other Tips For RVing in Mexico

As you now probably see, RVing in Mexico can be safe in the right situations, but there are also situations where you’d want to avoid it. 

If you do plan to RV in Mexico, there are a few other tips you should be aware of. 

Use toll roads

Mexican toll roads are affordable and will be generally safer and of higher quality than other roads. 

Mexican toll roads also offer roadside assistance services that might not be available elsewhere.

Work on your Spanish

Unless you plan to hire a Spanish speaking guide or are already fluent, it’ll pay to learn some Spanish phrases before you start RVing in Mexico. 

Once in Mexico, why not practice your language skills by starting conversations with locals?

This is a great way to experience a new culture, learn something new, and truly immerse yourself in the Mexico RVing trip.

Find beachside spots for beautiful weather and low prices

RVing and camping by U.S. beaches can be very expensive. Not so in Mexico.

You can find highly affordable spots with low camping and food prices, all while enjoying some of the world’s most beautiful beaches from the doorstep of your RV.

It can be very safe to RV in Mexico, but there are also situations where RVing in Mexico is to be avoided.

By understanding the what, how, why and when of a safe RVing trip to Mexico, you’ll be set to make this international trip in your RV.

Just be sure to plan ahead and really get to know the areas of Mexico you’re considering RVing to.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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RVing Baja, Mexico: Road Trip to Paradise

Flanked by the big surf of the Pacific ocean and the tranquil Sea of Cortez, with three mountain ranges and a cactus-studded desert running up the middle, Baja is what camper dreams are made of! With basically one main road escorting you to the big highlights and a few dozen spurs into unspoiled wilderness, it’s as easy or adventurous as you want it to be.

Even though we have spent extensive time in Mexico ( housesitting , vacationing, even road tripping ) and consider this country one of our favorites in the world, we were a little nervous about RVing Baja. This is in part because Mexico is often portrayed as “dangerous” in the news, but also because we didn’t know if our slapdash RV style would fly. We wild camp in the middle of nowhere, drive well past sunset, and own a vehicle you could break into with a can opener. When we realized these were our own problems and ones we could easily fix, it was time to discover the Baja magic!  

Table of Contents

Our Baja Road Trip Route

Bahía Concepción has some of the prettiest beaches and not a single chain hotel! Driving from the Pueblo Mágico of Loreto there is a bit of a lull, but when you reach the city of La Paz and its surrounding islands and mountains, it’s wondrous all over again. Greater La Paz was even worth hopping out of the camper for a few days of island glamping on Espíritu Santo and a rancho homestay in the Sierra de La Laguna. (If you want to carry on farther south, check out this blog from a previous trip around Los Cabos ). Read on for our favorite tips from roads less traveled.  

Baja Camping 101

Let’s start with the basics of camping in Baja. The average cost of an ocean-view campsite is around $7 and quite often free. To discover them, start by downloading the iOverlander app . This led us to a variety of gems, from secluded sand dunes to family-owned restaurants that let you stay in exchange for buying a burrito. The app also maps out where to find propane, fresh water, showers, dump stations, and more with their handy filters. If you like the social aspect of camping, check out the VanLife app or Xscapers to connect with fellow adventurers. FYI, camping on our own always felt totally safe and serene. To help make this happen, we didn’t drive after dark, read the comments for each iOverlander listing, and stopped going down dirt roads if rain was in the forecast (after we LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY !).

Tecate Border Crossing

Instead of entering Mexico via the busy Tijuana crossing, we went 45 minutes inland to Tecate. This town is not just the home of Tecate brewery, but it is a Pueblo Mágico, (a special designation for Mexico’s most culturally rich and historic towns). There was one car in line and when it was our turn, the officer only asked for our car registration (not even our license or passports!) and to take a glance inside the camper before he sent us on our way. While we kept driving to make sunset in wine country, we would recommend staying a night in Tecate to get your Mexican bearings and enjoy its traditional town square, 1,500-year old cave paintings, and tour the peninsula’s most beloved brewery.

Valle de Guadalupe: Wine Country Camping

Highway 3 carries on through beautiful mountain passes to Valle de Guadalupe’s “Ruta del Vino.” The region has been making wine for over 100 years, but the industry only started booming 20 years ago. Today there are more than 150 wineries, making it the “Tuscany of Mexico.”

For our first night in the country, we seized the opportunity to use our Harvest Hosts membership and camp at a winery (free of charge in exchange for buying a bottle). We pulled into L.A. Cetto just as the sun was hitting the mountains and casting its glow on their 4,000 acres of vines. Save from a security guard looking after the place (gracias, señor!), we had the entire place to ourselves. The next day we were happy to repay one of the country’s oldest and largest wineries with a tour and tasting. We’d also recommend Las Nubes and Bar Bura, not just for their wine but for their views of this gorgeous region.

Punta Banda: Hot Springs & Marine Geysers

Less than an hour south of Ensenada (home of the original fish taco and Baja’s oldest cantina, the great Hussong’s), lies our favorite sliver of the far north: Punta Banda peninsula. It is full of natural wonders, starting with their hot spring beach! At low tide, you can see steam rising from the sand—those are your hot spots and where you want to start digging. We plunged our shovel (see our Baja packing list below) and 100-degree water bubbled up! In just fifteen minutes, we had a natural jacuzzi with views to the bluffs! Could Punta Banda get any better? It did.

At the tip of peninsula, we found Campo El Mirador , a campground on a mountain spine that drops to the sea and the famed La Bufadora marine geyser. At high tide, this blowhole shoots water up to 90 feet in the air! From your campsite, it’s a gorgeous hike through coastal succulent gardens and free when you arrive by foot! Hot Springs Intel : There is no name or sign for Punta Banda’s hot springs. This is what RVing Baja is all about! To get there, follow these GPS coordinates (31.7167, -116.6661) and park at the mini mart (good to buy some cervezas from them to earn your spot). On the right, there is unassuming long narrow path between properties that leads down to this delightful public-access beach!

The Otherworldly Desierto Central

Baja’s tourists generally stick close to the border and Los Cabos in the far south, but little do they know that Baja’s most iconic beauty lies in the middle. The Valle de los Cirios is the second largest protected natural area in Mexico, spanning from coast to coast all way to the state line with Guerrero Negro. Towns vanish and cacti are the new skyscrapers. Fifty-foot tall cardons, Dr Suess-like cirios plants, pink barrel cacti, and boulders are strewn about the sierras.

The first sign of civilization you’ll encounter is one created 1,000 years ago by the Cochimí people at the incredible Cataviña cave paintings. We took the short, steep hike and ducked into the ancient art gallery. Spared from wind and rain, the ceiling retained its vibrant depictions of dancers, animals, and geometric motifs. Rather than hike back the way we came, we climbed down the backside to the river valley for some fun rock scrambling among this palm-tree oasis.

Connectivity Tip : There is no cell service between El Rosario and Guererro Negro. Hotel Mision Cataviña offers WiFi by the hour, plus a decent restaurant, bathrooms, and a beautiful cactus garden.

Ojo de Liebre: Communing with Gray Whales

In addition to warm weather, gorgeous scenery, and fantastic people, the reason we came to Baja, Mexico is for the one-of-a-kind whale watching. Each winter hundreds of gray whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to their breeding grounds in Baja. They come to birth and raise their calves in three Pacific lagoons: Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre. With whale hunting a thing of the past, generations of whales have come to see boats and humans as a chance for friendly interactions. It seems unbelievable but mothers actively encourage their babies to approach panga boats!

So excited by this prospect, we seized the first whale-watching opportunity on our route. Leaving from Guerrero Negro with Mario’s Tours ($50 for three hours, plus lunch), eight of us hopped in a little boat and cruised along the sand dunes until we got to Ojo de Liebre. We saw whales spouting off in every direction and with patience, a mother and calf came to play with us for 25 minutes ( and we caught it on video !). Spyhopping and diving just inches from our boat, this was by far the most intimate whale encounter we have ever had. Though speaking of intimate, we later saw three whales rolling around in a courtship ritual!

Whale Watching Tip : While we loved our experience out of Guerrero Negro, the town of San Ignacio is a much cuter basecamp (a Spanish colonial charmer) and supposedly their lagoon has even friendlier whales!

Don’t Miss These Spanish Missions

Heading out to the Sea of Cortez, incredible Spanish colonial missions begin to appear. Starting with Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán, you’ll drive alongside gorgeous palm-lined lagoons and this stone beauty from 1728 appears in the heart of San Ignacio village. At the start of Bahía Concepción, the expat haven of Mulegé is great for getting gringo comforts and propane refills and, of course, its mission. Tucked high above town and up a snaking side street, it’s easy to miss but well worth the efforts to see this foreboding structure overlooking the river and sea. (Interesting fact, it doubled as a stronghold in defeating the invading Americanos during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.)

Farther south, the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó is the first mission the Spanish built in the region, making it mother of all Baja and Alta California missions. If you have the time, Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó is an hour off the main road from Loreto and supposedly the prettiest of them all!

Santa Rosalía: French Baja

Santa Rosalía is the first real town when Highway 1 hits the Sea of Cortez, and while it’s far from the prettiest, it is the quirkiest. It was started by a French mining company in 1884 so the architecture is unlike anywhere on the peninsula, with its ornate wooden homes and a metal church designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel of Paris tower fame. The owner of the mining company, snatched it up after its appearance in the World’s Fair and had it flat packed on a boat to Baja to bring some religious sophistication to town. He also made sure they had a quality French bakery—the one and only, El Boleo. We followed our nose to this institution and a worker motioned us over for a behind-the-scenes tour of their pastry chefs making the original recipes in the 19th-century stone ovens.

Bahía Concepción: The Best of Baja RV Beach Camping

When you see those idyllic photos of Baja with turquoise waters, cactus-studded islands and white-sand beaches, it’s probably somewhere along Bahía Concepción. While there are surprisingly few tourists, there are few enclaves of snowbirds that have it all figured out. When we got to Playa Santispac, this beach cove dotted with islets took our breath away, as did the volume of RVers. We would normally be turned off by such a crowd and $10 camping fee, but something interesting was happening here. This was a world unto itself where over 100 retirees set up camp for months at a time, completely cut off from the outside world, with nothing but this stunning beach, the facilities of their RVs, and one rocking bar.

After a glorious kayak around the islands, we walked the beach chitchatting with people from Alberta, Michigan, and virtually every cold weather region in North America. Then the music sparked up! Turns out, the original Van Halen drummer winters down here and he’s formed a solid local band. We may have been 25 years younger than anyone at this party, but they were dancing us under the table until Baja Midnight (9pm) and rewriting the definition of a retirement community. For something more chill along Bahía Concepcion, Playa El Requesón is a stunning spit that fans into two coves and beaches like Playa Armenta are plenty beautiful for the price of free.

Kayaking Bahía de Loreto National Park

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Mike & Anne – HoneyTrek.com (@honeytrek) on Mar 8, 2020 at 1:31am PST

The town of Loreto is a tourist favorite with its ancient mission, ficus-tree archways, margarita happy hours…but to us, it’s all about the Bahía de Loreto National Park. This UNESCO biosphere reserve and Mexico’s largest marine preserve is ripe for island hopping, scuba diving, and kayaking. For a self-guided kayak adventure, we honed in on Isla Coronado, a volcanic island with beach coves, rock scrambling, reptile spotting (16 species!) and sand spits too shallow to be reached by motor boats.

In the protected bay there was very little wind so we cruised alongside the birds, fishies, and bobbing sea turtles. After three miles of paddling, we reached the white sand beach, without a soul on it, and hiked the black boulders to the ridge. On the way home, our arms were feeling the burn, but a sandbar island and the lunch in our drybag kept us motivated. Our craft skidded ashore, feeling like this low-tide island only emerges for adventurers like us. Kayaking Tip : For the put-in spot, follow signs to “La Picazon” restaurant and have faith that the long dirt road will get you to a good parking spot (GPS: 26.0897, -111.3256) and a short path down to the beach.

The Road Angels of Lonchería Lupita

After Bahía de Loreto, Highway 1 does a massive S-curve into the desert abyss until it swoops back out to the Sea of Cortez, and even though it’s not the most interesting stretch, we had one of our favorite cultural experiences here. It was getting dark so we consulted iOverlander and they listed “Lonchería Lupita” as a roadside cafe that’s friendly to RVers. We arrived as they were closing but instead of turning us away, the family invited us into their personal kitchen for an off-menu burrito feast complete with a mountain of steamed veggies (a vegan dream!).

While Lupita was preparing dinner, Mike and her grandson invented games with a ball and a box, while I enjoyed a chat with the patriarch. Then, in walks the daughter with her eight-day-old baby. Even though she’d only known us a few minutes, she put her newborn in my arms as if we were part of the family.

La Paz Carnaval

We reached the vibrant city of La Paz, just in time for Carnaval! It’s said to be one of biggest pre-Lent celebrations in the country, so if you’re arriving in February, try to align your trip with the festivities ( dates here ). This five-day festival takes over the malecón (seaside promenade) with parades, bands, rides, games, and countless food stalls. With our expat friend Kristen Gill as an accomplice, we dove head first into the carnaval revelry. We cheered on the parade, sampled junk food, drank the legendary Doble Canalas (beer, clamato, and vodka), danced at every bandstand, and rode the swirling swings for 360-views over town.

Bahía de La Paz: Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Every winter upwards of 100 adolescent whale sharks come to feed in the Bay of La Paz. While this happens in various locations around the world, this is one of the most accessible and responsibly managed destinations for these wildlife encounters (read: no feeding or crowding). We went on a full-day boat trip with RED Travel , a Baja leader in sustainable tourism, and it exceeded our expectations. To make sure the whale sharks have ample space, a limited amount of boats can be in the sanctuary at any time. The good news is, “waiting your turn” means a boat trip into the archipelago to see rare birds like the blue-footed boobies, the San Rafaelito sea lion colony, and Balandra Beach (known to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful).

After a whale shark orientation by our brilliant young guide and biologist, Andrea Quintero, we were ready to swim with the world’s largest fish. The main rule is to stay out of their path (as docile as they are, they move like freight train). We swam alongside a baby, then a 25-footer, marveling at their gorgeous spotted skin, swishing fins, and the symbiotic fishes hitching a ride.

Swimming with Dolphins in Bahia de La Paz

As if our wildlife encounters couldn’t get better, a pod of dolphins was diving around our boat and our guide asked, “Want to swim with them?” With a heck yea, we dove back in and were eye-to-eye with a half dozen bottlenose beauties! To end the perfect day, we docked on a deserted beach for ceviche (cod or quinoa style), cervezas, and sunbathing. See this incredible day on film, here .

Glamping Isla Espíritu Santo

Featured in our book Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America , Camp Cecil earns its spot in the “Safari” chapter and our hearts. During our three days on the island we cruised alongside dolphins, swam with baby sea lions, and spotted birds rarely seen outside of the Galapagos. Better yet, whenever we sailed or paddled back to camp, fine food and fabulous tents awaited us with big smiles. Watch this video —it’s time to go glamping Baja style!

Ranchero Culture in the Sierra de la Laguna

The Sierra de La Laguna is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, recognized for its contrasting ecosystems and volume of endemic species. Our two favorite tour operators Todos Santos Eco Adventures and RED Travel both offer trips here. As tempting as it was to try the brand new Camp Cecil de La Sierra glamp camp, we were excited to try an overnight trip with RED and learn more about their Mexican culture and reforestation programs. We arrived to the fourth-generation Mesa family ranch and were welcomed with a vegetarian feast. Sitting on their terrace, surrounded by tropical fruits and looking out to the rolling cow pastures, we started to see the interconnectedness of life on the ranch and food on the table.

Tortilla-Making in La Paz

Over the course of two days, Ricardo showed us how to milk cows and Cristina taught us to turn that fresh milk into cheese. We visited the neighbors who proudly showed us their thriving vegetable fields. In the evening, we spent time in the thatch-roof kitchen learning the art of tortilla-making, over the same comal Richie’s mother cooked on 70 years ago. As we were eating dinner, our guide spotted a pair of endemic elf owls and it inspired a nocturnal safari that lasted until 11pm, followed by another birdwatching session at sunrise. Despite its UNESCO status, the Sierra de la Laguna is being threatened by mineral exploration.

To prove that the cultural value of the Sierras is greater than the proceeds of mining, we need families like the Mesas, tour operators like RED, and tourists like you. Check out RED’s environmental and community initiatives here .

Returning North

While it could be a bummer to retrace a 1,000-mile route, Baja is so gorgeous it’s worth a second pass. Plus, the recently paved Highway 5 makes it easy to switch things up with a drive along the Sea of Cortez to the Mexicali border. We cruised into the desert abyss, then Gonzaga Bay appeared like a mirage. Big mountains, sweeping beach coves, and islands spiking out of the sea, it was Baja at its rawest beauty. We pulled into the Papa Fernandez campground, where they charged us a whole $5 to camp on a million dollar beach (GPS: 29.8321, -114.4028) with only one other RV.

Further up the coast, make sure to stop at the unassuming town of Puertecitos and their ocean hot springs at low tide, when their rock pools hit the perfect temperature. For our last night on the Sea of Cortez, we stayed in the sleepy tourist town of San Felipe, walking the malecón, drinking margaritas, and toasting to one heck of a trip.

Mexicali & Mechanics All Over Baja

As we were approaching the Mexicali border, it dawned on us that Mexico has some of the best and most affordable mechanics and we’d be remiss to not get a little more work done. We pulled into Super Mofles to weld a crack in our manifold downpipe, partly because it was a good deal, but also because auto shops had proved to be a priceless opportunity for cultural exchange. When we got our leaf springs done at Muelles Verdugo in La Paz, we felt so fortunate to spend the day with a pair of brothers in a medieval-style blacksmith shop passed down from their father, where they were literally reshaping metal with a coal fire, an anvil, and brute force.

We bonded and as a tip, we gave their adorable son my old Razor scooter and them a six pack of beer so we could raise a glass to their incredible work. All told we got a new muffler ($55), catalytic converter ($100), welded manifold downpipe ($10), oil change ($5), rebuilt front sway bar + bushings ($25), four new leaf springs (quoted at $1,100 in the US and $180 in Mexico), and an even better Buddy the Camper. From the Verdugo brothers welding to Lupita’s luncheonette, the warmth of the Mexican people is as strong as the sunshine.

RVing Baja, Mexico: Planning and Packing

We love Baja and hope you fell in love with it too. Looking forward to your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

32 Comments

Wow! What an adventure! I want to re-create this so bad. You had me at wine country camping. I’ve always wanted to see more of Mexico and this really is pushing me to go as soon as we get the chance. I love that some of the older folks were able to dance you guys under the table – that’s great! Also, I’ve found people in Mexico to be the most sincere, kind, and familial. The fact that your new friend felt comfortable allowing you to hold her most precious treasure, her newborn in your arms says it all. Exceptional post!

You totally should re-create it Stephanie. It was honestly one of the coolest road trips we have ever done. Most people just fly to Cabo, or go to the border town of Tijuana…and they totally skip all the magic in the middle! And you are spot on about the beauty of the Mexican people, they are so warm and giving (contrary to what the media would have you believe)

Baja is a place that has been on our travel wish list for awhile. We had a small taste test when we went wine tasting in Ensenada as a cruise port stop. We too were surprised with how great the wine from this region was. I can see why it would be a great spot for an RV trip. Some of those camping spots look simply stunning! I love that mix of desert and cactus with roaring seas! So cool that you were there when the grey whales visited. But scuba diving with whale sharks is on our absolute travel wish list. What an amazing experience that must have been!

Valle de Guadelupe was quite sophisticated and Ensenada is definitely getting trendier with its microbreweries and vegan food stalls. Though our favorite part of that area was just south on Punta Banda…it would actually be an easy weekend trip from San Diego if you’re ever that way! Baja is so darn pretty, all our camping spots were incredible and oh my goodness, the whale sharks! Hope you get back down to Baja!

I love it! This has always been. dream of mine and I love how thorough you were with your guide! Some of my must sees are the Marine Geysers and the whale watching! Cap it off with some whale sharks, I don’t think I’ll ever leave!

Glad you enjoyed it Joe! We felt the exact same way…we totally didn’t want to leave, and we are already planning our return, once this COVID madness is over.

Baja looks like it has everything! The outdoors, amazing beaches, those gray whales, good food, and of course wine tasting. Just added it to my list when I eventually get south of the border!

It has all of those things….and so much more! We spent 3 weeks there, and we EASILY could have spent 3 months on the peninsula!

I love road trips by RV. Last year we traveled for six months in a camper truck from Alaska to Florida. But we would like to make a similar trip to Mexico. I have added the places you guys visited to my list. Especially Valle de Guadelupe, because we are also wine lovers. And Punta Banda because we love hot springs, and when we only have a chance, we visit hot springs. And I would love to kayaking Bahía de Loreto National Park. You had such a beautiful adventure!

Hey Agnes, welcome! You guys did a road trip from Alaska for Florida….for serious? Did you do any blogs about it? Mexico was soooooo amazing, and so much safer than we thought (or rather, were told by the news) it would be! Thanks for the love girl!

This looks like the perfect life. I usually go with my car and stay in camping grounds, and my dream is to have a van or a camper to have the whole house with me. RVing Baja in Mexico looks an amazing destination, I’d love to be able to camp or glamp there one day. How long have you been traveling around?

Oh yeah camper/rv/van through Baja is the ONLY way to explore it (in our humble opinion)…we have been traveling North America full time for 3 years, and we can’t imagine a better way to see the continent!

Wow! This looks amazing! I haven’t had the courage to go RVing, but it is something that I have always wanted to do 🙂 You had me at the wine tasting, then I started seeing all the pics and I fell hard! The Ranchero Culture in the Sierra de la Laguna looked very unique, so raw and true. I always try to dive in the local culture of the places I travel to. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

Lulia, oh wow, thanks for the lovely reply. You TOTALLY need to try the RV style. It is such a unique way to meet people, and also to explore a country…because you are no longer bound by the city centers and where the public transportation goes. You can really get out in the country and into places most people never visit!

I love your photos at Bahía de Loreto National Park!

My husband and I are planning to do some boondocking in Baja. Curious on what type of auto insurance coverage you purchased? Full coverage or liability?

Baja is incredible, you’ll have a blast! We Sanborn’s liability insurance.

Greetings! My husband and met in San Felipe, Baja 31 years ago. On a subsequent trip we made it all the way to Baja de Los Angeles. It has been on our list to travel the whole of Baja by vehicle.

We are now 64 and 60 years old and we have another adventure to plan! We are looking at starting our trip in 12 months when we get ‘off the wheel’ – so to speak.

We will down size our home of 20+ years into a 5th wheel and rent the house out! Whoo hoo!

Putting this plan in writing makes me so excited as it makes it more real!

Your tips and guide are just what I was looking for to help in the process.

Kim & Steve Rapholz Ojai, California

Kim & Steve, congrats on the big downsize and upcoming adventures! We gave up our house 10 years ago for a life of travel it was the best decision we ever made! We love helping more people hit the road…have you checked out our Trip Coach page: http://www.HoneyTrek.com/TripCoach ? We’ve helped 60+ people successfully hit the road for multi-month and multi-year journeys and hope we can do the same for you!

Your trip sounded perfect, incredible write up! Thank you! I want to leave for a Baja trip next week and this answered many questions I had.

One question that comes to mind is: How fluent are you two in Spanish? If you are fluent how did that impact the trip and same question if you are not fluent.

I know very little Spanish and wonder if this trip would be best next winter with more knowledge of the language, or take this trip and learn with the locals lol?

So glad our post was helpful! Anne is close to fluent and I know a good bit of Spanish so it’s hard to gauge how hard a trip would be without it but what we do know is that the locals are incredibly friendly and that most have enough English to understand what you’re saying…and of course use however much Spanish you have to show you’re trying. Don’t wait…go for it!

Hi, I’m so thrilled that I landed in your Baja blog. I too have a Sunrader and just wanted to learn about how the roads were for your SR. Any tips for preparing my toyhome? I’m heading south in a few weeks!

Thanks and enjoy the holiday season!!! Ruby

yay for Sunraders!!! You’ll love Baja, just check the weather before you go off-roading so you don’t get in too deep. Did you see our “Boondocking Gone Wrong” article? that’s what I’m talking about lol. So glad you enjoyed our post and have so much fun in Baja…it’s camper heaven!!!

We went on a full-day boat trip with RED Travel, a Baja leader in sustainable tourism, and it exceeded our expectations. Nice post thank you!

That’s fantastic! Love RED and so glad you enjoyed our post : )

Thanks for the great article !! I would love to go . I’m a full time solo female rv ‘er. Is it safe , do able for someone traveling alone ?

So glad you enjoyed the article! Baja felt very safe…met lots of solo travelers and also groups to tap into when you wanted company. Lots of vanlife meetups and communities of rvers. Have so much fun!

Awesome read….I have always wanted to take our RV to Baja….i think you just gave us the courage to do it!

Hi. What a fantastic story about your adventure in Baja. I am solo female traveler with a 25 foot 2019 Ford Transit based class C motorhome (Leisure Travel Van). It has very low clearance and it’s only a rear wheel drive. Would it be possible to replicate your route with such a vehicle? I’m a little concerned about getting stuck in soft sand when beach boondocking. Thanks.

Besides our renegade “boondocking gone wrong” experience, which is largely because we didn’t check the weather and you never want to drive down sandy/clay roads around a rainstorm, we were totally fine. Our camper is an old dog, you’re 2019 Transit will do great! have so much fun!!!!

Hi, Anne and Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve read a few posts on RVing Baja because it’s a trip I’m looking forward to do soon and yours is the one I liked the most. I was wondering if this will be a suitable trip to do with a five year old kid and a toddler. What do you think? Thank you again! Ber

Hey Bernardo. Thanks for your kind words about our Baja RVing blog post…glad we were your favorite.

As for Baja, it felt SUPER SUPER safe. And I would say it’s the perfect trip for people of any age. So many amazing beaches to explore, hikes through MASSIVE cactuses, and just super friendly people at every turn. P.S. Just don’t plan to spend much time in Cabo, it’s super touristy and hella expensive 🙂

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Travels with Ted

RV Camping in Baja Mexico: A Complete Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

The Baja California Peninsula is an outdoor lover’s dream with stunning mountains, beautiful beaches, and vast desert landscapes. RV camping in Baja, Mexico is the best way to explore all the peninsula has to offer.

In this complete guide to RV camping in Baja, we’ll help you prepare for your first road trip to Mexico.

• 1 Overview of RV Camping in Baja, Mexico
• 2 Required Documents for RV Camping in Baja
• 3 Necessary RV Supplies for RV Camping in Baja
• 4 Crossing the Border to Baja in an RV
• 5 RVing in Baja with Pets
• 6 RV Parks in Baja, Mexico
• 7 Internet and Cell Service in Baja
• 8 Roads and Driving in Baja
• 9 Safety while RVing in Baja
• 10 RV Caravans to Baja

Overview of RV Camping in Baja, Mexico

This guide details all the logistics needed to plan an awesome RV road trip down the Baja Peninsula. While traveling in another country does require more planning, RVing in Baja is not difficult.

I’ll start this guide by answering a few questions that we have been frequently asked.

Is RVing in Baja, Mexico safe?

Yes, it is safe. We did not encounter any safety concerns on our trip nor did we hear about any incidents from fellow RVers.

Can I drive a big rig in Baja?

Yes, absolutely. We traveled to Baja in a dually truck pulling a 34-foot fifth wheel. We also met many campers driving large, class A motorhomes.

Should I travel in a caravan?

Caravans are a nice option if you would like someone else to handle your trip planning. However, there is no reason you need to be in a caravan.

What kinds of campgrounds are available?

You can find all types of RV campgrounds in Baja. There are plenty of both full-service RV parks and beautiful boondocking locations.

Read on for everything else you need to know before RV camping in Baja, Mexico.

Required Documents for RV Camping in Baja

To ensure a smooth border crossing into Mexico, you should make sure to have all the proper documents in order well before your departure date. Each person in your group needs a valid passport.

You should also carry the registration, lease agreement and/or title for your RV and tow vehicles. If you are traveling with dogs or cats, see the pets section below for details on the required paperwork.

Each person in your group will also need a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist card . The FMM card is available to purchase online, but you must print out a physical copy and stop at the border crossing to have it stamped. This card will cost 717 Pesos (Around $43) per person.

The last document you need is proof of Mexican car insurance. You are legally required to have a Mexican auto insurance policy to drive in the country, so you must purchase a short-term policy if your auto insurance is based in another country.

Short-term auto insurance can be purchased online from Lewis and Lewis . If you are traveling to regions of Mexico beyond Baja and the free zone in Sonora, you will also need a temporary vehicle importation permit. If you are only traveling in Baja, an importation permit is not required.

You should print at least two extra copies of all documents before crossing the border, so you have back-up if any originals are misplaced.

Necessary RV Supplies for RV Camping in Baja

If you RV regularly, you probably have most of the gear you need. However, there are a few additional supplies I recommend for RV camping in Baja, Mexico.

To make the shopping process easier, I have created an Amazon list where you can easily purchase all of my recommended Baja RV gear.

