With COVID still a concern, many families have chosen vacations that keep them off crowded airplanes, out of busy hotels, and a little more in control of their environment. My husband and I are part of that group!
I have had a travel trailer since my early twenties and have been camping my whole life. Until this summer, I never had difficulty finding places to camp, and usually without much planning. When my kids were young, we would hook up the trailer and take out the Rand McNally Atlas (how is that for a throwback!) and pick a place on the map and take off for the weekend. I discovered this past Spring that those days are long gone. I began planning a summer vacation for my husband and me and could not find any camping spots. I remembered that several friends had told me they started camping in Mexico, and I set out to plan a camping trip to Mexico. This being my first time driving into Mexico, I learned some things along the way that may help you if you are interested in a Mexican camping vacation (or even driving your vehicle to a Mexican vacation destination).
RESEARCH IS KEY
When I began planning this trip, I thought it would be an inexpensive way to camp at the beach. I had met people who talked about camping in Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Mexico. Rocky Point is located 210 miles southwest of Phoenix, Arizona, on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). There is a stretch of beach with high-rise condominiums on it and, although they would be considered inexpensive on the California coast, they are pricey for Mexico. I joined a Facebook group for Rocky Point and started reading all of the information shared there.
I chose a campground called The Reef RV Park. The Reef is located at the very end of a popular beach area called Sandy Beach. Ocean-front camping spots were just $40 per night, with full hook-ups. The sites are roomy, and the location is quiet and away from the resorts further down the beach. There is a restaurant/bar at the campground with good food and lots of outdoor seating covered by a thatched roof. There is live music on weekends. Making reservations was easy, and you can pay by mail with a check or through your bank’s bill pay system.
There is a requirement for insurance on your vehicle and anything you may be towing. I ended up purchasing a policy through the “MexPro” website. The policy was fairly expensive–about $310 for five days.
MAKING THE DRIVE
As for crossing the border, technically, you should have a passport to get into Mexico and get back into the U.S. However, this particular border crossing (Lukeville on the Arizona side, Sonoyta on the Mexico side) seems fine with just a driver’s license. We also had our expired passports and birth certificates. However, I advise erring on the side of caution and getting at least a passport card.
When we crossed into Mexico, a Mexican officer requested to look inside the truck, including the glove compartment and inside the trailer. They just did a visual search, opening only a couple of cabinets. After that, they sent us on our way. Just a reminder: firearms or ammunition are not legal to bring into Mexico. If you are planning a trip to Mexico, be sure to review the U.S. Department of State guidelines online. I had already been warned to be careful not to speed in Mexico and that while travel between Arizona and Rocky Point is safe, it is best to make the drive during the day.
PLANNING YOUR MEALS
You cannot take most meat, some types of dog food, or fruits and vegetables into Mexico. As a result, we traveled with nothing other than bottles of water and soda. There are local groceries stores, including a Sam’s Club. Rather than figuring out what was okay and what wasn’t, we chose to stop in Puerto Peñasco and buy groceries and dog food.
TRAVELING WITH PETS
We did take our two dogs with us. Animals should be up-to-date on their vaccinations and be sure they have been treated with flea and tick preventative. To avoid any issues about ownership, have a dated photo of your animal on your phone that shows proof of ownership.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR CAMPGROUND
We found the campground easily. Our campsite was huge, with way more than enough room for a 30-foot trailer and a crew cab truck. We arrived just in time for a stunning sunset. Our vacation was at the beginning of July, the onset of the hot and humid weather for the area. It was about 90 degrees during the day with 70 and 80 percent humidity every day we were there, in other words, very hot and humid. After talking to other travelers and locals, we learned that the prime season to go to Rocky Point is during the Fall and Spring.
ACTIVITIES
During our five-day stay, we spent a lot of time swimming. You can drive your vehicle right onto the beach at Choya Bay, and it seems to be a popular spot for locals. The water at Rocky Point is quite warm, almost to the point of not being refreshing. We spent time fishing and chartered a private fishing boat. It was inexpensive compared to the U.S. They provide poles, bait, and even filet your fish for you. Parasailing, zip-lining, and jet ski rentals abound. There are several places to rent off-road vehicles, with plenty of places to ride them. There are also boat tours to “Bird Island” where you can snorkel and kayak.
A WARNING
Our trip ended with a bit of trouble. We had been warned about speeding, so I was careful. However, heading back into the border town of Sonoyta, the speed limit changed quickly from 60 KPH to 40 KPH. I was pulling a trailer and slowed down as quickly as I could – but not quickly enough! I was pulled over for going just under 50 KPH. The officer took my license and issued me a ticket, stating the cost for speeding was 2000 pesos ($100). However, I only had about $10 cash. We followed the officer to several ATMs, all of which were out of order. We finally ended up losing the officer in traffic. The officer still had my license. So, not knowing what else to do, we located the police station. I went inside and told them what had happened. Long story short, the Police Chief was called to the station. In the meantime, the officer dropped by the station and left my license there. He ended up telling me to drive safely and gave my license back to me. That whole scenario added a couple of hours to our trip home and was pretty nerve-wracking. However, I never felt in danger at all. It was an interesting way to end the trip and gave us yet another story to tell!
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Overall, I would say the trip was enjoyable as well as a learning experience. I would go back again during better weather. And, unless I had more time, I would not pull my trailer again. I would love to try camping on the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico, maybe Rosarito Beach.
As more things open up and travel returns to normal, I’m hoping that camping will become just a little less popular again. In the meantime, stay safe, enjoy your time with family, and use the tools available to make whatever trip you take amazing.
TRICIA VLASAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on adventures.
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