Book Additions and Corrections

Editors Note: We receive much of this information from others by mail, email, or in person. We haven't confirmed most of it ourselves. We like to add the names of the sources of the information we receive, if you don't want your name mentioned be sure to tell us in any email you send.

Ferries - Page 48

 

December 15, 2007 Reader Report - Have just taken ferry from La Paz to Topolobambo. The ferry is ex Stena lines from Europe and very nice. Wanted to go to Mazatlan, but quoted 12,500 pesos for 28 ft motorhome! More than a semi trailer, according to advertised prices. This run is 6,240 pesos for the rig and 710 pesos per person, which includes meal and drink. Friends in 19ft van paid 3,110 pesos. Buying ticket was long process, we were at office in line-up at 9am, didn't get tickets til 11. Then went and parked in loading area. What a fiasco, the ramp was so steep, many of the semi trailers were unable to get up, they were supposed to reverse!  Loading had started before we got there, and continued for several hours. Scheduled departure time 3pm, 1/2 hour later we left. Supposed to be 5hr trip, it was well past 11pm before we were unloaded. Driver only allowed to vehicle deck, so trying to link up afterwards a nightmare as no designated pick up area. One good thing, we were allowed/encouraged to stay in terminal parking area overnight. Suggest people allow lots more time than we are accustomed to in US/Canada, nothing moves efficiently in the whole process.

 

Low Sulphur Diesel - Page 48

 

December 28, 2007 - Last we heard this reader was in Catemaco (well into Mexico). He's driving a new model diesel and says no problems. Here's his take on the low sulphur diesel problem. As for ourselves, we don't have a clue so do your research and make your own decision. Also, don't forget to check with your manufacturer about warranty issues.

 

There's still no ulsd fuel anywhere south of the border towns with the USA but a search of the major diesel forums like dieselplace.com, and the rv.net forum on Mexico, will find a number of owners who have taken their 2007 and 2008 model trucks into Mexico, including us.

As predicted by ALL of the scientific studies, the emissions system does NOT get destroyed by the use of Mexican diesel. The regeneration cycles which clean the DPF (diesel particulate filter) tend to be a bit smokey as the extra sulfur is burned off, but otherwise everything operates normally. All of the scientific testing indicates that it takes at least 40,000 miles on higher sulfur fuel to cause any measurable changes to the DPF. You can find links to these scientific test at dieselplace.com in the Fourth Generation LMM engine section.

The reason it is illegal to use fuel with higher than 15ppm in the USA is because the higher sulfur fuels produce emissions which exceed the allowable limits. The rule has almost nothing to do with longevity of the DPF.

The highest number of miles on a new truck using Mexican diesel I have been able to find is an owner in the Baja who has done more than 8000 miles on a new Dodge fitted with the DPF.

Bottom line - it is extremely unlikely that any harm will be done to one of the new truck engines by a trip into Mexico. As of this posting there is not a single example to be found on any diesel forum of someone who had a problem using the higher sulfur fuel.

 

October 31, 2007 Update - I know for certain that Pemex is working like crazy at the refinery level to get the new fuel out to the stations. All diesel truck engine manufacturers in Mexico now specify ULSD and sales of new commercial trucks are way down. Good thing the manufacturers had an inventory of earlier Moderate Sulfur engines. One of the criteria that Pemex specified for the news release and advertising of ULSD at the station level is for "enough" of the new fuel to flush out all of the old fuel from station tanks to insure that anything dispensed at the pump will not violate whatever specifications the new fuel is meant to meet. I helped my dad run a large gas station back in the seventies. It did a lot of volume yet it took more than six months before the new unleaded gasoline flushed out the heretofore leaded regular bulk tank! At least that is what the California Emission Control headquarters told us. - Courtesy of David Eidell

 

October 25, 2007 Update - We've been receiving some questions about the availability of low sulphur diesel in Mexico. As you probably know all diesel-engined vehicles sold in the US and Canada, beginning with the 2007 model year, require the use of low sulphur diesel. I've questioned reps of major manufacturers and they tell me that any use of higher sulphur fuels will cause a breakdown within very few miles, and also probably void the engine warranty. Almost all diesel sold for vehicles in the US and Canada is now OK for those 2007 vehicles. I asked David Eidell, a long-time Mexico traveler and also the operator of Flores de Las Peñas RV Park near Ixtapa (page 161 of the third edition) to look into this and here's what he found:

I intercepted the following breve from Petroleos Mexicanos with more information about the possibilities of actually seeing ultra-low sulfur diesel in the near (rather than far) future:

Ok Guys, here you go... the memo (resumed and translated, if you want to read the full note, in spanish, go to: http://www.apartados.hacienda.gob.mx/novedades/espanol/docs/comunicado_095_2006.pdf):

On January 30th, 2006, the Secretary for the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), published in the Federal Official Diary, the "Specifications for fossil fuels for the protection of the environment", in which are stated the new requirements Pemex will have to comply with, in order to produce and commercialized the fuels and diesel that are sell throughout our country.

The new Premium Ultra Low Sulfur, should have an average of 30 millions per part of sulfur (30 ppm), while the new Pemex Diesel Ultra Low Sulfur will have a maximum of 15 ppm.

These new norms and specifications, are the result of a revision process that started in May of 2002, and in which the private, public and academic sectors participated.

It must be noted that Pemex began to delivered the Premium fuel with the required specifications on October 2006. The quality required should be gradually met, due to the actual existence of fuel in the Gas Station's tanks, with a high content of Sulfur.

Regarding Diesel Ultra Low Sulfur (Diesel UBA), it's introduction began on October 2006, in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. In January 2007 in will be extensive throughout the Northern part of Mexico and then to the rest of the country.

Editor's note - the following is Dave's analysis:

We should be reminded that in Mexico we only have two kinds of Diesel... Regular diesel and Marine diesel... that is it... while in the States the are several ones, each with different quality and quantities of sulfur.

This is a little confusing, but all-in-all I believe that it (the letter) is trying to tell us that the company had reforulated its diesel to "low sulfur" and now it is in the process of converting to ultra low sulfur diesel.

Most of the gasolineras have banners announcing that premium gasoline is "UBA" and they have been around for perhaps the last eight months.

But none of the stations that I have encountered so far have a banner declaring a new diesel fuel.

I will keep current on this and hopefully we will hear of a new diesel before it becomes "old news".

Saludos!
David

Editor's further note: Sounds to us like Pemex started producing and delivering diesel with 30 ppm of sulphur in October 2006. Hope that's right but we haven't been able to confirm it for sure. We'd appreciate a note from anyone with further information. If you have a diesel vehicle you should check with the manufacturer to see what its fuel requirements are. You might consider skipping Mexico this year unless you can be sure that diesel meeting your vehicle's specifications is available.

 

Fuel Prices - Page 48

 

November 4, 2007 Reader Report- Magna sin (regular gas) is 7.01 pesos per liter and diesel is 5.93 pesos per liter or $2.45 and $2.08 US, respectively/gallon at rate of 10.8pesos/ US dollar. - Courtesy of Bruce and Linda DesChamps Editor's Note: Prices will be higher within 20 km or so of the US border.

Maps - Page 55

November 8, 2005 - In our discussion of the best maps to use while traveling in Mexico we mention World Wide Books and Maps in Seattle as a good source for the Guia Roji por las Carreteras de México road atlas. We neglected to give their order number and website address. Here they are: 206 634-3453 and www.worldwidebooksandmaps.com

 

Baja Peninsula Tourist Card Procedures - Page 70

 

While researching our the third edition of our book Camping Mexico's Baja we found that procedures for tourist cards on the Baja have changed. Most importantly, it is no longer possible to get Tourist Cards at the Migracion office in Ensenada, it must be done at the border. Also, tourist cards are required for all visits to the Baja (in theory even very short term visits) except San Felipe and the Sonora Free Zone. Here is the information about tourist cards on the Baja from the new book:

 

You must have a Tourist Card if you are going to travel on the Baja except in Puerto Peñasco, Golfo de Santa Clara, or San Felipe. These are obtained at the Migración office at the border or from agents in the U.S., notably Discover Baja or Vagabundos del Mar. To get your card you must present identification in the form of your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate and a picture I.D. like your driver's license. The card is issued for a set length of time, you should be asked how long you plan to be in Mexico. Make sure to get a card giving you enough time for unexpected extensions. There is a fee of 210 pesos (about $19 U.S.) per person for the card. If you are getting the card at the border the money is not collected at the Migración office. Instead you take it to a bank and pay there. Sometimes there is a bank at the crossing, at other times you'll have to visit a bank in town. The card is validated by a stamp at the bank. If you are buying your card from an agent in the US you pay when you get it, but you still must get the card stamped when you cross the border at the Migración office there.

 

Note that if you are in Mexico for less than seven days you do not have to pay for the tourist card. Note also that you are required to turn in the card when you cross the border heading north.

 

A word of warning is in order. The borders are very crowded and it can be difficult to find a place to park while you go inside to get your tourist cards. Many people find it easier to spend the night near the border the day before going into Mexico. They walk across the border from the US, get their cards, and then come back into the US. That way they can drive across the next day with no stop. It is no longer possible to get cards in Ensenada or at the border between Baja California and Baja California Sur near Guerrero Negro as in prior years. However, you will be checked to make sure you have one at the checkpoint at that location.

The towns of Puerto Peñasco and Golfo de Santa Clara fall within the Sonora free zone. Neither tourist cards nor vehicle permits are required for visiting these places. Cards and permits are not required for visits to San Felipe either. 

See also the warning about passport stamps below.

 

People Documentation - Page 70

 

March 31, 2007 Update - The plot thickens. Today we departed Mexico at the Santa Teresa crossing just west of El Paso. We found a sign (in English) posted which read as follows:

 

Read duties and obligations on back of your Migratory Form (FMN, FMVC or FMT Permit).

The migratory Form has a $237.00 pesos fee and has to be paid in any bank in Mexico, please read list in the back of the Migratory Form (Permit).

The Migratory Form has to be returned IN PERSON to any Mexican Immigration Office (not to the Consulate), right when you are leaving the country and before the expiration date.

Avoid fines, make sure that the officer stamps your passport when issuing and when canceling (returning) your permit.

If you got a Migratory Permit previously and you lost it, you don't have it with you and/or your passport shows lack of a stamp out, you won't be able to get a new one unless you get a Comparecencia por Perdita de Documentos, (loss of Federal Documents Report) from the Averiguaciones Previas Office (police department).

If an untimely opened stamp on Migratory Form (Permit) has to be closed (or returned), a fine of $50.87 pesos has to be paid for each day that got overdue.

Don't get confused, when you cancel the car permit (in its case), you are not canceling the migratory permit, the migratory permit has to be canceled in the Mexican immigration offices.

 

Although the language is a little hard to follow it is apparent that passport stamps are now being used to control the issuance and collection of visas. We've been expecting that the system would eventually be in place to make sure people turn in their visas when leaving Mexico, now it apparently is. Unfortunately, the process is still somewhat confusing and officials are sometimes trying to claim that stamps should be in your passport even though they were not always available in the past. Our advice is to make sure you get your passport stamped when entering Mexico, turn in your paid visa form when you leave, and get a Salida stamp in your passport to prove you've done so. Note that although we have returned our visas religiously over the years we still had some entry stamps in our passport without matching exit stamps. The Migración officer, this time, was not concerned about that and did not give us any problems.

 

March 2, 2007 Update - Although we have never had this happen to us we are beginning to hear reports from others. Sometimes, when you enter Mexico by RV, your passport gets stamped with an entry stamp at the Migracion office. If so you must make sure that you get it stamped again when you leave. Some people have recently been threatened with fines for not doing this. In at least one case significant legal fees were incurred in getting a proposed fine reduced.

 

Vehicle Documentation - Page 71

 

October 20, 2007 Reader Report - Many readers have been having problems with the new 10-year vehicle import permits. The question is - what happens if you sell the vehicle while outside Mexico? Mexican border officials would not accept paperwork showing that the vehicle was sold and travelers were not being allowed to take the new vehicle into Mexico because computer records showed they already had one in the country. Here's the first report we've received of a successful resolution of the problem, also a link to a PDF format form that you can download and print out for your own use if you too have this problem.

 

If you recall, I had a problem, with the cancellation of my Mexican vehicle import permit.  I unexpectedly sold my car in Colorado in between visits to Mexico and did not surrender the permit.  This same difficulty will probably start to happen to many RVers with the new 10-year permit when they sell their rigs.

I got, over time, four different versions of a new Mexican government form to request cancellation of the permit without presenting the vehicle.  A copy of the form that worked for me is attached; for my own use, I had it translated into English and that version is also attached.

I finally got the new cancellation form to work.  After filling out the "Imported or Exported Definitively" section of the form, I mailed it with the following additional items to the address in Mexico City given on the form:

- The original importation form (from which the hologram was peeled)
- The original hologram
- A notarized letter (in this case from a US auto dealer) indicating that car was sold in the US
- A photocopy of the bill of sale
- A photocopy of my US drivers license
- A photocopy of my passport
- A photocopy of a recent utility bill to document my current address

Of course, I made photocopies of everything I sent and sent the envelope via registered mail.  I don't know if all of these precautions were necessary, but sending everything listed above was advice I got at the border.

By the way, I tried to submit all of the above at two border stations (Nogales and Pharr) and neither would accept them.  Both stations told me I had to send the form the Mexico City.

After two months, I got an official "Certificate of Return" indicating the permit was canceled.  I haven't yet tried to import another vehicle, but I don't think I will have any problems.

I hope you can spread the word and distribute the form.

Here's the form. Click here and it will upload to your computer. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to do it. Then print it out. Note that there are two pages. One is in English, the other in Spanish. You'll want to file only the Spanish form, but the English translation should help you fill it out.

 

June 3, 2007 Reader Report - We have been traveling to Mexico for some time with a truck and trailer that are owned by our business. I write a letter on company letter head giving myself permission to enter Mexico with the rig; this has always been accepted after some discussion with the customs officials. Last year we crossed at Columbia near Laredo with no problem, this year at the same crossing we were informed that the letter is no longer acceptable. In future only a registration showing the driver as owner would be accepted. After 2 hours of discussion with various officials, I signed the ownerships over to myself and was issued a Vehicle Import Permit.

We were also issued a 10 Year permit for the trailer, but if you come back the following year with a different unit you will not be issued a new permit until the old one is returned. In other words plan ahead, if you have a 10 year permit for one trailer turn it in at the border if you are coming back with a new one. - Courtesy of Bob Berman
 

December 19, 2006 Update - Since Mexican border officials started giving RVs 10-year permits last year many of us have wondered what would happen if the rig was sold between visits to Mexico. Here's one reader's experience:

We encountered a situation with our 10 year hologram that we received last year that perhaps others should be aware of. We sold our MH when we returned and kept the hologram, and paper work. When we arrived this year at the border with our new MH we were not allowed to put the MH in my husbands name as the sold unit was in his name and they only allow one motorhome in one persons name although you can have an additional car as a second vehicle in the same name now. The Mexicans insisted that we must return with the old unit and have them remove the hologram even though we had our invoice showing that it had been traded and the old hologram with us. This is a circumstance that the Mexicans had not anticipated with the 10 year permits that many North Americans do not
keep a vehicle 10 years. Fortunately the MH was in both our names and I was allowed to put it in my name. As it stands we have one permit on the new unit good for 10 years and 9 years left on the other before we may have to deal with not turning it in, but I don't know what will happen if the new owner of our old unit tries to come to Mexico. We haven't decided how to
address the issue but will contact the consulates when we return to Canada.
Our advice is if you are contemplating selling your unit and it has a 10 year permit to turn it in when you leave and keep the receipt and to make certain that all vehicles are in both names so that you have some flexibility. - M. Wiltshire

 

Editor's Note: We agree that it would be a good idea to turn in that hologram at the border if you're planning to sell the motorhome during the coming year. On another note - the reader states that one driver is allowed to bring in both a motorhome and a tow car. This is not always true. For example, at Nogales we've received reports that some travelers are allowed two vehicles and others have been turned down. At most other crossings only one vehicle per driver's license is being allowed. The policy is definitely not being uniformly applied.

