The Best Beaches for RV Camping in Baja

Curious about beach camping Baja? We’ve taken our 30-foot travel trailer to Baja twice for multiple months at a time, and we’ve learned exactly what to expect when RVing on the beach in Baja.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best RV beach camping spots in Baja California and Baja California Sur, learn what to expect, and get some handy tips. Ready to explore beautiful beaches and enjoy the adventure? Let’s dive in.

What we love about RVing on the beach in Baja:

• Baja California offers diverse RV beach camping spots, appealing to both adventurous and relaxed campers, with noted locations like San Felipe and Playa Santispac.
• Camping facilities in Baja are often rustic, with limited amenities and first-come, first-served sites; staying prepared with essentials like insect repellent and water purification systems is crucial.
• The ideal times for camping in Baja are during fall, winter, and spring to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid extreme heat. Many RVing snowbirds head south in January after spending the holidays with family, so our favorite time in the Baja Peninsula is November and December.

Top RV Beach Camping Spots in Baja California and Baja California Sur

Baja, Mexico is renowned as a paradise for campers, offering an array of breathtaking destinations where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. From the bustling towns of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, to the serene and less crowded spots, Baja California (the northern state of the Peninsula) and Baja California Sur (the southern half of the Peninsula) have something for everyone. One of the most picturesque areas is Bahia Concepcion, famous for its scenic beach camping spots and dazzling turquoise waters, making it an ideal location to camp in baja for a baja camping trip.

Whether you’re into snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun, the rugged coastline and sandy beaches of Bahia de Los Angeles promise a unique and unforgettable camping experience.

Variety is the spice of life, and Baja doesn’t disappoint when it comes to camping accommodations. You can choose from tent camping, campervans, or RVs, each offering its own set of conveniences and thrills. Campervans, in particular, provide a mobile, comfortable, and economical solution, perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes of Baja. They’re not exactly perfect for a family of 5, but we don’t really feel restricted for options with our 30-foot travel trailer.

For those who seek calm waters and gentle waves, the East Coast along the Sea of Cortez is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling, while the West Coast’s Pacific Ocean offers exciting opportunities for surfing, whale watching, and deep-sea fishing.

What to expect from RVing on Baja Beaches

Camping in Baja is an adventure in itself, often embodying the spirit of spontaneity. Most beach camping spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a prime location. However, be prepared for rustic amenities. Clean, maintained toilets are a rarity; instead, expect dilapidated wooden sheds with a seat above a hole in the ground. Despite these challenges, the charm of Baja lies in its simplicity and the friendly locals who sell food, water, firewood, trinkets, and offer tours throughout the day.

If you’re getting ready to RV in Baja, here is our recommended packing list for RVing in Baja and our tips for preparing your RV for boondocking on the beach.

One thing to be aware of is the bugs, particularly sand flies and houseflies. Flypaper and insect repellent are must-haves. Additionally, the heat can be intense in the middle of the day, with little to no natural shade. An awning on your rig or beaches with palapas can provide much-needed relief from the sun. In the evenings and overnight, there is often a cool breeze and temperatures drop significantly. We’ve been in Baja from November-March and rarely had an evening where it was too warm to sleep comfortably.

Baja camping is often free from strict regulations, offering a sense of freedom but also requiring campers to be self-reliant and respectful of the environment. During the winter months, the beaches become popular with snowbirders, so expect some company and possibly crowded spots.

Most beach camping sites in Baja don’t offer hook-ups for RVs, so in many cases, you’ll be boondocking (or dry camping) on the beach. If you need amenities like electricity or water, head to a proper RV campground. Prices can be negotiable, so don’t hesitate to ask for a discount on multiple days, and since cash is still king in Baja, always get a receipt after paying.

A common issue is litter, with trash barrels often overflowing due to inefficient disposal systems on public beaches, but despite these challenges, the beauty of Baja beaches make every inconvenience worthwhile.

Even without hookups (electricity, water, or sewer) we love boondocking on the beach:

 

Best RV Beach Camping In Baja California

Baja California, the northern state of the Baja Peninsula, offers a mix of developed camping sites with city amenities and more remote spots. Whether you prefer the convenience of an RV park or the charm of a small beach with fewer facilities, this region has something to offer.

Here are some of the best camping spots in Baja California (the northern half of the peninsula)

Beach Camping in San Felipe

San Felipe is a vibrant city known for its two popular RV parks on the beach: Victor’s and Club Pescado. Both parks are within walking distance to the Malecon, the bustling downtown area by the water. Victor’s is more spacious and typically higher priced, making it a great choice for those who prefer a bit more room to maneuver. On the other hand, Club Pescado is ideal for those who are skilled at navigating tight spaces and offers a more budget-friendly option.