The essential items you need are:

• 2 to 3 Jugs for Drinking Water
• An Extra Gas or Diesel Can (there are some long stretches with no gas stations)
• Portable Air Compressor to adjust tire pressure for soft sand and dirt roads
• 15 amp adapter (may Mexican RV parks have 15 or 20 amp service)
• Camping Mexico’s Baja (provides detailed information on campgrounds and routes)

I also recommend bringing at least one extra spare tire for your tow vehicle and or fifth wheel. While it is easy to find mechanics in Mexico, it may not be easy to find your exact tires.

RV parts can also be hard to find in Baja, so you should bring spare parts for anything in your rig that has broken before or is not in good condition. For example, we have had the same part on our RV toilet break twice, so we brought a spare toilet repair kit to Mexico.

It is also important to fill any prescriptions before crossing the border. Fill prescriptions well in advance as you may have to request insurance approval if filling more than a one-month supply.

You can easily find household and personal products in Baja, but you should stock up on items if you prefer a specific brand. We also brought a large supply of toilet paper so we did not have to evaluate which Mexican brands were RV-friendly.

Crossing the Border to Baja in an RV

We crossed the border into Baja through Tecate and left through Mexicali. For us, driving through at Tecate was a breeze while driving back through at Mexicali took over 3 hours.

Whether you purchase your FMM card online or in person, you must stop at the border to have the document stamped. To avoid having to find RV parking at the border, you can walk across the border to obtain your stamp.

If you are crossing into Mexico at Tecate, camp the night before at Potrero County Park , which is just a few miles from the border.

The day before entering Baja with your RV, drive your tow vehicle or car south towards the border and park in the public parking area a few hundred yards from the border crossing. Walk through the brown turnstiles, past the Banjercito (bank) window and up the stairs on your right.

After entering the building at the top of the stairs, go into the door that says “migracion” on your right. In this office, you can request your FMM cards. The officer will provide your paperwork and direct you back to the bank window to pay for the cards.

Return to the migracion office to show your receipt and the officer will stamp your FMM cards. You can then walk down the street to re-enter the U.S.

When entering Baja in your RV, just drive straight up to the Tecate border crossing. Stop where signs indicate and wait for either a green or red light to flash. If you receive a green light, you can enter straight into the country.

If the light turns red, pull forward as directed by the agents for an inspection. After pulling forward, border agents will likely ask for your passports and/or RV registration and may want to search your RV. Most RVs are stopped for a quick inspection, so have all of your documents ready for the agents.

If you cross the border at EL Chaparral, follow Baja Bound’s instructions for getting your FMM card stamp.

RVing in Baja with Pets

We brought our dog, Ted, and our cat, Mr. Man, on our Baja RV camping adventure. Overall, it was an easy experience traveling with pets, but it did require some extra preparation.

Currently, there are no documentation requirements for bringing a pet into Mexico. Your pet may be subject to a physical inspection when crossing the border (these inspections do not seem to be common at land border crossings). However, it is always advisable for travelers to carry proof of vaccinations regardless of current regulations.

RVers will also need proper documentation for pets to re-enter the United States. Cats are not required to have any special documentation, though they are subject to inspection at U.S. ports of entry.

On the other hand, there are strict paperwork requirements for dogs entering the United States. RV campers should have all the proper re-entry documents for their dog before traveling to Mexico.

Effective August 1st, 2024 dogs entering (or re-entering) the United States must:

• Be at least 6 months old
• Have an ISO-compatible microchip (the dog’s most recent rabies vaccination must be AFTER the chip was implanted_
• Have a CDC Dog Import Form (completed online 2 to 10 days before your border crossing back into the US)
• Have a  Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccine  form (Must be endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States) OR a USDA-endorsed export health certificate (Certificate must demonstrate the dog is 6 months of age or older, list the microchip number, and document a rabies vaccine)

The above list is for dogs vaccinated in the United States who have not been in a country with a high risk of Rabies in the past 6 months (Mexico is not currently high-risk). RV travelers can check the CDC’s animal importation website for more information on entering the United States with a cat or dog.

You should also bring enough pet food with you to last the duration of your trip. While pet food and supplies are widely available in Baja, it is unlikely that you will be able to find the exact brand you purchase in the U.S. or Canada. All pet food should be transported in its original container.

RV Parks in Baja, Mexico

There are all types of RV parks and campgrounds in Baja, Mexico. Many RVers spend most of their time dry camping on the beach, while others choose to stay at full-service RV parks. The book Camping Mexico’s Baja is the best resource for finding campgrounds in Baja and planning your route. You should not drive an RV into Baja without this book.

The quality of electric service varies greatly between towns and campgrounds. You should always use a surge protector when hooking up your RV to campground electricity in Baja. Generally try to avoid pushing your electric usage to maximum capacity by limiting how many appliances you use at once.

While you should not drink the water from the campground, it is fine to fill your tanks for other purposes. If you are nervous about the quality of the water, you can add a small amount of bleach to your tanks to ensure the water is safe for washing dishes and bathing.

Add one teaspoon of bleach for every six gallons in the fresh water tank. Pour the bleach into the hose before you begin filling. When you return from Baja, add chlorine bleach one more time and let it sit for 6 to 12 hours to sanitize your tanks. Then, flush your tanks repeatedly until the chlorine smell is gone.

Internet and Cell Service in Baja

Before your RV camping trip to Baja, contact your cell phone provider to learn if you will incur any additional fees in Mexico. Our unlimited Verizon plan included free talk and texting in Mexico, but limited data usage to 0.5 GB per day.

We talked to several other RVers with AT&T who said they were able to use their full data plan in Mexico for no extra fee.

While most towns and cities in Baja have strong cell service there are many stretches of roads and beaches that do not have any service. Only the nicest RV parks in Baja offer high-speed Wi-Fi, but many restaurants offer Wi-Fi for customers.

If you need to work remotely while RVing in Baja, it is best to make sure your cellular plan includes unlimited data in Mexico.

Roads and Driving in Baja

Driving an RV in Baja is an exciting experience to say the least. While the condition of Baja’s highways has improved vastly over the last few years, there are still some hazards that require driving with care.

Large portions of Mexico Highway 1 are two-lane roads with no shoulder. When you pass other RVs or trucks, you may be within a few inches of each other. Since there are rarely passing lanes, it is common courtesy in Baja to use your left turn signal to indicate when vehicles behind you can safely pass.

Where construction is present, the road often detours onto temporary dirt roads of varying condition. Just drive slow in these areas and you should be fine. It is also fairly common to encounter cows or goats crossing or blocking the road.

When you encounter animals, just slow down and turn on your caution lights until they are safely off the road. If cars from the other direction flash you, be prepared to stop for animals or another object in the road.

Since cell service is limited on many stretches of highway, you should download the Baja map on Google Maps before traveling so you can access directions offline. Downloaded maps expire in about 30 days, so try to download the full Baja map the day before you cross the border.

If you don’t speak Spanish, the passenger should have Google Translate open so you can quickly decipher road signs. You can also download Spanish in the app, so you can translate offline. Click here to learn how to say RV in Spanish.

There are military checkpoints on highways throughout the Baja Peninsula. These checkpoints make the country safer and are not anything to worry about. On our drive south, we passed through all of the checkpoints without any inspection or searches.

Driving north, we were stopped for a quick inspection a few times. During each inspection, the soldiers were friendly and simply checked our passports and took a quick look inside our RV.

Outside of the highways and town centers, many of the roads in Baja are dirt. Before taking your RV down an unknown road, test out the conditions in your tow vehicle. Bringing or renting a four-wheeler or ATV is a great way to explore Baja without damaging your vehicles.

Safety while RVing in Baja

We never felt unsafe or had any negative interactions with people while RV camping in Baja, Mexico. Our one interaction with the police occurred when we stopped for a bathroom break.

An officer pulled over to check if we needed help and chatted with us for a bit once he realized we were not in trouble. Generally, there is nothing to worry about traveling in Baja as long as you are using common sense and not looking for trouble.

The only safety tip I would suggest in Baja is not driving on the highways after dark. Due to the road conditions, lack of light and animals in the road, driving at night can be hazardous.

RV Caravans to Baja

We chose to RV in Baja without a caravan because we were traveling on a budget and wanted flexibility in our schedule. The only benefit I see to traveling with a caravan is having support if you blow a tire or have engine trouble. If you are an experienced RVer, you should easily be able to manage a trip to Baja without a guide.

If you are considering RV Camping in Baja, Mexico, put your worries aside and start planning your trip. This beautiful region has so much adventure to offer, and there is no better way to travel here than by RV.

Thanks for reading our complete guide to RV camping in Baja, Mexico.

If you are considering other international RV travel destinations, check out our guide on RVing in Canada .

Happy Camping!

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

RVing in Mexico: A Journey of Adventure, Culture, and Exploration

Welcome to the ultimate guide to RVing in Mexico, where adventure, culture, and natural beauty converge. Mexico, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, offers an incredible playground for RV travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. From the sun-soaked beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula to the majestic peaks of the Sierra Madre Mountains, and the vibrant colonial cities to the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization, Mexico beckons with a tapestry of captivating destinations waiting to be explored.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into every aspect of RV travel in Mexico, providing you with the knowledge and tools to plan your journey with confidence. From practical tips on documentation requirements and border crossings to recommendations on must-visit destinations, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, we aim to equip you with the information necessary to make the most of your RV trip in Mexico.

Throughout the pages of this guide, you will discover valuable insights on planning your RV trip , including tips on route selection, campgrounds, and facilities that cater to RV travelers. We’ll delve into the cultural tapestry of Mexico, highlighting immersive experiences and vibrant festivals that will allow you to connect with the rich heritage and traditions of the country. Additionally, we’ll explore the breathtaking natural wonders and outdoor activities that await, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking through lush jungles and exploring ancient ruins.

We will also address important topics such as safety considerations, responsible RVing practices, and sustainability, ensuring that you have a safe and respectful experience while minimizing your impact on the environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned RV enthusiast or embarking on your first RV adventure, this guide will serve as your compass, guiding you through the enchanting landscapes and cultural marvels that Mexico has to offer. So buckle up, prepare to be captivated by the beauty and diversity of Mexico, and get ready for an unforgettable RV journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of this remarkable country.

Table of Contents

• 1 Planning Your RV Trip to Mexico
• 2 Must-Visit Destinations for RVers
• 3 Cultural Experiences and Festivals
• 4 RV Campgrounds and Facilities
• 5 Tips for a Memorable RV Trip
• 6 Safety Tips for RV Travel
• 7 Unique Natural Wonders
• 8 Cultural Immersion Activities
• 9 RV-Friendly Events and Festivals
• 10 Outdoor Adventures and Recreation
• 11 Responsible RVing and Sustainability
• 12 RV Maintenance and Repairs
• 13 Crossing into Central America
• 14 Frequently Asked Questions
• 15 Final Thoughts

Planning Your RV Trip to Mexico

Research and Documentation

Before embarking on your RV trip to Mexico, conduct thorough research to familiarize yourself with the country’s customs, regulations, and requirements. Key aspects to consider include:

Passports and Identification : Ensure that you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Additionally, carry copies of your passport and other identification documents.

Vehicle Permits : If you plan to drive your RV into Mexico, you will need to obtain a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle. This permit allows you to legally drive your RV in the country and can be obtained at Mexican border crossings or online.

Vehicle Insurance : Verify if your current auto insurance policy covers your RV in Mexico. If not, consider purchasing Mexican auto insurance to ensure adequate coverage during your trip.

Health and Travel Insurance : It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies while in Mexico. Check your existing insurance policies or purchase additional coverage if needed.

Route Planning and Itinerary

Mexico is a vast country with diverse regions and attractions. Careful route planning and creating an itinerary will help you make the most of your trip. Consider the following factors:

Duration of Stay : Determine how long you plan to spend in Mexico, keeping in mind the distances between destinations and the time required to explore each place.

Regions and Destinations : Research and select the regions and destinations you wish to visit based on your interests and preferences. Consider popular spots like Baja California, the Yucatan Peninsula, the colonial heartland, and the Pacific Coast.

Travel Seasons : Be aware of Mexico’s high and low seasons for tourism. High seasons may be busier and more expensive, while low seasons might offer quieter experiences with fewer crowds.

Driving Distances and Time : Mexico is known for its diverse landscapes, and driving times can vary significantly depending on the distance and road conditions. Plan your driving routes accordingly and allow for ample travel time.

Points of Interest : Research specific attractions, national parks, beaches, archaeological sites, and other points of interest along your planned route. Prioritize the ones that interest you the most and allocate sufficient time for exploration.

Safety Considerations

While RVing in Mexico can be a safe and rewarding experience, it’s important to prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions. Consider the following:

Travel Advisories : Stay informed about travel advisories and check the latest updates from your country’s embassy or consulate. Stay aware of any regions or areas with safety concerns and plan your route accordingly.

Traveling in Groups or Caravans : Consider joining RV caravans or traveling in groups, as there is safety in numbers. This can provide added security and support while on the road.

Secure Parking and Camping : Choose reputable RV parks and campgrounds with secure facilities. Look for options with gated entrances, 24-hour security, and positive reviews from fellow RVers.

Personal Belongings : Take precautions to secure your personal belongings in your RV. Lock doors and windows when away, and avoid leaving valuable items unattended.

Emergency Contacts and Communication : Carry a list of emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and important phone numbers for your insurance and roadside assistance providers.

Language and Cultural Awareness

While many Mexicans speak English, having a basic understanding of the Spanish language can greatly enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Consider the following:

Learn Basic Spanish Phrases : Familiarize yourself with essential Spanish phrases such as greetings, directions, and common expressions. This will help you communicate effectively and show respect for the local culture.

Cultural Sensitivity : Learn about Mexican customs, traditions, and etiquette. Respect local customs, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of cultural differences.

Interacting with Locals : Engage with locals, be friendly, and embrace the opportunity to learn from their culture. Mexicans are known for their warmth and hospitality, and connecting with them can enrich your experience.

Local Cuisine : Explore the culinary delights of Mexico. From street food to regional specialties, indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and savor the flavors of this diverse gastronomic landscape.

By carefully planning your RV trip to Mexico, considering essential documentation, routes, safety precautions, and cultural aspects, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a memorable adventure in this captivating country. Enjoy the journey, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Must-Visit Destinations for RVers

Baja California Peninsula

Located on the western coast, Baja California offers a diverse range of landscapes, from breathtaking beaches to rugged desert terrain. Some notable destinations include:

Ensenada : Known for its wine country, Ensenada offers stunning coastal views, delicious seafood, and the opportunity to visit local wineries and indulge in wine tastings.

La Paz : With its tranquil beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, La Paz is a haven for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking . Don’t miss the chance to swim with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez.

Cabo San Lucas : Famous for its iconic rock formations and vibrant nightlife, Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination. Enjoy water sports, go sportfishing, or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is home to stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant colonial towns. Key destinations to explore include:

Cancun : Known for its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun is a paradise for sun-seekers. Explore nearby Mayan ruins like Tulum and enjoy water sports and vibrant nightlife.

Playa del Carmen : Experience the bohemian charm of Playa del Carmen, with its bustling Fifth Avenue, boutique shops, and lively beach clubs. Use it as a base to visit the nearby eco-parks and the stunning island of Cozumel.

Merida : Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of the Yucatan Peninsula by visiting Merida. Explore its colonial architecture, visit vibrant markets, and indulge in traditional Yucatecan cuisine.

Colonial Heartland

Mexico’s colonial heartland is a region characterized by its picturesque colonial towns, colorful facades, and rich cultural heritage. Some must-visit destinations include:

Guanajuato : Known for its winding alleyways, stunning plazas, and vibrant atmosphere, Guanajuato is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the famous Callejón del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) and explore the impressive underground road network.

San Miguel de Allende : This charming town captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and thriving art scene. Explore art galleries, visit the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, and savor the culinary delights.

Queretaro : Boasting well-preserved historic architecture and a vibrant food scene, Queretaro offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Visit the impressive aqueduct, wander through the Jardin Zenea, and sample the local cuisine.

Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre)

Located in the state of Chihuahua, Copper Canyon is a series of stunning canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. Must-visit highlights include:

El Divisadero : Enjoy breathtaking views of the canyons from El Divisadero, a popular viewpoint. Take a ride on the cable car, go hiking, or explore the Tarahumara culture.

Creel : Use Creel as a base to explore the surrounding canyons, visit indigenous villages, and experience the unique lifestyle of the Tarahumara people. Hiking and birdwatching opportunities are abundant here.

Batopilas : Venture deep into the canyon to reach the charming town of Batopilas. Marvel at its colonial architecture, visit the historic silver mine, and relax in the natural hot springs.

These are just a few of the incredible destinations in Mexico that offer unforgettable experiences for RVers. Each region has its own unique charm, history, and natural beauty, allowing you to create a truly diverse and enriching journey through this remarkable country.

Cultural Experiences and Festivals

Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) : One of Mexico’s most iconic and vibrant celebrations, the Day of the Dead, is a time when families honor and remember their departed loved ones. Taking place from October 31st to November 2nd, this festival showcases elaborate altars (ofrendas) adorned with marigolds, candles, photos, and favorite foods of the deceased. Visitors can witness colorful parades, visit cemeteries for candlelit vigils, and indulge in traditional treats like sugar skulls and pan de muerto.

Mexican Cuisine : Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and rich culinary traditions. Exploring the local food scene is a must-do for RVers in Mexico. Indulge in street tacos filled with succulent meats, fresh seafood ceviche, traditional mole sauces, and refreshing aguas frescas (fruit-infused beverages). Take the opportunity to visit local markets, participate in cooking classes, and savor regional specialties such as Oaxacan tlayudas or Yucatecan cochinita pibil.

Traditional Arts and Crafts : Mexico’s artistic heritage is incredibly diverse and deeply rooted in its cultural identity. RVers can explore local markets and artisan workshops to discover traditional arts and crafts. Look for beautifully woven textiles, intricate pottery, silver jewelry, and colorful alebrijes (hand-carved and painted wooden animal sculptures). Cities like Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Taxco are particularly known for their rich artistic traditions.

Guelaguetza Festival : The Guelaguetza Festival, held in Oaxaca in July, is a spectacular showcase of indigenous culture and traditions. It brings together various ethnic groups from the region to perform music, dance, and traditional rituals. Experience the vibrant costumes, lively music, and the famous folkloric dances that celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Oaxaca.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) : Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a significant religious event in Mexico. It takes place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday and includes a series of processions, reenactments, and religious ceremonies. Cities like San Cristobal de las Casas, Taxco, and San Miguel de Allende offer particularly memorable Semana Santa experiences with elaborate street decorations, solemn processions, and religious rituals.

Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling) : For a unique and entertaining cultural experience, catch a Lucha Libre match. This theatrical style of professional wrestling is immensely popular in Mexico. Watch as colorful masked wrestlers (luchadores) engage in acrobatic moves and dramatic performances, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Mexico City’s Arena Mexico is the epicenter of Lucha Libre, but you can find matches in various cities throughout the country.

Ballet Folklorico : Ballet Folklorico showcases traditional Mexican dance, music, and costumes. Performances often depict regional dances, each with its own distinctive style and history. Enjoy the vibrant choreography, lively music, and beautifully embroidered costumes that celebrate Mexico’s cultural diversity. Ballet Folklorico shows can be experienced in major cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Immersing yourself in these cultural experiences and festivals allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Mexico’s rich heritage and traditions. From vibrant celebrations to artistic expressions, these encounters will undoubtedly enrich your RV journey and create lasting memories of the country’s cultural tapestry.

RV Campgrounds and Facilities

Types of Campgrounds

Mexico offers a variety of campgrounds and RV parks to suit different preferences and needs. Here are a few types commonly found:

Beachfront Campgrounds : Located along the coast, these campgrounds provide direct access to beautiful beaches and ocean views. They often offer amenities such as water and electric hookups, restroom facilities, and beachside activities.

Mountain and Forest Campgrounds : Nestled in the mountains or lush forests, these campgrounds provide a tranquil and scenic setting. They are ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.

RV Resorts : These upscale campgrounds offer a range of amenities such as swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouses, laundry facilities, and organized activities. They often cater to longer-term stays and provide a more luxurious camping experience.

National Parks and Natural Reserves : Mexico has numerous national parks and protected areas that offer RV camping options. These campgrounds provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and explore unique ecosystems.

Popular RV Campgrounds

Mexico has several popular RV campgrounds that are well-known among travelers. Some examples include:

Playa Santispac RV Park (Baja California) : Situated on the picturesque Bahia Concepcion, this beachfront campground offers stunning views, calm waters, and spacious sites. It provides amenities such as water, electric hookups, showers, and a restaurant.

Rancho Ojai RV Park (Yucatan Peninsula) : Located near the archaeological site of Uxmal, this campground offers large, shaded sites with full hookups. It features a swimming pool, restaurant, and easy access to nearby attractions.

Villa Corona RV Park (Jalisco): Set near Lake Chapala, this park offers a peaceful ambiance and a range of amenities , including full hookups, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. It’s an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area.

Copper Canyon RV Park (Chihuahua) : Situated near the stunning Copper Canyon, this campground provides beautiful mountain views, spacious sites, and basic facilities. It’s a perfect spot for RVers looking to explore the natural wonders of the region.

Facilities and Amenities

RV campgrounds in Mexico typically offer a range of facilities and amenities to enhance your camping experience. Some common features include:

Full Hookups : Many campgrounds provide electrical, water, and sewer hookups for RVs, allowing you to enjoy modern conveniences during your stay.

Restrooms and Showers : Campgrounds generally offer restroom facilities with toilets and showers for campers to freshen up.

Laundry Facilities : Some campgrounds have laundry facilities where you can wash your clothes during longer stays.

Recreational Areas : Campgrounds may provide recreational areas such as swimming pools, hot tubs, playgrounds, and sports courts for leisure activities.

Wi-Fi and Internet Access : While not available in all campgrounds, some offer Wi-Fi connectivity or internet access for campers to stay connected.

Convenience Stores or Markets : Some larger campgrounds have on-site convenience stores or markets where you can purchase essential supplies and groceries.

Security : Many campgrounds prioritize safety and have measures in place, such as gated entrances, security personnel, and surveillance systems.

Reservations and Availability

It’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or popular festivals. While some campgrounds allow walk-ins, availability may be limited, so securing your spot ahead of time ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

When making reservations, provide details about the size of your RV, desired hookups, and the duration of your stay. This will help the campground staff allocate an appropriate site for your needs.

By choosing well-equipped campgrounds and taking advantage of their facilities, you can make your RV journey in Mexico comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. Whether you prefer a beachfront paradise, a mountain retreat, or a well-equipped resort, there are numerous options to suit every traveler’s taste and style.

Tips for a Memorable RV Trip

Plan and Research

Thorough planning and research are crucial for a successful RV trip in Mexico. Consider the following tips:

Route Planning : Plan your route in advance, taking into account the distance between destinations, road conditions, and attractions along the way. Be flexible with your itinerary to allow for unexpected discoveries.

Travel Seasons : Be aware of Mexico’s high and low tourism seasons. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and secure better deals on accommodations.

Local Customs and Etiquette : Familiarize yourself with Mexican customs and etiquette to show respect and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to facilitate communication and connect with locals.

Safety Precautions : Prioritize your safety by staying informed about travel advisories, practicing caution while driving, securing your belongings, and using reputable campgrounds.

Driving and Road Conditions

Driving in Mexico can be an adventure in itself. Keep these tips in mind:

Familiarize Yourself with Driving Regulations : Learn the local driving laws, road signs, and regulations in Mexico. Follow speed limits, wear seat belts , and avoid using handheld devices while driving.

Road Conditions : Be prepared for varying road conditions, including toll roads, narrow streets in towns, and occasional potholes. Drive cautiously, particularly on rural roads, and be aware of livestock or pedestrians on the road.

Navigation : Use reliable navigation tools such as GPS or mobile apps to assist with directions. Have a physical map as a backup, as cell service may not always be available in remote areas.

Fuel Planning : Plan your fuel stops in advance, especially in more remote regions. Carry extra fuel if necessary, and note that gasoline stations are typically full-service in Mexico.

Supplies and Provisions

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, consider the following tips:

RV Essentials : Pack all necessary RV supplies, including leveling blocks , hoses, electrical adapters, and spare parts specific to your RV model. Carry a toolkit for basic repairs or adjustments.

Water and Provisions : Carry ample drinking water, as it’s important to have a reliable source during your travels. Stock up on groceries and essential provisions, especially if you plan to explore remote areas.

Cash and Credit Cards : Carry a mix of cash and credit cards for convenience. Note that some rural areas and small establishments may only accept cash.

Medications and First Aid Kit : Pack an ample supply of any necessary medications and a well-stocked first aid kit to address minor injuries or ailments.

Connectivity and Communication

Staying connected and informed is essential. Consider these tips:

Communication Devices : Ensure you have reliable communication devices such as a mobile phone with a local SIM card or an international plan. Carry a portable charger for extended battery life.

Internet Access : Many campgrounds and public places offer Wi-Fi, but it may not always be reliable or available in remote areas. Consider investing in a mobile hotspot or data plan for uninterrupted connectivity.

Emergency Contacts : Carry a list of emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and important phone numbers for your insurance and roadside assistance providers.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Keep an open mind and embrace the unexpected. Consider these tips:

Allow for Spontaneity : Leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous detours or extra time in places that captivate your interest. Some of the best experiences often come from unexpected discoveries.

Local Recommendations : Seek recommendations from locals or fellow travelers. They can provide insights into hidden gems, lesser-known attractions, and authentic experiences.

Weather Preparedness : Be aware of the weather conditions and potential natural events such as hurricanes or heavy rains in certain seasons. Stay informed and adapt your plans accordingly to ensure safety.

Enjoy the Journey : Remember that the RV trip itself is part of the adventure. Embrace the freedom of the road, the ever-changing landscapes, and the joy of exploring new places at your own pace.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on a memorable and enjoyable RV trip in Mexico. Embrace the cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality the country has to offer, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Safety Tips for RV Travel

Research and Stay Informed

Stay updated : Before your trip, research the current travel advisories and safety information for the regions you plan to visit. Monitor reliable sources such as official government travel websites or reputable travel forums for the latest updates.

Local customs and regulations : Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws, and regulations. Respect cultural norms and adhere to local rules, particularly when visiting religious sites or participating in traditional events.

Secure Your RV and Belongings

Lock your doors and windows : When parked or away from your RV, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked to deter unauthorized access.

Valuables and personal belongings : Keep valuable items out of sight and store important documents, passports, and cash in a safe and discreet place within your RV.

Use RV park security measures : Choose reputable campgrounds or RV parks with visible security measures, such as gated entrances, security guards, or surveillance systems.

Be Mindful of Your Surroundings

Park in well-lit and populated areas : When selecting overnight parking or boondocking spots, choose well-lit areas and places with other RVs or campers nearby.

Be aware of your surroundings : Pay attention to your surroundings and trust your instincts. If a location or situation feels unsafe, it’s best to relocate or seek assistance.

Avoid isolated areas at night : It’s advisable to avoid isolated areas, especially during nighttime. Stick to well-traveled routes and areas with a visible presence of other people.

Stay Connected and Communicate

Communication devices : Carry reliable communication devices such as a mobile phone with a local SIM card, international roaming, or a satellite phone in case of emergencies or the need to contact authorities.

Emergency contacts : Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, your embassy or consulate, and the contact information of your insurance and roadside assistance providers.

Share your itinerary : Inform a trusted family member or friend about your travel itinerary, including planned destinations, routes, and estimated arrival times at each location.

Travel in Groups or Caravans

Safety in numbers : Consider traveling in groups or joining RV caravans. Traveling with others provides added security, support, and a sense of community.

Research group travel options : Look for reputable RV caravan services or organized group tours that provide a structured itinerary, experienced guides, and enhanced safety measures.

Practice Caution on the Road

Defensive driving : Practice defensive driving techniques, obey traffic laws, and be mindful of local driving customs. Exercise patience, particularly in congested areas or when encountering unfamiliar road conditions.

Roadside assistance : Familiarize yourself with local roadside assistance services or insurance coverage that can provide support in case of breakdowns or emergencies.

Avoid driving at night : Whenever possible, avoid driving at night, as visibility may be reduced, and road conditions can be more challenging.

By following these safety tips, you can enhance your security and peace of mind while enjoying the RV travel experience in Mexico. Remember, staying informed, being vigilant, and using common sense are key to a safe and enjoyable journey.

Unique Natural Wonders

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Quintana Roo) : Sian Ka’an, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning biosphere reserve located along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. This vast protected area encompasses diverse ecosystems, including tropical forests, mangroves, wetlands, and the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. RV travelers can embark on guided tours to explore its natural wonders, such as the Muyil archaeological site, floating through the tranquil canals of the Muyil Lagoon, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the cenotes within the reserve.

Sumidero Canyon (Chiapas) : Sumidero Canyon is a dramatic natural wonder located in the state of Chiapas. This deep canyon, formed by the Grijalva River, features towering cliffs that reach up to 1,000 meters in height. RV travelers can take a boat tour along the river, admiring the majestic scenery, spotting wildlife such as crocodiles and monkeys, and marveling at the impressive waterfalls that cascade down the cliffs. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the canyon’s vertical walls and lush vegetation.

Hierve el Agua (Oaxaca) : Hierve el Agua is a mesmerizing natural wonder situated in the mountains of Oaxaca. It is a petrified waterfall, created over thousands of years from mineral-rich water that has created stunning rock formations resembling cascading waterfalls. RV travelers can hike to the top of the formations and take in panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Additionally, there are natural mineral pools at the site where visitors can take a refreshing swim while admiring the unique geological formations.

Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula : The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for its network of cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. These cenotes are a result of the region’s unique limestone geology. RV travelers can explore a variety of cenotes, each offering a different experience. Some cenotes are open-air, surrounded by lush vegetation, while others are partially or completely enclosed within cave systems. Swimming, snorkeling, or diving in these cenotes provides a surreal and unforgettable experience, as you explore the hidden underwater world and marvel at the mesmerizing stalactite formations.

Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Michoacan) : The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve is a remarkable natural phenomenon and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each year, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from the United States and Canada to the mountains of Michoacan and Estado de Mexico. RV travelers can witness this awe-inspiring spectacle by visiting the reserve during the butterflies’ arrival, typically between November and March. Hiking or horseback riding through the forests, filled with fluttering orange and black wings, creates an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Nevado de Toluca (State of Mexico) : Nevado de Toluca is a dormant volcano located in the State of Mexico. It features two stunning crater lakes, known as the Sun and Moon lakes. RV travelers can hike to the crater rim for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and the azure-colored lakes below. The area offers various hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the volcanic ecosystem.

These unique natural wonders in Mexico provide RV travelers with an opportunity to connect with the country’s awe-inspiring landscapes and experience the wonders of nature. From the crystalline cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula to the towering cliffs of Sumidero Canyon, each destination offers a distinct and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Mexico’s natural beauty.

Cultural Immersion Activities

Traditional Art and Crafts Workshops : Immerse yourself in Mexico’s rich artistic heritage by participating in traditional art and crafts workshops. Many cities and towns offer opportunities to learn from local artisans and craftsmen, allowing you to engage with traditional techniques and create your own unique pieces. Whether it’s pottery in Oaxaca, silver jewelry making in Taxco, or textile weaving in Chiapas, these workshops provide a hands-on experience that deepens your appreciation for Mexico’s cultural traditions.

Culinary Experiences : Mexican cuisine is renowned worldwide for its vibrant flavors and diverse regional specialties. Engage in culinary experiences that allow you to explore the depth and richness of Mexican gastronomy. Take cooking classes to learn how to prepare authentic dishes such as mole, tamales, or traditional salsas. Visit local markets and interact with vendors to discover fresh ingredients and learn about their cultural significance. You may even have the opportunity to participate in traditional food festivals or events, where you can taste a variety of regional delicacies.

Indigenous Community Visits : Mexico is home to numerous indigenous communities, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. Visit these communities to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life and learn about their ancient customs and rituals. Engage in activities such as traditional dances, music performances, or even a temazcal ceremony (a traditional sweat lodge experience) to connect with their spiritual practices. This cultural exchange provides an opportunity to foster respect, appreciation, and cross-cultural understanding.

Festivals and Celebrations : Participating in Mexican festivals and celebrations is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of the country. From the colorful Day of the Dead festivities to regional carnivals and religious processions, Mexico offers a diverse calendar of events throughout the year. Plan your RV trip around these celebrations to witness traditional dances, music performances, elaborate costumes, and local culinary delights. Engaging in these festivities allows you to witness the joy, energy, and deep-rooted traditions of Mexican culture.

Local Music and Dance Performances : Music and dance are integral parts of Mexican culture. Attend live performances to experience the rhythms and melodies that reflect the country’s diverse heritage. From the mariachi music of Jalisco to the traditional dances of Veracruz or the fiery rhythms of Oaxacan folk music, each region has its own unique musical expressions. Seek out local venues, theaters, or cultural centers that showcase these performances to enjoy an authentic and immersive cultural experience.

Language Exchange and Interaction with Locals : Engaging with locals is a key aspect of cultural immersion. Strike up conversations with residents, practice your Spanish language skills, and show interest in their stories and traditions. Many Mexicans are proud of their cultural heritage and are happy to share their knowledge and experiences. Engaging with locals allows you to gain insights into their daily lives, traditions, and beliefs, creating meaningful connections that go beyond the tourist experience.

By participating in these cultural immersion activities, RV travelers can go beyond the surface level and truly engage with Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage. These experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the country’s traditions, foster cross-cultural understanding, and create lasting memories of your journey through Mexico.

RV-Friendly Events and Festivals

Mexican Independence Day Celebrations : Experience the vibrant festivities surrounding Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th. Cities and towns throughout the country come alive with parades, fireworks, live music performances, traditional dances, and street fairs. Celebrate alongside locals as they commemorate Mexico’s independence with patriotic pride and joy. Many cities, including Mexico City and Guadalajara, host grand celebrations with lively street parties and cultural performances, creating a festive atmosphere that RV travelers can be a part of.

International Balloon Festival (Leon, Guanajuato) : The International Balloon Festival in Leon is a colorful and awe-inspiring event that draws visitors from around the world. Held in November, the festival features a spectacular display of hot air balloons filling the sky with vibrant colors and shapes. RV travelers can witness the morning mass ascensions and evening night glows, where balloons are illuminated against the dark sky, creating a magical ambiance. The festival also includes live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and various activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Day of the Dead Festivities (Various Locations) : The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a unique and captivating celebration in Mexico that honors deceased loved ones. RV travelers can immerse themselves in the colorful traditions and rituals surrounding this holiday, particularly in Oaxaca, Michoacan, and Mexico City. Explore the elaborately decorated cemeteries, witness processions of people dressed in traditional costumes, and visit altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and offerings. Experience the vibrant energy, music, and lively atmosphere that characterizes this deeply rooted cultural celebration.

Carnival Celebrations (Various Locations) : Carnival, a pre-Lenten festival celebrated throughout Mexico, offers RV travelers an opportunity to experience exuberant parades, lively music, and colorful costumes. Mazatlan, Veracruz, and Cozumel are well-known for their vibrant carnival celebrations. Enjoy the energetic street parties, watch the elaborate floats pass by, and dance to the rhythm of live music. The carnival atmosphere is infectious, creating a joyous and festive experience that allows you to celebrate alongside locals and fellow travelers.

Guelaguetza Festival (Oaxaca) : The Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca is a cultural extravaganza that showcases the rich traditions and indigenous heritage of the region. Taking place in July, this event brings together diverse ethnic groups from Oaxaca to perform traditional dances, music, and rituals. RV travelers can witness the vibrant costumes, rhythmic dances, and captivating performances that highlight the unique cultural tapestry of Oaxaca. The festival also features a colorful artisan market where you can purchase traditional crafts and textiles.

Festival Cervantino (Guanajuato) : Festival Cervantino is one of Mexico’s most prestigious cultural events, held annually in the city of Guanajuato. This international arts festival celebrates music, theater, dance, and visual arts, attracting renowned artists and performers from around the world. RV travelers can attend captivating concerts, theatrical performances, and exhibitions that take place in various venues throughout the city. The festival’s eclectic and diverse program ensures a memorable and enriching cultural experience.

Attending these RV-friendly events and festivals in Mexico allows you to witness the country’s vibrant cultural traditions, interact with locals, and partake in joyous celebrations. These experiences provide a unique window into Mexico’s cultural heritage, leaving you with lasting memories of your RV journey.

Outdoor Adventures and Recreation

Snorkeling and Diving : Mexico’s coastal regions offer spectacular opportunities for snorkeling and diving in vibrant underwater ecosystems. Explore the world-renowned Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, which stretches along the Caribbean coast from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize. Destinations such as Cozumel, Cancun, and Tulum provide access to crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish, coral reefs, and even the chance to swim with sea turtles and nurse sharks. Snorkeling and diving tours are readily available, catering to all experience levels.

Surfing and Watersports : Mexico’s extensive coastline provides excellent conditions for surfing and other watersports. The Pacific coast, particularly in Baja California, Oaxaca, and Nayarit, is renowned for its world-class surf breaks. Enthusiastic surfers can catch epic waves in popular spots like Puerto Escondido, Sayulita, or Todos Santos. If you’re new to surfing, there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons for beginners. Additionally, coastal areas offer opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing, allowing you to enjoy the water in different ways.

Hiking and Trekking : Mexico boasts diverse and breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for hiking and trekking adventures. Whether you’re exploring the rugged trails of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua, hiking through the lush jungles of Chiapas to reach ancient Mayan ruins, or venturing into the volcanic landscapes of Nevado de Toluca in the State of Mexico, there are trails to suit various fitness levels and preferences. Be sure to research the trails beforehand, carry proper equipment, and follow safety guidelines to fully enjoy the natural beauty and stunning vistas along the way.

Wildlife and Birdwatching : Mexico’s biodiversity is awe-inspiring, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. Explore the diverse ecosystems of national parks such as Sian Ka’an in Quintana Roo, Palenque in Chiapas, or El Vizcaino in Baja California. Look out for exotic bird species, including toucans, quetzals, and hummingbirds, as well as fascinating wildlife like jaguars, howler monkeys, and sea turtles. Consider joining guided tours or hiring local guides who can help you spot and identify the abundant flora and fauna that Mexico has to offer.

Rock Climbing and Canyoning : For adventure seekers, Mexico provides thrilling opportunities for rock climbing and canyoning. El Potrero Chico in Nuevo Leon is renowned for its world-class rock climbing routes, offering challenges for climbers of all skill levels. Additionally, the Copper Canyon region in Chihuahua provides stunning cliffs and canyons that are perfect for canyoning, where you can navigate through narrow gorges, rappel down waterfalls, and swim in natural pools. These adrenaline-pumping activities allow you to explore Mexico’s dramatic landscapes from a unique perspective.

Ecotourism and Nature Reserves : Mexico is home to numerous nature reserves and protected areas, making it an ideal destination for ecotourism. Explore the biosphere reserves of Sian Ka’an, Calakmul, or El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, which offer opportunities for wildlife sightings, birdwatching, and guided eco-tours. Take part in eco-conscious activities such as sea turtle conservation programs or sustainable whale-watching tours. These experiences not only allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of Mexico but also contribute to the preservation of its delicate ecosystems.

Embarking on outdoor adventures and recreational activities in Mexico allows RV travelers to connect with nature, experience thrilling moments, and discover the country’s remarkable landscapes and biodiversity. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can create unforgettable memories and explore the natural wonders that Mexico has to offer.

Responsible RVing and Sustainability

Waste Management

Properly dispose of trash : Always dispose of your trash in designated bins or containers. Avoid littering and, if necessary, carry a small bag for collecting and properly disposing of waste while on the go.

Reduce single-use plastics : Minimize the use of single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and utensils. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible.

Greywater disposal : Be mindful of where and how you dispose of greywater (from sinks and showers). Use designated dumping stations or follow campground guidelines to ensure it doesn’t contaminate natural water sources.

Energy and Water Conservation

Use energy-efficient appliances : Consider using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting in your RV to reduce energy consumption. Be mindful of turning off lights, electronics, and appliances when not in use.

Water conservation : Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, and reusing greywater when appropriate. Use water-saving devices, such as aerators, to reduce water usage while washing dishes or brushing teeth.

Campsite selection : Choose campsites that offer water and electrical hookups to minimize reliance on self-contained resources. Conserve energy and water by using campground facilities when available.

Respect the Environment

Stay on designated paths : Stick to established trails and avoid venturing into protected areas or fragile ecosystems. Respect barriers and signs indicating restricted access.

Leave No Trace : Follow the principles of Leave No Trace by leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out any trash, avoid damaging flora and fauna, and minimize your impact on the environment.

Protect wildlife : Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding or approaching animals. Do not disturb nesting sites or interfere with natural behaviors. Take care to avoid litter that may harm wildlife.

Support Local Communities

Buy local products : Support local economies by purchasing goods and services from local businesses, artisans, and farmers’ markets. This helps sustain local communities and promotes cultural preservation.

Respect local customs and traditions : Familiarize yourself with the customs, traditions, and norms of the places you visit. Show respect for local cultures, practices, and historical sites.

Responsible camping : When boondocking or camping in remote areas, be considerate of the land and local communities. Obtain necessary permits or permissions, camp in designated areas, and leave campsites in their natural state.

Cultural Sensitivity

Language and communication : Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish to facilitate communication with locals. Respect the local language and engage in cultural exchanges with sensitivity and curiosity.

Dress respectfully : Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites or participating in cultural events.

Photography etiquette : Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities. Respect their privacy and cultural practices.

By practicing responsible RVing and embracing sustainable habits, you can minimize your impact on the environment, preserve natural and cultural heritage, and contribute positively to the communities you encounter during your RV journey in Mexico. Remember, small actions collectively make a significant difference in ensuring the sustainability and preservation of these beautiful destinations for future generations.

RV Maintenance and Repairs

Pre-Trip Inspection

Check tires : Inspect the condition of your RV’s tires, including tread depth and tire pressure . Ensure they are properly inflated and in good condition. Carry a spare tire and necessary tools for changing a flat tire.

Test brakes and lights : Confirm that all lights, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, are in working order. Test the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly.

Check fluid levels : Verify the levels of essential fluids such as oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Top up or change fluids as necessary.

Inspect electrical and propane systems : Check the electrical system, including batteries, wiring, and connectors. Test propane systems for leaks and proper operation.

Routine Maintenance

Regularly service the engine : Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your RV’s engine, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance and can help prevent breakdowns.

Clean and maintain the exterior : Regularly wash and wax the exterior of your RV to protect the paint and prevent corrosion. Inspect and clean the roof, awnings, and slide-outs as well.

Check seals and caulking : Inspect the seals and caulking around windows, doors, vents, and other openings. Repair or replace any damaged or deteriorated seals to prevent water leaks.

Clean and maintain the interior : Keep the interior of your RV clean and well-maintained. Regularly clean upholstery, flooring, appliances, and fixtures. Check and maintain the operation of systems such as air conditioning, heating, and plumbing.

Finding RV Service Centers

Research reputable service centers : Before your trip, research and identify reputable RV service centers along your planned route or in the areas you intend to visit. Look for centers that specialize in RV repairs and maintenance.

Seek recommendations : Ask fellow RVers, online forums, or local RV groups for recommendations on reliable service centers in Mexico. First-hand experiences can provide valuable insights.

Language assistance : If you’re not fluent in Spanish, consider having a translation app or a bilingual companion to help with communication at the service center. Clear communication ensures accurate diagnosis and repairs.

Spare parts and supplies : Carry essential spare parts, such as fuses, light bulbs, belts, and hoses, specific to your RV model. Additionally, stock up on basic tools and supplies that may be needed for minor repairs or adjustments.

Emergency Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance programs : Consider enrolling in a roadside assistance program that covers RVs. These programs provide peace of mind in case of breakdowns, tire issues, towing needs, or other emergencies on the road.

Insurance coverage : Review your RV insurance policy to understand what types of assistance or coverage are included in case of mechanical breakdowns or accidents.

Contact information : Keep a list of emergency contact numbers for roadside assistance, insurance providers, and local authorities in case of emergencies. Carry a physical copy of these numbers in case of limited cell service.

By prioritizing RV maintenance and being prepared for repairs, you can minimize the risk of breakdowns and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable RV journey in Mexico. Regular inspections, routine maintenance, and proper planning can help you tackle any maintenance or repair needs that may arise during your travels.

Crossing into Central America

Research Entry Requirements

Passports and visas : Check the passport validity requirements for each Central American country you plan to visit. Ensure your passport has enough remaining validity to cover your entire trip. Research visa requirements and determine if you need to obtain visas in advance or if they can be obtained at the border.

Vehicle documentation : Research the specific requirements for taking your RV into each Central American country. Some countries may require additional documents such as vehicle registration, proof of ownership, or temporary import permits for your RV. Obtain the necessary paperwork in advance to avoid delays at the border.

Choose a Border Crossing

Select a border crossing : Research the different border crossings between Mexico and Central American countries to determine which ones are more suitable for RV travelers. Consider factors such as road conditions, safety, convenience, and proximity to your intended destinations.

Plan your route : Determine the route you will take through each Central American country and identify any potential points of interest or places to visit along the way. Consider the distance, driving conditions, and available amenities.

Prepare Your RV

Vehicle maintenance : Ensure your RV is in excellent working condition before embarking on your journey into Central America. Schedule a thorough inspection of the engine, brakes, tires, and other vital components. Consider having any necessary repairs or maintenance done prior to crossing the border.

Vehicle insurance : Verify that your RV insurance coverage extends to the Central American countries you plan to visit. If not, consider purchasing additional coverage or temporary insurance for the duration of your trip.

Supplies and provisions : Stock up on essential supplies, including spare parts, tools, and sufficient provisions for your journey. Consider carrying extra fuel, water, and food, as you may encounter long stretches without services or limited availability.

Border Crossing Procedures

Gather necessary documents : Before reaching the border, ensure you have all required documents readily available. This may include passports, visas, vehicle registration, proof of ownership, driver’s licenses, and temporary import permits.

Be prepared for inspections : Expect customs and immigration inspections at the border. Follow instructions from officials and present your documents as requested. Be patient and allow extra time for the process, as it can vary in efficiency and duration.

Temporary import permits : If required, obtain temporary import permits for your RV at the border. These permits grant permission to bring your vehicle into the Central American country for a specific duration. Be prepared to pay any associated fees.

Cultural and Logistical Considerations

Language and communication : Be aware that the primary language in Central American countries may not be English. Basic knowledge of Spanish can be helpful for communication and navigating local customs and procedures.

Local currency and banking : Research the local currency used in each Central American country and ensure you have sufficient funds in cash or accessible through ATMs. Familiarize yourself with currency exchange rates and banking services in each country.

Road conditions and driving customs : Be prepared for varying road conditions, including narrow roads, potholes, and mountainous terrain. Familiarize yourself with local driving customs, road signage, and traffic regulations in each country you plan to visit.

Safety and security : Stay informed about safety conditions and travel advisories for each Central American country. Research reputable campgrounds, park in well-lit and secure areas, and exercise caution when parking overnight.

Crossing into Central America from Mexico requires careful planning, understanding of entry requirements, and preparation of your RV. By conducting thorough research, ensuring compliance with border procedures, and being aware of cultural and logistical considerations, you can have a smoother transition into Central America and enjoy the adventure that awaits in this diverse region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Embarking on an RV adventure in Mexico can be an exciting and enriching experience. However, it’s natural to have questions and seek information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this section, we address some of the frequently asked questions about RVing in Mexico. From safety concerns and documentation requirements to finding campgrounds and service centers, we provide answers to help you navigate the intricacies of RV travel in Mexico. Read on to find valuable information that will assist in planning your trip and address any concerns you may have, allowing you to embark on an unforgettable RV journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant culture of Mexico.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico in an RV?

Mexico is generally safe for RV travel, but it’s important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. Research the areas you plan to visit, stay updated on travel advisories, and avoid isolated or high-crime areas. Stay at reputable campgrounds, secure your RV when parked, and be vigilant of your surroundings.

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico in an RV?

To travel to Mexico in an RV, you will need a valid passport for each traveler. Check visa requirements for your nationality and obtain any necessary visas in advance or at the border. Additionally, you may need vehicle registration, proof of ownership, driver’s licenses, and temporary import permits for your RV. Research and prepare these documents ahead of time to ensure a smooth border crossing.

Can I find RV campgrounds and facilities in Mexico?

Yes, Mexico offers a range of RV campgrounds and facilities. Many popular tourist destinations and cities have established campgrounds with amenities such as hookups for water and electricity, dumping stations, and shower facilities. Some campgrounds may also offer additional amenities such as swimming pools, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Research and plan your route to ensure access to suitable campgrounds that meet your needs.

How is driving an RV in Mexico?

Driving an RV in Mexico can be an adventure. Roads can vary in quality, and it’s important to be prepared for narrow roads, potholes, and mountainous terrain. Exercise caution, follow traffic laws, and be aware of local driving customs. Be mindful of speed limits, especially in urban areas, and avoid driving at night when visibility can be reduced. Additionally, consider obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage for your RV to protect against potential accidents or damage.

Can I use my U.S./Canadian driver’s license in Mexico?

Yes, you can use your U.S./Canadian driver’s license to drive in Mexico. Ensure your driver’s license is valid and carry it with you at all times while driving. However, it’s recommended to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) as an additional form of identification, especially if your license is not in Spanish. The IDP translates your license information into various languages and can be helpful if requested by local authorities.

How do I find RV service centers in Mexico?

Finding reputable RV service centers in Mexico can be done through research and recommendations. Seek recommendations from fellow RVers, online forums, or local RV groups. Prioritize service centers that specialize in RV repairs and maintenance. Carry essential spare parts and tools specific to your RV model, and consider enrolling in a roadside assistance program or ensuring your RV insurance covers repairs and breakdowns in Mexico.

What are the best times to RV in Mexico?

The best time to RV in Mexico depends on various factors such as weather, tourist seasons, and personal preferences. Generally, the winter months from November to March offer pleasant temperatures and lower humidity in most regions. However, popular tourist destinations may be more crowded during this time. Spring and fall can also be favorable for RV travel, providing a balance between fewer crowds and favorable weather conditions. Research the specific regions you plan to visit for climate patterns and events to determine the best time for your trip.

What should I pack for an RV trip in Mexico?

Pack essentials such as clothing suitable for the climate and activities, toiletries, medications, and important documents. Additionally, carry camping gear, cooking utensils, and food provisions. It’s recommended to bring a first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a Spanish phrasebook or translation app. Don’t forget to bring travel adapters for charging electronic devices and consider carrying a GPS or maps for navigation.

By addressing these frequently asked questions, you can better prepare for your RV adventure in Mexico. Stay informed, plan ahead, and embrace the unique experiences that RVing in Mexico has to offer.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude this comprehensive guide to RVing in Mexico, we hope it has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your upcoming adventure. Mexico is a country of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal destination for RV travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. From the breathtaking natural wonders to the immersive cultural experiences, Mexico offers a tapestry of vibrant colors, flavors, and traditions waiting to be discovered.

By planning your trip, understanding the necessary documentation, and embracing responsible and sustainable practices, you can embark on a memorable RV journey through Mexico with confidence. Whether you choose to explore the stunning beaches of the Riviera Maya, immerse yourself in the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, or savor the authentic flavors of regional cuisine, Mexico offers something for every traveler.

Throughout your RV adventure, remember to stay informed about travel advisories, respect local customs, and engage in meaningful cultural exchanges. Embrace the spirit of adventure, step off the beaten path, and embrace the unexpected encounters and serendipitous moments that make RV travel in Mexico so special.

From the enchanting colonial cities to the hidden gems nestled in the mountains, Mexico’s beauty and diversity will captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your journey. So, fuel up your RV, prepare for an exciting adventure, and set out to discover the wonders of Mexico.

Safe travels, buen viaje, and may your RV journey in Mexico be filled with unforgettable experiences, lifelong memories, and a deeper appreciation for the incredible country that lies just beyond the border. Vamonos!

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Karan Riley

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A Comprehensive First-Timer’s Guide to RVing in Mexico

The home for Aztecs, tacos, tequila, and sombreros, almost everyone worldwide knows one or two things about Mexico. Yet, there is much more to this remarkable country beyond stereotypes. As one of the world’s civilized countries, RVing in Mexico delivers a tantalizing blend of Spanish traditions, Mesoamerican culture, and contemporary arts.

When planning for an RV trip to Mexico, it is vital to plan accordingly, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. Therefore, it is significant, for safety reasons, to leave an itinerary of your plans with relatives at home. It is also a better idea to be accompanied by at least one person when going on an RV trip.

In remote locations, it may be worthwhile to hire a tour guide. You can even participate in an ecoRVing activity where you can enjoy the thrills of camping but under ideal conditions with knowledgeable guidance.

Mexico, a popular choice for vacationing RVers

Why would you consider RVing in Mexico? It doesn’t have to be the nightmares it’s made out to be. Unfortunately, there are serious crimes in Mexico, but there is still a great deal of crime in the US and other countries. 

There are some areas that you shouldn’t visit. On the other hand, there are other places you shouldn’t miss exploring due to Mexico’s rich history, wonderfully kind people, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you are searching for stunning architecture, studying historic and spectacular beaches, it comes down to making a bit of planning and common sense.

First Timer’s Guide to RVing in Mexico

Safety while traveling mexico.

Just use your common sense while traveling to Mexico. Ensure that you don’t spend more time than necessary in border towns and avoid driving at night. Flashing fancy jewelry and a wallet full of money can bring you more trouble.

You will find Mexicans very helpful, and they will be willing to help you if you ask them for directions or any information about their area. This will also allow you to practice and perfect your Spanish.  

Ensure that you plan your route and do thorough research on roads and towns you will travel to. This will let you know the kind of road and the towns if they are too big to maneuver your way through smoothly. Both Canada and the US post advisories about which locations have difficulties, so ensure you check them regularly.  

Crossing the border

Prepare yourself to spend some time at the border since there is a complicated procedure you need to follow, and there is no way you can avoid it. Just sit back and relax. Not every crossing border has the same long hours of services, but it is highly recommended to cross during the morning hours for several reasons.

The process can take some time, but once on the road, you will have much more time to reach your destination on time, and you don’t need to travel at night, which is not recommended.

Suppose you are traveling with a border zone, usually a 20km strip of the US-Mexico border or the free trade zone, there are no special procedures to comply with. However, if you want to go beyond these zones, there are procedures you need to follow. 

Paperwork and permits

There are strict regulations on car imports to Mexico, and bringing RVs can be challenging. Ensure that you have the vehicle’s original registration and permits for vehicles you are traveling with. If you are not the vehicles’ owner, you will require notarized permissions from the leaser. 

Permits to Mexico are issued at the border. Unless you are there in person, these documents are extremely hard to cancel. It is recommended to avoid getting them online unless you are 100% certain you will go for the trip. The permit will consist of a hologram you apply to the windshield (2021 update: We were told holograms are no longer in use, they just issue a letter to carry). Don’t throw the documents that come with it since you will require them when you move out of Mexico. 

Ensure that you have all essential valid documents and a passport. Carry two credit cards just in case one fails. Most significantly, don’t forget to notify the card provider companies when traveling to Mexico.

Visa for Mexico

Mexico visa is a travel permit that allows entry into Mexico for citizens from other countries. Most nations globally have visa policies to keep track of foreign travelers within their borders and try to counter international crime. The longevity of a visa to Mexico varies significantly on the type of permit and the applicants’ certain circumstances.

Foreigners from over 130 states can obtain a visa to Mexico before they enter the country. Currently, the Mexican government has reached certain agreements with 69 countries whose citizens can travel to Mexico visa-free.

Vehicle insurance

Vehicle insurance for Canada or the USA is not valid in the US. Various known companies offer Mexican insurance, and it is advised that you research each of them for cost and what they offer.

The recent changes in the Mexican liability laws require you to cover yourself for $500,000. Be prepared to pay about $125 for each $10,00 for a six-month policy, which covers both liability and collision. Some firms will rebate you on your insurance for the period the vehicle is in Mexico.

One of the factors you should be keen to check is the coverage for the labor rates. Most companies charges $38 or $75 per hour. This is cheap compared to RV repair in the US, which runs around $125 per hour. If you get an accident, be sure to notify your insurance service provider immediately and don’t move the RV until the police arrive.

A vacation to Mexico is an ideal excuse to do various suspension upgrades you have been avoiding, such as suspension stabilizers or airbags. Mexico is widely known as the land of the Tope, and they are millions of them. 

Other significant hazards include archways and low tree branches. Ensure that you know your vehicle’s height and be observant on the passenger side for the hanging feeders. Avoid various hazards by sticking to toll roads because they are up to US interstate standards, but unfortunately, they are costly.  

Popular RV destinations in Mexico

These are some of the best routes and van-friendly destinations for RV trips in Mexico:

Todos Santos

There are a lot of foreign citizens here looking for a simpler life, restaurants, and better bookstores. If you come here for RVing, you will find one of the best beaches in the area.

This is one of the significant port towns and an ideal place to stock up on supplies before heading south. It is situated only 109 kilometers from the border, and there are plenty of campgrounds for RVing.

Popularly known for diving, Kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and being an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Tijuana and Baja California is brimming with welcoming residents and local culture. Traveling to this town is ideal for RVers who are new to Mexico, and they wish to become comfortable with taking RVing to this enormously known destination for the first time.

Bahia Los Angeles is a coastal town in the Sea of Cortez. It is easily accessible but remote, although its desert shoreline and Bluewater tend to entice tourists every year. The town has a population of less than 1000 and overall is quite small with limited amenities, but there are various campgrounds in this town. 

Mexico caravan tours

If it is your first time and you are hesitant about traveling to Mexico, consider joining a caravan tour. You will have someone to guide you through the border crossing, arrange campgrounds for you and give you the historical and cultural details about the place you will visit. Besides, other people travel in the same direction that will provide you companions and help you feel more secure.

Many claims that Mexico is not a place for everyone. However, for those obsessed with exploring this stunning country, there are ways to have memorable experiences here. Stay safe, be aware of the surroundings and research well on the route you will be traveling, and most significantly’ make your traveling plans in advance.

Roadside help

The Angeles Verdes patrol Mexico in government vehicles that carry automotive parts and the tools to provide roadside assistance. The government workers are in charge of parts but not labor. They patrol the main highways, and their primary objective is to help travelers with accidents, breakdowns, and medical emergencies. 