 

December 5, 2005 Update - We received a pleasant shock when we crossed the border at Nogales on November 30. Motorhomes were being issued 10 year vehicle permits. The cost was 530.64 pesos or about $50.50 US. The girl at the Banjercito said that new rules went into effect three days before. This apparently does not affect pickups since we (in a pickup camper) could only get the normal 6-month permit for a price of 318.38 pesos or about $30.30 US. We'll have to see what they do with fifth-wheels. Let us know. Also, we were told that as part of the new rules one driver can now bring in two motor vehicles. That means single RV motorhome drivers can now bring in a tow vehicle. This is all new and seems almost too good to be true, let us know what happens when you come in. Send us an email using the link at the left or to rollinghomes@pocketmail.com.

 

Actual Procedures at the Border - Page 74

 

October 3, 2008 Update - A reader has written to point out that in this section we recommend filling with fuel before heading into Mexico. This made sense in past years when Mexican fuel prices were higher than US fuel prices. These days the situation is reversed and most people wait until they hit Mexico before fillng the tanks.

 

Coming Back Into the U.S. - Page 75

 

March 4, 2007 Update - We have been receiving requests for information from folks who have heard that they must leave Mexico at the same crossing they used when entering. This is not true, you can enter and leave at any crossing with a Migracion office. If you need to give up your vehicle hologram you must make sure it's a crossing with an Banjercito office.

See the warning about stamps in your passport under People Documentation - Page 70 above.

 

Chula Vista, California / Tijuana, Baja California Border Crossing - Page 77

 

It is no longer possible to get Tourist Cards at the Migración office in Ensenada. See the write-up above under Page 70.

 

Tecate Border Crossing - Page 79

 

June 7, 2007 Update - It has been reported to us that the Banjercito has been removed from the

crossing at Tecate. That means you can't get rid of your vehicle hologram here any more. This is only a problem for travelers who have been on the mainland since Baja travelers are not required to get them. It now appears that the best place to get rid of holograms is the Calexico East/Mexicali II crossing just east of Mexicali. They have a new Banjercito although it seems to be open only during normal business hours.

 

December 13, 2005 Update - The Tecate border crossing has changed. The crossing is now about 2 miles east of town.  From the town square go east on the old Mex 2 to get there. The US-side lanes for rigs heading into the US are very tight for big rigs, there has apparently been a lot of damage to big rigs trying to pass through it. Exercise caution.

 

Mexicali Border Crossings - Page 80

 

June 7, 2007 Update - The Calexico East/Mexicali II crossing now has a Banjercito so it is possible to get vehicle paperwork heading south and get rid of holograms when heading north. Hours seem to be limited to normal business hours. 

 

Nogales Crossing - Page 84

 

December 28, 2007 Update - The downtown Nogales gate (also known as Garita #1 or the Deconcini Gate) is not open for RVs northbound. It's very crowded and the RV lane on the far right has been converted to an electronic FAST lane for commuters. Don't attempt this gate in an RV, you'll be turnd back by the U.S. border inspectors. - Courtesy of MOISHEH and ROCMOC

 

January 26, 2006 Update - The Nogales Mariposa gate is now open on Sundays for RVs. This is the crossing that is west of town and that is accessible from the south using the toll bypass. It's the best crossing for big rigs since you don't have to drive through Nogales. It was formerly closed on Sundays.

 

Naco Crossing - Page 85

 

March 16, 2009 Update - We crossed the Border yesterday back in to the US. It is true that the Naco Banjercito office is closed, but I checked the official Banjercito-Website and found that they have moved the office to the mining town of Cananeo some 60 Miles south west of Naco on Mex 2. We returned our Vehicle-Permit there and they would also issue new ones. It is very easy to reach just one block from Mex 2 running through Cananeo and it has a parking lot for rigs up to 30ft. Bigger rigs will find enough room alongside the street. You drive on Mex 2 (from the north and the south) until you reach a roundabout with a monument in the middle. Here you turn right coming from the south or left coming from the north, follow the sign CENTRO just one block to the next traffic lights. You will find PEMEX 7325 to your left. Here you turn left (behind the PEMEX) and right into the parking-lot (just for 3 rigs) of the first building to your right. This is the Banjercito. It took us 5 minutes to get the hologram removed and the paperwork finalised. GPS: N 30° 59` 25.5`` W 110° 16` 55.7``
So Naco is still an option and we found it is a very good one. - Courtesy of Georg and Conny

 

February 8, 2007 Update - We have received the following reader report. If this is a permanent situation it means that Naco is no longer an option for entering and leaving Mexico since the Banjercito is necessary for issuing vehicle papers and turning in holograms. Note, however, that the Douglas crossing is nearby.

 

We re-entered the States through Naco.  We found that the Banjercito had closed there on or about the week of February 01, 2007.  As a result we drove on to Douglas to return our vehicle permits.  Just another little adventure that we ended up enjoying as the RV park between Naco and Douglas was cheap, $14, and the people that run it are super friendly. - Courtesy of  Bob and Louise Horner

 

Columbus, NM / Palomas, Chihuahua Crossing - Page 87

 

November 9, 2007 Update -The border crossing at Columbus, NM/Palomas is really easy. We were surprised to see the Migracion official scan our passports and receive data back about us, a system he said is the same as in the U.S. The only copies we needed were one each of the vehicle registrations and of the new tourist permits. We received a 10-year import permit for the fifth wheel, and put our stickers on vehicles ourselves. - Courtesy of Gigi and Chuck Taylor

 

Santa Teresa Crossing - Page 88

 

April 1, 2007 Update - The Santa Teresa crossing is now even easier for RV crossings back into the US. There is now a special lane on the right as you near the border for turning in your auto import permit. They'll let you park near the exit to this lane so you can walk over to the Migración office to turn in your tourist card and get your passport exit stamp. Another improvement is the toll road that leaves the north/south Mex 45 near Km 331 and leads directly to the crossing so you don't have to go anywhere near Ciudad Juarez and you don't have to go through the Km 30 checkpoint on Mex 45. Tolls are as follows: Autos and Pickups - 41 pesos; 2 Axles - 103 pesos; 3 Axles - 128 pesos; 4 Axles - 154 pesos; 5 Axles - 206 pesos, 6 Axles - 229 pesos; 7 Axles - 249 pesos; 8 Axles - 270 pesos; 9 Axles - 319 pesos. You can also reach the crossing by continuing north on Mex 45 to about Km 350 and then traveling east on Mex 2 to the road up to Santa Teresa. This way you would avoid the tolls although you would have to pass through the Km 30 checkpoint and travel through the outskirts of Cd. Juarez. 

 

Columbia Port of Entry, Near Laredo Texas - Page 90

 

5/31/07 Update - We cross at Colombia.  Coming back in April we noticed that they had changed the procedure a bit- you go to the same building as when you entered Mexico, to the tiny immigration office on the north side of the building & turn in your tourist cards, then (this is the new part) you drive back & do a u-turn to put you on the road again, & instead of turning into the building parking lot you pass that entrance & go to a new very tiny white "booth" where they take your import papers & sticker.  Then you are off!  Last year we did all that in the same 1st building.  It was a bit confusing, but once you have done it, it makes sense.  - Information courtesy of Paul and Linda Leonard

 

Editor's Note - This change is designed to help RVers get rid of their vehicle import holograms when leaving Mexico. There's also a new booth now at the Santa Teresa crossing west of El Paso described above. 

 

Pharr International Bridge - Page 92

 

November 11, 2005 Update - To clarify the driving directions change them as follow:

The book now reads: The turn is 4.8 miles  (7.7 km) from where you turned west onto Mex 2.

Change this to read: The turn is 4.8 miles  (7.7 km) from where you turned west onto Mex 2. This is actually a retorno, after heading back east for about 100 yards take the right to follow Hwy. 97 south. - Courtesy of Jim and Louise Cirka

 

El Caracol RV Resort and Ranch, Alamos - Page 108

 

December 14, 2007 Reader Report - Spoke to Dee out at Caracol yesterday.  She has sold “the ranch” but is still living there and doesn’t seem to know what she is going to do so I would have to guess her departure is not imminent.  She said that if someone still wanted to stay there she supposed they could and in fact encouraged us to move out there.  According to her the new owners “have big plans to improve the park”.  But they are not moving down here until spring.  Just my guess now but I would say nothing has changed for this winter – anybody who has stayed there in the past will still be welcome – and newbies too for that matter.  Dee will likely move somewhere – she was talking about either Alamos or San Francisco so that gives her a lot of latitude – and then we will have to check next winter to see what the new owners are doing, if anything

 

November 23, 2007 Reader Report - On Nov.10/07 we found El Caracol RV Resort & Ranch with a closed gate in mid afternoon.It appeared deserted-no RVs or people around. - Courtesy of Sharon and Garry Channell

 

Bahía Kino - Page 110

 

September 29, 2006 Reader Update -

 The road is finished now and in good shape. Driving time from Hermosillo to Kino has been reduced considerably. It is still a two lane road but for the most part there are now wide shoulders. What is interesting is that the locals seem to be somewhat reluctant to pull over on these when one is trying to pass, which can be a bit frustrating when there is a lot of traffic coming the other way. - Marianne and Al Jamieson

 

November 19, 2005 Update - They're upgrading the road out to Kino Bay. Here's a message from a reader that was dated 11/9/05:

 

Just returned from short visit to Bahia Kino. Boy oh boy, hadn't seen such bad roads in a long time. At least 20 to 25 kms under constructing at all times till April 2006. Suggest you ask in Hermosillo what detour you can take, it's that bad in places. Coming down to San Carlos, the manager at our camping drew us a detailed map on how to bypass the construction going south. About 45 kms longer ,but worth it. The detour will change from week to week as the work progresses. When this road is finished it'll be great travelling there, almost 4 lanes all the way. - Rene Turgeon

 

Caverna Del Seri Trailer Park, Kino Bay - Page 111

February 19, 2007 Update - Caverna Del Seri Trailer Park is no more and has been bulldozed. - Courtesy of Tony and Loraine Leeming

 

Hotel Saro, Kino Bay - Page 114

February 19, 2007 Update - Hotel Saro RV park is closed. - Courtesy of Tony and Loraine Leeming

 

La Playa RV Resort, Kino Bay - Page 115

 

February 19, 2007 Update - We are at La Playa RV Park right now and can report that most of the sites are for full timers and about 11 are available for overnighters. The hot tub is finished and is lovely. - Courtesy of Tony and Loraine Leeming.

 

Centro Recreativo Los Cascabeles, Culiacán - Page 117

 

January 2, 2009 Update - We visite the resort in December and found it open. The name is now Jardines La Rinconada. The entrance is about a quarter mile to the east of the old entrance. There is a staffed reception area now, much more formal. The RV sites are unchanged and access to them along a road under some low-hanging branches. RVs to about 11.5 feet can make it with care, taller rigs would have more serious problems and could easily sustain some vent-cover damage or worse. The nightly fee is now 200 pesos.

 

January 12, 2006 Update - The Centro appears to be closed for the season. Here's an update from some readers:

 

We tried to stop this week at Centro Recreativo Las Cascables south of Culiacan.  They are closed for remodeling for 5 months.  After some discussion, they agreed to allow us in for just one night after 6pm when the workers and construction equipment was gone. - Dave Ewoldt and Dianne Parott

 

RV Park de El Fuerte in El Fuerte, Sinaloa - Page 119

 

January 31, 2007 Report From Owner - I no longer have WiFi service in the park. Please delete the WiFi icon, for my park, from the next printing of your book.
Thanks, Bill Trimble, RV Park de El Fuerte, Toll Free US & Canada 01 866 830-0239, CASA: 01152 698 893-1138, FAX 01152 698 893-1456, E-MAIL: billtrimble@prodigy.net.mx, DOVE: http://www.rvmex.com/Wing-Shooting.htm, TOUR: http://www.rvmex.com/Copper_Canyon_Tour.htm, RV PARK: www.rvmex.com

December 15, 2007 Reader Report - At El Fuerte rv park Bill is charging $25 or 275 pesos. Washrooms were in bad shape. Jejenes (black flies) were really bad. Laundry was locked, quoted $2 for wash and same for dry.

 

Hotel Bugambillias in El Fuerte, Sinaloa - Page 120

 

December 15, 2007 - After heavy rains the central area was really muddy. However, Trini the owner was very helpful, we had use of motel room for toilet and shower, and cost was 150 pesos with electric hookup. She did a load of laundry for us for 50 pesos. Also we could use the motel's outdoor patio area with chairs and table. She has plans to add more sites and put in concrete patios, but needs more paying clients to accomplish this. She has lots of storage area, and I understood she wouldn't charge to leave rigs there while away on train trip if no hookup. Her new phone/fax is 01 6988 931553. Her cell 044 6981 061343 . For those who like to fish or hunt, her husband offers guide services. No English spoken.

 

El Mirador RV Park, San Carlos, Sonora - Page 122

 

March 1, 2009 Reader Report -

The owners of the park died an unfortunate death some time ago. Ownership is in flux at this time. Sue and I stayed here a couple of years ago. It was wonderful! Now, the place is in a state of neglect. Cases in point:
- I walked from our site to the men's room – there is a short flight of stairs on the way. It had been set-up with, perhaps three light fixtures on the center rail for after-dark use. All of the bulbs are gone, the covers (lenses) are missing and the fixtures are badly rusted.
- At the men's room there was no water. Sinks and showers were dry. Commodes seemed to be functional.
- Virtually every utility pedestal at the RV sites is in a state of disrepair. No receptacle is "held down" by even one screw – but the electricity works and maybe the TV. There appears to be water dripping from the faucet at almost every pedestal.
- The wall facing the marina is deteriorating. And on and on.
- The Web site for the Park is in "redesign" according to the clerk, who was very courteous and accommodating. She acknowledged that the email address is no good and told me that a person wishing to make a reservation should use "elmirador-rv@hot mail.com. Or, her personal email is "channa-sm@hot mail.com . She also said that they are down to only the two phone numbers for reservations (818) 435-2048 and (818) - 470 8886. Apparently they are both U.S. Numbers - I didn't try them earlier because I knew I'd be coming back here, regardless. When I contacted you I was simply frustrated since we'd made and paid for a reservation, in person, and wanted to see if the clerk would change it. She did, on the spot, when we arrived. As noted above, she was very courteous and accommodating.
- Rates at present are $28 (U.S.) per night, $175 per week, $325 per two weeks, $462.50 for three weeks. 1 month is $595, 3 months is $495 per month.
- The restaurant is and has been closed for more than a year. It WAS absolutely fantastic soon after it opened. Channa expected the restaurant would reopen when the new management takes over.
- The Park is no longer a year-round Park. It'll close this summer. Hopefully, when it reopens in the fall it will, again, be a year-round Park
- Courtesy of Temp Reynolds

 

 

Sonora RV Park, Hermosillo, Sonora - Page 125

 

January 31, 2008 Update - We recently received an email from Fausto Garcia, owner of the Sonora RV Park in Hermosillo. As readers have previosly reported he now has 15 full-hookup sites. He offers free WiFi and has a website with information at www.sonorarv.com . Sr. Garcia says that he invites RVers traveling south to stop and pick up free information brochures about Sonora and other destinations.