Here’s our view while RVing on the beach in San Felipe at Club Pescado:

We spent a month at Club Pescado in 2023, and while it can accommodate motorhomes and large trailers, it’s best suited for longer stays rather than short visits. In our experience, low tide seems to be most dramatic towards the North of the Sea of Cortez, so San Felipe offers some amazing opportunities to explore during low tide.

For those looking to stay outside the city, Pete’s RV park is a popular choice. Located about 10 minutes from town, it offers the most spacious beach-front RV parking in San Felipe. However, be prepared to drive into town for groceries, shopping, and dining.

Puertecitos (Hot Springs!)

Puertecitos is a hidden gem that feels almost like a ghost town, with more properties than people. The main (aka only) attraction here is the hot springs, which are best enjoyed during high tide when the sea water regulates the temperature of the hot water. The springs are nestled in lava rock, offering a rough yet natural experience. The serene environment and stunning natural landscapes make Puertecitos a unique destination for those seeking peace and quiet.

The Puertecitos RV Park provides camping facilities just a short walk from the hot springs, although amenities are limited and primarily offer a dry camping experience despite some electrical connections.

 

iOverlander page for Puertecitos

Campo La Poma (Playa Bufeo)

Campo La Poma, also known as Playa Bufeo, is an exception on the East Coast of Baja with higher winds and crashing waves (at least when we visited in November), making it a thrilling spot for those who love a bit of adventure. The camping area is situated on a steep slope, offering elevated views of the water. Sanitation amenities include showers and flush toilets located behind the on-site restaurant, which also serves breakfast and lunch.

Although the price is higher here and charged per person, the experience is well worth it, especially for families or groups. Our family of five enjoyed clamming at low tide, collecting a couple dozen clams in just a few minutes for dinner. It was a good stop over for us on our trip between San Felipe and Guererro Negro.

This is how Celine enjoyed her morning coffee while beach camping at La Poma:

Access to Campo La Poma is via a 1.5-mile dirt road, and the campsites include wooden palapas with tables and chairs. Nothing fancy,  but beautiful views and the sound of the waves on a windy night is amazing for sleeping.

Visit the iOverlander listing for Campo La Poma

Best RV Beach Camping in Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur, the southern state of the Baja Peninsula, offers an unending list of remote beach camping spots and RV parks. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a well-equipped campsite, Baja California Sur has it all.

Let’s dive into some of the best camping spots in this beautiful region, from Fishermen’s Beach in Guererro Negro to Playa Tule between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo.

Fishermen’s Beach, Guererro Negro

Fishermen’s Beach in Guererro Negro is a remote yet easily accessible spot that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Google “High tide in Guererro Negro” to see the schedule while you’re there as the road started to wash out during high tide the day we were getting ready to leave!

Here is the iOverlander listing with coordinates to Fishermen’s Beach

While we didn’t spot any marine life, others have reported seeing whales and seals from this location (usually in the spring). Expect some morning traffic as fishermen come and go. This spot offers a good alternative to campgrounds in Guerrero Negro where the electricity can be unreliable.

Playa Santispac, Mulege

Playa Santispac is a stunning location featuring white sand, clear blue water, and nearby islands, making it a picturesque camping destination. The camping fee is 200 pesos per night, and the site accommodates RVs, campervans, and tent campers, with palapas available for shade. The calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling, adding to the overall appeal of the location.

One unique feature of Playa Santispac is its hot springs. There are two springs: a small, muddy spring you can walk to and a larger one accessible by paddleboard or kayak.

The proximity to Mulege, about 20 minutes away, ensures easy access to groceries and restaurants. There are plenty of little shops that I’ve you a real taste of local life in Mexico.

Playa Santispac is popular among RVers, and we’ve often run into familiar faces here. It’s the first beach coming south with easy access off the highway, plenty of free space to park (so availability is reliable), and amazing views – a combination that’s hard to resist. Regular vendors also visit, selling fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods.

There are two restaurants on-site that both offer wifi (usually). The furthest restaurant is less active than when we were here the first time so it may be going out of business. We enjoyed Friday night karaoke with friends on our first night at the restaurant closest to the entrance.

Here is the iOverlander listing for Playa Santispac.

Playa El Coyote (Los Coyotes)

Playa El Coyote is a quieter spot compared to Santispac just a little further south, offering a more primitive camping experience with cabanas and pit toilets. The beautiful waters make it an excellent location for kayaking, with rentals available during peak times. The camping fees vary by season, so it’s best to check the current rates before planning your trip.