The Angeles Verdes can block traffic and have quasi-police powers. They have a robust reputation and experience for being innovative mechanics, and they can be used to tail gunners on caravans. They do not give up on any issue. You can reach Angeles Verdes at 078 from any mobile phone in all parts of Mexico. All the phone operators are bilingual, and these mechanics speak English.

Do not take any firearm or ammo into Mexico because they will bring you a lot of trouble when caught. There is a high probability that your fleet of the vehicle will be searched at least once during your trip.

Communication

The cell phone services in Mexico are extensive, and the ideal coverage is from Telcel. This prepaid plan is cost-effective, but some options are inexpensive such as AT&T GoPhone, which charges 25 cents a minute on Telcel, enabling you to have a US number. 

Besides, Telcel offers pay-as-you-go USB modems that deliver mobile broadband, and you can quickly recharge at any market. Wi-Fi is also standard in Mexican RV parks. If you have a direct TV satellite service or a dish, do not expect it to work South from Mazatlán.

Nobody drinks tap water here. Fortunately, it’s available nearly everywhere in five-gallon containers, and it is cheap, which means you can pour it out before moving on. Many RV parks have water pressure that’s too low for many RV city water hook-ups; therefore, you should get used to filing and holding a tank while using the internal pump. 

Ensure that you pass it through the exterior RV water filter and add a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide to offer extra sterilization. You can use it for washing dishes and showers. When you go back home, ensure that you add the recommended dose of bleach and then flush out the tank.

What else you should pack

In Mexico, grocery stores are fully stocked, but the right diet soda is hard to find. Ensure that you carry ant traps and ant powder for beach areas where ants are prevalent. The anti-itch products such as calamine and after-bite also are hard to get, and insect repellents and suntan lotions are so costly.

Although there are GM, Ram, and Ford dealers, they don’t sell diesel trucks or any vehicle over the half-ton pickup. Whether you have diesel or gas, it is recommended that you carry extra oil, filters, and a free serpentine belt. The tires aren’t easy to find, so off-rim extra spare, it’s a good idea. 

Here in Mexico, the electricity is unreliable; therefore, ensure that you buy an EMS surge protector which protects against high & low voltage – not just surges – keeping your electronic appliances and devices from getting damaged.

Camping and campgrounds in Mexico

A wide range of camping facilities range from first-class resorts with all the amenities to rustic camping and beautiful secluded beaches. For most parks, they are not up to the resort’s required standards, and you may encounter challenges with electricity, but options for parking your RV are extensive.  

RVing in Mexico offers a unique opportunity to experience our foreign culture, especially if your south of border trips confirmed to destination results. Traveling in an RV, you can see the real Mexico. Spending time in RV parts can relieve you of the halcyon days of camping before the rules. There is no park here that cares if your rig is more than ten years old!

Currently, Mexico has more than five hundred campgrounds from full-service recreational vehicle parks and hotel complexes that can accommodate RVs to primitive sites. These parks range in price from about $5.8 at barebones campgrounds to $40 at destination resorts. Do not expect an easy survival at the campsite or a 50-amp service since most campsites are 15 amp or 30 amp. Also, don’t expect to run an air conditioner everywhere. 

Remember that boondocking is not advisable unless you’re in a group or camping at Bahia conception in Baja. Use the RV parks, and if you’re stuck, you can spend the night at most of them at fuel stations. Try to find a busy one that opens for 24 hours. They usually have a security guard that you can pay some cash to watch your real. Avoid parking your vehicle in dark corners. Make sure that to stay under the lights and traffic is close by.

I hope the above guide gives you a picture of how it is easy to go RVing to Mexico with your rig. There are enough RV campsites that there isn’t any reason to drive at night. Besides, you can miss the stunning scenery when driving at night. Ensure that no matter how you arrive at your RV campsite, that you secure insurance. You can get RV insurance at the best rates from various insurance providers here in Mexico.

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Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.

Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Baja Mexico 

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Are you considering RV camping in Baja Mexico? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. I know I sure did, and I had a really tough time finding all the information I wanted to have before diving into RV camping in Mexico. 

We ended up spending a full two months exploring the incredible Baja peninsula and had an absolute blast doing it. RVing in Mexico truly was the trip of a lifetime. That said, we also learned a lot of lessons the hard way. A lot of this was due to the fact that I just couldn’t find all the information I needed to properly prepare for camping in Baja Mexico before we left the US.

Today, I plan to use my experiences to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did. Hopefully, this will allow you to have an RV camping Baja California Sur adventure that is just as incredible as ours was—without all the hiccups. Let’s get started! 

This article was written by Chelsea Gonzales

Chelsea and her husband have been traveling North America with their two kids since 2015. In that time, they have seen 48 states, visited over 35 national parks, traveled the Baja Peninsula, met hundreds of amazing people, and learned plenty of life lessons.

THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL , A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT .

Is It Safe to RV in Baja Mexico?

First, let’s answer the most important question: Is it safe to RV in Baja Mexico?

Generally speaking, yes, it is absolutely safe to RV in Baja Mexico. Depending on what’s going on when you visit, there may be some cities you want to avoid (we avoided Tijuana when we went), but this is true of any place you might visit, including the United States. 

Aside from the nervousness we felt while driving the narrow and often crumbling roads, we never once felt we were in any danger in our two months in Baja. In fact, we often felt safer on the Baja California Peninsula than we do in many big cities in the US while we’ve been living in an RV full time .

Preparing for RV Camping in Baja Mexico

Before you actually head down to cross the border, you will need to do a bit of prep work. Some of these things can be done right before you go, but a couple of them require that you do some advance planning. For this reason, it’s important that you get the ball rolling on all of your preparations for RV camping in Mexico as soon as possible. 

Gathering Documents

Before you RV in Mexico, you will need to make sure you have the proper documents. Papers to gather include:

• Passports or passport cards for every member of your family.
• FMM forms (can be bought online on the official Mexican government site only or in person at the border crossing).
• Mexican insurance (we went through Baja Bound).
• Letter of permission from your car/truck/RV lender (if applicable).

Things to Download

It’s also a good idea to download a few things to your phone before you cross the border. We recommend the following:

• iOverlander — This app will help you find places to camp. 
• Google Maps of Baja — You won’t always have cell service, so downloading maps of the peninsula will help you get directions even when service is unavailable. (Download as many as it takes to cover the entire span of Baja.)
• Google Translate and the Spanish language translations — If you don’t speak Spanish, Google Translate might just end up being your best friend. Downloading Spanish to the app ensures you can use it even when the internet is unavailable. 

What to Pack

Packing your RV for a trip to Baja can be a bit overwhelming. You obviously want to be prepared, but you don’t want your rig to be overweight. There are many RV accessories you’ll need.

These are the things we recommend packing:

• Extra tires for every vehicle
• Tools needed to change a tire
• An air compressor
• Tools for getting out of deep sand ( traction boards and a shovel)
• Anything else you can’t live without (because some things, especially foods, can be hard to find in Baja)
• Nothing valuable that you don’t absolutely need
• Nothing on the list of prohibited items
• Nothing brand-new or in the packaging (because you may be charged import fees rather than those things counting as personal effects)

How to Stay Connected

Staying connected is important, especially if you have to work while you travel as we did. Fortunately, it’s also easy enough to do. 

For phone service, we recommend using the Telcel carrier. You can get a Telcel SIM card (AKA “chip”) from any OXXO convenience store (they’re everywhere once you cross the border) and insert it into any unlocked phone. Telcel offers good service in all cities in Baja, and the cost is very affordable. We found that the most expensive package was the best value for us. 

We also decided to go ahead and jump on the Starlink bandwagon for this trip. It was a lifesaver, as it allowed us to camp in many remote places that did not have any cell service whatsoever. 

I highly recommend getting Starlink during your Baja California camping in an RV. That said, it is important to go in knowing that you are technically only allowed to use US Starlink hardware outside of the US for two months at a time (though nobody we know has been cut off—yet). 

Related post: Full Time RV RV Internet Tips

Driving in Baja Mexico 

Clearly, going on a Baja camping adventure will require you to drive the peninsula. This is doable, but as we mentioned before, the roads are quite narrow and often not very well kept. For this reason, driving a big rig through Baja can be a bit nerve-wracking. That said, it is definitely possible and we saw plenty of large motorhomes and fifth wheels camping in Mexico, especially in the bigger Baja California RV parks and on the open beaches.

Our advice? Take a campervan, truck camper, or small class C to RV travel in Mexico if at all possible, and know the rules of the road before you arrive. The most important things to know while driving in Baja include the following:

Take It Easy

Driving an RV in Mexico is tight. Trying to go fast could very easily result in an accident. Instead, take it slow. Don’t worry if someone comes up behind you, they will go around, and your safety is more important than their need for speed. 

Keep an Eye Out for “Topes”

Baja has a whole lot more speed bumps than the US. Not only that, but these can pop up anywhere, even on the main highways. For this reason, you will want to keep an eye out for signs stating that “topes” are ahead (or signs with images of multiple humps in a row). It’s also a good idea to watch the road itself, as topes are not always announced by signage. 

Plan Short Drive Days

Some of your drive in Baja is bound to be nerve-wracking. Slow, windy, white-knuckle driving can be extremely tiring. For this reason, I highly recommend planning on short travel days in order to ensure you have plenty of breaks, as well as time to deal with problems should anything come up. 

Fill Up When You Can

In some areas of Baja, gas stations are totally non-existent for hours of drive time. This isn’t an issue if you head into a barren area with a full tank of gas, but you can’t always know when these long stretches are going to come up. For this reason, filling up whenever you can is a good habit to have, even if you don’t really need fuel just yet. 

Avoid Driving at Night

Another good rule to keep in mind? You never want to drive in Baja at night. No, this isn’t because bandits will jump out of the bushes and get you. It’s actually because animals such as cows and burros (donkeys) wander many areas freely and they sometimes choose to hang out in the road.

Since the roads in Baja generally aren’t lit outside of towns, it’s almost impossible to see these animals at night, posing a serious hazard to both nighttime drivers and the animals. 

The Best Places to Go when RV Camping in Mexico

Wondering where to go and where to stay when camping in Baja Mexico? There are a few wonderful RV parks in Baja Mexico that you should check out. Additionally, there is some great Baja beach camping—as well as some destination cities and towns—that you won’t want to miss. 

Here are the best spots to check out while RV camping in Baja California. 

The first nice spot to stop and camp after crossing the border on the east side of Baja is San Felipe. Although we didn’t find much to do in this town, we actually really enjoyed spending a few days here visiting the local eateries, walking the malecón (boardwalk/pier area), and getting acclimated to being in a foreign country. 

Where to Stay

Looking for a beachfront RV park in San Felipe Mexico? Lucky for you, there are plenty of San Felipe Mexico camping options. Many of our friends stayed at Club de Pesca right in the middle of town and absolutely loved it. That said, the prices in town are quite high. Therefore, we opted to stay at Villa Marina about 20 minutes outside of town, and did not regret it.

Both parks offer beachfront RV parks, full hookups, tent camping, and more. This place is an awesome beach camping spots for your Baja camping trip. 

Gonzaga Bay

We got our first real glimpse of the absolutely stunning beauty Baja has to offer in Gonzaga Bay. We really just stopped here to break up the drive between San Felipe and Guerrero Negro, but we absolutely loved it. We parked right on the beach where a small island appeared at low tide.

The island was absolutely filled with small crabs and amazing shells, which the kids loved collecting. This is also a great place for paddling, but we didn’t see any rentals available, so you’d have to bring your own. 

We stopped in at Rancho Grande in Gonzaga Bay for a quick overnight and ended up staying for two nights instead of just one. This place is absolutely beautiful, and although it was a bit pricey for dry camping, we found that the campsites right on the beach made it worth staying for a while. (Having a well-stocked convenience store and gas station within driving distance helped as well.)

Guerrero Negro

The town of Guerrero Negro is just a regular Baja town, really, but it’s still a place you’ll want to stop. This is because the best whale tours in Baja leave from Mario’s Tours in Guerrero Negro. 

The tour started at Mario’s Restaurant and RV Park with a short lesson on gray whales. From there, we hopped on a bus and rode through the salt flats while the tour guide told us about the history of salt mining in the area. Once we arrived at the dock, we all donned life jackets and hopped in a small boat.

The boat took us out for an hour-and-a-half or two, and we were treated to tons of gray whale sightings. We saw mamas with their babies, and one playful young whale even swam under our boat, coming close enough for us to pet it and picking the boat up in the process. 

This was easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I can’t recommend it enough!

One thing we found while camping in Baja California campgrounds is that not all electric hookups are usable. Mario’s Tours RV Park was the first place we found the electric hookups completely useless (due to the voltage jumping all over the place) and we do not recommend plugging in here at all if you can help it. That said, we still recommend staying at the place for cheap camping and easy access to the amazing whale tours. 

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a tiny, sleepy town halfway between Guerrero Negro and Bahia Concepcion. The town is home to a beautiful historic mission that is open to the public. It also plays host to a small, free museum that gives guests information on the nearby cave paintings. 

We very much enjoyed the adorable ice cream shop as well as the little shops located in the town square. There are also lots of hiking trails in the area that are fun to explore. 

Some of the cutest RV parks Baja California Mexico has to offer are found in the town of San Ignacio. We really liked El Padrino Campground , which offered flush toilets, hot showers, and dry campsites, all within walking distance of the adorable downtown area. Another option is the brand new Paraíso Misional , which offers the same amenities, is even closer to town, and looked very well-kept when we walked by. 

Bahía Concepción 

Perhaps the prettiest place we visited during our time in Baja, Bahía Concepción is one stop you do not want to miss. This gorgeous bay features bright blue water and is dotted with small islands that are just begging to be explored.

It’s the ideal location for paddling, and we also found some rocky areas that lend themselves well to snorkeling. The town of Mulegé is nearby for food, but still far enough away that you truly escape the hustle and bustle. 

On top of all that, Bahía Concepción sometimes puts on a nighttime bioluminescence show for lucky visitors!

Some of the best places to camp in Mexico are found along the Bahía Concepción. These include the gorgeous Playa el Requeson where you can walk along a land bridge to an island, as well as the ever-popular Playa Santispac which includes services such as trash, toilets, a dump station, and beach vendors. Both of these are dry camping spots, and both are 100% worth checking out. 

Loreto is another cute little town that you will want to be sure to check out. It’s much bigger than San Ignacio, and, therefore probably deserves a little more of your time, so plan accordingly. 

We really liked the paintings found in the town hall, and the town square just outside that building was super fun and festive, especially at night. The Loreto malecón is worth walking in this town, and you can go to the marina to pick up a boat and tour around the nearby Coronado Island to see sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and a number of other local animals. 

We really loved the little ice cream shop called Michoacana Ice Cream, which had fantastic ice cream at really low prices, and the tacos sold at Tacos Nany were fantastic!

If you enjoy hiking, be sure to make the drive to Tabor Canyon (Cañón Tabor) for a beautiful and super fun hike! (Take a swimsuit in case the pools are full for swimming.)

When it comes to Mexico RV Parks, Loreto Shores is a favorite for sure. This place has brand-new bathrooms with cold showers, a gorgeous and well-kept pool, full-hookup sites, and easy access to the town of Loreto.

We didn’t love that we had to choose between driving our RV either through the bustling and narrow town roads or driving down an extremely bumpy road trip to get in and out of the campground, but this was forgivable, as the RV park itself was wonderful. 

One of the most popular stops for RV travelers exploring Baja, La Paz is a city you will want to be sure to check out. There are all kinds of great restaurants in the city, and once again, we recommend walking the malecón. We visited during the Carnaval celebrations and really enjoyed the parade the town put on, so be sure to check for local events during your visit. 

You will also want to check out the many tours that leave from La Paz, including tours to swim with whale sharks, along with tours of Isla Enspíritu Santo that allow you to swim with sea lions. We missed the whale sharks because the season ended early, but we got to swim with sea lions, and it was incredible!

Campestre Maranatha is our favorite of the RV parks in La Paz, Mexico, and is one of the best Baja RV parks in general. It offers absolutely everything a person could want from an RV park, including full-hookup sites, a laundry room, a lovely pool, an awesome playground for the kids, and even an onsite cafe!

Playa Los Cerritos

This might have been my very favorite stop on our entire trip. The vibe at this each is just so friendly and fun, and there were tons of kids for my kids to play with. We loved the awesomely big waves that were perfect for boogie boarding. We also enjoyed the tide pools created on the rocky parts of the beach, as well as the ability to see whales from the beach. 

We drove to Todos Santos from here and saw baby sea turtles being released on the beach, which was a super cool experience. We also found my favorite taco spot (Tacos la Salsa) in Todos Santos. 

Other things we did from this beach included a hike to the Old Port of Todos Santos with friends, exploring Cabo San Lucas a little, and enjoying quality coffee beverages from the super close-by Cafelix.

Considering living fulltime in an RV in Mexico? Many RVers who wish to stay stationary for the winter choose to hang out in the beach parking area at Playa Los Cerritos . This is one of the many campgrounds in Baja Mexico that offers almost no services (flush toilets and trash are the only amenities), but it is still well worth visiting for the low price and the ability to park right by the beach. 

Playa Tecolote

We went to Playa Tecolote for a meetup with other RVing families and had an absolute blast there! This beach is just 45 minutes from La Paz, so you could day trip here, but I highly recommend camping on the beach for a few nights if you can. The water is so, so blue, the sand is soft, and the shells we found here were so unique and varied.

Our son tried wing-surfing for the first time on this beach, and many people in our group enjoyed paddling the area. One must-do that is near Tecolote is Playa Balandra . This is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Mexico and is definitely worth checking out, but you will need to arrive as soon as a session opens to snag a free camping spot. 

Like so many other Baja beaches, Playa Tecolote allows visitors to park right on the beach, and overnight RV parking is 100% okay. Not only that, but it is also totally free to stay at this beach, something we didn’t find anywhere else on the peninsula.

There were eateries and vendors down the beach from us—we recommend trying the seafood tacos from Isla Partida!—and trash cans were available on the beach, but otherwise, there really weren’t any amenities available. 

Cabo San Lucas

Honestly, we didn’t do much in Cabo San Lucas. It was a pretty bustling town that had all of the shopping and dining options you could possibly want. That said, the thing most people visit is the view of Lands End. If you want to see Lands End, you will want to grab a boat at the marina. Try to find a tour that includes a stop at the beautiful Lover’s Beach!

Because there are no true Cabo San Lucas RV parks (or other RV services), we opted for a day trip into the town from Playa Los Cerritos. Therefore, we don’t really have any suggestions for places to stay while visiting. 

Bahia de los Angeles

I wanted to add this beach to our itinerary because I had heard so much about what a gem it is! This bay was absolutely stunning, and the town of Bahia de Los Angeles, and the beach itself, were laid-back and very calm. You’ll be greeted by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, a perfect combination of beaches.

We heard that some RVers just park their rigs right on the beach and stay there. We didn’t see anyone doing this, but it definitely seemed like a viable option for those who want to stay the night.

San Jose del Cabo

San Jose del Cabo is a beautiful beach town, and the highlight for us was its plenty of boondocking sites. There are a few RV Parks, but boondocking is still the most popular option. We stayed at a spot near the El Tule beach – it was right next to the ocean, had views of the mountains in the background, and was very peaceful.

For overnight stays, boondocking is definitely the way to go. Or else, you can also camp at Villa Serena RV Park. It’s close to stores and has beach access, but it’s not a beachfront campground.

Hopefully, this article helps you feel more confident in your ability to experience RV travel to Mexico. If you’re still feeling nervous, you could always choose to join an RV caravan to Mexico, as this would allow you to head down with experienced travelers. Either way, we are certain you’re going to have an amazing time exploring this incredible place in your home-on-wheels!

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5 Amazing (and Safe) RV Destinations in Mexico

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on October 27, 2023

If your RV adventures are primarily within US borders, you might consider heading to Mexico for something different. Striking landscapes, world-renowned beaches, and delicious food await you south of the border.

Unfortunately, some Mexican cities have tarnished the country’s reputation. News stories of cartel violence are enough to keep anyone away.

But don’t write this one off just yet. Today, we’re giving you five of Mexico’s safest vacation spots.

Let’s hit it!

Why RV in Mexico?

Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities for RVers looking to kick back, relax, and enjoy the balmy weather and beautiful vistas. You’ll have plenty to choose from, whether you want a tropical beach or a mountainous landscape. And often for a steep discount compared to similar places in the States.

Cultural distinctions between Mexico and the US make the experience even more meaningful. You can walk down streets flanked by vibrantly colored buildings, taste regional flavors, and admire traditional artwork. 

Of course, any time you head into another country, you’ll need to adjust to the differences. However, many vacation destinations near the border cater to US tourists. While you’ll want a guidebook and a Spanish dictionary, you won’t have the same hurdles to cross as you would on a different continent. 

Although we often hear stories of violence in Mexico, there are plenty of safe places to visit. Granted, being cautious and aware of your surroundings is always wise. But heading south of the border doesn’t put you in any more danger than places in the US. 

So, if the idea of sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and delicious food excites you, you’re in the right place. Here are five of Mexico’s safest, most stunning places to RV. 

#1 San Felipe

On the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula is the lively town of San Felipe. Sitting in the northwest corner of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, it offers the best of the coast and the desert. 

San Felipe was traditionally a fishing village. Those influences can still be seen today. Walking along the beach, you’ll see small shrimp boats pulled up to the shore and others hard at work.

However, the town’s economy has evolved as word got out to tourists. Spring breakers head to San Felipe for an economical week of sun and fun. Visitors come from far and wide throughout the year to enjoy unspoiled beaches and sprawling desert landscapes. While tourism is big business, it hasn’t caused the town to lose its charm. 

Plenty of notable attractions will keep you busy. You can see the largest cacti in the world at Valley of the Giants. Enjoy an eco-tour of the desert or charter a fishing trip into the Gulf. 

Where to Stay

Pete’s Camp is a highly-rated RV park located right on the water. They offer dry camping spots and full-hookup sites with 20 and 30-Amp service. You’ll also have access to a dump station and trash service.

Soak up the sun and dip into the warm waters steps away from your door. Their on-site restaurant, with a daily happy hour and live music on the weekends, is an excellent way to enjoy the vibes.

On your way to Mexico, we found 5 Cool Places in Texas for you to visit.

#2 Valle de Guadalupe

When you think of an RV trip through Mexico, you may not imagine vineyards. But that’s precisely what you’ll see at Valle de Guadalupe. In fact, 90% of Mexico’s wine originates here. 

Many local wineries offer accommodations for travelers. Other luxury resorts and gourmet restaurants are plentiful, too. But rest assured, Valle de Guadalupe is full of Mexican charm. Just because you can get here on paved roads doesn’t mean you won’t have an authentic experience. 

When you get tired of eating and drinking your way through the area, get your blood pumping with some thrilling activities. Soar through the air on a zipline, take a guided ATV tour across the desert, or explore the hilly terrain on horseback. 

The quickest way to get here is crossing the border at Tecate, California. 

The rustic Guadalupe RV Park features 20 pull-thru sites with 20-Amp service and water hookups. A dump station, trash service, and restrooms with showers are also available to guests. 

Located in the region’s heart, you’ll enjoy views of craggy mountains, palm trees, and vineyards. While you’re here, venture out to La Bufadora, the world’s second-largest blowhole. It shoots water 100 feet into the air every 13 to 17 seconds!

#3 Puerto Peñasco

Puerto Peñasco lies at the intersection of the Sea of Cortez and the Sonoran Desert. It’s the ultimate destination if you want to experience both.

That said, life revolves around the water for many. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing are popular activities. Depending on the season, you might spot whales or shorebirds enjoying the Gulf’s bounties. 

Natural features have earned acclaim from worldwide organizations. El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This inactive volcano, surrounded by sand dunes, harbors plant and animal species unique to this region. 

Also called Rocky Point, there’s a large expat community residing here. Many landed in this area because of the stellar recreational opportunities, striking seascapes, and great prices. 

Getting here from the Lukeville, Arizona, border crossing is easy. Once you pass through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, take Mexico 8 until you hit the sprawling beaches. 

If you want beachfront RV accommodations in Mexico, book a stay at Playa Bonita. This park has all the amenities you expect from a resort with views to match. 

Full-hookup sites include 20 and 30-Amp electrical service, cable TV, and free WiFi. Laundry facilities, restrooms, and a dog run are also available. Additionally, Playa Bonita offers a hot tub, book exchange, and recreation hall. And, of course, you can swim and fish to your heart’s content. 

Not sure about crossing the border? Here are 5 Reasons to Avoid RVing in Mexico .

#4 Rosarito

One of Mexico’s premier RV destinations is on Baja’s Pacific Coast, about 35 miles south of San Diego. There’s plenty to keep you busy on land or in the water. Rosarito offers unbeatable surf spots, scuba diving locations, and fishing opportunities. 

You can hide horses along the beach, take all-terrain vehicles off-road, or soak in the history at one of the many museums. If you’re a movie buff, check out the sites used for filming Titanic and Pearl Harbor .

Rosarito’s high-end condos, nightclubs, and waterfront bars and restaurants cater to tourists. When you imagine a vacation spot in Mexico, you might envision the landscape and architecture of this luxurious yet laid-back town.

You’ll find much to love here, regardless of your taste or budget. Both five-star restaurants and street carts offer flavors you’ll dream about long after you head back to the States.

Perched above the rocky Pacific coastline is the Popotla Mobile Home Park. The stunning views are enhanced by all the amenities they offer. 

Popotla offers full-hookup sites with 20-Amp service, a laundry room, restrooms, and showers. You’ll also have access to a bar, restaurant, and gym on site. Plus, 24-hour security means you’ll feel safe any time of the day or night. 

If the ocean is too cold for your liking, take a dip in their outdoor swimming pool. Or simply enjoy the best sunsets in the West as you sip a mojito and let your troubles drift away. 

#5 Ensenada

The city of Ensenada is just down the coast from Rosarito. Its Mediterranean climate, exquisite food, and natural beauty make it one of Mexico’s most popular RV destinations. 

Although Ensenada is Baja’s third-largest city, wildlife is abundant. On land, you might see bobcats, coyotes, and pumas. And in the water, you’ll observe sea lions, sharks, and gray whales. 

Of course, its waterfront location means ocean-based activities are all the rage. Surfing, kayaking, and sportfishing are popular among locals and visitors alike. If you decide to cast a line, you might catch tuna, mahi, or amberjack.

Back on land, there’s a lot to enjoy. Plentiful museums make it easy to learn about the region’s history. You can venture onto hiking trails or dine on fresh, local seafood. However you choose to spend your time here, be prepared to fall in love. 

If you want to escape the crowds of Ensenada, head north on 1D to Ramona Beach RV Park. They offer full hookups and dry camping sites right on the water. Many are big-rig-friendly pull-thru spots. 

They welcome pets, so you can bring your four-legged friends along. You’ll have access to free WiFi, trash service, and restrooms with warm showers. But we hear their bathrooms aren’t always well-stocked, so bring an extra roll of toilet paper, just in case. 

Dive Deeper: Traveler’s Guide to Camping Mexico’s Baja .

Is RVing in Mexico Worth It?

Opening up your itinerary to destinations in Mexico might change your RV game entirely. While some places like Tijuana have a bad reputation, many spots are as safe as popular locations in the States. 

Wherever you travel, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let fear keep you from exploring world-class vacation spots. If you do, you might miss out on exciting adventures!

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What’s It Like RVing In Mexico?

• Rene Agredano
• May 12, 2016
• 83 Comments

Table of Contents

Do you dream of doing something completely different in your RV travels? If so, you’re not alone. One popular way that many of us mix up our routines is to go RVing in Mexico.

RVing in Mexico leads to all kinds of great adventures. Photo: P. Beddows

Escaping to a Margaritaville paradise is something that’s been on my agenda for years, but my co-pilot isn’t convinced… yet . In another effort to persuade him, I recently asked two experts about the current state of RVing in Mexico. Here’s what they said:

The real danger of RVing in Mexico

Mexico beach camping the easy way! Photo: P. Beddows

Many RVers are understandably nervous about RVing in Mexico. Stories about crimes against RVers regularly circulate on the Internet , leaving one more camper convinced that Mexico is dangerous. But Paul Beddows of Caravanas de Mexico RV Tours says otherwise.

“I’ve been going down there for 10 years and I’ve never had an incident,” he told me on the phone from his summer home in British Columbia. Beddows is the Canadian and American liaison for the company and travels with at least two RV caravans each winter season.

He’s aware of the occasional story about hijacked RVers in Mexico but says, “Usually when you look more closely at it, you’ll find they (the victims) were involved in the drug trade. Do that and you’re just asking to come home in a body bag. If you’re just going down as an RVer, drug cartels aren’t interested in hassling you.”

Surprisingly, he says that the biggest risk for RVers in Mexico isn’t crime, but damage to your rig. “It is hard on your RV driving down there,” he says.

The shake, rattle, and roll of taking your house down a Mexican backroad is much harder on RVs than in the U.S. or Canada. “We try to use the toll highways as much as possible. The more you’re on a four-lane freeway, the better off you are,” he says.

Roads can be tricky, just go slow. Photo: P. Beddows

Still, there are days when you must travel on the free roads and that’s when trouble can happen if you’re caught unprepared. “You’ve got to take spare parts with you,” he says. “It’s almost impossible to find trailer tires in Mexico. If you’re lucky you’ll find light truck tires. I advise people to take off-rim spares because they don’t weigh much.”