 

December 19, 2007 Reader Report - The Sonora RV Park, Hermosillo now has 15 back-in full hook-up sites (30 amp) suitable for any size rig, two electric only, a dump station, and free wi-fi as well as plenty of dry camping. Heading south there are several signs announcing the park, but no signs that are easy to see for those heading northward.

 

November 1, 2007 Reader Report - Crossed early at Nogales and spent 10/25/07 at Sonora RV Park just north of Hermosillo (between Km. 7 & 8 on Hwy.15). The park now has 15 all new FHU back-in spaces for any size rig. Good 30 amp electic and good water pressure in a secure facility. Lots of room for dry camping. Rest room but still no shower. Owner speaks English. $20 per night, $400 per mo.

 

December 27, 2006 Update - Hermosillo has long needed an RV park, and now it has one. It's a convenient stopping place if you're headed south along Mex 15 since it's near the half-way point between the border and San Carlos/Guaymas. Also, Hermosillo is an interesting destination in it's own right. The name of the campground is the Sonora RV Park. Heading south it's on the right between Km 7 and 8 just north of Hermosillo off Mex 15 with easy access from the highway and a good sign. There are five back-in full hookup sites suitable for any size rig. There is also a lot of room for dry camping. The campground has a restroom but no shower. There is a putting green out front. GPS Location is N 29° 8’ 59” W 110° 54’ 37”.

 

Mr. Moro Hotel and RV Resort, Sinaloa - Page 125

 

June 1, 2007 Update - In the book our instructions for reaching Mr Moro leave Mex 15 some distance to the north of Guasave. If you are heading south after leaving the park there's a route which will take you to Mex 15 at a point south of Guasave. You could also use this route to reach Mr. Moro if you are coming from the south. Here's a description of the route from Mr. Moro outbound:

 

In the small town of Cubilete after leaving Las Glorias there is a flashing light at a 'T' intersection. Also at the 'T' is a large Tecate sign and a small Pemex station. If you are coming from Las Glorias:
1. - 0.0 miles: Turn right toward Tamazula (signed).
2. - 3.2 miles: unmarked topes in small village.
3. - Pemex #5567 on left after entering Tamazula.
4. - 5.2 miles: Turn right at street before plaza (plaza on your left after turning).
5. - Go to stop sign, approx. 2 blocks, and turn left.
6. - 5.5 miles: road bends to right then to left.
7. - 6.1 miles: At stop sign, turn right to Casa Blanca (signed). To left is Guasave.
8. - Lots of large trees overhanging roadway in Casa Blanca.
9. - 7.8 miles: Turn left at stop sign on paved road. (going straight is a dirt road).
10. - 8.0 miles: Unsigned intersection: Bear left (n-e) NOT hard right, s-e.
11. - You are on the road to intersecting 15D but you will go through some more small villages.
12. - 12.5 miles: Entering El Pitahayal with lots of topes
13. - 15.8 miles: Entering Ejido Las Cruces.
14. - 17.0 miles: Right turn and you're on 15D; the 136 km marker is on your right w/in 100 yards or so.
15. - 19.4 miles: Pay station at 132 km.
16. - Northbound to take the reverse of this trip: be in the left lane to cross 15D at the 136 km
intersection.

- Courtesy of Bruce and Linda Des Champs

 

Los Mochis Copper Canyon RV Park, Los Mochis, Sinaloa - Page 126

 

The young man "in charge" is living in the building connected to the showers and uses this for an office. He does not speak much English. He does not make arrangements for Copper Canyon tours. He sends you to Flamingo Travel Agency about 5 miles west on the same boulevard as the CG is on. The travel agency was very helpful, arranged the train, motel, and transportation to and from the park as well as Creel to the Motel, Best Western where I am currently hooked to our rooms DSL! The travel agent told me that the RV park was sold and was closed a few days (weeks?) in January during the transition. The new owner is the same corporation that owns the Santa Anita Hotel in Los Mochis, which owns a lot of hotels in Mexico, as well as the travel agency! I guess this is why the RV park no longer does the arranging! - Courtesy of Don and Kay Damkaer

 

Copper Canyon Railroad - Side Trips from Los Mochis - Page 127

 

March 23, 2009 Reader Report - The Flamingo Travel Agency in Los Mochis was very helpful, arranged the train, motel, and transportation to and from the park (Copper Canyon RV Park) as well as Creel to the Motel, Best Western where I am currently hooked to our rooms DSL! I am getting some good discounts because we have 4 RVs and 8 people. The train ride up to Creel was spectacular as usual; but 1 and a half hours late (as usual). The first class train has a nice dinning car and club car so we had a nice breakfast and several margaritas along the way! We opted to arrange our own tours in Creel which I accomplished with no problem when we arrived. I worked a "deal" to combine 3 of the listed tours into one using a Suburban with driver/guide. Worked a discount in doing this and we all will purchase a reasonable box lunch to eat along our 6 or so hour tour. Do not have my calculator handy so the total figure for train, motel, two breakfasts, and transportation from RV park to train and back, and train to motel and back for 8 people was 7,736 pesos per couple. The tour will be 600 pesos per person. - Courtesy of Don and Kay Damkaer

 

Punta Vista RV Park, Santa Ana, Sonora - Page 127

 

January 1, 2008 Update - Edgar and Anno no longer have email access for reservations.

 

Novemer 5, 2007 Update - The Punta Vista is open all year.

 

May 6, 2007 Update - Edgar and Anna, proprietors of the Punta Vista, now have an email address for reservations - edgaryana-s.a.mex@hotmail.com

 

Mazatlán, Sinaloa - Page 129

 

June 1, 2007 Update - El Quelite is an interesting day trip if you're spending some time in Mazatlán:

From Mazatlán drive north on the free road. At the intersection near Km 13 where the road goes west to the northern Mazatlán playas and campgrounds is a small sign pointing east for  "El Quelite 27 km". We went there for lunch and the town is delightful. It's about 2 miles east of the free road; clean; English spoken many places; nice little church; diagonally across from the church is a restaurant (entrance off the cross street), good food & wonderful patio seating. Another eatery further in town also has a good reputation. - Courtesy of Bruce and Linda Des Champs

 

Mazatlán, Sinaloa - Page 129

 

June 1, 2007 Update - Going north on the pay road out of Mazatlan: there is now an off ramp so one can go west on the road to " Mazatlan playa junction"; p. 130, to get to Escondida/Las Jaibas. - Courtesy of Bruce and Linda Des Champs
.
Editor's Note: In the book we say that there is no access to this road which accesses the northern Mazatlán campgrounds from the toll road. Now there is. It's an easy route to reach the northern campgrounds if you're in Mazatlán or arriving into town from the south. Here's another good tip for accessing these northern Mazatlán campgrounds from the same folks:

 

Also, in Mazatlán, the road next to Gigante, de la Marina, will take you out to the northern campgrounds and avoids the traffic along the Golden Zone. You end up just north of the bridge over the waterway. - Courtesy of Bruce and Linda Des Champs

 

Las Jaibas, Mazatlán- Page 132

 

1/2/09 Update - Las Jaibas is greatly expanded. They now have 135 sites, some are pull-thrus to 45 feet. Daily rate is now $32. Call (669) 988-1374 in Mazatán.

 

2/6/06 Reader Update - Staying for a week at Las Jaibas in Mazatlan.  We have WiFi here, in our own rig, for an extra 100 pesos per week , well worth it to me. We are in a 40 ft. motorhome, with a toad.  At Las Jaibas, the rate quoted to us (and the rate posted) was 190 pesos daily or 1100 pesos weekly, and 100 pesos a week for WiFi.  The spaces in the back would be a better fit for us (fewer trees), but WiFi doesn't reach all the way to the back so we are crowded in with our neighbors up front.  The water pressure is indeed GREAT, we actually have to use our pressure regulator for the first time in Mexico.  The voltage is on the high side, so late at night, when everyone powers off appliances, it rises just enough for our EMS box to switch off (133 volts or more), then drops around 8 am as the residents begin their coffeemakers and our EMS box allows the power back into our rig. - Courtesy of Laurie Brown and Odel King

 

12/12/05 Update - There's a new trailer park in Mazatlán called Las Jaibas. Here's some a message from some readers who visited the park last week:

Checked out the new, open park.  The man running it said you spoke to him in
the spring.   Here's the info just in case.
Las Jaibas, just to the south of Playa Escondida.  $18 daily, 150 weekly,
350 monthly.  66 spaces, 15 amp plugs, he says 30 amp wires, with plugs on
their way down from the states.  Some pull throughs, rest back in.  Nice
restrooms, unisex, 2 toilets, 2 showers, large water heater.  Claims to have
great water pressure, city water, large tinaco with pump.  Still all dirt,
plans on adding gravel and more trees to supplement the coco palms.  Wants
internet hookup.  e-mail address is   lasjaibas_trpk@hotmail.com - Jane Hogle and Ray Talley (Talley Ho)

 

Editor's Note - We also visited this campground early in December. It's very promising with a good manager and sites that will (almost) take 40-footers with some crowding. Unfortunately, the designers seem to have based their work on the other campgrounds in town - the sites should be longer and wider. Still, we think it's going to be a popular RV park for those who will fit. Plans are already afoot to expand the park. The website is www.trailerparklasjaibas.com, local cell telephone number for Sr. Ismael González Cornejo, the manager, is 988-1374.

 

Trailer Park La Posta, Mazatlán - Page 132

 

January 2, 2009 - The Las Poste is indeed gone. There's a new Mega supermarket on the site.

 

June 15, 2007 Update - Looks like it finally happened. We're hearing from many sources that La Posta is not going to open next season. Looks like the land sale finally went through.

December 5, 2005 Update - We visited the La Posta a few days ago and found it still open. Rosita says the sale may still go through some day, but until then the campground is open. The place is looking good since they've torn down the chain link fence that was dividing the park and even done some work on the electrical connections on the back sites.

 

Bungalows and Trailer Park Playa Escondida, Mazatlán- Page 135

 

November 10, 2007 Update - It is now certain that the Playa Escondida is closed. Here's one of many recent reader reports:

 

Playa Escondida Trailer Park will not open this year. In fact it is probably a thing of the past as they have already torn down the bungalows across the street and are starting a condo complex. It is almost impossible to find sites here since La Posta and Las Canoas are also closed. The new park at Punta Cerritos is far from being finished and the other parks have their permanents that have already reserved the sites. - Courtesy of Duane and Peggy Burden

Punta Cerritos, Mazatlán - Page 137

 

January 2, 2009 - The Punta Cerritos is up and operation. Daily, weekly, monthly and annual spaces are available. It's a good big-rig park with lots of room. The daily rate is runs from $25 to $35, depending upon how close the water you park. Call (669) 988-1505 for info and reservations.

 

November 11, 2007 Update - There is a new park under construction in Mazatlán called Punta Cerritos. We understand that it will be an arrangement like the former Las Canoas - a semi-private park with individuals holding long-term leases. As at Las Canoas it might be possible to arrange a shorter term arrangement, we'll have to see how things work out. It's apparently going to be a pretty nice place and is located at the far northern end of Cerritos. For readers of our book that would be north of RV Park Paraiso on the map on Page 137 of the Third Edition.

 

Other Mazatlán Camping Possibilities - Page 137 

 

Celestino Gasca Parks (descriptions follow this introduction):

 

There are two new RV parks (now four as of 1/5/09) about 46 miles (75 km) north of Mazatlán along the coast. The parks are near each other, only .7 mile separates them. Both are off the same coastal loop. Access is from the toll road at either Km 78 or Km 75. There is some dispute between the parks about which is the better route to reach the area and there are even a sign or two suggesting that one road is better than the other. Each park would like you to take the route that passes them first.

 

The Km 78 Exit is the main exit for the area and good from either direction. It is marked for the town of Celestino Gasca (or Gazca). Driving southbound you exit just before the overpass and head west on the paved road. Northbound there’s an exit before the overpass which leads you around and over to head west on the paved road. You’ll pass through the little village of Celestino Gasca and .6 mile (1 km) after leaving the toll road reach a level crossing over railroad tracks. Just beyond the road turns to dirt and makes a 90° left. There’s a big flat empty dirt lot on your right where you can easily park and unhook your tow car if you want to take a look at what’s ahead. Continuing south there’s a dry arroyo which was fine for any rig when we visited. In wet weather it might be a problem in some rigs . You’ll come to the gate for Villa Celeste at .9 mile (1.5 km) from the 90° turn, in another .7 mile (1.1 km) you’ll see the gate for the Celestino RV Park on your right.

The Km 75 exit is not as good for getting on or off the toll road, but it crosses no significant arroyos. Heading south on the toll road the exit is just south of an overpass. There is no formal offramp but you can pull off onto a dirt side road which is marked with an RV park sign, the exit was fine for any rig when we visited. Northbound you exit just before an overpass. The route up and around to go across the one-lane overpass would be tight and difficult for big rigs because the turn is sharp and the road narrow and rough. You should look for yourself before trying it. It might be best to go north until you can reverse course and take the southbound exit. If you do exit northbound you cross the overpass and then go left to join the dirt road going south on the west side of the highway which will put you at the point where southbound traffic exits. The dirt road heads west through a small village (Rosenda Nebla) until it meets the railroad (on a raised grade here) then turns right until it can pass under a railroad trestle.  Just beyond turn right. You’ll pass the Celestino at 1.2 mile (1.9 km) from the toll road, Villa Celeste is just beyond at 1.9 mile (3.1 km). As one RVers wrote to us: “this road is nothing to brag about as it is rough in places, rutted in others and is all dirt and it requires a 150º turn when getting back on the highway.” Still, RVers are using it and having no real problems.

If you are traveling the free road between Culiacán and Mazatlán you can still get to these campgrounds and you can do it without paying a toll.  From the free (Libre) Mex 15 half way between Mazatlán and Culiacán at Km 105 some 62 miles (100 km) south of Culiacán and 62 miles (100 km)  north of Mazatlán take the road west to La Cruz. After about 13 miles you can get on the toll highway headed south at about Km 89. You can reach the campground exits at Km 78 and 75 without passing a toll booth. See our Road Log for November 29, 2006 from Las Glorias to Celestino Gasca which follows this free road route. The section you are interested in starts at Mile 186.7 of the road log.