Unlike Santispac, Playa El Coyote has plenty of shady palm trees, giving it a Caribbean feel. However, the access road can be rough, and it’s best suited for smaller vehicles like truck campers or camper vans. Light sleepers might find the noise from the nearby highway a bit disturbing.

Overall, Playa El Coyote offers a serene camping experience with fewer crowds. We haven’t been ourselves, but if you’re interested, here is the iOverlander listing page.

Playa El Requeson

Playa el Requeson offers a unique camping experience with no formal facilities, allowing campers to set up directly on the beach on a sandy peninsula allowing you water views on both sides (assuming there isn’t another camper blocking that view). The highlight of this location is the sandbar that appears at low tide, connecting the beach to a small island offshore. The entrance fee is 200 pesos, which includes access to restrooms (which most of us declined to use).

Visitors can also witness bioluminescence along the shores of Bahia Concepcion (the bay which includes Santispac, Requeson, and Coyote), adding to the magical allure of this beach. Climbing a nearby hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, though it may require some climbing skills.

Playa el Requeson is situated about 20 miles south of Mulege and is easily reachable from Highway 1.

See the iOverlander listing for Requeson.

Playa La Salinita (Loreto)

Just outside of Loreto, Playa La Salinita offers free camping with elaborate palapas available if you’re lucky. However, be aware of the soft sand when choosing your parking spot. The beach is also close to the airport, so you’ll experience planes flying overhead.

We stayed at this beach for 8 days in November and saw one or two planes each day – not early morning or in the night, but of course, there are no guarantees. A few times each day, locals would drive by, and a couple of times, people stopped to use the palapa next to our trailer or fish off the shore right in front of us, even though the entire rest of the beach was empty, but they had a short visit and were very polite for their stay, so it wasn’t a concern for us.

At this location, you’re about a 10-minute drive to downtown Loreto for gas stations, major grocery chains (like Super Ley) and restaurants to enjoy. Since the beach was so quiet, we didn’t mind leaving out trailer for a few hours. We didn’t have any concerns, and the police were patrolling regularly.

We didn’t have any vendors coming by to sell tamales, blankets, or seafood. There probably aren’t enough people at this beach to make the trip worthwhile.

We did have one instance when a guy pulled his vehicle off the road right next to our trailer at 4am. Our sleep was disturbed by his music outside our window, but that music also told me he wasn’t trying to sneak around or be there unnoticed. I stuck my head out the door at 4:30 so he knew we were aware he was there. He was fishing in the dark at the shoreline and waved at me.

None of our outdoor furniture was touched, and he was gone by the time we woke up in the morning. Since this was a free beach, I guess this is to be expected. At a paid spot (like Santispac, for instance) the $200 pesos entry probably deters people from just showing up for a few hours.

To reach this beach, use the route through the city of Loreto rather than the route directly off Highway 1. The route through the city is a longer distance, but you’ll have more paved roads without bushes scraping your vehicle compared to the road off the highway. Check the listing on iOverlander for Playa Salinita.

Playa El Tecolote

Playa El Tecolote is a popular camping spot offering free camping with a scenic view of the beach. Restaurants and outhouses are available for campers. The beach is also home to several seafood restaurants, providing convenient dining options.

This site is easily access from La Paz, making it a bustling spot for travelers and locals who are looking to get out for a beach day. The space is first come first served with very little instruction or direction about where you can or can’t park, but there’s often plenty of space. Like Santispac, this is a common place for snowbirds to visit, so there’s often someone to meet or someone to reconnect with at Tecolote.

 

There can be people enjoying their music late into the evening. Culturally, there isn’t much concern for noise, so be aware that at beaches in Baja, it’s not unusual for someone to park next to you and turn on music to enjoy late into the evening or until morning.

We had a friend with a fifth wheel visiting Tecolote and a local set up their tent for the day underneath the overhang portion of the fifth wheel. Proximity doesn’t seem to be a cultural concern.

See Tecolote’s listing on iOverlander.

Tecolote’s entrance leads to Playa Balandra’s entrance – a popular day trip from La Paz for both locals and cruise ship excursions. It’s a beautiful crystal-clear bay with calm waters perfect for paddleboarding, nearly surrounded by mountains with a small outlet to the Sea of Cortez. (It was just a beach to me, but Celine and the boys really enjoyed it)

Playa Balandra doesn’t allow camping, and they let in a group of people in the morning and one in the afternoon to control access and overcrowding. Search ahead for times and get in line early if you’re hoping for access.

Los Barilles

Like San Felipe, Los Barilles offers a few full-service RV parks right on the beach, making it a popular destination for campers. The most popular RV parks here are Playa Norte and Baja Sunrise RV P