Diesel truck owners are also in for a surprise when they learn that replacement parts are extremely tough to find. In Mexico, diesel pickups are uncommon. Few citizens own them and a diesel mechanic is a rare find.

Beddows and his colleague, Mexican native Gabriel Romero Chagoya, know all these valuable tips and more. Their company, Caravanas de Mexico, has the insider’s scoop on the best places to go RVing in Mexico and how to get there. For extra peace of mind, on every trip they utilize the services of the Green Angels, a quasi-public agency in Mexico that’s a cross between AAA and the police.

Instead of hitting popular snowbird stops like San Miguel de Allende, Caravanas’ destinations explore off-the-beaten-path places like Guanajuato, which Beddows says is “much more interesting.” The most unusual aspect of his company is that they tend to be more impromptu in exploring destinations once the caravan arrives.

Small RVs can camp anywhere in Mexico.

“We’re quite a bit more flexible than other companies,” he says. “We put together a lot of ad-hoc tours on the spot. We do organized tours but if people want to go somewhere, we’ll go.” From last-minute day trips to the Guanajuato mummy museum to an afternoon of Tequila tasting at distilleries, Beddows’ caravan wagon masters often go with the flow according to what the group wants.

Downsizing wisdom from a traveling family

Caravans are ideal for travelers who are laid back and “reasonably social,” says Beddows. Plus, they need to be OK with the funky setup at many RV parks.

“It’s not unusual to find a sewer connection that’s 20′ from the back of your rig. It’s a lot like RVing in the 1950s, but it’s an adventure. People who look at it as something different are the ones who have a good time. The ones who expect Thousand Trails Campgrounds will not.”

As for RVers seeking even more of an adventure, there’s always the possibility of going it alone and still having a good time. Nathan Swartz, 37 and his partner Reneé Stevenson, 35, founders of the travel publication Wand’rly, went RVing in Mexico over winter with another family, the Lins (known online as “Mali Mish”). The two families enjoyed the country so much that they kept traveling southward. Currently, the Swartz family is headed through Central America in their VW van.

The ideal RVs for Mexico. Photo: N. Swartz

“We’re planning on heading all the way down to Costa Rica, maybe even Panama, if we can stand the heat as summer rolls in,” he said to me over email while stopped in Guanajuato.

The family’s little bus might seem claustrophobic, but that vehicle is the “ideal RV” for exploring Mexico according to Beddows.

“Frankly, our E-350 and 31′ Airstream trailer would have been incredibly limiting down here,” says Swartz. “Just about all of the really good stuff down here is either beaches that require decent clearance or city streets that are very narrow, have really big speed bumps, or sharp turns or something that would have prevented us from easily getting to where we wanted to go.”

Wherever they roam, the family has often stayed in parks that are within walking distance of town. “Right now we’re in Guatemala in the only campground within walking distance to town and absolutely nothing bigger than about 25 feet would ever be able to negotiate the streets. That seems pretty common down here,” he says.

Of course, there are trade-offs to living in the bus. The family has had one major breakdown along the way that required lots of TLC. Despite the problems, the couple takes it in stride, knowing things could be a lot worse if they had done this adventure in their Airstream.

“There’s loads of people who’ve come down here with newer vehicles like F-250s and Tundras and E-350s are having trouble getting various permits as they’re considered work vehicles or have too high of a GVWR, etc. Some folks have even been stranded in Guatemala as Mexico will let just about anyone through the US border, but not so on the way back north,” he explains.

Photo. P. Beddows

Mexico is for all adventurous RVers

Swartz’ family is unquestionably unconventional but that doesn’t mean mainstream RVers can’t have fun in Mexico and beyond.

“You’ll just need to know that even the main highways don’t have a shoulder, the roads are tight just about everywhere, and many of the campgrounds/RV parks just aren’t set up for big vehicles,” he tells me.

Beddows agrees. The biggest hazards of RVing in Mexico are those physical barriers that the Swartz family has encountered. This is why traveling with a caravan like his is wise for those who don’t want to downsize their rig.

With off-the-beaten path destinations like Manzanillo, the Yucatan and Chiapas, seeing the beauty of Mexico in the comfort of your own rig isn’t impossible as long as you travel with a laid-back attitude and experts who know the lay of the land.

Need more convincing? Read more about RVing in Baja.

You may also like:, 12 luxury campgrounds you can reach in one day from red bay, alabama, discover the wonder of endless caverns resort and cavern tours, discover kerrville, texas: a prime destination for rvers, generate income as an rv host on your own land, sun outdoors: enjoy an outdoor vacation in amazing places, affordable rv campgrounds near top national parks, family rving in missouri: great escapes rv resorts branson, destination central florida: southern oaks rv resort, oroville, washington: the gold at the end of the road, 83 thoughts on “ what’s it like rving in mexico ”.

I hate to tell you this but Guanajuato is on the edge of the bad guys terriotry. The State Department has a specific warning for travel along 84 and 90 and other roads. In fact, State Department staff are prohibited from dring in most of that area.

The “bad guy territories” should be Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, etc. If New Orleans was a country, it would be the second most violent country in the world. 42 people were shot in Chicago last weekend. I have been driving in Mexico since the 1960’s without a problem. We drive our Foretravel down there several times a year. Each year, I buy Mexican driver’s license liability insurance for $100 that covers anything I drive including rentals.

I find the Pacific coast of Mexico to be more of a snow bird destination than San Miguel de Allende. Guanajuato is only about 45 minutes away and is much harder to navigate in a RV in plus it’s a day trip destination for Mexico City residents.

Before you knock Mexico, read the newspaper police blotter for your home town.

i was robbed in mexico at gun point while driving to the market……..i have to disagree. F Mexico.

I was robbed in Pittsburgh, at gun point, in my own home, despite security guards. I also met a girl from Detroit and fell in love with her, but I didn’t marry everyone from Michigan.

Personal experiences do not equate directly to the overall reality.

Hi, I’d like to know about the drivers license insurance that covers rental cars. Can I purchase this if I’m not driving into Mexico? Thanks.

Every place is “safe” until you are mugged! Some people are lucky, some are not. As for crime rates in select American cities, anyone with a grain of sense knows not to drive or go to the high crime rate areas in those cities. In Mexico, Americans are at a disadvantage by not knowing what areas are safe and which are not. Unless you speak Spanish relatively well, you are also at a disadvantage and will be taken advantage of when the opportunity occurs.

This issue is what happens after you’ve been a victim of crime in Mexico. Remember: You are guilty until proven innocent.

There is danger everywhere in the world. Small towns, rural farms, big cities, the US, Europe, everywhere. Part of traveling in any foreign country (or on a backpacking trip in Yosemite for that matter), is to familiarize yourself with the place so you don’t go somewhere particularly dangerous. The US State departments website provides some clear guidelines, and those can then be peppered with your own understanding (or lack there of, which is a very real reason to avoid certain areas if you don’t feel comfortable).

As to the “guilty until proven innocent”, you must be speaking of America’s system, right? Because I’ve been pulled over dozens of times in Mexico (yes, far more per year than in the US, I admit) but the police have always been cordial, respectful, and in no way attempted to intimidate me (aside from the occasional local cop trying to get me to pay a bribe instead of go to the station). In the US, for things as simple as not stopping fully at a stop sign or 10 miles over the speed limit, the cops will come up to my car with their hand on their gun and treat me like I’m carrying ten pounds of cocaine and a dead prostitute in the trunk.

While I haven’t had to endure the actual judges, etc., at least from the first point of contact, policeman in Mexico are not only better at their jobs, they’re better human beings than any cop I’ve ever encountered in the US.

Let me pass on 3 Mexican cop stories that happened to our caravans this past season.

1) we were camped in a Hot spring complex in Durango (dry camping) one of our customers had a blow up mattress in his Rv which spring a leak. He decided to buy a new won. We headed downtown in a PU truck to get it. It did not fit too well in the bed, so he decided to spread eagle across it (he weighed about 300 lbs) t0 keep it in place. As we drove down the road a cop followed us all the way back. Did he give us a ticket? Nope, he helped us install the mattress. We invited him to happy hour then he left. An hour later the chief of polcie showed up and assigned a patrol car to us overnight (we were in a remote spot). They did that for 3 nights. i got up a 6Am and gave him a hot breakfast each morning. We now own the cops in that town.

2) We have always employed Green Angels as Tail-gunners for parts of our trip. They are like AAA with quasi police powers. We have not always used them on all segments where we felt we could manage without their mechanical abilities. We had an incident the day we left Mexico after an 82 day trip where the individual at the rear accidentally ran a semi off the road. He was unaware of it, but another driver witnessed it and we were pulled over by a very angry Federale further on down the road. He thought it was hit & Run. Just as I managed to get the cop convinced our guy was unaware of what happened, the semi showed up. He had been driven it into an embankment not over one, so had managed to get the truck back on the road. Damage to the truck was minimal, a borken strut and lights taken out, and we settled it by paying the driver the equivalent of $200. Th ecop was happy he doid nto have to f9ile a report, no attempts at mordida. We actually all had a group hug after it was all over. The cop, the driver, the wagon master and the customer (I am not kidding, I was the Wagon Master). Regardless, it could well have been far more serious. It made us realize the advantages of having a government official (Green Angel) at the tail end of our caravans, and we intend to use them whenever possible in future, which will be about 90% of the trip.

3) In Fall 2015 we were camped at an RV park in Cutizeo, Michoacan. The owner is a heck of nice guy and has spent a lot of money on it. Issue is the steep climb up into it. This would be fixed if they allowed him to put an exit off an adjacent toll highway. Anyway he invited town officals up for dinner with us along with 2 patrol cars full of local cops. We partied with them for a few pulled out they were all in police pickup taking photos of us on cell phones as we went by. The following spring they had cleared all the parked cars out of the town we had to pass through to get to this RV park. It’s actually the same town in the picture in the article. We now own the cops in that town as well.

I guess I am a fool, and apparently one who never learns. I plan on going back to Mexico early next year. There is a small but convenient camp ground just north of Puerto Vallarta behind the Walmart Sam’s development. Across the street is an amazing farmers market. buses run constantly during the day. Great spot. IMHO! About $350 a month if memory serves. I have never had any issues with Policia in Mexico, although they can be intimidating. I have heard from some of my friends with Big fancy rigs that they have been asked to give money in exchange for not having any thing wrong. I was told that if you have issues with the Policia, to ask politely, to be taken to the local police station and you will settle the matter there. I am told this approach usually makes issues go away. By the way, a similar approach works in the US, but if you study the constitution, you will find that helps even more. Which reminds me since you called it pemexgas, you are correct on that also. It is Gasoline not Ethanol. You will find you get better gas mileage with Mexican Gasoline, since it is NOT gasohol. (Ethanol) @Paul Beddows I second your advice and suggest looking for the security guard at the Pemex station, a Viente Peso bill, in his pocket goes a long way to having a good nights sleep. I have never heard of the Green Angels and would like to find out more about them.

Until u walk the walk of a policeman, don’t talk down to the people that try to keep u safe and still go home at night. Until u lose a good friend, family man , policeman, u have no idea why they have their hand on their gun when they walk up to your car!

You have some rights in the us none in mexico

You go ahead and go. And may God protect you down there; nobody else will.

I wouldn’t touch Chicago with the same ten foot pole that I won’t touch Mexico in any way shape or form. Bad is Bad, plain and simple.

Where do you purchase Mexican driver’s license liability insurance for $100 that covers anything?

I take 2 RV caravans into guanajuato a year. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico, youcan walk aroundn it at night even. I have a magaziine article on it upcoming in the Canadian RV times magazine in July.Its on line at http://www.rvtimes.ca/ .

I am not trying to whitewash anything, but Hollywood is also on the edge of bad guys territory (SE LA)

Love your stories, Paul

We have been to Guanajuato twice. Both times we have left the RV in an RV park and spent a couple of nights in a downtown hotel. It is a lively, friendly, colourful university town full of young people. They are helpful, curious and trying to learn English. We have had a blast each time. Great people, great food but everywhere you go is uphill and no cars are allowed downtown! 🙂

That sounds like our kind of town, we’ll have to check it out eventually!

As of April 15, 2016, the US State Dept has NO advisory in effect for the entire state of Guanajuato, which includes San Miguel, Guanajuato capital, and León. This is also true for Campeche, Hidalgo, Distrito Federal, Querétaro, Puebla, Tabasco, Tlaxcala , Chispas, Veracruz, and Yucatan.

Do you use dollars or pesos?

If you have a Credit Union account, you can order pesos before you travel to Mexico, at no charge It may take three or four days to get the exchange, but you are much better off if you can spend pesos in stead of relying on the good will of people to make a fair exchange. That said, what seems fair to you may not seem fair to them. They some times have difficulty depositing US dollars. Some times, more often than not, if there is even the slightest tear in a US dollar, you will not be able to spend it in Mexico. I always try to take enough pesos for my trip. I also have found many ATM machines in Hotels and banks that I can use for my Credit union ATM card with only a small fee. Using my AMX card, I was refused a transaction and payed cash instead. Later when I called AMX to be sure every thing was in order, I was told that the transaction was refused because the vendor had a bad reputation.

Close to the border, you can use US$ at a fairly good rate if you comparison shop. We always use our ATM card at a Mexican bank ATM (never use ATMs on the street as they may have a “skimmer” installed) and get Mexican Pesos that way. Not all banks will take our ATM card so it pays to remember the bank name that worked for the next city. Check your CC statement when you get home for double charges. Call or contact your CC company online before your next trip. This applies everywhere, not just Mexico or abroad. Make sure you have a “chipped” card before your next trip. Free from your bank. Most establishments abroad will no longer take non-chipped cards.

Dental offices close to the border will take credit cards but usually prefer personal checks. Yes, personal checks. Shop on forums for the best dentist and then check at your RV park for recommendations. I had US$ 14,000 dental work done for $1,300 in Puerto Penasco. The office was more modern (nice waiting room with large HDTV) than in our home town with the latest digital xray machines with instant images shown on a good sized computer monitor. They can quickly email any images/records. The lab was next door and my bridges were done and installed the next day. They were not happy with the color so that was changed slightly in about 20 minutes. Three years later, they are still perfect.

Good vets are also available. A “jumping cholla” got our dog and required a half day at the vet to get all the spines removed. A digital photo was taken of Koda and all info entered in an Excel file for their records. Excellent.

When you fuel or get propane, tip the guy a buck as the attendant’s pay is very low. A few pesos to the kids that clean your windshield is traditional.

NEVER use a hotel or street “call the USA” phone! The charge can be astronomical. A tablet or smart phone can use easily available WiFi to make VOIP calls/video.

I haven’t been to mexico since 1972, and didn’t feel safe even back then. Never again; no how/no way.

mexico is an amazing place with amazing people. it’s not for beginners….if it scares you that much, go to disneyland. the green angels are your friend, the federalis can be, if you do things their way. don’t be a loud, stupid, drunk american and you’ll be surprised how much fun can be had. hey man, nobody here twisting your arm….disneyland awaits you with open arms.

Washington DC is bad guy territory.

True …. very dangerous in Mexico. All RVers, please stay home where it is safe.

Dangerous as compared to what – South side of Chicago, inner city Detroit, east LA??. Use common sense and ask locals and respected travel guides or sources the who , what , when, and where BEFORE you commit to a route or time of travel. If you are running a $300 K rig wearing a Rolex and diamonds, yeah just put a sign on your back saying “free money and free shopping” in any country. Mexico is a wonderful SAFE country that has a few rules that are different than the USA. From my personal experience over many years, feel free to travel there after doing your homework. I am going back again this year. M Miljour

Thank you M Miljour. I just got back from thirty five days in Mexico and plan to go back. In most cases, you only find 110volt out lets that might have 130 or more volts on them. You should plan to have Solar on your rig, Much safer for your rig if you bring your own electric. Other wise, you need to check each out let with a volt meter for voltage and ground, before you plug in. Mexico is beautiful and dental work is much cheaper too.

Where did you travel to? We are thinking of going in September. We have a 2008 37 ft gas rv. It is nice but not the fancy diesel pusher. Generally speaking will we be ok to travel the Yucatan and perhaps drive across to the Pacific coast or would we be better to buy a used small rv or van that we can sell once we return to the stAtes? Also we if are in the 37 footer we hope to tow a pull behind car? Will this make us a target?

Is a B class RV a good size for RVing in Mexico? Anne

Its th ebest, actually

You bet! As Shippreck said, electric is not what it is in the US & Canada. Sewer pipes are uncommon, and using water from the tap isn’t advisable except maybe to wash dishes, so a Class B is probably the biggest you’ll want to go with if you plan to explore anything more than the RV parks in larger tourist destinations.

We have been RV ing in Mexico since 1999 ! Problems Zero ! Friendly Welcoming and extremely Helpful People are the Normal!

Could you lost some great rv parks and best places to go?

These are great starting points for your inquiries.

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/?country=mx http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/traveling-to-cabo-mexico-244887.html

Either I have been very lucky or most of the worriers above should stay home. My first Mexico trip was with a Honda Goldwing motor cycle pulling a pop up. Last year i traveled to Guatemala via Mexico with my 40′ diesel pusher. All without incident

Check your insurance plans before you go!

Your US or Canadian insurance are null and void in Mexico. Have to get Mexican insurance

My peroanl recommendation is Lewis & Lewis. One of only 2 compnaies who will pay US labor rates if you have to have your rig repaired stateside. Most cap at $75 an hour. Most RV repair places are $125 an hour.

We drove from Los Angeles, CA to Buenos Aires, Argentina in a Class A motorhome 29′ in 1978. That was an adventure. We took our 5 kids with us. Wrote a book about it “All The Way To Argentina” Now we, just the two of us, spend every winter in mainland Mexico. Never had a problem.

I was robbed by THE POLICE in La Paz Mexico. 10 am at a major intersection… I am too sq to have anything to do with drugs or anything else illegal. Now Mexico can just kiss my tourist dollars good bye.. I will spend my winters in AZ or CA.

Like to hear deatims. Chances are you ran into the infamous “Hector The Collector”. I hav ehad verty good experiences with police, but mordida is still there, especially with transitos. My advice, First of all pretend you do not speak a word of Spanish. If they speak English start praising Mexico & its people. They are very patriotic.. I have got out of 2 tickets where I was at fault this way.

where can i buy the book

I am mentioned in the article above. As soon as it appeared I knew the fear mongerers would appear. I am certainly not going to say its 100% percent safe, but neither is the US,,Canada or Belgium. For Rvers who stay away from drugs & bars drug dealers hangout in, I believe its quite safe. Ispend 6 months a year driivng aroudnthere and havenever had, not seen any issues. I htink whatdrives most poeples fear is the fact i shas different laws and a diiferent language which creates a bit more insecurity. If you feel any doubts, use a caravan for your first trip. Over 1/2 the people on ours return by themselves in subsequent seasons once they see what its really like.. Cnayou be murdered?Sure, butRVers havebeenmurdered in the uS and Canada. Just a couel of years ago a retired couple in a class A were murdered ona road trip in Canada. Lets face it everybodycan find themseles in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One person above mentioned power issues and he is absolutely right. You do need a power protector, not just a surge protector, but one that cuts the power off it too high or too low. There cost about $275 . Once in Mexico youcan go to a Home Depot and for about $100 buya boxthat will actuallybring low voltage up and drop down high woltage. Theri capacitywont runan A?C but they will run a micowave, TV and at least give you power whenthe line voltage is out of whack.

When comes to safety try to use the toll roads and never drive at night. If you ifnd yourself short on time to reach the RV park, look for a truck stop type Pemexgas station. Nearly alll will let you camp overnight . Don’t park off in a dark corner.

I have put together a ittle slide show of RVing in Mexico. It should give a pretty good idea of what its like. http://www.mexicorvbuddies.com/mexslide.php

You would have to be a fool to travel to Mexico.

I am guessing you never have. .Most people who make statements like that, haven’t..

Or are like me, NEVER will!

We traveled to Baja California almost every year from 1972 to 2004. Summers in the midrift area on both coasts. Winters to La Paz and the Cabo areas. Mostly in a truck/camper rig towing a boat.

We never had a serious problem. Once we blew two tires within a 15 mile stretch. Big-O-tires that were later shown to be defective. The Green Angles took me 75 miles into Loreto to buy used replacement tires, no new tires available, and then back to my stranded truck. They wouldn’t take anything, but I convinced them to a $20 tip.

We became concerned for our safety in 2004 and haven’t returned. No real reason, maybe just getting older and more cautious. I would consider another winter on the Baja, really miss the fishing, maybe this year.

I have not been back to this post in several months. I thought it was done back then. I am amazed at all the new posts. Apparently the nay-Sayers will allow one person to taint any area. It only takes one individual to perpetrate a crime. Armed robbery, Theft, murder. It can happen any where. Even in your own neighborhood. It only takes one. Would you move if it happened in YOur neighborhood? Now in Chicago, and LA and Boston, There are many such people. Per capita, I would bet there are fewer in Mexico. There are some attitudes in Mexico that are different than in the US, For instance , Marijuana is legal for personal use, but it is illegal to sell it. ( so how can you get it?) Why not just buy government regulated Añejo instead.? Things left unlocked are considered public. Breaking and entering is less common, but theft is very common due to this attitude. Murder is often drug related, caused by the US Drug war making profits so high. Doctors and dentists do not have to pay for exorbitant Mal-practise insurance because lawsuits are rare. This and the fact that there is little government ( medicare and medicaid) intervention with medical procedures, makes medical much more affordable, but payment is expected at the time of service. If you want to own a business, you must marry a local. I know some who have. There are many advantages to living in Mexico. There are also some disadvantages. Mexico is a sophisticated oligarchy. government corruption is rampant. That does not affect most Mexicans or travelers, but it can. Like some else said, if you are afraid, please don’t come and crowd things for the rest of us. YOU are the ONE who will likely have an issue. But then you can say; “see, I told you so”.

Well, I read all this story and comments, and Im agree with most of all that was written above, except that Mexico in not Safe at all, as mentioned I agree that is equal that every place around the world: “Lets face it everybody can find themseles in the wrong place at the wrong time”. Im an RVer for many, many years, I have been RVing in all the provinces of Canada and in at least 45 states of U.S. with my family, pulling a TT with a Ford diesel and ofcourse ALL over in Mexico. I had a robbery in US one time. Im writing this because Im Mexican and live actually en GUANAJUATO, so I can something to tell. Dont be afraid to come to visit our country, just follow the important tips and advices, that most of them has been mentioned above. Every winter time I see a lot of RVer in our country, most of them from Canada now, in the past were more from US.

Drive safely and take care. Best regards for all of you.

Hello Jose. You say you have a ford diesel, so I assume that diesel mechanics are available in mexico if you might need one? I understand finding parts may pose a problem, but amost every article I read advises not to take a diesel powered vehicle into mexico due to a loack of finding a qualified mechanic. So does your experience somewhat dipel that myth? Thanks for your advice.

Yes Scott, I have a ford diesel F250 PSD 1996 ECSB 2WD. In reallity there are very few qualified mechanic and finding parts may be a problem. I am my self mechanic, I have learned a lot (going from 0) about diesel Ford (Navistar) engine thanks to the Ford forums that Im subscribed, because I dont trust in the mayority of mechanics; and in my Town there are an International Dealer that carry some spare parts for the motor and I get the parts that I cant find here directly from USA online.

I have made several mods to my truck myself, without issues thanks to the diesel forums; my truck only goes to a shop when it needs some about brakes, suspension and paint and Im there looking carefully what are they doing.

So actually I can say that is more reallity than myth.

For that reason Id recommend to carry several spare parts, manuals and books for your trucks. I have noticed that the RVs I have met, they usually do that.

I hope this answer your question.

Marinas might be one place to find a good diesel mechanic, but you will have to have a local introduce you to a marina. All the Marinas that I have visited with my Mexican fisherman friend, are locked up tight.

I have spent 6 months out of year in Mexico for last 13 years. I always drive down ( to Pto Vallarta area). If I have a lot to haul I take my Ford F-250, sometimes with a trailer. I have a lumber rack but with 3/4′ plywood made a platform out of whole roof, bolted down on lumber rack, and doubled space to carry things. Mexicans are always admiring the idea. I’ve also driven my 20′ Dodge van Leisure Travel conversion camper. I bring that when I.m not hauling s0 much suffand when I have it I tend to explore the country a lot more.It is true the roads can do some damage due to narrowness and potholes, and there are a lot of speed bumps( Topes) that you don’t see till it’s too late. My camper developed some new rattles down there. But we drive Rgv;s because we like the convenience of bringing home with us. There are so many special and beautiful places in that lovely country you will never see unless you are in an RV, and Paul Beddows seems to know his stuff when he recommends using smaller RV’s .Parking and maneuvering through narrow streets is difficult. But staying on a beach in a camper van is hard to beat. Bring old tennis balls and all used and cheap kids shoes and beat up sauce and frying pans. The folks you give them to will be sop grateful and helpful and you’ll feel good about it. Mexicans are much underestimated and unappreciated in our country but we can learn a lot from them about love and patience…And trying to speak Spanish will make instant friends.. They don’t sneak into the USA because they dislike living in Mexico. They do it for their families and send money home whenever they can . a lot of the time.

We have spent six winters (5 months of each) solo RVing in Mexico. We travel alone because we like our own schedule and change our route several times each year as we talk to people along the way. If we like a place we may stay a month, if the weather is not to our liking we may move on after a day or two. We feel safe and confident enough that we do not need the security of a caravan or even a travel buddy. We have RV’d in every State of Mexico. We had three relatively minor traffic accidents, only one of which involved another vehicle and all of which we were able to drive away from. All three were fully covered by our still reasonably priced Mexican Insurance (San Xavier).

We drink bottled water which is cheap and easily available at every OXXO convenience store in sizes ranging up to 20 litres. Mexicans don’t drink the tap water and neither do we We spend pesos which we get from bank or large grocery store ATM’s. We would never show disrespect by asking Mexicans to take dollars. Visitors to the US or Canada do not ask us to take their national currency so why should we be different?

The advice in above posts is valid. Don’t travel at night or hang out in late night bars. Do not associate with the drug trade. Ever! Basically we follow the same guidelines we follow at home. Be aware of your surroundings, be respectful and if something does not feel right, leave. We are always back at the RV early, usually by sundown.

If you want to travel on libre (free, no toll) roads use common sense. Follow a bus or truck as they know where the topes (speed bumps) are. By doing this you can save a lot on tolls but keep your speed down, these roads are often rough.

Don’t be afraid to eat at street side food stands, In general they are cleaner than many/most greasy spoons at home and you will find some wonderful, reasonably priced food there as well as getting close to the locals. Take a cab downtown, grab an outside table at a restaurant, order a coffee, drink or a meal (or all three) and watch the people interacting with each other. It is guaranteed to be one of the memories you take home. Let the Mexicans practice their English on you while you try out your Spanish on them. You will make instant friends.

Don’t be too concerned about not speaking Spanish, you will get by. I would suggest learning to read a menu or at the very least, carry a pocket size Spanish dictionary so you can order a beer or eggs.. In a situation where nothing on the menu looks familiar just point at something someone else is eating and ask for the same. Everyone will have a laugh and you will get a good meal. Don’t worry about the cost, it will be less than you expect Most Mexicans can speak at least a little English and as soon as they see you try to speak their language they will meet you half way.

The best advice I can give you is,this, be respectful, you are in THEIR country!

Thanks very much for all the wonderful insight. We’re glad to hear you have enjoyed your many adventures in Mexico!

Totally agree with what you mentioned.

Where is the thumbs up or like button? Good advice.

We just came back from 2 weeks at great RV Park in San Carlos…a short drive from AZ. but this article misses one important fact that many of us with newer diesels have to deal with…ULSD fuel. Because it is not available, I bought a 75 gallon portable tank with integral pump and automative nozzle to get me down and back. The 12 volt alligator clips easily reach the the battery in my 5th wheel. But I wish I could go further into MX but chose not to fool with the old diesel and warranty issues with my ’15 GMC 3500.

Chuck thanks for mentioning the ULSD. I just didn’t have room to include it, but experts like Paul Beddows will tell you that it is a huge issue for diesel owners traveling into Mexico. How nice that you could get a setup like that for your rig, very cool.

we travel a short distance into Mexico from Arizona to Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico every Thanksgiving with our class C – this area is very RV-friendly, and a full hook-up space near the beach is $21 USd/nite – or beachfront is $29 USD/nite if you are lucky enough to get one of those. Love it there, and have explored as far south on mainland as Puerto Lobos. We also have a timeshare in Cabo san Lucas – and have seen the RV caravans driving down the baja a number of times, as we like to explore the south end of baja. Seems that people who have been there – usually love it – and people who have “heard stories” have a fear of Mexico. It’s like anywhere else – use good judgement, be kind, and stay out of areas you shouldn’t be in after dark – pretty simple. I look forward to joinging one of the baja caravans in a few years once we get a newer RV.

One issue with RV”ing in Mexico is the lack of ULS diesel fuel. We took our then brand new Prism, built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis, to Baja in early 2015. This engine requires #2 ULS diesel I spent hours before leaving trying to find out if it was available, and never really got the answer. In fact, I’m still not sure, but I believe it is available in the part of Baja near the US, but not below. I don’t know about the rest of Mexico. I also don’t know if it made any difference. I had to add DEF to the tank earlier than I expected to, which may have been the result of using the wrong diesel fuel. I’m still curious. Does anyone have an answer to these questions? .