 

Coming from Mazatlán in the south there's a toll between the city and Celestina Gasca. It is possible to leave Mazatlán on the free road and then access the toll road just north of this toll station. Here is  a description of the route from a reader:

 

About 35 km north of the El Quelite/free road intersection (at approx. km72) is a turnoff westward to Estacion Dimas located on the pay road, 14 miles away. This road is very nice and only has two sets of Dolly Parton topes in the first town you come to. Good road but tricky to get onto the pay road northbound (to get to Villa Celestino/Celestino Gasca). As you approach the bridge over the pay road there is a dirt road on the south-east side (left side, before going over the bridge). This is the 'on-ramp' to go northbound on the pay road. It's also the off-ramp for vehicles going east on the road we came in on. This route misses the toll station at Marmol (west of El Quelite). - Courtesy of Bruce and Linda Des Champs

 

Villa Celeste RV Park in Celestino Gasca:

 

The northern most campground in Celestino Gasca is the Villa Celeste. There are 8 back-in spaces to about 40 feet (they would probably find a way to get a 45-footer in too) back from the water. These have full hookups with 15-amp outlets. At the beach end of the property are another 5 spaces for smaller rigs. There is a nice swimming pool, a palapa-covered lounge area, a great beach out front, Wi-Fi internet (there is a charge), and a washer and dryer. Restrooms have hot showers. Several folks have reported to us that the management here is extremely friendly and helpful. They’re a young Mexican couple and speak excellent English. The price is $17 daily/$103 weekly/$290 monthly. These charges include power. The no-hookup rate is $10 for the beachfront sites. See their website at www.villaceleste.20m.com

 

January 3, 2007 Update - Villa Celeste RV Park and Camping - We visited this park again on November 29, 2006. The park was almost full and facilities had been improved. Hookups are now 30 amp outlets and the five sites near the beach now have hookups. A large-screen TV is now located near the pool area and has satellite programming. Wi-fi is now included in the price and we could pick up the signal with no problem at the far end of the upper sites. The large lot next door is now available for no-hookup camping so even though this is a popular campground you'll probably find room to spend  the night if you want to stop by and take a look. Phone - Inside Mexico: 044 667-150-0152, From US or Canada: 011-52-667-150-0152. GPS Location: N 23° 48' 24", W 106° 52" 48" . Website: www.villacelesteresort.com , Email: villacelesteresort@yahoo.com.mx . Prices: $20 for upper sites, $25 for beach sites. Monthly rate is $300 for upper sites, $350 for beach sites.

 

Celestino RV Park in Celestion Gasca:

 

The southern campground, the Celestino, is the larger of the parks. It sits on a long parcel of land that fronts on the beach. There are about 29 sites, all are wide back-ins about 45 feet long arranged off the access road running from the gate to the beach. Ten of them have full hookups with 30-amp outlets. Electricity here is metered but the first 5 KWH on the first day are free. Restrooms have hot showers. English is spoken. A young Mexican/American couple owns this campground. The prices here are 100 pesos per day,  600 pesos per week, and 2,000 pesos per week. There is a website for the park at www.celestinorvresort.com .

 

January 4, 2007 Update - Celestino RV Resort - We visited this park again on November 30, 2006. The park was in operation and being prepared for the season. Electricity (30 amps) was being extended to more of the long back-in sites. Phone -  Mazatlan Phone: 669-985-2020; US/Canada Phone: 1-623-742-3832. Website: www.celestinorvresort.com. Email: casabonita15@yahoo.com . GPS Location: N 23° 47' 45, W 106° 52' 32".

 

January 7, 2007 Update - Celestino RV Resort - Email From Owner

Hola,

Sorry I missed you guys this year when you stopped by.

We now have another 5 sites wired to 30 amp metered service(15 wired sites total). 80 % of the park is now graveled .

We do have power and Wifi has been fixed, had to replace LNB as old one was damaged in hurricane.

I am planning on wiring down to the bathrooms before next season (another 17 sites that will be 30 amp Metered service). At this time we do have a few 50 amp sites also.

Things are looking good, all powered sites were full when I left for Mazatlan yesterday and three smaller rigs were near the beach.

Thanks for stopping by and talking with Ken and Debbie.

Thanks, Chris

 

Punta San Miguel RV Park in Celestino Gasca

 

12/30/07 Reader Report - You requested more info about this new park. It opened this past Saturday (we are customers #3). There are 42 sites, 21 per side, 30 amp electric, water and sewer. Website address www.rvsanmiguel.com . There are more details and pictures on our web site http://almcclughan.com/200708mexico.html. The park entry is near the bottom of that page. The park is located on the second lot north of the Celestino RV Park. That's 1.5 miles south of the 90-degree turn when you hit the beach road after coming through the village, the GPS at the gate is 23.79727 N, 106.87685 W. - Courtesy of Al and Suzette McClughan

 

12/24/07 Update - Noe and Esthela, owners of the Villa Celeste, reported to us earlier this month that there is a new RV park in Celestino Gasca. It's owned by a Mexican couple, Miguel and Consuelo Beltran. There are 30 full-hookup back-in sites with 30-amp power. Their website is www.rvsanmiguel.com, email is miguelbeltran@rvsanmiguel.com, phone is 52 669 981-0272. We've requested an email from the owners with information about the park. Nothing yet, so if you visit the new park please send some information about exact location, facilities, prices, and your general impression.

 

Villa Tortuga

 

1/5/09 Reader Report - We received this report from a reader. The park wasn't up and operating when we visited last month, doesn't really look like it is yet. We'll be looking forward to more reports:

 

There is a new RV park about to be opened 2 properties south of Villa Celeste (between Villa Celeste and the natural spa to the south) at GPS co-ordinates 23.80582N, 106.87936W (the co-ordinates are on the road in front of the entrance). There is presently no signage out front, but it is called Villa Tortuga, there are steel turtle sculptures on the iron gates out front. Word has it that they are putting finishing touches on the electrics, Ramon, the manager of Punta San Miguel indicates that there are 8 camp sites on this new property. - Courtesy of Al McClughan

 

Stone Island RV Park (Tres Amigos), Mazatlán - Page 138

 

January 2, 2009 Update - This park now has 59 big sites. The daily rate is $30 to $40, monthly $450 to $500, depending how close to the water your space is. For information and reservations call 669-981-9389.

 

November 25, 2007 Reader Report - We are currently camped at Stone Island Rv Park (AKA Tres Amigo's) and are enjoying our time here. The road into the park is graded and we were able to travel it with no problems at all. The park has 15, 30 and 50 amp power and the bathrooms have hot showers. Eighteen sites with half or them beach front. What we did not expect was a town with lots of amenities. We were pleasantly surprised! Lots of beach front restaurants, good market and water taxi's to old Mazatlan marina. It feels like you are worlds away from a large city, but for 10 peso's you can have a round trip visit to the big city. US$ 13.00 off the beach, 15 on the beach plus metered power and wi-fi is available for 10.00 a month. Well worth the drive!!! email to: info@kingdavid.com.mx web page: www.mazinfo.com/rvpark

 

This new RV park is the one listed as Tres Amigos RV Park at Stone Island under Mazatlán Other Camping Possibilities in our third edition. It is now up and operating under the name Stone Island RV Park. The park is located right on the beach on Peninsula La Piedra which is south of Mazatlán on the far side of the harbor. Access to Mazatlán is difficult by road but easy using the small passenger ferry across the harbor. This area is inundated with folks from cruise ships when they are in port.

The campground has 19 sites. The ones on the beach side are pull-ins (for coaches) or back-ins for fifth wheels. The ones back from the beach are back-ins. These are full-hookup sites with paved patios and parking on sand and gravel, they can take any size rig. Electrical outlets are 15 and 30 amp. The campground has restrooms with hot showers and there is a large beachfront restaurant. When we visited (spring 2006) the price was $12 for a beachfront site and $10 for one behind. We expect that rates have gone up this season. Contact info: Office phone - 011 52 669 914 1444 (from US and Canada), Website: www.masinfo.com, look for Visitor, Tres Amigos RV Park. Email: kingdavid@mzt.megared.net.mx .

To reach the campground take the road west toward the airport from Mex 15 some 8 miles south of Mazatlán. In 1.3 miles turn right at the sign for Isla de la Piedra. In another 1.3 mile you'll cross some railroad tracks and in another 3.9 miles reach the end of the paved road. Forge on and in 8.1 more miles you'll be approaching Isla de la Piedra. Watch for electrical wires overhead (and maybe a sign) going left, and follow the road under them for .2 mile to the beach and the RV park. The park is 14.8 miles from Mex 15 including 8.3 miles of rough gravel road. GPS Location: N 23° 11’ 12” W 106° 24’ 10” .

 

El Mirador RV Park and Restaurant, Huatabampito  - Page 139

 

12/12/07 Reader Report - At present, we are the only rig in the park. We arrived on 30 Nov 07.  It was raining, but the road was open. Don't take the cutoff ftrom  Navajoa. Take the west bound road just south of the Navajoa caseta, around KM128. When you reach Hautabampo, turn left at the OXXO store.  There is some construction in 3 or 4 small sections. We made it  through fine. This place is worth the inconvenience. The weather is great. The food is fantastic! (chile rellenos stuffed with marlin)  Power is consistent; 118-122v, 15 &30 amp. And I sent this via the  WiFi... - Courtesy of Mark Friedman

 

12/11/07 - Reader Report - This following reader report may explain whey Enrique isn't seeing as many visitors as he normally does:

 

On Nov 18/07 we traveled thru Hautobampo trying to get to Hautabampito following your guide. The road to Hautabampito is closed for construction and there are no detour signs. We eventually found the correct, and we think only route, to the beach area. Go east past the closed road, go past the school and turn south down the dirt road past the municipal works yard (which is signed), road turns right past the large cemetary and a left turn puts you heading south on dirt road thru the construction. Be careful, some sections are one way. This lasts off and on for about 7 km. and then it is a further 10 km on pavement to El Mirador RV Park. Rate was 180 pesos and that included 2 free drinks. There was only one other rig there at that time. Beach is gorgeous, restaurant is excellent-crab tostados to die for! The only hassle is the mosquitoes at dusk. They are ferocious!
Trailer Park had 3 rows and front row was wiped out by the Sept 07 hurricane. They are actively working on repairs. Great spot, really nice people.

 

12/09/07 - Report from Owner - We received an email yesterday from Enrique Martinez Mondaca, owner of the El Mirador. He is concerned because he's been hearing people say that they hesitated to stop by his park because they have heard he had storm damage. Enrique reports that damage was quickly fixed and that he has 20 full-hookup spaces in service, WiFi internet, and a new restroom. He's also working on other improvements.

 

11/1/07 Reader Report - Unfortunately, a tropical storm (Henrietta?) took out all of the beachfront spaces (about 20) on Sept. 6, 2007.  Owner Enrique says they won't be back in service for this winter.  However, we stayed in the second row (now beachfront) which has 16 side-by-side spaces and there's a third row with 4 more side-by-sides -- all are $15 per night.  Their very nice palapa restaurant/bar is still open for business.            

 

11/26/06 Visit - The El Mirador continues to expand. There are now about 25 spaces here with full hookups. Some can be used as pull-thrus if the park is not full.

 

Hogar de Refugio Infantil Villa Juarez - Page 139

 

10/29/07 Update - We recently received the following letter from Bob Mason about the status of the new orpanage on the grounds of the Colejio del Pacifico near Navojoa.

Hello,Terri and Mike:

I have heard from our mutual friend, Nigel Gow, how he had shared with you about the Hurricane which hit our old orphanage about a month ago,and how the children were temporarily housed in three different places, before they were relocated,more or less together, onto the University campus in Navojoa, where we are building the replacement facility. You kindly visited us there and don't know if you remember, but we now have full hookups for 12 R.V's, and the washroom block is pretty well functional. It's one of the first things our builder, whom you met, Sherwin Goerlitz, will tackle when he gets back to Navojoa later this month.

Meanwhile, the older children are housed in dormitories,supervised by our young German volunteers,while the younger children, along with our Mexican Director, his wife, and our cook, are living in a tiny house in the ejido of Cinco de Junio, about 2 miles further along the Huatabampo Highway from the University. Because of the cost of University cafeteria meals,they are making meals in the little house, and taking them over to the children - an inefficient system, but cost efficient!

You heard how the old place has been declared a Zone of Risk, by the local authorities,no one is allowed to live there, and two German volunteers contracted Typhoid during the attempted recovery of salvageable items, and are now well on the way to complete recovery,back in Germany. We lost most of our supplies, food, clothing, school supplies etc., and much of the furniture was destroyed, along with most of the bedding.

Nigel indicated that you would be willing to post our situation on your web-site, letting people know what happened, and, if anyone were heading past,on Highway 15, and might care to detour, how they might want to bring down some replacement supplies. Again, if they wanted to stay overnight ( or a few nights) and had construction skills which they could put to use, I know Sherwin would be delighted. He needs all the help he can get, and hopes to have the place sufficiently finished, to enable the children to move into the new orphanage at the end of the upcoming "season". Any help you could give in publicizing our need would be greatly appreciated.

People can read about the orphanage on our web page:

http://masonsinmexico.homestead.com/orphanage.html and they can read about the new place on Sherwin's : www.haciendanavojoa.com Some of our volunteers have posted pictures of the aftermath, the damage etc.on their Blog, at: www.orfanato-mexico.blogspot.com

I am attaching our summer Newsletter, and the letter I sent to various friends, following the Hurricane, and in which I asked for help. Nigel thought you would be interested - the first is certainly more "upbeat" than is the second.

If you want/need anything further from me, just drop me an e-mail,please.

Best personal wishes,

Bob Mason

11/26/06 Visit - In our book under Other Camping Possibilities for Navajoa we mention the new orphanage and RV park being constructed on the campus of Colejio del Pacifico to the west of Navajoa. The sponsors of the orphanage have decided not to open the campground to travelers, however, they are looking for workers to help construct the orphanage. Full hookup parking is available for these workers. If you are interested they request that you call ahead, talk to Sherwin or Shirley Goerlitz at 642-103-5974 in Mexico (from mid October to the end of April). There's lots more information about the project and how to contact the Goerlitz's year-round by phone or email at www.haciendanavojoa.com  .

 

Escuinapa Toll Road - Page 141

 

12/13/05 Update - The new two lane toll road (cuota) south of Mazatlán now runs for 39 miles from just south of La Union (12 miles south of Mazatlán) to a point about 3 miles south of Escuinapa. The free road is still available. Rates for the toll road are as follows: light vehicles (two axles, no duals) - 67 pesos, extra axles on light vehicles - 33 pesos, buses and trucks with duals and 2 and 3 axles - 117 pesos, trucks with 4 and 5 axles - 172 pesos, trucks with 6 to 9 axles - 213 pesos, extra axles - 58 pesos. That works out to $.42 US per mile for a coach without tag axle and a toad.  Note that if you are bound for Teacapan you should not take the exit marked Escuinapa from the toll road at Km 180. That's a terrible road for big rigs. Instead proceed to the south end of the toll road and backtrack to Escuinapa on the free road. For folks heading to Teacapan on the toll road here are some hints from a reader.

 

Some suggestions on the in-out at Esquinapa.
1-when southbound at the current end of the cuota there is a nice ramp, on the
right that take one about 150 degrees and puts one northbound on the road thru
town. The map does not show this off ramp.
2-when northbound and approaching the current start of the cuota, the free road
is accessed from the right lane and goes over the access road to the cuota. The
map is confusing.
3-when leaving Teacapan and wanting to go north on the cuota we drove south thru
Esquinapa to the end of the cuota road (it blends into the free road). We drove
just far enough south to where we could make a U-turn and get into the left
lane, allowing access to the cuota, northbound. - Bruce and Linda Deschamps
 

Rancho Los Angeles, Teacapán - Page 141

 

January 12, 2007 Update - Rancho Los Angeles has been sold and is closed. However, the same owner owns La Tambora and appears to be making some improvements to that  park which has been virtually unusable for several years. We'll have to wait and see how this turns out.

