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[The Traveller]

Looking to head to Puerto Penasco in January. Wondering if anyone has recommendations on where to camp other than RV Parks?  Any sweet, safe and secluded spots on the beach?

Thanks!

brad

[Camper_Dan]

Greetings!

I don't know whether free camping on the beach is allowed or not, but there was a dry camping campground just to the  North of Club Naval, in the Bellavista area.  It wasn't free, but if I would have considered expensive at the time, I would probably remember that.  It looked right out onto the beach, and I liked that a lot.

Beware of isolated or remote camping  in Mexico, bandits can be a problem.  I have also heard tales of corrupt cops, although I've never personally run into that problem.  The bandit situation is very real though, and the gangs are big enough to take on groups of several rigs or more.  There were 8  of us in 5 rigs, camped on the Baja California side.  We were all gathered around the campfire one night, and they descended upon us like a swarm of bees.  We didn't hear them or see them coming until it was too late.  They robbed us of our money, credit cards, and jewelry, then they were gone as quickly as they appeared.  The police were of no real help, and we were just lucky enough to have enough money stashed to get us back home.  They took our wallets, and the two of us that had regular homes, returned to also find their homes had been burglarized as well.  We suspect that it was related, but had no real proof.

That cured me from any more remote camping in Mexico.  I've had more than one bad experience south of the border, and tourists seem to be the targets of choice.  The resorts seem to be the safest, but remote areas, and long lonely stretches of road, can put you at risk.  If you see a wreck, don't stop, it might have been staged, and don't pick up any hitchhikers.  On another forum I read where a guy picked up a beautiful hitchhiker, and she pulled a gun on him and forced him to drive to where he was robbed.  Just be extra careful, and don't get yourself into any questionable situations and you should be okay.

Cheers!

[The Traveller]

Thanks Dan!  Appreciate the words of wisdom!  I have been trying to figure out if safe down there and am getting conflicting info.  Maybe its okay if I stick to the RV parks.

Brad

[Camper_Dan]

If you stick  to the populated areas you should be fine.  Stuff can still happen, but it's more rare.  Don't get drunk & stupid, or you'll get rolled.