Your Ultra Low Sulfur vehicle has two items you need to learn about and possibly eliminate or bypass, and then you can run Mexican Diesel. The first is the DPF and the second is the EGR valve. There are kits for many vehicles. . Then study # 1 Diesel vs # 2 Diesel. i can’t imagine you would find a station in Mexico selling # 1 which is primarily used in cold weather. As far as damaging you engine, it won’t. But you could have your engine stop running due to the two a fore mentioned items.

The more the worriers stay home the better. If everyone vacationed in Mexico all the RV parks would be stacked to the roof with tourists and prices much higher. I have visited just about every part of Mexico over the past 30 years: Yucatan, Palenque etc. / Mexico City, Popocatepetl / Baja from top to bottom and back / Acapulco / down the west coast / down the east coast / Jocotitlan, Valle de Bravo, Iguala / and drove through on a trip from NYC to Panama / and in the past three years have spent a total of about twelve months on the west coast of Mexico. In all of this – over 30 years – the only crime I encountered was a single vehicle breakin problem. Shhhhh. Don’t spread this kind of information around though. And if you go, don’t deal drugs, or you will get in with people almost as bad as in some parts of Chicago..

My first “RV” trip through Mexico was in 1971. For the past 10 years we take our 40′ motorhome and travel all over Mexico. We have been in 29 of the 31 states. I think we are probably in the wrong Mexico because it is nothing even remotely like the naysayers claim. We have never experienced crime of any kind. Our only encounters with police has been when they helped us when we get lost. No one will claim there is not crime but our experience has been that the majority of crime in Mexico is criminals killing criminals. Crime happens in the US too. We don’t feel there is any greater risk to us when we roam all over Mexico.

As far as diesel fuel and ULSD – I have no idea what is going to happen. There have been news items in Mexican publications saying money has been allocated and work begun on converting refineries to produce ULSD. But then the price of oil dropped so we do not know if they have continued. A couple other things of note about fuel in Mexico – the new president has opened up Mexico to allow foreign companies to enter into the oil business for the first time since 1936. This was done because Mexico has lots of oil but they do not have the technology to get to it – underwater drilling to deep for their equipment – horizontal drilling beyond their capabilities – so new fields should be opening up soon – that could mean new refineries. ALSO – as of April 1 they are allowing oil companies other than Pemex to open stations in Mexico – Gulf has almost immediate plans for 100 stations – some new and some buying out Pemex stations. There are a couple of consortiums of Pemex franchisees who have joined together to use their buying power to buy fuel produced in the US at lower prices than they can from Pemex – they will haul with their own tankers to their stations in Mexico if US prices mean lower costs to them. BUT – trucks in Mexico do not require ULSD so their is no market for ULSD at this point – only trucks from the US that enter Mexico require ULSD to there is little motivation for them to provide ULSD. It is hoped that once Mexico can provide ULSD they will require new trucks to be ULSD trucks – then ULSD will have to be available. When any or all of this happens is still anyone’s guess.

Yes, thats all the truth about ULSD in my coutry. Maybe it could change soon, with the foreign companies opening, but who knows.

And the gross bias of the news media was very clearly demonstrated a couple of years ago in the case of an incident in Mazatlan. It was headlines all over, that a canadian woman had been attacked in an elevator in a major hotel. She certainly was attacked, and certainly should not have been. But the media’s refusal to explain the circumstances was inexcusible. I was living in Mazatlan at the time it happened. Everyone there was aware that this woman had been running all over the hotel at 3 am, completely naked, and severely drunk or otherwise stoned out of her mind. Of course that is no excuse to assault her, but if you are THAT stupid ………….

I have had no problems going to Mexico for 7 years – great people, culture, food, beach, climate and much more. Respect the people and know some conversational Spanish – you will have no problems.

With all the many wonderful places to visit here in the U.S.A. I can see no reason whatsoever to place myself and my family in harms way by RVing in a third world country . And please don’t compare the U.S. to Mexico as being “just as safe or safer” by referencing the worst crime ridden places in this country, Those areas are common knowledge to Americans and easily avoided.. There is nothing in Mexico that is so great that I need to risk my safety and/or finances to see. I would be apprehensive the entire time I was there so why bother. You go right ahead and travel there and perhaps you wont be shaken down or kidnapped. I have been there and will never go back. If this makes me a “worry wart” so be it.

I suggest you check the data for yourself. If you do, you will find that the homicide rate in Washington DC is substantially higher than the homicide rate in Mexico City. I haven’t heard congressmen or senators complaining about the threat to their safety.

And let me put it to you another way: suppose someone were to decide to drive to Mexico, and were dumb enough to choose to cross the border at the very worst (highest crime) crossing pount – Juarez; and suppose further they were silly enough to decide to take the main route through town, instead of the ring road; and in addition imagine they we so stupid they decided to do so at night, rather than broad daylinght; and let’s further assume it so happened they were driving through town at the exact same time there was a gunfight going on between rival drug gangs; and still further suppose the fight happened to be going on, on the same route through town they had selected; and finally, that the gunfight was in progress at the exact same location on that route, at the exact moment they happened to pass by. OK?

Now I have a question for you: Given all the above assumptions, how likely is it that this dumb klutz would be hit in the crossfire? The answer it that, certainly, it is possible. But, realistically, quite unlikely – even in the unimaginably ridiculous set of conditions I suggested you consider.

There is a stretch of highway in Canada (in British Columbia) where, everyone agrees, at the very least nineteen people have disappeared over the past twenty or thirty years. Some claim the number known to have gone missing is over forty. And the homicide rate in Canada is appreciably lower than that in the United States. Crime against tourists in Mexico is almost imperceptibly different from zero – 29 million foreigners visit Mexico every year. Yet you are impressed when every one of the very rare incidents in Mexico is reported with enthusiasm by your (american and canadian) circulation-hungry news media.

I have already suggested that if you visit Mexico don’t deal drugs. Here’s another piece of advice: don’t start an argument with someone carrying a machete – whether he is in Mexico, the United States or Canada. Or Switzerland, for that matter.

Well said Rodney.

Thank you for the self righteous essay. I seem to have struck a nerve. I still have NO intention of visiting your home.

JFTR: My home is in Canada. I spend a few months in Mexico in winter.

Further, it would be nice if folks would learn the meaning of “third world country”. There are various definitions and except for the one related to WWII alliances, the expression does not apply to Mexico. Third world countries do not have megamalls, superhighways, mass transit, etc.

The idea that anything less than American affluence constututes third world status is stupefyingly arrogant and and indication of a total lack of global perspective.

That highway is called the Highway of Tears. Indigenous women hitchhiking alone are the main targets. For this reason, we will always pick them up if they are hitchhiking to ensure they reach their destination safely.

In Mexico, you are probably statistically as safe as you’d be in the US as long as you aren’t involved in narco traficante business, in which case your average life span is 6 years. What they say in Sinaloa is that it is better to live 6 years as a king than a life time as a donkey. For many poor people there, it is a glamorous option, much like gang life seems glamorous at first to kids from poor neighborhoods in big cities in the US and Canada.

My mother lives in Mexico 5 months of the year and has done so for the last 15 years, and the last 4 or 5 on her own. Never a problem. She has made great friends at her tennis club and works at learning Spanish. One of my friends in Mazatlan did have a B&E at his place there, but friends of mine in my town in Canada, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world, have had B&Es as well.

All this negative talk about Mexico has got me riled up. I’ve spent over 6 months driving and camping all over Mexico. The first time 6 months, then 8 months driving all the way to Nicaragua and back to the USA. From the Pacific side to the Gulf and Caribbean of Mexico and down into Belize, I have great memories and a fondness for Mexico that only those who have stayed there some time will understand. I’m currently preparing for a trip to drive from the USA all the way to bottom of Argentina. All I can advise anyone who has something negative to say is to get out there and travel. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” Mark Twain

Hi Bernard, Thanks for the positive comments of traveling to Mexico and beyond. All the best in your journey to Argentina.

+1 here what Steve said. And Bernard if you need something been in Mexico let me know and I will do everything possible to help you.

I have been to Mexico numerous times with very few issues. I had a place there for 10 years but recently sold it. I was in Rocky Point last winter for a short time and drove down from Arizona. However, there is always some scam going on in Mexico to extract more money from you and that is getting tired for me. I would much rather travel in the States these days because it is so much more fun and the roads are way better.

i was stopped in a feta rallies road block in central mexico several armed feta rallies one came to my RV looked the RV over then looked at me and said do you have any weapons i said I am a canadian not american he laught and said get out of here I have told the story many times good experience

Violence in Guanajuato (STATE) is primarily in and around the city of Salamanca. PEMEX a has a major operation there. The cartels are now heavily involved in the theft (and resale) of fuel. Those impacted tend to be PEMEX employees and their associates and relatives. Neighboring cities of Irapuato and Celaya have also been affected. Guanajuato Capital, León, and San Miguel de Allende are not (so far) noticeably more dangerous.

I have to agree with that written by dogtags40. The main reason as stated is the theft and resale of fuel.

” “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” Mark Twain”

Thanks for that. Perfectly summed up what I was thinking while r̶e̶a̶d̶i̶n̶g̶ skimming over the negative comments.

I have been a Nomad all of my life. Have had legal residence in 5 countries from Japan to Siberia, the long way around.

Growing up in New Orleans, I can assure you, Mexico is safer, Beirut is safer, even St. Petersburg Russia is safer.

As for not speaking the language, Learn it damnit! Spanish is not hard to master. If you can afford to travel in an RV, you can afford a copy of Rosetta Stone. Listen to it while driving the RV to Mexico instead of the Jonas Bros. https://www.rosettastone.com/ Try learning enough Hungarian {Magyor} to order lunch. I had an Oil change in Pest. One item on the invoice was 27 letters long and cost 100 Forients, about 3¢. Turned out to be an O-ring. Now how hard is Spanish.

The Police, in any country that enjoys profit from tourism, are tourist friendly to friendly tourist. Around the world, the only country where the Police scare me is the USA. That could be due to my dark skin. I’ve been roughed and cuffed by Police in Alabama and California. Both times due to my appearance, not my actions. In Krakow, Poland, we stayed out past the hour the cabs worked and I had had several drinks. I ask the Bouncer “how I could get across town to my hotel since I did not want to drive.” He called a Policeman who was patrolling the area. The Cop called a partner to follow us, he then got in my car and drove me to the hotel, told me to get a good night’s sleep and handed me the keys. I am fairly sure it was the 1st time he had driven a Corvette, certainly the 1st time he had driven a ZR-1, I did give him the valet key, had not drank enough to put the full power of the LT5 in novice hands.

During the Balkans wars, I had a DoD contract telling US troops, “Do not be Stupid!” This was before Hungary, Czech, Slovakia or Poland were in NATO, we had no Status of Forces agreements with those countries and US troops were going there for R&R. If they got in trouble, they were subject to the local authorities.

The DoD paid me $500 per person for this service. I’ll happily do the same for the RV community. Give me $500, I’ll tell you, “Do not be Stupid!” Then you can go to Mexico with total peace of mind.

y aprender el idioma

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Endless treasures waiting to be discovered aboard one of our RV vacations to Mexico. This enchanting destination has everything you’ve ever dreamed of for an unforgettable vacation: white sand beaches, ancient ruins, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets.

Watch our featured video to meet grey whales in the warm waters of Guerrero Negro or stop in charming beach towns along the Pacific Coast, including Puerto Peñasco, Bahia de Los Angeles, and Ensenada. 

Mexico RV Caravan Tours

We offer the best Price / Quality ratio in the Mexico RV Caravan Business.

Have questions call 360-483-7933 or 1-855-327-7555  .

Ancient Civilizations

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" We just want to thank you, and your team for the marvellous time we had and allowing us to join the Airstream caravan last January despite our physical challenges. Caravanas de Mexico went out of their way to make our adventure an experience of a lifetime. Food was spectacular, tour guides were wonderful, Michael and Louise were the best wagon masters you could ask for. The Ballet and Carnival were amazing and have made all our friends and family jealous. "

Regards, Fred and Sue Nicholson

Roadtrek and LTV (Leisure Travel Van) Tours

We operate specialty tours for Airstream and Leisure Travel Vans. If you wish to participate, E-mail Paul at [email protected] and he will put you in touch with the respective organizers. They do not run every year and the routes can vary and sometimes depend on Wagon Master availabilty.

Is Mexico Cheap?

In a word, no. It is amazing how many people still think you can do Mexico on $10 a day. Mexico has a strong economy and the Peso has been rising rapidly against both the US and Canadian dollar, making it more expensive. 2 years ago you could get 22 pesos per US dollar, today it is more like 16. A decent restaurant meal with one drink will cost $15 to $20 per person and RV park fees now average about $40 US a night for full hookups. Fuel is about the same as in Canada, more than the US (about $5 US per gallon or $1.80 Canadian a liter) and road tolls are the highest on the planet. If our trips seem expensive, this is why. They are still cheaper than RV tours in the US or to Alaska, but they are not that cheap anymore as we cannot run at a loss, obviously, and we want to maintain quality.

Why take a Mexico RV Caravan?

1) Unless you are a Golf or Pickleball addict you may have noticed Arizona can become rather boring. Consider expanding your horizons with a Mexico RV Caravan. Warm weather, beaches, ancient ruins, Colonial Cities - Mexico has it all. 2) Safety in numbers. I am betting when I say that, you are thinking cartels. Actually, they are not a concern. Physical hazards, etc. are the main concerns. 3) You will learn to handle the "sometimes-daunting" paperwork involved. 4) You do not have to worry about reservations and dealing in another language 5) Mexico does not have large RV parking lots at attractions. An RV Caravan will deal with all of that. 6) You will see the “Real Mexico”, not the tourist version. 7) You may find that perfect spot to return to on your own, in future 8) Our Wagon Masters know the roads, routes and parks that can accommodate your RV, especially larger rigs. 9) You will learn about how to prepare your rig for Mexico. 10) You will no doubt make some new lifelong friends 11) Sign up for our Newsletter 12) Download our latest brochure Here

Why choose Caravanas de Mexico  for your Mexican RV Caravan?

1) Are we the cheapest? No, but we are competitive. Since we are based in Mexico we do not pay Gringo prices. This enables us to devote more resources to a quality experience. For example, one of our competitors charges 50% of our 37 day Baja trip cost, for a 7 day trip. When you compare us with others, look beyond price. Look for the word "optional" in their itineraries. What looks cheaper may not in fact, be cheaper. We could lower our prices by doing Taco stands instead of proper meals, etc, but we provide a quality tour, not an ad hoc one. We pay our wagon masters a fixed daily rate so they have no motivation to cut financial corners. We generally offer more tours and activities than our competitors 2) We are the only Mexico RV Caravan company, fully registered and licensed to operate inside Mexico.  To be quite frank that makes us the only one actually operating 100% legally. (For more info on this click here. ) This also provides us access to a lot of  resources our competitors do not have. Green Angel (like AAA) escorts, access to government tourism officials, and even the police in some areas. We pay taxes in Mexico and our company principals live full time in Mexico. We receive alerts about road conditions or any other problems before we enter an area through our large group of local guides and the Green Angels. No other company has this sort of network.  Before you use a competitor, ask what they do if you have an accident or breakdown. Do they have access to resources, and can they deal in Spanish or deal with the police? We can and do. 3) We use fully certified bilingual tour guides, some are Phd’s, or even retired professors of history or archaeology. We do not rely on our Wagon Masters to do our local tours, as some of our competitors do. Do you think you will get a proper tour of a Mayan ruin from a Wagon Master who has read a book on it? It is actually illegal in Mexico. Paid tours have to be led by a Mexican resident or citizen with a work pemit. It is not easy to be certified as a tour guide.  They are well paid, but you should expect to receive an accurate education about the site you are visiting. To be fair, some competitors will hire a local guide, they have even contracted tours out to us in the past, and that is quite acceptable. We only use guides familiar with the local area. While a wagon master may be quite informed, there is no way he can compare with a certified guide who actually lives in the area.  We are the largest operator in Mexico and cover the entire country from Baja to the Guatemalan border. 4) We have the highest repeat customer ratio in the industry. In the 2021/2022 season we had 8 repeat customers for example. On the 2025 Yucatan trip we have 6 repeat customers registered. 2 of them have already done that route before. Some of our customers end up becoming Wagon Masters for us. 5) We are the first choice by RV clubs to run Mexican RV Caravans for them. So far, Airstream, LTD and Roadtrek. 6) Your safety is our primary concern. We are one of the few companies that put customer safety first, and suspended caravans during Covid. 7) We have provided contractor services to our competitors in the past 8) We operate Caravans in both English and French. We have also run caravans for various clubs and specialty Caravans. For French Caravans, see Info . 9) We provide quality hot sit down meals with our local tours, except in cases where it is in a very remote location. Add up meals provided by our competitors and compare. As for local tours, are our competitors counting all tours in a single excursion or as separate? The tip off for that is if the number of tours is close to or exceeds the days of the trip. How often does the word "optional" appear in their schedule? 10) We will take you to places on some trips you will never get to on your own, or even know about. 11) Although we price in USD, we accept both US and Canadian dollars, saving Canadians exchange rate hits. We can accept checks in either currency or Canadian e-transfers. We discount 2% on payments not made with a credit card. 12) Since some of our Wagon Masters and Assistants are Mexican or Mexican/American, we offer free Spanish lessons on many tours 13) We have always had an unwritten policy of pushing people ahead a season if they have to cancel. None of our competitors do that. We may charge a small service fee, or if close to departure, any money we have had to put out in advance, like hotels & trains. We get you eventually that way, and we have done this several times in the past. For example we had one customer whose son overdosed and had to go into rehab. It prevented them from going, but not the following year. So we kept a customer and happy one at that. 14) Follow  Angie and Ronda on our Spring 2022 Yucatan Adventure. Warts included. Videos Our Testimonials

Common questions about RVing in Mexico

We always get asked some common questions concerning taking an RV into Mexico and RV Tourism in Mexico in general, so let's get the main ones' out of the way up front. 1) Is Mexico Safe? Answer: Yes. Most people's fears are a result of being in a country with a different language and laws. Using our caravans will aleviate that problem, as things are taken care of for you. Mexico is a country full of cultural riches, and it is an easy drive from the United Ststes. What are you waiting for? Let us take care of it for you. 2) Is it safe to take my RV to Mexico? Answer: Yes. We have been taking RV's all over Mexico for a decade with no safety issues. The biggest risks are not Bandido's or Cartels, the biggest risk is knowing where you can physically take your rig with no issues. 3) Are there RV Parks in Mexico? Answer: Yes, plenty of them. Not all up to American standards, but quite usable. 4) Are roads in Mexico good for RV's? Answer: Yes & No. Mexico has modern freeways and not so modern backroads. One big advantage of a Mexican RV Caravan tour is that we know where it is OK & where it is not. Especially for larger RV's 5) Are there restrictions on what vehicle I can bring in? Yes, you cannot bring in a vehicle that shows it is salvaged. You can have issues with Pickups over an F150 (We can solve that) and if your vehicle has a lien that is indicated on the registration, you will have to provide permission from the lender. If the vehicle is in a company name you need a letter of permission even it it is your own company. We have a far more detailed section on this site where we try and answer all your questions concerning RVing in Mexico. See " Details "  Fuel prices are similar to Western Canada. See   Conversion Tool

How we operate

We attempt to keep travel days as short as possible, but you do have to expect some longer days. We do not want to boondock in gas stations unless it becomes necessary. We want to make sure you are in a campground or RV Park at each stop. We will use the best one available at each location, but keep in mind that they will not all be up to US or Canadian standards. We do local tours at most of our stops, some are just beach stops, others include activities and local attractions. Remember this is Mexico, think of it as an adventure and you will have a great unique RV Caravan experience.

Mexico and Taxes and our Prices

We are a reputable company and we pay our taxes in Mexico. You do not have to pay any sales tax or GST in the US or Canada when you pay us. Unfortunately, there is a persistent culture in Mexico of avoiding taxes. If we ask for a receipt for expenses for RV Parks or restaurant etc., we are often hit with a 15% surcharge to offset any taxes those businesses have to pay as a result. This is most often done with a blindside when we go to settle up. This increases our costs considerably, but we still try to hold our prices down as low as we can without compromising our quality. Our prices are very competitive when you compare other companies with what you get from us. They may be slightly higher, but you get the biggest bang for your buck. The customer Information Manual below is only available to deposit making customers.

Trip Cancelation and Interuption Insurance

This up to you. We did have one customer have to claim on it, and we had a customer have an accident 1 day into a trip, and his vehicle had be returned to the US. Although we do what we can, on some trips we have put out a lot of money in advance. In that instance, they did not have insurance to cover this, so were out the portion we could not rebate. Some options are on our Insurance Page

Travel Medical Insurance.

If you feel 75K or 100K USD is sufficient for Mexico, VisitorSecure under this is quite inexpensive. Canadians can sign up once they are not physically in Canada. Click Banner.

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Baja RV Caravan Tours

DISCOVER BAJA ON AN RV CARAVAN TOUR. Note some 2025 tours may be full. . We are now booking a 2026 Baja LTV tour.

This is the portal page for our Baja Caravans. It contains tour information, but use the  "More Details" link above to go to our main page for all other information and to book. Note that 2025 has 2 LTV club tours. A mixed trip will run in mid Feb, that still has some space.  There are always cancelations so you may also wait list. Space is also availavble on Copper Canyon trips. E-Mail Paul at [email protected] Travel with us on a Baja RV Caravan Tour, and you will be amazed at what you see. The real Mexico you never knew existed, rather than the resort version. We are a Mexican based company and the only Baja RV caravan company fully registered and certified by the Mexican Government to operate inside Mexico. We cover both Baja and the Mainland. We do our own tours and do not use contractors, so you get more value for your dollar. All RV Parks are included, plus many tours and meals.  We only run Baja caravans in Spring and usually it is in February, Why is this? Well over the last few years hurricanes in late Fall seem to be becoming more frequent and these often sweep up the Baja causing considerable damage to roads which have always been susceptible to flash flooding. Hurricanes and RV's do not mix, and driving away to avoid one is not easy on a peninsular with effectively only one road. Furthermore, it can be cold in northern Baja in January. Like winter jacket cold. We have found the best weather period is Feb-March. Here is the facebook group for the Spring 2022 trip which will give you a pretty good idea: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1113207872779924

Fantastic Sunsets

Beach Camping

Happy Hours

Desert & Sea

Whale Watching

And Sunrise

Pools at some stops

Fantastic Meals

Why use us? We have 2 or 3 competitors in Baja. We are more expensive than 2 of them and cheaper than one of them. Our caravan size ranges from 7 to 12 rigs. We consider 10 as ideal on this route. So why use us? Sign up for our Newsletter 1) We are legally registered as a Mexican Tour Company and we operate fully legal in Mexico and we pay taxes in Mexico. We are the only operator actually registered in Mexico. We have strong ties to Canada as 2 of the 3 principle organizers in our company are Canadian. Although our public name is Caravanas de Mexico, we recently changed our business name to Caramex. See our business license HERE 2) We supply more tours than the other companies and we supply more meals, all of which are top quality. For example, one of our competitors charges 50% of our 37 day Baja trip cost, for a 7 day trip. 3) Our Wagon Masters are experienced professionals, many recruited from former customers. Some actually live in Mexico. 4) We use professional registered bilingual tour guides. We do not run tours using our wagon masters as tour guides unless extra Ad Hoc ones are arranged. While many Wagon Masters are quite knowledgeable, they can in no way compare to a fully trained local guide. This is a significant difference with some of our competitors 5) We use quality transportation for our tours. We are an experienced bus tour operator as well as a Caravan operator 6) Two major RV Clubs have chosen us as the contractor for their Mexican Caravans. They have compared us with our competitors and decided we provide the best and safest experience for their members. After all, nobody knows Mexico better than people who actually live there. 7) We use the Green Angels (Mexican version of AAA) as tail-gunners & mechanics most of the time. Some of our competitors have no tail-gunners as support. This enables them to drop their prices, but...... 8) We accept both US and Canadian dollars. You may pay in either currency. For Canadians this means not having to take a buy/sell exchange hit. 9) We have run many RV Caravans on the mainland. We have a very high rate of repeat customers. 10) We can deal with any problems, in Spanish, with officials on their level. In other words we have an "in". 11) Unlike some of our competitors, we suspended operations during Covid19 out of respect for our customers safety. We place our customers safety above our bottom line. I must also commend one of our competitors, Baja Amigos, for taking the same stand. So we truly believe we are the best bang for your buck. Compare us in quality and number of tours and what is included, when you pick a company, and remember we have the connections in Mexico to ensure things run smoothly and legally. If you have never been on an RV Baja Caravan, maybe it's time to add this to your bucket list. What better way than to join an RV caravan to an exotic location. Most people have never taken their RV's to Baja. They do not know what they are missing. A Baja RV Caravan tour is a safe and great way to see the "Real Mexico". Many of our customers become hooked and return every year to a favorite RV Park. Caravanas de Mexico is the only company operating RV Caravans covering Baja and all of Mainland Mexico (In English and French). An RV Caravan Tour to Baja will be a once in a lifetime unforgettable experience. We have been operating RV Caravan Tours for many years, and have been the contractor for many other caravan companies like Adventure & Fantasy. We are based in Mexico and we only serve Mexico. We know Mexico, because we live here.  We offer a higher quality experience for your money. We have a vast network of government certified bilingual tour guides. We also offer RV Caravans in French. Our Customer Information Manual is extensive, and we will provide the access to anyone who has made a deposit.

Travel Medical Insurance.

If you feel 75K or 100K USD is sufficient for Mexico, VisitorSecure under this is quite inexpensive. Canadians can sign up once they are not physically in Canada. Click Banner.

Is It Safe To Drive An RV In Mexico?

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Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here .

Mexico has lots to offer but often gets avoided when it comes to travel. The number one reason for this is safety. So is it safe to drive your RV in Mexico?

RVs give you the freedom to roam where ever your heart desires, this is why so many people choose to join the RV life. Before travel to any foreign country, safety should always be considered.

Mexico has so many things to offer, warm weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and tons of history. It shouldn’t be a surprise that it ranks consistently in the Top 10 visited countries in the world and welcomes approximately 50 million tourists a year.

Many people experience Mexico by flying into the country and using guided tour transportation. Or, tourists oftentimes stay at resorts where they will stay for their time in the country.

This is common and for the most part, considered “safe” by most. But what about driving an RV into Mexico and traveling alone while navigating the country yourself, is it still safe?

Let’s take a little trip south of the border!

Crossing the Border Into Mexico in Your RV

Every country has its own requirements upon entry. Preparation with documentation and travel plans at the border will help ease the process. Entering by land requires a trip through a manned border crossing and a stop at immigration.

Can You Cross the Border in an RV?

Can you cross the border into Mexico in an RV? Yes!

Can you cross the border in your RV? Maybe.

Despite what you may have heard, Mexico does have rules to follow. Sure stop signs are a suggestion and speed limits are approximate but they do have some regulations when it comes to vehicle weight and size. These vary from state to state, so before you head out you should familiarise yourself with the local regulations. This is especially important if you have a 1-ton truck pulling your RV .

Crossing the border with an RV into Mexico is no different than doing it with a passenger vehicle. In general, here’s what you need to cross with your RV:

• Mexican auto insurance
• Temporary Vehicle Imporation Permit (commonly referred to as a “TIP”)
• Tourist Permit or “FMM” – remember it is YOUR responsibility to stop and get your FMM
• Vehicle registration and in some cases, a letter from your vehicle(s) lender stating you have permission to take it to Mexico

Do I Need a Passport to RV in Mexico?

Yep! Proving your citizenship with a valid passport is a requirement.

When you get to the border you will have to fill out a tourist visa which is usually valid for 180 days. The requirements are that you have to be able to prove you’re legally traveling while in the country with a passport and tourist visa. Upon exit, you will need to return some documents back to immigration.

It is also a good idea to have copies of your ID. You always want to be able to identify yourself.

Can I Travel with my Pets in an RV in Mexico?

So you and your RV can travel to Mexico but what about your pets? Pets are allowed to cross the border with you in your RV. Although not common, checks may be performed to ensure they are in good health by officials.

As of 2019, dogs and cats no longer require a health certificate to enter Mexico. As long as your pet has no obvious health issues that would be cause for concern from an agent they will be good to go.

Although no longer a requirement, it’s not a bad idea to have your furry friends checked out by your vet before the big trip. Carrying a health certificate for your pet could save a hassle should anyone at the border suspect any health issues.

If you have a pet other than a cat or dog, it is best to check with Mexican authorities about transporting them across the border. Birds and small animals such as ferrets are allowed but do require extra documentation.

Once in Mexico, it is very pet-friendly. Many places allow pets and you shouldn’t often find yourself inconvenienced. Mexico is notorious for having a large number of stray dogs and even pet dogs that run loose on the streets. It’s best with unknown dogs to be cautious about things like ticks/fleas/lice, kennel cough, and other transmittable diseases (like rabies).

This should go without saying but Mexico is hot so have water available and don’t leave your pets unattended!