 

January 15, 2006 Update - We visited Rancho Los Angeles campground today and found lots of room. Facilities were in good shape, the showers were hot, and the pool was clean. Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta may be getting crowded but Teacapán, just 75 miles south of Mazatlán, and its beaches, still have plenty of room. The correct email address to make reservations or get information about Rancho Los Angeles is mbelen@prodigy.net.mx

 

Villas Onac, Teacapán - Page 142

 

December 7, 2008 Update - We are at Onac Teacapan and they now have 62 sites and expect to be full in Dec 08. Check for reservations. They have 20 beach sites north of the office, with 3 rows behind of 8 sites each, facing the office behind site #1 are 5 more sites. South of the office and pool are 7 beach sites. Rafael expects to open their one washer coin laundry in a few days. - Courtesy of Allan Gray

 

January 13, 2007 Update - We received the following from a reader:

        We arrived at Villas Onac Campground in Teacapan a week ago. Weather
is hot and surroundings as ever, Grea! Maybe you could let your readers know that the main road into Teacapan is having major road work done and you cannot go down it. There are
alternate ways to get past the construction. Rafael Cano (Owner) has now added another 8 cement spaces. Sewer pipes are in and the connections for the water and electric, he informs me should be in by the second week in December 06.  He will then have 20 spaces
total, all on the beach. Hope all is well and that you have had a good summer. - Courtesy of Derek and Wenda Porter

 

November 18, 2005 Update - The following is from a reader staying at the new Villas Onac campground near Teacapán:

 

Thought we should drop you a line and let you know how things are
here in Villas Onac.
            We are in the new spot on the beach and it is great! All the
pads and electric are in and the road in is also done. The showers are
working, but the hot water is not on yet, he is waiting for the propane to
get connected. The pool is wonderful and clean (as usual) are he is already
having people arriving, some for just a few days on their way down South.
One fellow from the free beach who winters there every year, has moved in
here because the bugs were too bad over at the free beach. Rafael has the
Wi-Fi working, and I am at the moment, using it from our trailer.

 

Rancho Las Lupitas Trailer Park, Teacapán - Page 142

 

January 14, 2007 Update - We recently visited this campground and found it closed.

 

Playa Las Lupitas, Teacapán - Page 143

 

January 15, 2007 Update - This camping beach is now called Punta Hermosa and a $10 daily fee is now collected at the beach.

 

El Pelican RV Park (Trailer Park Isla Paraiso) - Page 143

 

January 2, 2009 Update - This park is now called Trailer Park Isla Paraiso. The rate is 150 pesos per night (about $11 US at today's rate). No reservations. Monthly rate is 120 pesos per night. There are 19 sites, 17 have full hookups. Amerage is low and some electrical outlest aren't connected properly so excercise caution. Restrooms have hot showers.

 

Raphael's RV Park, Teacapán - Page 143

 

 

January 31, 2007 Reader Report - We went looking for a quieter campgound and found a new, small RV park just to the north of Isla Paraiso housing development. There's a small, hand lettered sign with "Rapael's RV Park". It's in a grass lot, with space for 4 full hookups and a couple of dry or electric only sites. It seems the owner wants to build there someday but is renting spaces until then. There's a new bathroom with one toilet and cold shower, mostly al-fresco since the walls are about 4' with no roof. The campground had great water pressure and adequate 15 amp power. - Courtesy of Steve and Tommie Clendening

 

Playa Luces Kamping Acapulco Beach - Page 152

 

March 1, 2009 Reader Report - A quick update, Wi-Fi has arrived. In fact it is faster that our dish! - Courtesy of Colin and Contessa Jewall-

 

January 30, 2007 Reader Report -

We are spending the entire winter in Acapulco at Playa Luces Kamping in Pie de
la Cuesta. We discovered this wonderful RV Park last December and find that is
almost the most perfect RV Park we have discovered in Mexico.

Your description of Playa Luces in your book in very outdated. For several
years now they have had 13 front row pull in ocean facing sites all with their
own private mini pools and palapa shades. There are even 2 sites in the second
row with pools. Plans are underway to create several more large sites with
private pools, cement pads, etc. They hope to have a total of 21 large sites
with pools ready for November 2007. There are still 43 additional sites in the
back under the trees, a mix of 15 and 30 AMP sites.
Much work has been done in this park and it is looking very very good. They
have created a happy hour with specially priced drinks and snacks in the mirador
overlooking the ocean to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets.

We see this park growing in leaps and bounds and it is sure to require
reservations within a year or two. They have a new website with many
descriptive photos (click on the photo to enlarge it), www.playaluces.com. The
phone number in your book is no longer valid. The best way to make a
reservation is via email, playaluces@hotmail.com.

There are some changes to other RV parks in Acapulco. Playa Suave will be
closing its doors on April 1. It has been sold and will be turned into a
commercial venture. Diamante RV Park was under water till almost the end of
December but is still booked solid with French Canadians who are starting to
look to Playa Luces, as the conditions have been very poor all season.

Currently Playa Luces is renting for 5000 pesos/month for full hookups including
30AMPs and A/C. The daily rate is 300 pesos, a weekly rate is also available.

- Courtesy of Colin and Contessa Jewall

 

 

Playa Suave - Acapulco - Page 153

 

June 18, 2007 Reader Report - The Playa Suave on p.153 is really closed. - Courtesy of Andre and Caroline Niederberger

 

January 30, 2007 Reader Report -Playa Suave will be closing its doors on April 1. It has been sold and will be turned into a commercial venture. - Courtesy of Colin and Contessa Jewall

 

Alternate Route to Playa Ropa Campgrounds - Zihuatanejo - Page 156

 

February 6, 2008 Reader Report -

We have an easier route into Zihuat that you might want to try. Haven't measured the distances yet so don't want to post it.

Southbound, at the big glorietta (that seems to keep changing color and hiding!)rather than do the 270 turn, keep right on the roundabout and take the lateral,(there is a small sign for the Comercial Mexicana) past the two bus depots. JUST past the second, and BEFORE the large Comercial Mexicana sign, turn right. This takes you past the Comercial Mexicana (on the left). At the T intersection turn right. This takes you to Kyoto Circle rouyndabout, turn Left (ie 270 around) to put you on the La Ropa Road.

IF you miss the turn at the CM, continue on the lateral and turn right at the General Motors Dealer on the right(we had no problem with a 30' widebody and towing). A right when the road ends in a T (a couple of blocks) put you back on track

North Bound, from the main road, (not the lateral) turn left at the first light. This road turns right after a couple of blocks, and you are again heading for the CM and are on the road to the Kyoto Cycle. This road looks narrow from the highway, and may be crowded with parked vehicles, but it is the one used by the semis, and the one we use when leaving, either north or south bound, as the traffic light makes it easy. - Courtesy of Art and Gillian Jackson

Camping Los Cabañas - Zihuatanejo - Page 156

 

February 10, 2008 Reader Report - La Cabanas- the little place for small vans & tents- has closed & the land is for sale. Condos are going up beside it. Condos are actually going up everywhere! - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

Bungalows and Trailer Park Costa Bella - Zihuatanejo - Page 157

 

February 7, 2008 - At Costa Bella they are going to build more accomodations & put in a small pool - that means only 3 RV spaces there for next year. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

El Manglar Trailer Park, Zuhuatanejo - Page 158

 

February 7, 2008 Reader Report - El Manglar has been full since Nov. & continues to turn people away on a daily basis. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

February 7, 2007 - The El Manglar now has now has free Wi-Fi available. - Courtesy of Rudi and Uschi Muller

 

November 29, 2006 Update -

 

Just a word of caution for those coming this way- once you turn right off the La Ropa road (shortly after Casa Tucanes, do NOT go under the yellow arch! This has been posted by me and many others over the last 2-3 years- I always include it when I give directions- but some folks just arrived who did not know about it. Ouch! Hard on the air conditioner! Stay left & drive the WRONG WAY on the short road & merge back to the right immediately after you pass the arch. The meters are posted on the arch, but many don't realize its shortness. Good luck! - Courtesy of Paul and Linda Leonard 

 

February 6, 2006 Reader Update -

 

We are now more or less settled in El Manglar RV park in Zihuatanejo.  They are still developing the park, but many improvements have been made since we were here last year.  The washroom/shower has been  completed, and they have done some landscaping.  There is a very nice footbridge over the swamp to the beach, and they have done a very nice job of some night lighting. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

December 12, 2005 Reader Update - Report received yesterday:

 

We are again in Zihuatanejo, in the El Manglar RV park.  Here is the current
situation.

The shower/bathroom for campers is now complete, water still "cold". Not "his
and hers", the single washroom/shower is spotless, all tile, new fixtures,
complete with toilet paper, soap and paper towels!!!!!  The men's and women's
washrooms for the restaurant are open to campers when the restaurant is open. If
the park is full, a request to Memo, the restaurant owner, to leave them open
all night would be met with favourably.

Thursday they began construction of the bridge linking the restaurant to the
beach over the estuary. So far the two posts at the beach end are in place.

The sites have been leveled--50 truckloads of clean coarse sand were brought in
and  compacted. Still more sand needed to complete the eventual 10 sites,
(currently about 7). A few more trees have been planted against the east wall.
Water lines with double taps are at each site and they have been promised a
connection to the street "manana". They will still need to build the 4 metre
high support for the gravity feed tank. (There is no water pressure during the
day, the tank will fill at night) Currently RV tanks are filled from the tanks
via a pump and hose, using water from the restaurant supply.

They will soon have 30 amp as well as 15 anp outlets at each site (I brought
Edmundo a bunch from Canada), though 30 amps of current will not be available.
He is waiting for the 15A breakers.

Also there is an outdoor "beach sand removal" shower with concrete tiles, behind
the washrooms.

A new entrance gate has been added, and it is closed and locked at night,
campers get a key. Very early arrivals (before 8:45) or very late (after 9:30 to
midnight), will have to get the attention of a camper for access.

The gate is frequently closed but not locked when the restaurant is closed
(before noon, and on Wednesdays). - Courtesy of Art and Gillian Jackson

 

Isla Ixtapa Ferry Landing at Playa Linda, Ixtapa - Page 159

 

November 26, 2007 - Readers report that police are no longer allowing RVers to boondock in this lot. It's probably because there's a new park just up the road, see New Campground North of Playa Linda below.

 

Zihuatanejo - Other Camping Possibilities - Page 160

 

New Fonatur campground north of Playa Linda:

 

February 9, 2009 - We recently visited this park. While the information in the entries following this one are mostly true the park is actually pretty good. It's certainly a great addition to the RV parks along this coast, particularly for big rigs. Sites here are back-ins on pavement. They're in a big semi-circle with vegetation in the middle, they'll take rigs to 45 feet. Half of them face the water and have ocean views and get breezes from the water. Power is good solid 30-amp through adequate cables and air conditioners are allowed. Restrooms are modern but have only cold water showers. There is a nice swimming pool. Although it's not heated, in this climate it's plenty warm enought for use. A paved bike trail leads 10 km from this park to the center of Ixtapa and the shops and restaurants there. It's one of the few places in Mexico where you can safely use that bicycle you haul around.

 

February 7, 2008 - The Fonatur park north of Playa Linda is almost full most of the time - a few caravans have also been through. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

May 21, 2007 Update - There is a new campground at the north end of the beach in Ixtapa, it's about a half mile beyond the Isla Ixtapa Ferry Landing at Playa Linda, see page 159 of  the book for directions. When we visited in January 2007 it was not yet open and construction was progressing very slowly, there were hopes that it would be open by Easter. The facility is located next to the beach, but it is surrounded by a chain link fence. There will be many large full-hookup sites and apparently also many dry sites. It was hard to tell how it would turn out.

We just received this update. It appears that the park was uncompleted but open for the holiday:

 

Here is the up-to-date scoop on the new rv park. This was posted on the Zihua message board. (www.zihuatanejo.net/www.board)

Over a year behind schedule without any explanation and poorly designed as a huge paved parking lot without green areas, the still unfinished Playa Linda Trailer Park sat less than half occupied during the peak of Semana Santa while most campers and motor homes preferred using the roadside, public parking areas or the beach instead of paying the trailer park's rates that apparently most visitors consider too expensive.

Motor home rates are MX$330 per day for 2 persons plus MX$30 per day per additional person. Camping rates are MX$80 per day, and children under 12 are free. There are electric and water hook-ups as well as showers, and there is 24-hour security. Whenever it is finished it is also supposed to have a convenience store, a restaurant and a pool. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

And here's another update (5/32/07)

 

We went by the week after Semana Santa & it was no longer open- so apparently it was only open for one week. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

More information about the park that was received in January 2006. As you can see this park has been under construction a long time:

 

A friend who lives in Zihua just sent me the following info about a new RV park at Playa Linda near Ixtapa. Since it is supposed to open in April (Editor's Note: That would have been April 2006), we should be able to check it out pretty well while we are there in Feb & March. Will keep you posted.

According to the director del Desarrollo Ixtapa del Fondo Nacional para el Turismo (FONATUR), el ingeniero Manuel Arce Rodea, by Semana Santa the new trailer park at Playa Linda should be completed and open for use by the public.

The trailer park will have capacity for 72 motor homes and an even greater number of tents. There will be connections for electric, water and drainage in addition to bathrooms, showers, laundry, and cooking grills.

Costs for using the trailer park's facilities have not yet been made public

- Courtesy of Paul and Linda Leonard.

 

Hotel Real de La Palma:

 

February 5,2006 Update - Here's still another new campground in Zihuatanejo's Playa La Ropa area. To reach the area follow the instructions given in the book for Bungalows and Trailer Park Costa Bella or El Manglar Trailer Park. The reader update below is taken from several messages:

 

The correct name of the hotel where the new RV Park is located is Hotel Real De La Palma. If you go through the Arch you have gone too far! Access is via the dirt road just to the right of the road going up the hill. They promise to have a sign up soon.

I stopped in this morning and picked up a brochure and talked to Maria, the receptionist. Some English is spoken (I don't know how much as I was practicing my Spanish!)

Rates: 200 pesos per day, 4000 per month. includes access to beautiful gardens
and clean pool. 30 amps, water and sewer.

Address: Hotel Real De La Palma   Col.La Ropa   Calle 6 Manzana  4 Lote 2  CP
40880  Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico

Phone   (755) 554 9096
Fax    (755) 554 9095
e-mail hotelrealdelapalma@prodigy.net.mx

Maria did say that phone was better than e-mail for some reason she didn't explain.

They have 10 sites now, 10 more promised for next year.  Room for big rigs, but
it may be tight to maneuver when the park is full.

So far no gravel or grass, just dirt, but the hotel has a nice pool and garden so I think this will improve soon.

The main Hotel entrance (NOT for RV`s) is  N 17.62518  W 101.54270
the dirt road to the RV park is just before it at N 17.62519  W 10154201

-Above information courtesy of Art and Gillian Jackson

 

Flores de Las Peñas - Page 161

 

10/27/07 - Letter from Manager:

Quite a few campers last year said that they heard rumors that the campground was "usually no vacancy". Last year only one day had the four spaces occupied. We had no occupancies (an empty park) for 30 days 0r more between December and the end of March.

We upgraded our utilities drop four-fold in capacity and now have three of the four sites available with 30 amp receptacles. These sites are wired with eight-gauge AWS wire including earth ground, each protected with a dedicated circuit breaker. The 15 amp receptacles at the sites are on their own breaker. That's the good news about the power---the bad news is we must surcharge a hundred`pesos for each 30 amp connection per day's stay. Thank Mexico's horrendous price of twenty seven cents ( U.S.) per kWh! So a rig connected to 30 amp power is charged 250 pesos per day.

We have converted one of the bungalows to a "Camper's Kitchen" and restroom. This helps to keep the strong aroma of boiling lobster out of the RV.

Saludos!
David

Playa Azul - Other Camping Possibilities - Page 161

 

November 15, 2007 Reader Report - A report from one of our Mexican readers about still another place to the north of Playa Azul. El Faro de Bucerias is off Mex 200 approximatly 60 miles (100 km) south of Tecoman, 100 miles (160 km) north of Playa Azul.

I purchased your book before last summer. My family and I planned to travel to Boca de Iguanas from Toluca. Following Mex 200 along the Michoacan Coast we found a beautiful campsite called " El faro de Bucerias". Facilities included a lot of people who offered places to pitch tents inexpensivly, great food , Restaurant , showers with hot water, WC available too. Very nice place. We spent 4 days for just 1800 pesos (150 USD) including food 3 times per day, rent of the place and hamacas.

You will find the place at the following Lat / Long Lat 18°20'56.33"N, Long 103°30'35.16"W.

Ask for El parador turistico El faro de bucerias , managed by the local community , there you can ask for Hermilda, she is in charge of the place.

Good luck, Oscar G.

May 10, 2007 Update - Here's another camping possibility when heading down the coast south of Melaque but north of Playa Azul. This one's near Km 100. Note the references to Maruata at Km 150 and the new Rancho Buganvalias at Km 196.

 

The second day our destination was to have been Playa Azul, but again we didn't make it.  Big rigs like ours take a long time on curvy roads like Mex. 200.  We probably averaged 25-30 miles per hour.  After 9-1/2 hours, it was 6:30 pm.  I had printed out the info from the woman just opening a campground at KM 196, but we couldn't find it.  No signs, not even a KM 196 sign, so we went on.  Matehuala beach sounded iffy for a big rig.  We were discussing just pulling over somewhere, maybe in one of the small towns which seemed safer than just out on the highway.  Then, like a miracle we spotted a blue and white sign at about KM 100: RV Park and Restaurant.  We pulled off onto the dirt road leading to a very nice place.  There is a huge palapa-style restaurant, restrooms are in, and small palapas along the beach.  They haven't constructed the RV sites yet.  There is going to  be a swimming pool, also under construction.  The senora let us boondock for 80 pesos.  In the morning we bought breakfast, a huge plate of chilaquiles and refried beans, for 25 pesos each.

 

December 19, 2005 Update - If you're headed down the cost south of Melaque it's a long slog between Melaque and the campgrounds at Las Peñas and Playa Azul. Here's a note from two readers about Maruata, a small place to boondock (for a small fee) on the Michoacan coast about 70 miles south of Tecoman and 95 miles north of Playa Azul. It's near the Km 150 marker. You'll find it marked in your Guia Roji atlas. If you use our driving logs take a look at the log from Melaque to Playa Azul dated March 5, 2001. Click here to see it. We didn't note the Maruata turn when driving the route but it would fall in the neighborhood of Mile 144 in the log between Colola and Cachán..

 

I thought I would mention one of our favorite places to stop for the night after Melaque.  Have you visited Maruata?  It is beautiful there.  While there is no RV park (not that we have found anyway), it is a little adventure (a safe one) to boondock for the night next to the beach.  If you visit here, be sure to say hi to Lupe who bakes cinnamon buns in her little palapa house on the beach.  It is behind her place that you would park an RV.  We have always found another VW camper or full sized RV when we have stopped, as well as several tenters.  It's just a really neat place, and we have come to adore Lupe- she is a wonderful lady and has a very hard, but simple, life.

The turnoff is to the right, 80KM (50 miles) southeast of the Colima line at Km 150, just south of a big bridge.  You continue straight and cross the runway (if you didn't know it was a runway you wouldn't notice) to a gravel road which will take you through the village.  You continue and cross a small river (large ditch) that usually has no water in it, but if it does, it is very shallow.  You will end up on the beach in front of a little palapa area where Lupe lives and bakes!  She speaks no English, but is a warm, friendly lady who will try to communicate.  She also sells refrescas which you can enjoy in the shade of the palapa- or lounge in a hammock if there are any out- or bring your own.  Be sure to explore the rocks to the right where the sea comes barreling through, and a few feet further is another beach which is a bit calmer than the 1st one.  There is also a lagoon (to the left) where the fishermen keep their boats.  I have read that this area is a turtle sanctuary, but haven't seen anything ourselves. - Courtesy of Linda and Paul Leonard

 

Rancho Buganvilias, La Placita, Michoacan - Page 161

 

December 17, 2008 - This season's report from the owners of Rancho Buganvilias:

We are just entering our 2nd season and we have made some improvements to the park. We are on Mex 200 KM 196 Playa Azul to Manzanillo and our GPS coordinates are: N18 30' 43.0", W103 35'01.4" . Our website is: www.ranchoresorts.com. We just changed our rates and would appreciate it if you could put the new rates as an update to your site. Daily $15 USD • Weekly $85 USD • Monthly $350 USD with a few at $450 • Long Term (4 months or longer) $400. INTERNET: We have a high-speed broadband satellite that offers free wi-fi service in the park. ELECTRICITY: All sites will be metered beginning the 2008/09 season. The rate is 4 pesos per kilowatt hour.

December 31, 2007 Reader Report - Arrived here Dec 27, 2008. FREE Wi-Fi. Dec 28th, they upgraded the Wi-Fi to have a stronger signal to reach all of the sites. The Wi-Fi is now $20 USD per month - to cover the cost of the upgrade and has 64-bit security. Sandy and Cynthia are working hard to expand the RVpark. Plans are to add a swimming pool near the palapa. GPS coordinates (at my site) are: 18.511438N 103.583755W or 18 degrees 30 minutes 41.2 seconds North 103 degrees 35 minutes 1.5 seconds West.

 

November 24, 2007 - This season's report from the owners of Rancho Bugavilias:

We wanted to give you a quick update on the ranch. We are open and have several really nice folks staying with us. We have 30 amp power, hot and cold water showers with great water pressure and sewage. We purchased a pump that distributes water just like you are in your home and we have been complemented on it a few times so I thought it might be worth mentioning. We are creating pads as folks arrive and they get exactly what they want. It seems to be working out well but you do have to wait a few days for the pads. Trees and flowers and such are coming but are a little sparse right
now. We are hooked up with our Satellite Broadband Internet and wireless goes throughout the park. The restaurant is open on Friday and Saturday nights with Pollo Asado night on Wednedsays and possibly seafood on Sundays. We are cooking up things like Pumpkin Blossom Chicken with an Red Aztec Mole and Grilled Salmon with a Tomato-Olive Salsa this weekend. Everyone seems to like it! It looks like we will be doing breakfast in the
near future as well.

We hope you are well and thank you so much for your support.

Sandy and Cynthia Coffen
Rancho Buganvilias
www.ranchoresorts.com

May 5, 2007 Update - Here's another report from the ownes of Rancho Bougainvilleas near La Placita:

I do have more information regarding Rancho Buganvilias, a beachfront RV Resort. (We changed the spelling of our name to the Mexican spelling of Buganvilias.) The telephone number has changed as well.
(011-52) 313-327-8101 Intl. (01-313) 327-8101 in Mexico.

We are still in the building phase but our grand opening is October 1, 2007 with 60 sites. All with full hook ups. Most sites are 8 mt. x 16 mt. (24 ft x 48 ft.). We also will have some larger sites that are 8 mt. x 24 mt. (24 ft x 72 ft.). We are planning on having high speed wireless internet but if that comes in late, La Placita, the town just 5 minutes north of us has two internet cafes. We are planning showers and restrooms as well as a restaurant/small grocery store. We will eventually have somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 sites when the
park is complete. We still plan to make each site as private as can be expected using tropical plants and flowers as buffers.

We are located just off Route 200, the Playa Azul to Manzanillo stretch at KM 196. We have a wide pull-off area so it should be very easy for RVers to negotiate. Then you would continue down the road (a nice and firm dirt road) 1 KM make a right and another immediate left
you are there. There will be good signage to show the way. We are located about 3 hours south of Melaque/Barra de Navidad in the state of Michoacan just south of the Colima/Michoacan border and just 5 minutes past La Placita.

Our rates are as follows:
Daily $20 US
Weekly $126 US
Monthly $400 US
Long Term $350 US (long term is 4 months or longer)
 

February 11, 2007 Update - We recently received the following information about a new place to stay between Tecoman and Playa Azul, south of Manzanillo.

 

My husband Sandy and I have relocated to La Placita in Michoacan,  Mexico from Los Angeles, CA and are opening an RV Resort on the beach  in a coconut grove as I am writing this email to you. A lot is  happening here in this state since the new president, Felipe Calderon,  is from Michoacan and has promised to grow the state. An autopista is  going to be built and will connect from Colima's autopista and actually  end here in La Placita. The current road is also being improved.

 We have 8.5 acres on the beach and 8.5 acres on the hill behind as well for a total  of 17 acres, and will open with 50 sites and build more as we can. We  will have full hook-ups and some will have their own septic... others  will have a dump station available. Our vision is to ultimately create  a destination resort with RVers staying for a month or longer. We want to create sites that have a lot of space and privacy. We are also very lucky to have one of the nicest flat walking beaches (about 8 miles long) ... and, of course, the sunsets are outstanding. We will have restaurant, grocery store and laundry as well.

We are located at KM 196 on Mex 200. Our phone number is 011-52-313-327-9151 and our name is Rancho Bougainvilleas. We sure hope to meet you someday and be added to your very fine guide. Please let us know what we need to do to accomplish this.

Thanks very much.

Cynthia and Sandy Coffen
 

A Las Tres Banderas, Bucerias - Page 166

 

February 10, 2007 Update -

 

Somewhat discouraged one late afternoon from finding all campgrounds in the Lo de Marcos and Sayulita areas full, we accidentally stumbled across a relatively new campground, A LAS TRES BANDERAS in Bucerias. There are 11 back-in sites with full hookups (30 amp electrical outlets) on a lovely manicured and shaded lawn. Sites are suitable for most rigs. The campground is walled and gated, other amenities include washrooms, hot water, a washing machine (clothes line outside) and good water pressure. Four fully equipped tents with a shared exterior kitchen are also available.

Address:    31 Estaciones, Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico
Telephone:  (329) 298-1423
Open:       Early November to early April

To get there follow the directions to Las Parotas Country Paradise Gardens Villas and RV Park. LAS TRES BANDERAS is on the left at 31 Estaciones, in front of  the school.

- Courtesy of Daniel LOUIS and Helene GRIMAUD

 

Lo De Marcos Turn-off -Applicable to All Lo De Marcos Campground Descriptions -  Page 172

 

June 7, 2007 Reader Report - The highways department has been working on the main highway by the Lo de Marcos turnoff for the past few weeks. Lots of traffic barriers.

For those going south making a turn into Lo de Marcos from the north - Beware! They've installed an "Alto" cement barrier in the middle of the road leading from Lo de Marcos to the highway. If you're coming from the north, make as wide a turn as you can as there is a building on the corner and its roof extends almost to the road. We used to be able to make a really wide turn onto the Lo de Marcos main street, but the barrier with the Stop sign makes it tough to make a really wide turn. If you're not watching you could lose the side of your motorhome/trailer.

If you're pulling out of Lo de Marcos to go north, also beware. There is now a left hand turn lane, but we've noticed that many cars are using it as a passing lane, so make sure the highway is clear before making your left hand turn. - Courtesy of John and Marilynn Colley

 

El Refugio Trailer Park (Villas y Bungalows Tlaquepaque) - Page 172

 

June 7, 2007 Reader Report -

 

The park put in Wi-Fi this year, and after many problems, its now working pretty well 24/7.

 

Overnighters aren't welcome here - they require rigs to stay for a week, although several people have managed just a 5 day stay.

 

Don't use the email address they advertise as they only seem to look at it once a month.  This email address will get pretty well instantaneous answer:

Elrefugiorvpark@hotmail.com

 

They tell us they're booked solid for next year.  Deposit has increased from $100 US$ per year to $300.  Rates have also increased for 2007/08 but will include Wi-Fi.

 

Pool was supposed to be heated this year, but so far we haven't noticed much difference in the temperature.

 

Pet rules are stringent, and are being enforced.

 

Casa Ron y Rosy, Lo de Marcos - Page 172

 

February 14, 2007 Update - Here's a message we overlooked earlier in the year. We actually received it before posting the January 20 report below and we're posting it in it's entirety because it gives additional information:

 

Thought you might want to add Ron's RV Park in Lo de Marcos to your updates.  It is a new, very clean and friendly park.  Ron speaks fluent English.  They can park about 19 big rigs and have a clean, concrete area with planter strips.  They have showers, swimming pool, laundry facilities, internet in a very secure park.  Turn inland (left) at la Caracol RV Park and right at the first road.  The veggie, propane, water, bread lady trucks come through the park and the people we've met here are very friendly. Ron's e-mail is ronsrv@hotmail.com and the phone is 327-275-0145. - Courtesy of Sue Guldi

 

January 20, 2007 Update - Another new Lo De Marcos park, and this is a nice one, is Casa Ron y Rosy. It's a block back from the water but has a nice new swimming pool. These 30-amp full-hookup sites will take RVs to 40 feet, most are back-ins. Parking is on pavement or gravel. There is a washing machine and also a computer for internet access. To reach the park take the first left after passing the Pretty Sunset (page 173), drive one block inland, and then turn right, the park is just ahead on the left. Address: 11 Av. Coral, Lo de Marcos, Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico, CP 63726. Telephone: 327 275-0145. Email: ronrosa57@hotmail.com. GPS Location N 20° 57’ 13” W 105° 21’ 29” .

 

Altarose Rancho RV Park, East of Bucerias - Page 170

 

2/1/08 Update - We recently received notice from the owners of a new RV park outside Bucerias, north of Puerta Vallarta. It's in (or near) Valle de Banderas. The website says: HWY #200 TO MEZCALES AND TURN LEFT AT LIGHTS AND FOLLOW ROAD AND SIGNS TO VALLE DE BANDERAS. GPS: 20° 49'13.39" N, 105° 14'54.43" W. Those directions are a little vague but the GPS should help. Note that Mezcales is betwen Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta. We've requested more info and will post it if it comes. More information is available on the website: www.rvparkmexico.com .

 

Cruz Maria Resort, Lo de Marcos - Page 172

 

June 3, 2007 Reader Report - We stayed at the Cruz Maria RV Resort in lo de Marcos for 9 days. It is certainly modern but found the price to be way out of line considering there is no pool and no restaurant. The Telaquepaque in the same town is about the same price and has two pools and an excellent restaurant. The Caracol has a pool.

Cruz Maria obviously discourages overnighters. Their single night rate is US$35. Literally. They convert that rate to pesos which at this time is NP$380. They do not have a peso rate. The weekly rate is US$150 which gives it a $$$$$$ in your book. Maybe you could award them with a special $$$$$$$ (7$) for their overnight rate.

 

January 19, 2007 Update - This is a new Lo De Marcos campground and is not listed in our third edition. It's easy find since it's just west of El Pequeño Paraiso, see the map on page 172.  There are full-hookup back-in slots suitable for RVs to 40 feet. Electrical outlets are 30-amp, restrooms are new and have hot water showers. Sites have cement patio pads and parking is no new gravel. The park is on the beach although the RV slots are not. Address: A Las Minitas #1950, Lo de Marcos, Nayarit 63732. Email: iaLeegg654@yahoo.com .  Monthly rates were $450 to $500 the last time we heard.  GPS Location is N 20° 57’ 11” W 105° 21’ 36”.