Can You Take an RV Rental From the US Into Mexico?

Providing they have the proper paperwork, rental vehicles are allowed to cross the border into Mexico.

RVs are no different. There should be no issue from the border official with the crossing providing you have the proper registration and Mexican insurance.

Not all car rental companies allow cross-border travel and each RV rental company will have its own policies. It is important that any rental company is aware of your plans to cross the border.

As of this writing, none of the large US or Canadian RV rental companies allow their RV rentals to cross into Mexico. Another option is to inquire with a peer-to-peer RV rental company and make arrangements with the RV owner.

Can You Rent an RV in Mexico?

Maybe you would rather fly to Mexico or cross in your own passenger vehicle and rent an RV to explore when you get there.

If this is your plan you are likely going to be dealing with private parties perhaps friends who live or are traveling in Mexico. There are currently no RV rental companies in Mexico that we could find.

There are some RVs for rent in Mexico through Facebook and local rental sites. The vast majority being stationary RVs that are set up on sites and not for travel.

Do I Need Special RV Insurance in Mexico?

RV insurance in Mexico is similar to that in the rest of North America. There is no special Mexico RV insurance. The vehicles must have a valid Mexican insurance policy which is very similar to your current policies.

In general, for motorhomes and camper vans you will have a policy for that vehicle similar to what you currently have but with coverage for Mexico. For RVs being towed, they can be covered under your tow vehicles coverage for liability only with no coverage for the towed RV. Or, you can have coverage for damage and theft to the towed RV while hitched and additional coverage available for damage and theft when unhitched.

The good news is that insurance in Mexico is relatively inexpensive. You can buy it online before you cross the border. Keep in mind that you typically need to purchase your policy at least 24 hours before you cross. Here are three recommended insurance companies:  Cross Border Coverage , BajaBound ,  Lewis & Lewis , and  MexPro . 

When you take your vehicle to Mexico, you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration in your home country. –  Mexexperience 

Will my Health Insurance Cover Me in Mexico?

A big concern for most people traveling to Mexico is health insurance. Rightfully so, you do not want to be in a foreign country and have a medical emergency with no coverage.

For most people, any government health care or employer insurance plan will not cover you in Mexico. You may have options with your current private provider for additional coverage in Mexico.

In the majority of cases, you will have to purchase travel insurance for your time in Mexico. Depending on your age and health history travel insurance is very reasonable and worth the cost.

After Crossing the Border Into Mexico with an RV

Now that you’ve crossed the border, it’s fiesta time!

Does Mexico Have RV Parks?

Now that you are across the border you are going to need someplace to stay.

Mexico doesn’t have thousands of RV parks like the US and you won’t find any KOA resorts. That being said, there are RV parks in Mexico for both short-term and long-term stays. However, there is no great resource for a complete list of parks.

Parks open and close frequently so it’s best to contact them before travel. Online ex-pat groups and forums can be a great resource as well. For some parks, you might find them on CampgroundReviews .

Some of the parks are very basic without amenities like pools and dumping stations, rather providing more or less a place to park with hookups.

Long-term parks are often full of ex-pats who have been there for a while and with the growing popularity, they are often full (and pricey). These parks generally have more comforts and conveniences. Many allow RVs to be covered with palapas and additions like outdoor kitchens.

The Baja California peninsula has parks scattered from the border all the way down the coast. Mainland Mexico has fewer RV parks that are stretched over a much larger area.

It is a good idea to have a surge protector as electricity in many parts of Mexico can be unreliable, dropping and surging in voltage.

Can You Live Full-Time in an RV in Mexico?

In short, yes, absolutely you can live full-time in an RV. I am doing it right now. That being said, there is more to it than just parking and staying…

Full-time RV living has become a very popular life choice and is steadily increasing. Living full-time in your RV comes with some challenges, the main one being where your RV will be parked. Whether for one night or long term, you need a place to stay.

Mexico will present this same challenge, however, there are no Mexican laws specifically to deter RV living. Privately owned properties such as stores, gas stations, and hotels have their own rules regarding RV parking. Most people’s experiences seem to be that as a whole Mexico is accommodating to RVers.

A great option is a park allowing full-time RVers. These can be hard to find as, with most warm destinations, lots of people have the same idea. Restrictions on where an RV can be used for a dwelling are often an issue in Canada and the US. In Mexico however, far fewer restrictions exist making private or rented land a good option as well.

Considerations for Full-Time RV Living in Mexico

Some people imagine parking their RV on a white sand beach and living there. Although this is an option for sure many of the beaches are patrolled and do have hours of use. Especially right now, most beaches are closed for overnight camping.

Two major considerations with living full-time in Mexico are weather and more weather. Mexico is hot, that’s why so many people love it. Temperatures vary depending on what part of the country you are in but most of the country is hot and/or humid.

In Baja, the climate is very dry however temperatures can be extreme especially for the summer months. Air conditioning in an RV is a must! This should be considered if you will be boondocking; do you have a power source to run an AC on a consistent basis?

Other parts of the country can be very humid which we all know can reak havoc on RVs. Again, having a way to keep humidity down will be required.

The other weather consideration is storms. Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in Mexico especially near the coasts where most people will choose to travel and live.

Having a location that protects your RV in these situations is advisable. A generator is something to consider as well because power outages are common in Mexico.

Living in an RV with no AC in August in Mexico is no fun! Take it from someone who’s done it.

Where are the Safest Places to RV in Mexico?

Mexico is a big country with many cities and towns to explore and travel through. Like any location, there are areas better to avoid if possible.

RVing in Mexico is very popular and so caravans leave the US on a regular basis. This can be a great way to explore with the comfort of having a large group and maybe even some people who have traveled there before.

Your comfort level will determine where you feel safe. Many ex-pat locations such as Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Merida, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, and most of Baja will have the comfort of foreigners like yourself and more English speaking locals. For many, this gives a sense of safety. Larger locations with a dense ex-pat population and money can also draw more petty crime.

Small rural towns may feel unsafe due to the lack of law enforcement and “all eyes on you” feeling but can be some of the safest and most memorable spots.

As mentioned before, border cities and towns statistically have more crime due to larger populations and the cross-border crime element.

Regardless of where in Mexico you find yourself, there are a few things to do to help you stay safe.

Learn Some Spanish

Knowing some Spanish is a great help. You don’t have to be fluent but knowing some basics can help you in some situations. An uncomfortable situation becomes even more uncomfortable if you have no idea what’s being said and can’t express yourself.

Follow Your Gut

Using your natural instincts will keep you out of most bad situations. If you are somewhere you feel unsure of, leave. If a group is making you uncomfortable, avoid them.

Try to Fit in

Try not to look like a tourist; expensive jewelry, phones, and bags may attract the wrong people.

Use Main Highways

Staying on toll roads ensures there are is some roadside assistance available and police and military checkpoints and patrols. Driving in Mexico is an adventure in itself – it’s all part of the fun!

What About the Criminal Presence?

Anyone traveling in Mexico is aware of the cartel presence. Although it has its reaches throughout all of Mexico, there are areas considered to be more involved. Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Sinaloa are all names probably heard in the news. Again, mostly border states that will be pass through states.

The overwhelming amount of crime and violence in these places is among criminals and not innocent RVers. The states are large and like any US state, it’s not accurate to designate any entire state as dangerous rather than just a particular area of a town or city.

Is it Safe to RV in Baja Mexico?

Baja Mexico is the peninsula directly below California. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Gulf of California to the East which separates it from mainland Mexico. A large majority of the peninsula is desert.

1000 miles from the US border to the Southern tip is Cabo San Lucas. There is a lot of beautiful coastline down both sides of the Baja peninsula (perfect for RVing!).

Sharing a border with California makes Baja very popular for travelers. Many ex-pats have homes here so you are likely to interact with Americans and Canadians in your travels.

Being so popular with Americans, there is lots of US influence here and English is more widely used than in other locations.

Baja is a safe place to travel and might be more comfortable for those nervous about traveling in Mexico due to the American influence there. The border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali are large, busy cities that like most border cities have a higher rate of crime. Most people choose to cross the border and just pass through to a quieter location for overnighting.

What is the Best Route Down the Baja Peninsula?

You will have two options for traveling South on the Baja California peninsula after crossing the border: highway 1 through Tijuana or highway 5 through Mexicali.

Highway 1 is the main highway so it has more traffic including large truck traffic and passes through a few busy cities South of the border. Good for amenities and pitstops but busy and more navigating required.

Highway 5 bypasses all of the busy spots and runs along the gulf side for approximately 250 miles and then connects to highway 1. This route has less traffic but also fewer amenities (like gas stations). For people uncomfortable traveling in more isolated areas, this route may not be for you.

Along the main highway in Baja, you will see the Green Angels. This is basically Mexico’s AAA. The Green Angels have trucks equipped to provide repairs from flat tires and dead batteries to minor engine and mechanical repairs.

How Can I Legally Protect Myself in an RV in Mexico?

Should you require legal assistance or representation in Mexico, you will need someone licensed to practice law in Mexico. Legal advice may come from your current lawyer or a lawyer in your country of residence however any legal action will require a Licensed Mexican lawyer.

There are lots of English-speaking lawyers who deal exclusively with non-citizens. Online forums can provide you with recommendations from your fellow countrymen.

Your countries embassy will also have a list of lawyers in Mexico that you can contact. If your plan is to be in Mexico for an extended period you could contact a lawyer prior to travel so the connections have already been made.

In terms of physical protection, know that it is illegal to bring firearms and weapons into Mexico.

5 Reasons to Avoid RVing in Mexico

RVing in Mexico is a fun way to see a beautiful country and experience a different culture. That being said, it isn’t for everyone. Here are five reasons why RVing in Mexico might not be for you.

1) Driving Conditions

This is a big one and anyone who has driven in Mexico will agree. One thing you always hear is, do not drive at night!

This is true but not because of banditos, it’s because of road conditions and animals. It is not uncommon to come across a large unmarked hole in a road or a rockslide that hasn’t been cleared. Topes are large speed bumps that are often unmarked that can cause damage or loss of control. They are all over the place and sometimes in unsuspecting places.

Farm animals roam free in much of Mexico and they all seem to gather on the warm asphalt at night.

Not all roads are in bad shape and there are some nice highways to travel but even the maintained roads are narrow and many without shoulders or guard rails. This can be nerve-wracking while driving or towing an RV.

2) Being Scammed

Some people will picture being blocked on a road and having your RV stolen leaving you alone in a desert. While this can happen as it can anywhere in the world, it is unlikely.

The much more likely thing is you will be scammed at a gas station or tricked into leaving a bag or valuable unattended. Being situationally aware is your best defense.

3) Availability of Things

Part of your planning pre-trip should include buying possible things you will or may need. Parts for your RV will not be as easy to access in Mexico especially in a rural area. A breakdown may mean waiting days or weeks to get something you need.

Many of your favorite things won’t be available and although not a trip stopper, it may be a big deal to you going weeks or months without it.

4) Law Enforcment Corruption

Yes, this is an issue in Mexico. Mexican police are paid very modest salaries and although it’s no excuse, it does lead to fishing for extra.

If you’re pulled over by a Federale with a large gun and no English vocabulary, the situation can be stressful. This is where some Spanish comes in handy. Although widely accepted, it is illegal to bribe police and it is encouraged to ask for your ticket and pay it when and where needed (usually the police station).

Many people choose to carry a small number of pesos to smooth over the situation by paying a reduced on-the-spot payment. Keep in mind some police will try and get you to pay them directly but this is by no means an armed robbery, stand your ground and make them write your ticket.

5) Getting Lost

Nobody likes getting lost but getting lost in an unfamiliar country can be even more stressful. Signage can be lacking, roads that are on a map are no longer there, or you misunderstood someone’s Spanish directions. There are lots of ways to get lost in Mexico and when traveling in a large RV or towing it can be stressful, to say the least.

There are many places with no cell signal so don’t rely on that. Have downloaded maps, a Mexico-specific GPS, or an old fashion road map.

It’s worth mentioning again that a little Spanish can help in this situation.

Mexico is a great country with lots to offer. The year-round good weather makes it great for RVing. Beautiful coastal drives, tacos, and camping on the beach scream epic road trip!

RVing in Mexico takes some planning and consideration. Hopping in your RV and heading to Mexico on a whim may not be the best idea. Personal safety is a priority regardless of where you are traveling so take the steps to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your trip!

About the author…

Jennifer and Kendall are avid RVers and part-time van lifers who share their years of experience both as full-time RVers and nomads through writing.

Jenn and Kendall have explored Canada, the USA, and Mexico while RVing and living full-time in all 3 countries.

They have been fortunate to work not only as part of the RVBlogger team but also with RVLife, DIY RV, Camper Report, RV Magazine, Rootless Living, Vanlifers, and more.

They have also shared their RV experience through DashboardDrifters.com and are the founders of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers.

1 thought on “Is It Safe To Drive An RV In Mexico?”

Very informative and helpful! My husband and I are healthy, athletic 65 year olds. We plan to move to MX. He is a world traveler and thinks I will feel safer in Baja. My son lives on the OR coast so we want to travel safely annually to visit.

We were leaning toward an RV like yours but also looking at the vans. We have not owned either. After watching this, it seems the van may be more appropriate.

I just hope we can cope in such a tiny vehicle! Any thoughts?

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WE'RE THE RUSSOS

Live Free and Explore! Blog about RV Living and Travel.

RV Travel in Baja California – Everything We Learned

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We recently completed our first RV trip to Baja California and in this post we’ll share everything we learned and tips for your Baja camping adventure . This guide will cover getting a Mexican Tourist Card, Baja auto insurance, Mexican customs restrictions, border crossing into Baja, driving in Baja, getting fuel in Baja, safety, beach camping, and other resources for RV travel in Baja.

RV Travel in Baja

Going to Baja in an RV has been on our travel bucket list since we started full-time RVing in 2015. When Bob Wohler’s of Off-Road Safety Academy announced he was offering a guided tour through Baja California, we both jumped at the opportunity. Check out our Overland Tours and Events Roundup .

Both Baja peninsulas are popular Mexico travel destinations for RVers and our week long trip did not disappoint. Watch our Baja travel video below or keep reading.

Table of Contents

Mexican Tourist Card (FFM) for Baja

We each applied for a Mexican Tourist Card or FFM for our Baja California trip. The process to obtain the FFM was very easy through the Instituto Nacional de Migración website . After paying $575 Pesos per application we each received an email to download and print our Mexican tourist card.

You can also obtain a FFM at the INM office when you cross the border into Mexico. Since we were on a group tour, everyone applied for their FFM online and brought a printed copy. Make sure to print a copy of your FFM receipt to show the INM office at the border crossing. Otherwise, you may have to pay the fee again before you can get the official stamp, which someone on our tour experienced.

Baja Auto Insurance

There are several insurance carriers based in the United States that specialize in Baja auto insurance policies. Because we were on a guided Baja caravan trip, we were required to purchase our auto policy through Baja Bound . One of the reasons everyone on the group tour was required to use the same Baja insurance carrier was so that if any of the RVs had an issue, there was only one number to call rather than trying to figure out who has which insurance.

If you’re not required to purchase through a specific insurance carrier for your Baja RV trip, be sure to shop around and check with your U.S. auto and RV insurance provider. We’ve used Progressive and Geico for our auto and RV insurance in the United States and both companies offer Mexico auto insurance coverage.

Make sure to do your research and understand the policy you are getting. In my article on RV Safety and Preparedness , one of the tips is to understand your policies before you need them. Talk to the insurance agent and read through the policy so you know what is covered and what is not covered.

Baja Bound Insurance Experience

Baja Bound is an insurance broker. They work with multiple companies so you have options when deciding which policy is right for you. The experience of purchasing our auto insurance through Baja Bound was very good. Shauna was our contact and she promptly responded to all our questions via e-mail and on the phone.

Since we own a heavily modified 2000 F350 truck and pop-up camper we wanted to make sure the aftermarket upgrades were covered by the policy. We were able to set a cash value for the truck and a separate cash value for the camper. For nine days and the maximum liability limit, our policy ended up costing just over $300.

When you get a quote through Baja Bound , you can check for daily rate, 6 month rate, or an annual rate. Since we were on a seven night, eight day Baja tour, we opted for the daily rate. We also had the option of extending our coverage while we were there but we’re told it had to be done during the week while the office was open. If you plan to spend an extended amount of time in Baja, it may be more economical to purchase a six month or even an annual auto policy.

The good news is we did not need to use our Baja Bound insurance while traveling in Baja. That means I can’t provide any feedback on that part of the experience with Baja Bound.

Driving a Financed Vehicle in Baja

Are you driving a financed vehicle to the Baja peninsula? Be sure to contact your lien holder about their requirements for taking the vehicle across the border into Mexico. Below are some articles we found on driving a financed vehicle to Baja including information on whether you need an official letter of permission.

Crossing Into Mexico with a Financed Vehicle

How to Drive Financed Vehicles into Mexico

Vehicle Permits and Financed Vehicles

Mexican Customs Restrictions

Whenever we travel to another country, we always look up the customs regulations for that country. This is especially important when traveling in an RV because we’re bringing our home on wheels and what’s allowed in one country may not be allowed in another or the amount may be limited. Going to Mexico is not our first international border crossing, we have visited several Canadian Provinces in an RV.

So what should you bring to Baja? Or more importantly, what can you bring to Baja Mexico? Visit the Mexican Customs website for the most up to date information on how to clear customs at the Baja Mexico border. There is a section on item/goods you cannot bring into Mexico as well as answers to other questions.

To make it easy on ourselves, we arrived with a few beers chilling in the fridge and opted to purchase fresh produce and other food items as we traveled around Baja.

Since we purchased our insurance through Baja Bound, we read many of the resource articles on their website about traveling to Baja in a vehicle. This post details what items you can bring driving into Baja .

Border Crossing by Land into Baja Mexico

There are several border crossing options when driving from the United States to Baja Mexico. Our caravan of nine campers crossed at Puerto Mexicali II on a Sunday morning and had a very smooth border crossing.

Prior to crossing, our guide held a group meeting and checked everyone’s documents to make sure we had everything in order. He had sent a very detailed email to each of us so we knew what we had to bring. When we arrived at the border, our tour guide presented an official invitation letter from the Baja Tourism Board to the immigration office.

All nine vehicles pulled into the inspection area where the agents asked us questions and inspected our campers. There was also a dog working the area and sniffing the vehicles. We were not asked to open our fridge or any of the storage bays and cabinets in our camper. The border agent was very friendly and had limited English. After the inspection we walked over to the immigration office to show our passports, turn in the “Entrada” portion of our FFM and get the “Salida” portion stamped.

Before You Go Checklist

Whether you’re going on a guided tour of Baja or exploring on your own, put together your own Before You Go Checklist. This list may include your RVing tool kit , essential RV gear , your travel water filter and items specific for international travel.

This Before You Go Checklist contains items that you may not have considered, but are good to have on your list. It’s also good practice to check the U.S. Department of State’s page on traveling to Mexico for the latest information and travel advisories.

One important tip I want to share with you is to bring copy of your FMM receipt. When we crossed the border into Baja, a couple people in our group did not have a printed copy of their receipt and had to pay the fee again at the immigration office.

Driving in Baja California

We drove a good portion of Baja California, but we did not make it down to Baja California Sur. Our experience of driving in Baja was very good. The roads were well paved, the road signs were easy to read and follow, and when we did get off the pavement, the sand was hard packed with some ruts and washboard sections.

Despite being well paved, many sections of the road were very narrow with no shoulder and drop offs on either side. We encountered many large semi-trucks which had us slowing down and hugging the edge of the pavement. The local drivers tended to speed and would pass at any opportunity, even in blind curves – so watch out! We got in one situation on a two lane road where we had cars 3-4 wide all passing at the same time! Many of our road rules don’t apply in Mexico so be very aware.

To give you an idea, we drove Mexico 5 south through San Felipe to an off-road detour to Coco’s Corner before getting back on Mexico 5 towards Mexico 1 to Bahia de los Angeles. From there we made our way north on Mexico 1 to Ensenada then drove Mexico 3 to Tecate then ended up on Mexico 2D, which is a toll road that got us to the Otay Mesa Land Port of Entry. In total, we drove over 800 miles in Baja California.

Baja California Maps

We downloaded the NatGeo Baja California map on our Gaia GPS mobile app , which came in very handy. The app also tracked our entire trip which we can export or share with friends. See our post on Essential Apps for RVing for other apps we use while traveling.

If you prefer to have paper maps, both of NatGeo Baja maps are available for purchase on Amazon.

Tips for Driving in Baja

Do a quick search for Baja driving tips and you’ll find some common tips that are mentioned over and over again. The most popular one we came across was don’t drive at night , which we never did.

Once we got on the road in Baja we understood why it’s not recommended to drive at night. The roads can get very narrow and sharing the road with large trucks when it’s dark just did not seem like a good idea. Plus, shoulders often had a steep drop off, if there was a shoulder for that section of the highway.

Baja Bound has an extensive article on Baja driving tips that includes paperwork to have with you and dealing with the police during traffic violations.

Gas and ULSD Diesel in Baja

Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) is the state owned chain of gas stations in Baja. We did see Arco, BP and Chevron stations throughout our trip, but we only added fuel at Pemex. Out of the nine campers on our Baja trip, five ran on gas and four ran on diesel, including our truck. One of the diesel trucks required Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) which was available at every station we stopped for fuel.

The NatGeo Baja map had gas and diesel stations clearly marked, which made it easier to plan our next fuel stop. Our guide recommended filing up as often as we stopped because the next station could be out of fuel.

Since we have a 51 gallon after market fuel tank , we didn’t have to fill up as often as other people on the tour. At the Pemex station, there was always a separate area for the diesel pumps and these have a black handle, not the green that we’re used to in the United States.

At each gas station, we had to wait for an attendant to come by and pump the fuel for us and we always paid in cash. The fuel prices didn’t vary too much in Baja California, but we noticed it was less expensive on the Pacific side compared to the Sea of Cortez side.

Most of the gas stations had very clean bathrooms with toilet paper, trash cans and a market to buy snacks and supplies. At one Pemex station we even bought a delicious seeded watermelon out of the bed of a truck in the parking lot.

Military Checkpoints

Depending on where you go in Baja, you’ll likely come across one or more military checkpoints. The first military checkpoint we encountered was right before San Felipe heading south on Mexico 5. That one felt slightly intimidating because it was our first one and we didn’t know what to expect. They asked us where we were going and asked us to open the camper so they could take a look inside. Then we were waved through the check point and pulled over to wait for the rest of the group.

These military check points are part of traveling in Baja and vary in terms of how in depth they examine the camper and what questions they ask. At one military check point, they opened both of our backpacks and looked through the contents.

Everyone we encountered was friendly and some spoke a very limited amount of English. Kait and I both used the tiny bit of Spanish we knew to engage in casual conversations.

A note regarding medications – when our backpacks were checked, the officer went through each pocket, looking over the items. Of note, he pulled out the bottle of generic Excedrin I carry and asked about it. When he realized it was “like Aspirin,” he seemed content and put it back. If you do carry prescriptions, make sure to look up what documentation you need to show it’s a prescription. We would advise against putting any pills, etc in unmarked containers and they may raise concerns if you’re searched.

Beach Camping in Baja

There is plenty of beach camping in Baja California on the Sea of Cortez side as well as the Pacific Ocean side. Before we started our Baja trip, our guide recommended the book Traveler’s Guide to Camping Mexico’s Baja: Explore Baja and Puerto Peñasco with Your RV or Tent . It’s a good resource to have before and during your Baja trip.

Beach camping on the Sea of Cortez side was one of the highlights of our trip through Baja. Our favorite spot was Playa La Gringa in Bahía de los Ángeles . Expect to be boondocking as it’s a primitive camping area with no hookups or amenities. There were a few trashcans scattered along the beach. It was very peaceful and quiet during our stay and the water was nice and calm for kayaking.

Since we were on a guided tour, we didn’t have to worry about finding campgrounds each night, but if we were to go back on our own, we would also reference iOverlander to finding camping in Baja.

The campground amenities in Baja varied as will the price. We stayed at basic campgrounds without any hookups and very basic amenities. These campground cost between $10 and $40 per night and one of the most basic campground was also the most expensive.

Some campgrounds in Baja had flushing toilets and cold water showers, others had hot showers, flushing toilets and even fresh water to fill your tanks. Read our post on water filtration systems for RVs .

None of the campgrounds we stayed at had toilet paper in the bathrooms so we always made sure to bring our own.

Food and Drink in Baja California

While one of the perks of RV travel in Baja is having your home with you, we still enjoyed sampling the local fare.

Of course the number one item on our list of things to eat in Baja were fish tacos . China’s Place walk up taco stand in Bahía de los Ángeles had great made to order tacos. We enjoyed the fish and shrimp tacos so much we ended up going back for round two. There is a convenience store next door where you can grab an ice cold beer to enjoy with the tacos.

The best food we had in Baja were tostadas at La Guerrerense in Ensenada. We decided to break away from our tour on the last day in order to try these amazing tostadas. Everything we ordered was amazing including the shrimp ceviche and the tostada especial with cod and octopus topped with sliced avocados.

There was no shortage of great food in Baja California. With the exception of the tostada spot, all the restaurants we found were by walking around. One of Joe’s favorite restaurants served Sinaloa style grilled chicken with freshly made tortillas.

Safety and RV Travel in Baja

When we told friends and family we were going to Baja, one questions we kept getting was “Is it safe to travel through Baja California?” We did not have any safety concerns traveling in Baja Mexico. That said, it is so important to be prepared and have safety plans in place when you’re out on the road.

The current times have taught us how crucial it is to not get caught off guard and have to scramble when emergencies arise. It’s also important to not let fear stop you from living the life you want , but preparing for all scenarios will serve you well if things go wrong.

We recommend taking these steps to ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes your way while traveling. Read our post on RV safety .

Border Crossing by Land Back to United States

Crossing the border back into the United States from Baja California was quite the memorable experience for us.

We got in line at the Tecate Port of Entry around 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon and we could see the truck campers from the tour were about 20-30 cars in front of us. The line was inching along when we received a call from our guide telling us that the border hours of operation had changed due to the pandemic. Any vehicles that didn’t make it passed the gate by 2 p.m. would have to go to another border crossing.

Unfortunately we missed the cut off by a few vehicles and drove to Otay Mesa Port of Entry. We ended up in line for five hours before finally getting back to the U.S. The big lesson here is to double check the hours for the port of entry and don’t assume it will be open during the hours posted (Tecate’s border crossing was still listed as being open until 10pm). Also, have at least one backup border crossings with driving directions.

While waiting in line in Otay Mesa to get back to the U.S., we saw a wide variety of food vendors, trash collectors, and even entertainment along the route. There were also signs for public restrooms, which we did not use since we had our portable camping toilet in the camper.

Be prepared for a long wait (we were in line at Otay Mesa for over five hours) and don’t forget to check the U.S. customs regulations on things such as items to declare, duty-free limits, and prohibited items. Check out Baja Bound’s post on re-entering the U.S. from Mexico .

Resources for RV Travel in Baja

There are a variety of resources on RV travel in Baja. Here is a list of the ones that we used (some have been mentioned above):

• Baja Mexico Auto Policy through Baja Bound
• Traveler’s Guide to Camping Mexico’s Baja
• iOverlander Mobile App
• NatGeo Baja maps for Gaia GPS Mobile App
• NatGeo Paper Maps of Baja
• Mexican Customs
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection

That’s it! I hope you found this post helpful in planning your own RV trip to Baja California.

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10 thoughts on “rv travel in baja california – everything we learned”.

We’re hoping to travel to Baja this fall in our 4WD camper which runs on ULSD Diesal. We were wondering how far south you an travel and reliably get it. We have an auxiliary after market fuel tank so we can put in sixty gallons at a time. What is the furthest south city where we’ll be able to fill up? We’d ideally like to get to Loreto. Thank-you very much for any help you can give us.

Thanks, Mary

Hi Mary – from my understanding and research, all of Baja has ULSD. During our trip there, most of the other diesel trucks required ULSD and they had no problems. I would suggest doing some more research to confirm this before going down because there is no indication on the pumps, etc what kind of diesel it is. I also remember reading that even those who knew Spanish well and could ask the attendants, the attendants had no idea.

Hi guys, we love following your adventures! We are retired and enjoy taking road trips in our 30 ft fifth wheel. Is this a trip we can take without guides and feel safe and able to find good spots to camp in a bigger rig? We want to do a trip from Baja to Canada. We need all the advice we can get! Thanks! The Greshams

We felt safe but that’s all relative and how comfortable you are. Speaking Spanish would definitely help (we don’t) but you can get along with only English. There’s all different sizes of camping options and most places we went had more than enough room for larger rigs. Just be careful of driving in sand.

hi guys, my question for you: do i need a special permit to drive a utility trailer 6×12 in baja california with my artwork? thank you

I don’t believe you need a special permit but you need to have the trailer registered in your name. I’d suggest asking the insurance company when you call to get your Mexico vehicle insurance as they will have a better idea.

Great read on travelling Baja! Very informative and down to earth. We’ll be back for more of your stories and advice. Safe travel

Thanks for all the useful info! We are headed there in October! What tour group did you use?

We went with Bob of Off-Road Safety Academy.

Hi Joe & Kait, love the information, thanks. Going to Mex in a 4×4 is something my husband and I have talked about doing.