 

Savage Trailer Park, Lo de Marcos - Page 172

 

December 18, 2007 Reader Report - Just returned from Lo de Marcos where we discovered yet another new campground. It is called Savage Trailer Park. They can be reached at rommelg2k@hotmail.com. Their phone number is (327) 275 0296 in Lo de Marcos and (33) 3120 7811 in Guadalajara. It is across the road and between both Pretty Sunset Campground and El Caracol Campground. It has space for 12 large rigs, all with nice size patios, full hook-ups. There are few trees at the moment but in time those will be in place as well. I neglected to get the name of the owner/manager but were told that the sites would rent for $30 per night or $400 per month. It would be a little over one block from the beach with a direct beach access. It looks spotlessly clean and organized. - Courtesy of Connie & Marshall Shapiro

Bungalows Monte Sion, Rincón de Guayabitos - Page 175

 

January 14, 2006 Update - This is a new trailer park in Rincón de Guayabitos. It's five back-in spaces with parking on grass in the yard of a small motel tht is one block back from the beach. The gate says that the place is Bungalows Monte Sion but the real name is Bungalows Villa San Buenaventura. Access is not great, you have to back into the gate. There is room for rigs to about 30 feet. Right now there are three fifth-wheels and they about fill the place. For reservations call Sergio Alejandro Galicia Rodriguez, (327) 274-0230 (office) or (322) 888-5135 (cell). These numbers are in Rincón. Price is $25 per day or $500 per month. Electricity is 30 amps but the outlets are the indoor 15-amp style. There is a restroom with toilet but no shower for the RVs, when a room is available in the motel it can be used for showers. In Rincón turn into Retorno Laureles (see map in book, page 175), turn left and you'll find the campground at the end of the cul de sac on the left.

 

Trailer Park Trópico Cabañas - Page 175

 

December 23, 2007 Reader Report - We are currently staying in el Tiburon, a new park... checking the book for Tropico, page 175, you will see, this is the same park. Now open for business, boat ramp, bathrooms with shower, no hot water yet, Wifi, not sure of the cost yet. Long stays pay $250 pesos daily, shorter is 300 pesos daily.about 20 spaces with full hookups.30 amp service,20 amp outlets.all cement.locking iron gates are locked at nite.gates stay closed daytime,public and venders not allowed on the premise.this is a new owner,armando speaks perfect english.he will have a small restaurant attached to the park.armando lives in the park.all spaces are big rig friendly,40 footers fit nicely,some are 21 feet wide.

 

December 4, 2005 Update - This Rincón de Guayabitos trailer park has closed. A new bar and restaurant is being built on the property.

 

Paraiso Miramar RV-Trailer Park, San Blas, Nayarit- Page 180

 

December 12, 2007 Reader Report - Trailer Park now has free wi-fi. The signal reaches both camping areas including the one across the bridge, but the signal varies in strength.

Laguna del Tule, San Patricio Melaque - Page 186

 

December 17, 2007 Reader Report - Just wanted to update you on Bungalows Laguna del Tule RV park. As of this week they original RV park is now open, they got federal approval and the signs came down and the park is slowly getting open, there are 4 RV there already. It is the same size as before about 24 sites in that area, the other 11 are full already in the hotel area. The new email address to contact them is hotellagunadeltuleresort@yahoo.com.mx - Courtesy of Beth and Ron Futcher

 

February 12, 2007 Update - This trailer park was expected to be much larger this year, but there were problems with the approval process. Here's a reader report:

We are now in Melaque for a week and have been over to Laguna del Tule.  There are 3 oceanfront sites only;  they have been forced to close the 30 or so they were planning to operate along the oceanfront.  On the land side, there are at present 8 rigs which makes the park full.  Someone said it may be resolved by September so they could proceed with their expansion.  A local restaurant owner told us it was going to be very difficult to get permission to proceed. - Courtesy of Jean and Steve Whiteside

 

Trailer Park La Playa, Melaque -  Page 186

 

February 7, 2007 Update - This park now has free Wi-Fi - Courtesy of Rudi and Uschi Muller.

 

Boca de Iguanas, north of Melaque - Page 189

 

February 14, 2007 Reader Report - Boca De Iguanas is totally closed as construction is underway for a resort. - Bob and Dorothy Gilreath

 

Hotel, Bungalows y Campamento Entre Palmeras, north of Melaque - Page 189

 

February 14, 2007 Reader Report - Campamento Entre Palmeras is also closed and now a part of the Resort construction.   The hotel was demolished & Condos are under const. - Bob and Dorothy Gilreath

 

Rosa's Camping Land, north of Melaque - Page 190

 

February 14, 2007 Reader Report - Rosa's Camping Land was sold & now is used only for rental rooms & the sites in front are overgrown and not in use anymore - Courtesy of Bob and Dorothy Gilreath

 

Tenacatita Slabs Beach Camping - Page 190

 

June 3, 2007 Reader Report -The Tenacatita Slabs free camp(page 188) at the west end of the beach, in the cute little bay, will be closed next year. This was reported to us by a knowledgeable local. She also relayed that  the Feds want the tidal zone back and are kicking all the people out from the road line to the water line. Owners have rounded up money to hire an attorney to fight the order.

Editor's Note: Trying to predict the future in Mexico is tough. We'll have to see if this really happens.
 

Laguna la Maria - Near Colima - Page 208

 

January 28, 2007 Update - We've been hearing about Laguna La Maria for some time, and finally visited it in December of  last year. This is a public resort and balneario. A large field has 11 double electrical outlets (15-amp), water, and drains (not suitable for RV hoses). There's also lots more room for boondocking RVs or tents. There's room to park for rigs of any size although we recommend RVs no longer than 30 feet because of the narrow and somewhat steep roads you must drive to get here. There is a dump station and restrooms, one with hot showers. Other facilities include a restaurant, swimming pool (summer only), and lake with trails and rental boats. The price for full hookups is 180 pesos per night. The GPS Location is N 19° 27’ 28”, W 103° 42’21” Elevation 4,132 ft. Easiest access is from Mex 54 north of Colima near Queseria. From Colima on Mex 54 drive north, take the exit for Guadalajara Libre near Km 146 (also about Km 8 from direction of Colima). Follow the free road north through el Cobano, Cuauhtemoc, and Alcaraces for about 8 miles to a point just south of Queseria. Here take the left marked Camiones Cargados Con Caña which is a short bypass around Queseria. In 2.6 miles turn left toward Naranjal and proceed for  5 miles. Turn right and drive 3.4 miles to a T. Now turn right and drive 4.4 miles and turn right onto a cobblestone road which is signed for Laguna La Maria. In .5 mile you'll see the entrance on the left.

 

El Paraiso De Los Acampadores Trailer Park - Outside Cuernavaca - Page 213

 

February 1, 2007 Reader Report - We’re now at the otherwise empty El Paraiso south of Cuernavaca….340 pesos a night…20% discount for a week.  It’s by far the priciest place we’ve been.  Pleasant though.  It was not pleasant coming down the dirt lane with our high rig.  We scratched the heck out of it on the overhanging trees.  We’re going to have lots of buffing to do when we return to the States. The owner (as you surely already know) speaks excellent English.  He filters and treats the water to a degree (still somewhat brown but not like El Poso) but still does not recommend drinking it…felt with our UV light it would be okay. - Courtesy of Sue and Dave Evans

 

Las Estacas Balneario - Outside Cuernavaca - Page 214

 

6/3/07 Reader Report - We arrived at the office and were told there were no services available at the trailer park, no water, power or sewer. We tried to negotiate a lower price for the campground but they would not change their stated price. They had someone verify that no services were available. We then paid and proceeded to go to the campground where the caretaker asked us if we wanted power and water. We said yes and he had us pull into a site with full services at a perfectly kept site! We don't understand where the communication problems are but whatever the office staff says, the only one who seems to really know is the campground attendant. - Courtesy of Steve and Tommie Clendening
 

Centro Ecoturistico Ejidal Santa Isabel - Outside Cuernavaca - Page 215

 

January 1, 2008 Reader Report - Balineario Santa Isabel near Cuernavaca has nice grounds, two nice swimming holes on the stream, a large concrete swimming pool and nothing else.  The washrooms and shower rooms were appalling with the soiled toilets backed up and flowing out the door.  The attendants were indifferent to this situation.  The toilets on the far side of the camping area were only slightly marginally better.  The palapa restaurant was not open. I’m not that fussy but for 240 pesos a night for two people– only stay if you are desperate.  One more note, the distances to the campground are incorrect probably due to km to miles conversions.  It is 10.7km to the Y and about 19km to the park. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

Hotel Versalles - Outside Cuernavaca - Page 215

 

January 1, 2008 Reader Report - Cuernavaca camping apparently is becoming challenging.  Hotel Versalles truly is only for tents, small vans and no pick-up campers or RV’s due to very low hanging electrical wires.  The entrance has wires hanging down 8-9 feet above the ground. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

June 3, 2007 Update - After arriving the hotel staff told us no services were available but we could park in the RV spaces and then use a hotel room for bathroom and water with the price being 250 pesos per night. We said OK but since we were the only ones in the campground we parked near the hotel building and strung a cord and hose to the hotel to get power and water. They didn't seem to have any intent to fix the RV hookups, just offer RV'rs a hotel room to use. - Courtesy of Steve and Tommie Clendening

 

Loma Linda Motel, Taxco - Page 216  

 

January 1, 2008 Reader Report - Tasco is accessible for RV’ers just not many at one time. We took a gamble after reading online of a motel just out of town that had a large parking lot. The Loma Linda (1km from main Zocalo) can accommodate a couple of 25 foot RV’s inside in their parking lot and have space for a large class A on a sloping area in front of the motel. We chose to take an excellent room with sitting area, fantastic bath with tons of hot water and an amazing view. The rate was 460 pesos a night as it was over a weekend – midweek it should be more like 330. Apparently you can also just stay in your unit for less $ but with no services except use of pool and washrooms. We stayed for three nights. We also chanced upon an excellent guide – Roberto Flores – he speaks perfect English and has been a professional guide for over 30 years including RV caravan tours. For 150 pesos an hour he will tour you around in his VW bug as well as walking through the city and the sights (driving in the bug on these city streets was worth the price alone). History, geography, politics, food, silver shopping Roberto knows it all and then some. A couple of his restaurant suggestions were not in any book and were fantastic and unbelievably cheap – very local. Roberto can be contacted through the hotel at www.hotellomalinda.com - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

Campo Mexico Hotel, Durango - Page 217

 

December 21, 2006 Reader Update - The Campo Mexico Hotel is now closed to camping. Camping is possible at Sam's Club or Wal-Mart. - Karla and Heiko Weber

 

Parking Lot, El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary - Page 218

 

January 1, 2008 Reader Report - In the book we mention that we were told that it is OK to overnight in the parking lot up at the butterfly sanctuary. We said we've not met anyone who has done it - here's a report from a couple who did it -

 

It is permissible to stay overnight at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. The lot attendants will tell you the fee is voluntario. We offered 100 pesos for the privilege of an early start and fantastic sunset view of the village and valley. Considering that the night before we had paid 180 pesos to stay in a grassy wet field behind a motel we felt this was a great deal. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

Chepe's Trailer Park, Guadalajara Area - Page 221

 

December 7, 2007 - Editor's note: We've been receving messages from Mexico about a new campground near Guadalajara but no one has been able to locate the place. Well, these folks have finally done it:

A couple of weeks ago, we made reservations with Alejandro of Chepe's RV Park near Guadalajara, for a Dec. 5 arrival. He phoned us on 11/26 to say they would be opening the following Monday. We got to the area and found no signage. After multiple phone calls to Alejandro, we located the park. The caretaker didn't know they were ready to accept campers. We called Alejandro again, and he talked with the caretaker. It was determined there was no water or electricity (we didn't discuss sewer) and the sites were in the beginning phase of being developed. The main entry gate is big enough, though the access from the highway is awkward. However, there's an inner gate that looked too narrow for our RVs. Since we had confirmed reservations, Alejandro offered to let us stay one night free. We chose to dry-camp elsewhere. The park may be ready for occupancy in a month or two. There is no signage. Leaving Guadalajara on the free road towards Tequila, about 2 miles past the checkpoint, watch for several grain silos on the right and get off the road there. The entrance is the gate to the far right from the grain elevators. Pound on the gray metal door, and someone will open the gate. (The people in the restaurant next to the gate didn't know there's an RV or trailer park behind them!) Alejandro says he's coming down to work on the park within the month. - Courtesy of Janet and John Chartier

December 20, 2006 - We have just received information about a new trailer park just west of Guadalajara to be finished in February 2007. Here's the email we received:

Are you planning a caravan tour to Mexico? Here is the directions of my new 46 full hook-ups trailer park down in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico.

The triler park is locate 30 minutes from Guadalajara down town. Hwy to Nogales Km 24 La Primavera Jalisco. Easy access from hwy.

Park will be ready on February/2007. We have a club house, spot clean showers, restrooms, many different tours to historical and colonial city. Trips to Tequila Jalisco agaves factory's, and many green areas.

Any question please do not hesitate to contact us.

(702) 242 5268 fax (702) 341 5262 or e-mail me for more information.

Chepe's Trailer park
Andres Constantino
Owner
 

San Jose Del Tajo Trailer Park Resort, Guadalajara - Page 222

 

February 7, 2007 Reader Update - Wi-Fi is sometimes available in this park from some long-time residents. They make their signal available for a small fee.- Courtesy of Rudi and Uschi Müller

 

Las Garzas, Guadalajara area - Page 225

 

November 11, 2005 - In the third edition we reported that Las Garzas remains open on a limited basis. The following reader report confirms that this remains the case this year:
La Garza RV Park, located in Riberas de Pilar, between Ajijic and Chapala - right on the beautiful shore of Lake Chapala, is now open. When we let folks here know where we are, they say, Oh, we thought it was closed! Well, it is open now, this season at least. The owner is doing construction in one corner (a home that will be up for sale) and has events in an open pavilion at one end, (there's been only one in 3 weeks here) but it is a great spot for us. We've had it all to ourselves until yesterday, when another fifth wheel came in. - Courtesy of Chuck and Gigi Taylor

 

Roca Azul, Guadalajara Area - Page 224

 

February 3, 2009 Update - We recently visited Roca Azul and found that the park now has 51 back-in spaces with full hookups. The original 19 spaces have paved patios, the new additional spaces do not but many are shaded by large trees. This is now a spacious and pleasant park, a great alternative for the Lake Chapala area. They have a website: http://www.rocaazul.trailerpark.8k.com/

 

Guadalajara, Other Camping Possibilities - Page 225

Hacienda Contreras

March 16, 2008 Warning From Owner - Could you add an update to remind people NOT to go into Mazamitla when they are coming from Colima. Two campers have, now, and both scraped their rigs on the sidewalks of the narrow streets. If you can say, "When coming from Colima and you get to the sign that says Jiquilpan/ Mazamitla, do not go into Mazamitla. Be sure to follow the signs towards Jiquilpan. Then you will get to the intersection by the Pemex and see road 414 to Valle de Juarez." Hopefully this will keep them from going into Mazamitla and having all sorts of problems. - Courtesy of Barbara Contreras

Editor's Note: Hacienda Contreras is easy to get into with your rig, but it's not in town. Just pay attention as you approach Mazamitla. Watch for our next editon - there will be a map!