• New RVers Guide
• Travel Guide
• Campgrounds
• Boondocking
• National Parks
• Free Camping
• Essential Gear
• Cost of RVing
• One-on-One Coaching

RV and Motorhome Travel in Baja

The Baja Peninsula is a popular destination for travelers with RVs and motorhomes. With the warm winter weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, outdoor activities, and Mexican hospitality, Baja is a perfect spot for snowbirds and adventurous travelers.

RV Parks with Full Hookups

There are over 100 RV friendly campsites throughout Baja California. These facilities range from minimal campgrounds to large RV parks with full hook ups. Check out our picks for some Baja RV parks with full hookups on the peininsula.

Mexican Auto Insurance for your RV

Discover Baja is pleased to offer Mexican auto insurance for your motorhome or RV. Both full coverage and liability-only policies are available. Our special super-saver policies (available only for Discover Baja members) are valid for a full year and can save you hundreds of dollars if you will be spending less than 120 days out of the year in Baja. You can learn more or get a quote on our Mexican Auto Insurance for RVs and Motorhomes Page .

Resources for RVing in Baja

• We recommend getting a copy of the book “Camping Mexico’s Baja” by Mike & Terri Church for a full list of campsites and RV parks on the peninsula.
• A good Baja map  is another important essential.

DBTC Insider Tips for RVing in Baja

• For large RVs and motorhomes (and/or if you are towing units), the Mexicali East border crossing is an easy border crossing to use because there is plenty of space and the border crossing avoids the congestion of town.
• Diesel gas is available throughout the peninsula. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is widely available throughout most of Baja California (Norte), but is currently not available in Baja California Sur.
• Roads can be narrow and windy along highway Mexico 1. It’s especially important for larger vehicles to drive slowly (we recommend keeping it under 50 mph) and only during daylight hours.
• As with driving any vehicle in Baja, it’s recommended that you bring spare parts for your rig as specific parts can be difficult to find in certain areas of the peninsula.

Baja RV Caravan Tours | 2024/2025 Premium Baja Camping Experience

Are you interested in RVing to Baja, Mexico, but not sure whether you have the confidence to make the journey alone? Our Baja RV caravan tours are perfect for you!

Thanks to a lot of interest in our special 40-day “Wander to Baja” RV caravan, we (Chris & Lindsay with Called To Wander) have opened up the opportunity for you to join another special caravan offering during January- February 2025!

Our new caravan offering will provide a unique and different experience from the 40-day caravan, focusing on gray whale tours and beaches and only traveling a little over halfway down the peninsula. We want to help you make the best memories you can during your Baja adventure, so choose which option is best for you!

Here are some key features of each that differentiate the caravan itineraries.

ABOUT THE JANUARY 2025 “BAJA WHALES & BEACHES” RV CARAVAN

Two of our favorite things to do in Baja are to visit the Gray Whale momma and babies that migrate to the peninsula every winter and spend as much time as possible on various beaches up and down the coast!

This year, we decided to offer a short roundtrip caravan itinerary focusing on both activities!

If you’ve always wanted to experience Gray Whales up close and personal (like really, really up close!) then this caravan is just for you! We’ve contacted our whale-watching friends and arranged for 3 special opportunities to experience the Gray Whales in 3 different settings!

Plus, we’re not taking you halfway down the peninsula without giving you plenty of opportunity to rest, relax or play in the sunshine, sand, and saltwater that remain warm and inviting even in January!

If this sounds like you, here are some key features of this caravan itinerary:

Price: $3,595 USD/ RV (based on 2 people)

ONLY 7 SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE!!! If you are seriously interested in joining one of our special caravans, we are currently accepting pre-registration.

ABOUT THE FEBRUARY 2025 “WANDER TO BAJA” RV CARAVAN

ONLY 2 SPOTS REMAIN! BOOK NOW!

We have tailored the caravan in our style, focusing on multiple whale and wildlife interactions , lots of time on the beach, and the opportunity to see a little “behind the scenes” of life in Baja by volunteering or dropping off items with great nonprofits throughout the peninsula.

Our caravan will leave the US and cross into Mexico at the Tecate border on February 12, 2025, and will continue for a 40-day roundtrip with a return to the US on March 23, 2025. This caravan will bring you to all of the main attractions in the Baja Peninsula, including optional participation at our 2nd Annual Wander to Baja RV Meetup on Playa el Tecolote.

Enjoy our favorite parts of Baja in the most popular destinations with various activities, camping opportunities, delicious meals and personal time with us.

We will share everything we know about RVing and camping in Baja during each caravan day. Ask us any question anytime, and feel confident knowing that we are here to help you truly enjoy and make the most of your time in Baja.

We plan everything for you, so all you have to do is wake up, get dressed, and head out for a day of adventure! Plus, we intentionally build flexibility into the itinerary so you have more options for how you want to spend your days.

Learn everything we know about and discover Baja as you see the highlights and participate in many activities that bring campers down the peninsula year after year!

Price: $4,995 USD/ RV (based on 2 people)

ONLY 2 SPOTS REMAIN!!!

BOTH CARAVANS…

Both caravans include standard features that we personalize to make your experience more of a vacation and less of a logistical challenge.

During each caravan day, we will share everything we know about RVing and camping in Baja with you. Ask us any question anytime, and feel confident knowing that we are here to help you truly enjoy and make the most of your time in Baja.

We plan everything for you, so you just wake up, get dressed, and head out for a day of adventure! Plus, we intentionally build flexibility into the itinerary so you have more options for how you want to spend your days.

“Chris and Lindsay were great caravan leaders. I felt confident in their knowledge of Baja and RV traveling, as they literally wrote the book on how to do it in Baja. They made me feel safe and well looked after. So much so that I traveled for a month on my own in Baja afterward as a single woman. You would do well to have them guide you.” K, Alberta

Is Our Caravan Right For You?

Joining a premium caravan is not for everyone, and we need to be upfront with you from the start. Unlike informal caravans, where you meet like-minded travelers and figure things out together as you travel, we offer the premium caravan experience , which makes your life so much simpler as you travel.

We’re looking for the right RV campers who want to explore the Baja peninsula the way we have come to know and love it. This means we must get along to a large degree, have similar enough travel philosophies and truly want to make the most out of every minute on the road.

If you want to join one of our premium RVingBaja caravans, here are the unique features we offer that other RV caravan companies in Baja do not offer.

(And don’t worry, if you’re not a good fit with our caravans, we’ll help you get a spot on a caravan offered by one of the other caravan companies out there!)

RV Size Limitations (read below for why we cannot accommodate larger rigs)

• Fifth Wheel Trailers cannot be longer than 26 feet
• Bumper Pull Trailers cannot be longer than 26 feet
• Class A/C motorhomes cannot be longer than 30 feet

** Tow vehicles welcome.

This is as close as it gets to traveling like us! With a special focus on beach days and fun activities, you’ll see the best of Baja and how it is meant to be enjoyed!

Escape the worst winter weather and enjoy the best of Baja with the opportunity to come face to face with magnificent and majestic Gray Whales!

Frequently Asked Questions

Please be sure to read the following FAQ to have a better understanding of the nature of our caravans and the reasons why we have certain limitations

What is included in the caravan cost?

The moment you join one of our Baja RV caravan tours, you can leave all worry and stress behind! We handle 100% of the planning and logistics for travel for you and our other caravan members and escort you 100% of the time as your private wagon masters.

Your Baja trip will be one to remember and will show you the real Mexico as we plan each step of the RV tour for you – but leave a lot of flexibility in what you make of your memorable experience.

From participating in pre-caravan virtual meetups and chats where you will get to know the other travelers and us to complete paperwork together to daily briefings – you can focus more on enjoying your time and less on the details of how to make things work!

Don’t worry about finding things like:

• Purified drinking water
• Dump stations
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores

While personal health and vehicle maintenance are always your responsibility, we are there to ensure you feel safe and comfortable at all times and assist you with any unforeseen issues that may arise.

We coordinate the caravan members’ wants and needs in a smaller group setting, so your first trip will be great!

Here are a few things that come included with the pricing:

• ALL camping fees paid
• Assistance completing required immigration paperwork
• Several INCLUDED Tour Excursions + loads of OPTIONAL Tours (depending on your caravan selection)
• Several INCLUDED Group Meals + Happy Hours (depending on your caravan selection)
• Daily briefings + Baja Q&A
• Starlink WiFi connectivity
• Handheld Radios for communication while driving
• Guidebook outlining daily activities

What is NOT included in the caravan cost?

Although we include our passion and knowledge from many years of experience RVing and camping in Baja, Mexico, there are specific costs that we do not include in the caravan.

Below is a general list of expenses you will need to take into consideration in addition to the caravan fee itself.

• FMM (tourist visa)
• Mexican RV/Auto Insurance
• Optional Tours and Activities
• Many meals and all groceries

“Chris and Lindsay were the caravan leaders for our trip down the Baja peninsula. This was not only our first trip to Baja but our first experience with traveling in a caravan. We really enjoyed the caravan experience in large part due to Chris and Lindsay’s friendly, casual personalities. Chris and Lindsay’s knowledge of Baja and their ability to communicate in Spanish allowed us to relax and enjoy the vacation without having to be concerned about communication challenges or our lack of knowledge of the local customs. “ D and J, British Columbia 

Unlike other Baja RV caravan tours that bundle you and dozens of other people into tours and communal meals with dishes you may not enjoy or be able to eat, we try to bring the Baja California experience to you a la carte.

We know that no Baja trip is one-size-fits-all, and we want to help you see and experience Baja on our caravan tour the way we have come to know and love it. We also want you to be able to travel as much in your own style as we can.

• When it comes to guided tours and activities, you can choose the ones you want to do and skip those that don’t interest you. We won’t force you to do all the tours because you pre-paid for them.
• We also know what it is like to be hungry after a day of exploration only to find that the communal meal that night is either not big enough, tasty enough or does not fit your dietary needs.

You can check out this post to estimate how much to expect to pay for expenses not included in our caravan cost.

What is the Baja RV caravan size?

We will never have more than 14 guests (typically 7 RVs). Smaller group size means a lot when it comes to mobility and logistics. Imagine waiting in line behind 10-15 other RVs for water, propane, or fuel. It is disrespectful to other drivers if such long lines of RVs tie up the roads.

But even more importantly, we keep our RV caravan tour size small because we want to spend time with you throughout the trip to ensure you have a wonderful time and a great adventure. We are your wagon masters, and as such, we will be sharing meals, campfires, and tours and checking off our own bucket list experiences right there with you.

Plus, a smaller RV caravan size means we will spend more time interacting with the Mexican people and other campers we meet rather than remaining isolated and self-contained within the caravan.

Other caravan companies offer larger caravans than ours. While we can’t speak to whether you would enjoy a larger group experience, we proudly offer the most intimate Baja caravan tour out there.

“I just spent a month in Baja with compassionate, knowledgeable, and respectful trip leaders. Chris and Lindsay have extensive experience in the region.  They share their knowledge joyfully.  Highly recommend them to be your RV caravan leaders.  Great dogs too!”   D, Alaska 

Who are our “Wagon Masters”

We, Chris and Lindsay from Called To Wander, are your wagon masters. As such, we do all of the planning and accounting for logistics on the road, and we have the final say in every decision.

Since 2019, we’ve spent 5-6 months each year RVing throughout the Baja peninsula and have directly or indirectly encouraged, inspired, and informed countless other travelers to come to Baja California.

Instead of watching our YouTube videos , reading our RVing and Camping in Baja Guide Book , or scrolling through our website posts to learn how to create a DIY Baja adventure, we’ll be your tour leaders throughout the entire caravan tour.

At the end of our time together, we will consider each other friends, and you will know everything that we know about Baja, Mexico.

“We wanted to express our gratitude for the work you both did to make our caravan a great experience.  Your willingness to go the extra mile for us in particular with our trailer challenges and the rest of the caravan as a whole is very much appreciated.    Chris, you truly are a great leader with your morning briefings, your willingness to change plans on the fly and your knowledge of the areas we visited.  Thank you for going out of your way to get us water when needed, having your ‘friends’ stop by with sausages, frozen meat and of course the seafood people and generally working hard to make everyone feel included. Lindsay, we appreciate the joy and laughter you brought to all our get-togethers.  Thank you for your photographs, your skills in all things technical and the hosted happy hours/dinners.  The love you have for the area and its people is very apparent.   May your ‘treasure box’ always have room for your next great find! We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you both and our fellow travelers. We too are hopeful that our paths will cross again.” S and R, British Columbia

What RVs, trailers, and motorhomes are permitted in the caravan?

Unfortunately, not all motorhomes, trailers, and campers are created equal when it comes to camping in Baja. So, for safety, convenience, and campground limitations, we must limit the size of the rigs that we can lead through Baja.

RV Size Limitations

We cannot lead any of the following:

• Fifth Wheel Trailers longer than 26 feet
• Bumper Pull Trailer longer than 26 feet
• Class A/C motorhomes longer than 30 feet

Due to the nature of where we will travel, stay and explore, some places may be a little tight. Other places will have dips that will make it difficult for larger rigs, and many campgrounds will limit the size of the RV.

We trust that you know your RV, trailer, or motorhome better than us. And we won’t put you in a situation that we have not personally seen or been a part of navigating the largest rigs. Part of our commitment to making this RV caravan tour an unforgettable vacation for you is reducing the worry and anxiety you (and we) will feel if your rig is too large.

However, smaller rigs such as truck campers and vans are ideal. If you are unsure whether or not your rig will work for our Baja caravan tour, please contact us immediately so we can discuss it!

Can I bring/Do I need a tow vehicle?

Towed vehicles are welcomed but not required. In fact, in our pre-meetup virtual get-togethers, we will take inventory of the rigs and resources of our tour group and make group decisions about whether or not we require towed vehicles.

Towed vehicles are great for exploring and experiencing Mexican Baja. They are also fantastic for running errands around town and, at times, creating our own custom tour experiences.

However, there will be times when towed vehicles must be unhitched to enter RV parks and other areas and each vehicle must carry Mexican liability insurance, which is an additional cost. Plus, if we have enough towed vehicles between the members of our caravan, then we can plan to share the use (and costs) of the vehicle.

We will have our towed vehicle 100% of the time—both for the convenience of helping shuttle our caravan group around and for the safety of being able to look after each member of our caravan tour.

What about the border crossing?

The border crossing between the US and Baja, Mexico, can be intimidating. Each time we have crossed, it has been an entirely different situation, so we are careful not to make promises about how easy it will be. Generally speaking, it is a stressful few minutes that quickly resolves itself with excitement once we’re on the road in Baja!

However, at our meetup for Day 0, we will review all of the required paperwork together and discuss any concerns you may have. We’ll then drive together to the border to complete our FMM applications.

We will cross the border as a group where we, as the Wagon Master, will take the lead and try to diffuse any potential situations before they arise. Know that RV caravans of any size fall under either more or less scrutiny from immigration inspectors, so we will do our best to remain physically with you during the inspection at the border.

What happens if I break down or have other RV maintenance issues?

Baja breaks things. Trust us, in the years we’ve traveled to Baja we have not left the peninsula after 5 months unscathed! But what issues we faced and the extent to which we were able to find quick and suitable fixes has varied.

We require that you sign our RV Checklist document prior to meeting with us. Although this checklist may seem tedious, it includes things you likely already do (oil changes, tire rotation and balance, etc.).

However, you must take any and all preventative maintenance seriously before joining our caravan. As the checklist states, we assume no responsibility for you or your RV during the caravan. However, we will do everything we can to ensure you are safe and your rig can be repaired.

Like other travelers, we will rely on the presence and professionalism of Green Angels on the highways in Baja. Green Angels are bilingual mechanics whose sole job is to drive up and down stretches of the highway to assist stranded drivers.

As your wagon masters, we will safely pull over the entire group and return to you as necessary to assess the situation. If we can reach the next destination safely, we will do so. However, if emergency roadside assistance is required, we will contact the Green Angels to find local repairs.

We cannot leave the rest of the caravan to tend to your breakdown. However, we have built-in travel time for this purpose, and one or the other of us will remain with you, if possible until you have a repair solution.

If possible, we will try to arrange for the repair to take place at and during our stop at the next destination to minimize interference with your time on the caravan. However, it may be necessary for us to continue to travel south, in which case you will be welcome to join us again after the repair is made.

** In leading previous caravans, we have experienced various issues that were quickly and safely resolved, and we trust that we can find quick solutions in the event of an incident.

Are pets welcome?

Pets are absolutely welcome! We travel with our two Australian Cattle Dogs and have known many people who have traveled throughout Baja and mainland Mexico with cats!

But know that we do have a pet release form that we require if you plan to bring your pet with you. It outlines basic courtesies and per-owner responsibilities you likely already know and follow.

Also, note that Baja can be quite warm at times. We will do everything we can to offer pet-sitting services by ourselves and members of our group (as applicable) so that you can enjoy excursions without worrying about your furry family member. More about traveling with pets .

What about children?

What about them? Just kidding! You are welcome to bring your children along with you, and this is one reason why we try to keep our RV caravan tour as flexible as possible. However, some decisions and activities may be directly or indirectly impacted if you have kids.

For example, some campgrounds may charge a few pesos more for families with more than 2 adults. Clearly, you will have to account for your children, not only in terms of what tours and activities you can/want to participate in but also in terms of the additional expense of including them.

But we have designed our RV caravan tour to be open to travelers of all ages, as Baja California is meant to be explored and loved by all!

“ Thank you both for a wonderful trip to the Baja. You showed us you had the experience, knowledge, & professionalism to guide us through a sometimes challenging journey.  Whatever the challenges either mechanical issues with the RV’s, or pet issues, you were always there to assist us.  We couldn’t have had any better wagon masters, thank you. “ D & Bubbles, British Columbia

Can you tell me more about the tours and excursions?

To give you the best Baja adventures, we have curated a list of incredible tours and excursions in each destination on our itineraries. Some tours will be more formal, with bilingual tour guides that will take each new adventure up a notch. Many of these guides are our friends that we have made over the years of traveling through Baja.

However, a handful of activities will not require formal tour guides. Instead, we will act as the informal tour guides, taking you to places we know and love. Or else we’ll have one or more of our Mexican friends show you more of the real Mexico that other tours may not capture.

As we move south, we can opt for boating or fishing tours if the weather permits. Several towns, such as Mulege and Loreto, offer specific insight into Mexican history through walking tours.

As we continue on our journey to discover Baja, we’ll participate in whale watching (if applicable) and even allow you to swim with whale sharks and sea lions. Release newly hatched sea turtles, hop on an ATV, and take an adventure along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, or head inland to visit cave paintings that are upwards of 10,000 years old!

Of course, if you only want to sit on the beach and enjoy the scenery and a good book, there is plenty of time between tours. Or we’ll give you the opportunity to opt out of our tours so you can spend the time in the RV park or beach catching up on whatever you want or need to do.

What if this RV Caravan Tour is not for me?

We are unique among Baja RV caravans as we truly try to make your trip as special and customizable as possible. However, our Baja travel philosophy and some of the above criteria and information may not be what you had in mind when you began researching RV caravans to Baja, Mexico.

We won’t take it personally if you don’t want to travel with us. Each caravan itinerary involves a lot of time spent together. And if you don’t feel absolutely comfortable with our itinerary and planned activities, your rig is perhaps too large, or you do want to experience a larger-group RV caravan, then we’ll help you book with one of the other companies offering Baja caravans.

We have and continue to work with our friends at Baja Amigos, where we were wagon masters on 2 caravans during the 2023/2024 season. So let us know if you are certain you want to join a Baja caravan but feel like we may not be your best option.

In fact, if you chose Baja Amigos or Caravans de Mexico for other reasons – such as being able to add on a trip to Mainland Mexico to experience Copper Canyon – let us know and we’ll try to factor these reasons into our future RV caravans.

M E X I C O RV Guide

Congrats! You finally found him. You found THE guy you’ve been looking for… Mexico Mike someone who actually knows what they are talking about and will shoot it to you straight about taking your RV to Mexico.

Mexico Mike , a veteran travel guide, is all about the nitty gritty details of expat life and auto adventuring in Mexico. Reading Mike’s guides is like talking to a nice guy you haphazardly met at your favorite diner and you hit it off with him right away. He comes across humble and low-key, but you can tell immediately he knows his stuff. He casually mentions that he’s been traveling there since he was a kid. And nothing against Mike, but (like the rest of us) it’s been a little while since he was a kid.

There’s nothing better than running into a veteran traveler that can give you the down and dirty, real-life intel on an area you are headed to in your RV. That’s exactly what Mike can do for you.

The table below is your connection to Mike and our information guides on RV’ing in each region of Mexico . Simply click on the link to get more details on that specific area. (And when we say details, we mean details!) In each of our guides, Mexico Mike tells you the truth and answers your real questions like:

• Is that RV park shady (literally and figuratively)?
• Is it gated and does it have security?
• Is WiFi available? How well does it really work?
• Who stays in this park? Are there caravans?
• Do I need a reservation? Are pets allowed?
• How long can my rig be for this park and is it easy to get in and out of?
• Are restaurants and markets close by?
• Am I going to be able to sleep or is it one big party?

Click Link Below for the Complete Guide to:

Places to Park your RV in this Region

Insider Tips from travel pro, Mexico Mike

• Club Nautico
• New Samula Trailer Park
• Rancho Sabacche
• Villas del Mar
• Rainbow RV Park
• Acamaya Reef RV Park
• Camping Cancun RV
• Acamaya Reef Caravan Park
• Paa Mul RV Park & Cabañas
• Xpu-Ha Campground
• Glamping Xpu-Ha
• Cocalitos Bacalar
• Yax-Ha RV Resort

The state of Yucatan is Mexico’s newest, most popular ex-pat hub. The whole peninsula is a favorite destination of RV caravans.

Whether you arrive by caravan or after a meandering route following your nose, you will stay in the same RV parks and enjoy the same hospitality of the Yucatecos, Mayans, and immigrants from all over Mexico who came to work here.

Check out the linked guide for the specific parks that caravans use.

RV Pacific Coast (Michoacan and Guerrero)

• Rancho Bugambilias RV Resort
• El Manglar Trailer Park
• Real de la Palma RV Park Ixtapa
• Troncones RV Park and Casa Canela
• H. Playa Azul
• Hotel Playa del Aguila

These are the most established, “regular” RV parks in the area. There are many less organized, suitable for small rigs or camper vans, or pickup trucks only. These are usually right on the beach with limited facilities.

Still, those who stay in them usually rave about them. One caveat – do not save a few pesos and camp on the beach. While this is a pretty safe area, being stupid anywhere usually gets you in trouble.

Also, I’ve noticed a number of restaurants with camping have pit bulls and resident drunks, who like their music loud from 10 PM to 3 AM. If you’re going to try an “unauthorized” camping spot, check it out before you decide.

RV Coastal Jalisco and Nayarit

• Little Rig Trailer Park
• Heaven’s Gate
• Delia’s RV & Trailer Park
• Flamingo Trailer Park
• Paraiso del Pescador Bungalows & RV Park
• El Oasis Trailer Park
• El Dorado RV Park
• Tiburon RV Park
• Villas & Bungalows Tlaquepaque
• Savage RV Campamento
• El Caracol Camino
• Bungalows & TP El Pequeñito
• Ron’s RV Park
• Pretty Sunset Trailer Park
• Sayulita Trailer Park & Bungalows
• Hotel Costa Bahia
• Trailer Park Puerto Vallarta
• Rancho Sol Y Mar
• Boca Beach Camping & Trailer Park
• QúeMex RV et Trailer Park
• Bungalows Laguna del Tule
• VIP Trailer Park
• Explore a rainforest
• Climb an active volcano in Colima
• Follow exotic birds in the wild
• Visit or volunteer at turtle hatcheries
• Indulge yourself in sport fishing
• Meditate in calm waters
• Surf in decent waves
• Re-discover nightlife
• Enjoy gourmet food
• Discover art (both native and modern)
• Delia’s Trailer Park in Etzatlán
• San Jose del Tajo, Guadalajara
• Jocotepec* (Lake Chapala)
• Chimulco Trailer Park

*one of the nicest parks in Mexico

Jalisco has such a variety of RV parks that I divided them into two articles. Once you leave Nayarit state heading south, the scenery and your choices of RV parks become more varied. Most everyone knows the beach towns around Vallarta. But for variety, check out some parks in the central part of Jalisco. Even if you are a beach lover, a little variety could spice up your love life.

Driving your RV to Nayarit you’ll want to know which RV Parks to expect and how to get to them. Heading south of the state of Sinaloa , the scenery begins its transition to semi-tropical. Thick greenery grows to the edge of the road. Though not a rainforest, in a few spots, trees arch over the 2-lane blacktop, forming a canopy, briefly blocking the sun.

* This spot is for rigs under 30 ft. (the curvy road is difficult for larger rigs)—The town of Sta. Maria is set on the edges of a volcanic lake, a rarity in Mexico. From a hilltop overlook coming into town, the layout is picture-postcard-perfect. Deep blue water, terra-cotta roofs on villas ringing the lake. Few foreigners know about Sta. Maria.

Mazatlán differs from most beach towns in Mexico. It is certainly different from the ones in Sonora . It is a city, fishing and cargo port. Even if foreign tourism stopped coming to town, Mazatlán would survive.

Prices are more reasonable than at other beach resorts , both for hotels and RV parks.

If you’re a deep-sea fisherman, Mazatlán claims to be the billfish capital of Mexico.

RV Baja California Sur

There are more than 100 RV-friendly parks throughout Baja California . Here are just a handful worth checking out in this region:

• Baja California Sur AquaMarina RV Park, Beautiful, waterfront setting with lush and well-maintained grounds.
• East Cape RV Resort,Spacious, extra-large lots, some of them pull-through. Right on the Sea of Cortez and lots of palm trees for shade. Plus extras like WIFI and organized day trips for fishing or sight-seeing.
• Loreto Shores RV Park, Reputation for being the safest RV park in Loreto. Good showers and extras like pool, laundry, WIFI, clubhouse with bar and kitchen.
• Mario’s RV Park, 40 full hook up spots with tap water, electricity and sewage. Guerrero Negro
• Mountain Shadow RV Park, A clean, safe, fun, and care-free environment for adults, no pets.
• Playa Norte RV Park, Clean washrooms, private showers, and coin laundry; right on the beach.
• Tango Azul Resort & RV Park, Spacious area for up to 10 RVs or trailers, and 7-10 tents.
• Take spare parts with you. Replacement parts such as trailer tires and diesel truck parts can be tricky to acquire in Mexico.
• Make sure your cell phone works in Mexico . If you need to call roadside assistance you will need a cell phone .
• Stay in RV parks that are within walking distance of town amenities. You’ll get a bit of exercise in while picking up supplies and see a bit of the local color. Or bring your bike!
• Be prepared for rougher roads. Roads can be narrow and twisting along Mexico 1 from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas.
• For large RVs and motorhomes (and if you are towing), the Mexicali East border crossing is an easy one to use — there’s plenty of space and this crossing avoids the congestion of town.

RV Baja California

• Los Olivos RV Park
• Playa Saldamando
• Rancho Ojai – Tecate
• Costa Carel RV Park
• Club de Pesca RV Park
• El Valle RV Park
• Dolisa Trailer Park & Hotel
• KunKaak RV Park
• Playa de Cortes Hotel & Trailer Park
• Playa del Oro
• The Reef RV Park
• Totonaka RV Park

Don’t get locked out of your campground! Many RV parks require you check-in by a particular time before they close the gates for the night. Make sure you get to your campsite with plenty of time for check-in. Pack snacks!

• Polo Acosta Trailer Park & Hotel

RV Isla Aguada – Campeche

This is a special place with a special story. Bill tells it best himself Read it here.

Eight of the RV spaces are close enough to the beach that you can hear the sound of the surf in your unit. All 35 have EWS with 15/30 amps. The sites are attractive and set amidst 50-year-old Canary Island pine trees.

Towing in Mexico

Here are some important things to note when you are towing in Mexico. Special thanks to Charles Lundy from Mexico Insurance Services for the info.

Yucatan Mexico RV Guide

The RV Guide for Yucatan reveals the Cancun Corridor – Mexico’s most-visited area. The state of Yucatan is Mexico’s newest, most popular ex-pat hub.

RV Guide Baja California Sur

The RV Guide Baja California Sur, whether you’re RVing Baja California Sur for a couple of weeks or an entire season, you can’t go wrong

RV Parks in Sonora

For a stunning vacation, idea take a look at these RV parks in Sonora. Neatly sandwiched between the stunning Sea of Cortez and its crystal white beaches

Sinaloa RV Guide – RV Parks Sinaloa

The Sinaloa RV Guide reveals more full-service RV parks in the middle Pacific Coast than anywhere else. The middle comprises Sinaloa state.

Camping in San Felipe

If you are looking for a place to camp, Camping San Felipe is as good as it gets. San Felipe is a phenomenal place to camp. Its fabulous beaches on the Sea of Cortez

Before You Cross the Mexico Border

• FMM – Tourist Permit
• TIP – Vehicle Permit
• Surfing Mexico
• Wine Tasting Baja
• Medical Tourism Mexico
• Off-Road Baja
• Fishing in Mexico
• Spring Break  in Mexico
• Mexico Off Road
• RV Guide  for Mexico

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