May 23, 2008 Reader Report - We stopped at the new campground in Valle de Juarez on our way from Boca Beach to Chimulco and really enjoyed it! The owners are extremely friendly and the camground is coming along nicely. It is a beautiful and peaceful area to stop over on your way to and from the beach there is lots to do in the area ,trips with the car or hiking in the pleasant surroundings and it is a birdwatchers paradise!There is an article in the RV Times. We are planning on going back there in the fall.

February 12, 2008 Reader Report- More information about the Hacienda Contreras, more information about finding the campground:

Hello Mike and Terri, we have had campers vist us and they suggested we email you with directions. One really nice couple, Tom and Sue, even gave us our GPS coordinates. So here they are and I hope you can post them in your updates. Thank you very much. Barb Contreras

GPS: 19 degrees, 56', 32 seconds north
102 degrees, 58' and 06 seconds west.

Directions from Guadalajara to Hacienda Contreras via the airport.

Head east of the airport. Go about 17.3 miles to the cutoff to Chapala/Jocotepec/Jiquilpan. Go towards Jocotepec, not Chapala. You will be on a 2 lane road for 3.5 miles. At the stop light turn right. Go about 13 miles west to the town of Jocotepec. Go thru town, following the signs that say Guadalajara. If you follow the signs you will avoid the plaza area, which is congested and narrow. You will come out of town and be at a T. Take a left, signs say Jilquilpan and/or Mazamitla. There is a Pemex on the left. Take this road about 19.7 miles to a small settlement called Tuxcueca. ( It is very small, not too many houses.) You will see a road going to the right that says Valle de Juarez, Mazamitla, and Manzanilla de la Paz. Take this 2 lane road about 22.7 miles to the intersection by the gas station. It is narrow so go slow. Turn left to Valle de Juarez. Go 1.8 miles to another intersection, go straight, we are about 3.5 miles down the road on the left. You will
see the big orange arch lit up by the street light.

Coming from the Manzanillo/Colima area, stay on the cuota until you get near the Tuxpan exit. Take 110 to Jiquilpan/Mazamitla. Stay on 110 till you get to Mazamitla.
Do not go into the town of Mazamitla as the roads are very narrow for larger rigs. At the entrance to Mazamitla stay to your left and go around town. You will come to another entrance to town and a Pemex, continue straight on 414 for 5.3 miles. We are on the left hand side.

From Patzcuaro/Zamora area, take 110 past Jilquilpan, (take the bypass if you see it), and continue approx 17 miles west. You will come to a left hand turn by a new Pemex. Turn left,(watch for potholes for about 2 km, then you are in Jalisco and the road gets better). Go 5 miles to the tee, then turn right. We are one mile down on the right side.

11/13/07 Update - Here's information about another new RV park south of Guadalajara, the Hacienda Contreras:

My name is Barb Contreras, and my husband Sal and I have started a new campground in the state of Jalisco in Mexico. We are starting out small, have 8 pull through, full hook ups on very large sites, approx 50x70, and 8 more acres for dry camping and epansion. We are located inland, about 2 hours from Guadalajara, between the towns of Valle de Juarez and Mazamitla, Jalisco. It is at the foot of the Sierra del Tigre mountains, wonderful winter weather, 60s-70s in the daytime, cooler at night. We have 2 brand new bathrooms, and have planted over a hundred small trees. It is a safe area, and while not a really touristy area, it is very peaceful and quiet with absolutely beautiful night time skies. If you are interested in more info, please email us at haciendacontreras@yahoo.com or barb@haciendacontreras.com. Our website address is www.haciendacontreras.com . In Mexico our number is 011-52-382-571-1165(home) or 011-521-333-130-8130(cell).

Chapala RV and Resort

11/8/07 Update - There's another RV park under construction in the region, this one on the south shore of Lake Chapala. It's called Chapala RV and Resort, keep an eye on their website - www.chapalarv.com

Tapalpa RV Park/Campground

10/28/07 Update - We recently received this information about a new RV park in the region south of Guadalajara from the owner.

TAPALPA RV PARK / CAMPGROUND

Website: www.oldtimeparkrv.com

e-mail : oldtimepark@hotmail.com, phone: from the states : 011-52-343- 43-21120, from Guadalajara: 013-43 43-21120, from Tapalpa : 43-21120

Rates: Daily $190.00 pesos 2 persons, weekly $1,200.00 2 persons, Monthly $5,200.00 2 persons, paid in advance .

Welcome to your Ranch, ( Rancho el Rincon ). We are starting with: 12 sties: size: 48 feet., hookups, water and sewage, Dump station. restrooms with showers hot water, barbeque areas / pets allowed / security .

How to get to Tapalpa : From Guadalajara: go highway (54) towards Colima ( before Sayula) half way. Take Tapalpa Exit up the mountain 45 min. enter Tapalpa go to Tapalpa county club . Enter : Rincon de los pastores .to Tapalpa RV. park.

Whats Around:
Town of Tapalpa build in 1500 , a beautiful pintoresc plaza . rent horses/ go golfing /ride your bike /.you can go fishing in the lake/ see dears , bird of beautiful colors walk around the forest .and just read if you like.

Bugamville RV Park, Guanajuato - Page 227

 

January 10, 2008 Note from Owner/Manager -

 

Editor's Note: Here's an email we received from Carlos Puente of the Bugamville RV Park:

Greetings from the beautiful city of Guanajuato, Mexico. We are writing to you because we have been told by many motorhome travelers that visit our camp and also we´ve read your book "Mexican Camping". We have more than 40 hookups with water and electricity. There´s a dump station with it´s installations. We have restrooms with showers hot water for men and women. The hotel has 5 doubles, also with hotwater service. We now have a Restaurant Snack-bar by the name of "Camikatt´s", with room inside for about 80 people, with satelite so you can watch your favorites like superbowls, news,etc.,. On the outside there are barbecue pits and a "terraza" where about 30 people can sit and enjoy the outside view and peaceness. There´s also a children´s area, with slide, swings for babies and older kids, a sandpit,etc., The restaurant snack-bar is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. We can do group scedules also when required for restaurant service or for your meetings. Extra services such as: Shuttle bus, taxi, city tours, laundry, bottled water, propane, what ever we don´t have we´ll help you find it.

LOCATION: k.m. 9.5 Carretera Guanajuato-J. Rosas Guanajuato, Gto. Mexico. ADDRESS: Apdo.340 C.P. 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico. TELEPHONES: (473)73-3-05-21 Mr. Enrique Puente ( host & owner)(473)73-3-37-17,(473)1024504, CEL. 045-473-73-8-04-62 Carlos Puente (marketing manager & owner rest. snack-bar Camikatt´s). e-mails: bugamvillervpark@prodigy.net.mx, bugamvillervparkcarlos@prodigy.net.mx For reservations or any information, be glad to help. - Cordially, Carlos Puente

January 21, 2007 Reader Report - Liked Bugamville, or however it´s spelled.  Restrooms were never unlocked (5 days), but could see the sign inside, USE MOTORHOME SHOWER.  Obviously, no showers.  There is some shade now, the trees have grown up.  Nice dog, male, black and tan, Negro, is a chewer.  First  morning, our nylon webbing dog rope.  Oh well,  That night, our 30 amp power cord.  Bared all 3 wires.  Word needs to be out. - Courtesy of Jane Hogle and Ray Talley (Tallyho)

 

Morrill Trailer Park, Guanajuato - Page 229

 

June 6, 2007 Reader Report - Has free WiFi w/o password protection.

 

Las Palmas Midway Inn, Matehuala - Page 231

 

March 1, 2009 Update - Several readers have noted that in our write-up about his park we mention Mex 54 in the beginning of the write-up. It was a mistake. We meant Mex 57. Hopefully this hasn't really confuesed people since we call the highway Mex 57 in both the driving instructions later in the entry and also on the map.

 

December 7, 2008 Updates - We recently received two reports about this campground:

 

Hi, just to keep you informed, the Las Palmas Midway Inn in Matehuala has enlarged their entrance to their rv park in the back of the hotel. As usual it is super clean and now, we can enter with our big rig. There is water, electricity and very clean showers and washrooms. As usual we are very satisfied with the place especially now that we can park in the back, it is so much quieter. The restaurant serves delicious meals also and are open from 7:00am for breakfast. A spot worth stopping at to camp. - Courtesy of Joe and Lise McCaffrey

Good news!!! The Las Palmas Matehuala has a new gate for large units. They can now take units of any size. The campground is quiet, secure and the cleanest washrooms with hot water in Mexico. We paid 270 peso. The restuarant is excellent, I always meet someone from Canada when we have supper. - Courtesy of Stan Hicks

 

Teotihuacán Trailer Park, near Mexico City - Page 235

June 6, 2007 Reader Report - There is now WiFi (though weak) available - ask the owner for the password.

 

February 15, 2007 Reader Report - Campground at San Juan Teotihuacan also exceeds our expectations. Nice sward of green grass. About half of plugs we tested were dead, but then we are the only ones here. - Courtesy of Mark Dunn

Editor's Note: See also Mark's Northeastern Mexico City Bypass Route below which take you right by the access road to this park. Then follow the instructions in the book for the final mile or so.

 

Hoy No Circula Driving Restrictions, Mexico City - Page 237

 

March 1, 2009 Update - RVers have been running into new driving restriction rules in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. There are now additional restrictions including a ban on driving from 5 AM to 11 AM for all foreign vehicles from Monday to Friday. There is a good discussion of the complicated Hoy No Circula rules on Wikipedia, here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoy_No_Circula . If you read Spanish you can confirm all this on the Spanish language website of the Secretaría del Medio Ambiente . Note that the daily and hourly restrictions will affect you if you drive through Toluca (it's in the state of Mexico) as well as when approaching the Mexico City campgrounds (Pepe's in Tepotzotlán and the Teotihuacán Trailer Park) from the north.

 

October 22, 2007 Update - It is absolutely confirmed that the Mexico City no drive days are extended to the whole State of Mexico. Have talked with a dozen assorted people about this. Still do not know the state of completion of the north by-pass around Mexico, but with the fury they were working on it last January I suspect that large pieces could be done. This does not pass through Pachuca or Tlaxcala although that route is all four lane now and can be used as a Mexico by-pass. The other runs from 57D to 160D. - Mark Dunn

 

February `5, 2007 Update - It appears that as of a year ago, the air pollution region with the no drive days based on license plate numbers around Mexico City now stretches into much if not all of the State of Mexico. We had just passed the first toll booth on the new autopista from just south of existing Tula (southern most exit)/Refinery exit north of Mexico City when a State of Mexico police waved us over and pointed this out to us. After much discussion in our intentionally limited Spanish, concerning maps and showing books of the limits of the air pollution no drive area, he drew us a map of how to negotiate from this autopista to the Pyramids and agreed to a fine of $500 NP instead of $1500 NP, as it was our no drive day in this mystically unknown expanded area. He also signed the map he has drawn, with authentic official info so if we are stopped again, we didn't have to pay again, but this included no official receipt. So about five kilometers later he catches up with us, gives us our $500 NP back and says his Comandante decided that we were tourists (Colorado plates) and that we should just be allowed to go on our way, warned but not fined. Odd story, and still clueless about where the no drive day geographical limits really are. Readers be warned about checking this out before driving close to Mexico City. We had our wake up on assuming this. - Courtesy of Mark Dunn

 

Northeastern Mexico City Bypass Route - Page 238

 

December 29, 2007 Reader Report -

Editor's Note: The following logs are courtesy of Ed White and were driven in early December of this year. I believe the first one, to the RV park near the pyramids at Teotihuacán, follows pretty much the same route as that being handed out by Pepe (see below) and also Mark Dunn's descripion (also below). The second log follows a different route to reach Catemaco, but it runs right past the exit for the Cholula park. It takes advantage of a new toll road from Calpulapan south to connect with Mex 57D to the west of Puebla. These routes should be very useful for those wanting to spend time at the Teotihuacán Trailer Park, a great place to stay for a visit to the pyramids there. See the picture on the front of our book to get an idea of what you'll see.

Here's the log to reach Teotihuacan - it's a more detailed version of one already on your site.

MEX 57D TO TEOTIHUACÁN

1. Heading south towards Mexico City take Exit 56 from Mex 57D – This is the Texcoco Cuota

2. There is immediately a TOLL BOOTH

3. At KM 24 is a SECOND toll booth

4. At KM 33 take the Texcoco exit. Loop around and over the Cuota on to a congested highway through a town.

5. There are NO KM posts on this stretch so watch for the following landmarks:

Pemex 5132 on right (a little ways along)
Pemex still under construction on right as of Dec 10/07
Yellow overhead walkway at an intersectio
A reduction to 2 lanes over railway

6. Once over railway tracks, at an intersection, you will see the exit on the right to Mex 132 and Texexpan

7. Exit around the loop and down onto Mex 132

8. Pemex 6972 is at corner of uncontrolled intersection – go straight through on Mex 132

9. By now you should be seeing signs to the pyramids.

10. Travel on Mex 132D to Exit 21, San Juan Teotihuacan and follow Church’s instructions on p235 to the trailer park.

TEOTIHUACAN TO CATEMACO AREA

WARNING – TAKES 10 HOURS

1. Travel out of the RV park and return to the Mex 132D toll road interchange using the same route used to get to the Park.

2. Do not go back on to Mex 132D - take the Otumba ramp/exit. Go towards and through Otumba and then on towards Ciudad Sahagun. This is a VERY SLOW experience.

3. The road ends at a T intersection with Mex 136 just south of Ciudad Sahagan.

4. Turn right on to Mex 136 towards Tlaxcala and Puebla.

5. At KM 44 on Mex 136, after Calpulalpan, there is a NEW cuota running south from Mex 136 to Mex 150D about 30 kms west of Puebla. It is a VERY SLOW trip to this point but there is also a new cuota under construction, and almost finished, which will bypass the traffic jams.

6. Travel on Mex 150D through Puebla and past ORIZABA and CORDOBA. About 60 – 70 kms further on is the connection with Mex 145D, which goes east to the Yucatan.

7. Take Mex 145D east towards Villahermosa.

8. After approximately 85 kms you pass Mex 175 to Carlos Carrillo.

9. After another 36 kms, at Exit 118, Mex 179 goes to Santiago Tuxtla. Exit here and take Mex 179 about 63 kms to Santiago Tuxtla and the intersection with Mex 180.

10. Turn right on Mex 180 towards Catemaco. This is a busy area but Catemaco is only 21 kms away.

11. Refer to Church page 286 for instructions to the campground

October 30, 2007 Reader Report -

 

Pepe's Hotel Posada has a driving log available with turn-by-turn directions to get from their RV Park to the Trailer Park Las Americas in Puebla utilizing the new Texcoco Cuota. We used a combination of it and the new directions on the website to get to Teotihuacan. It made the whole drive much less stressfull and the visit to Mexico City much more doable. We parked at both Pepe's and at Teotihuacan and made day trips into Mexico City from both places very readily. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

Editor's comment: Pepe's is described on Page 234 of the Third Edition. It's where most people stay while visiting Mexico City. Trailer Park Las America is the only Puebla RV park, it's described on page 254 of the Third Editon. Finally, in Teotihuacán, near the pyramids, there's Teotihuacán Trailer Park, page 235 of the Third Edition. The new directions on the website that are mentioned above are the ones below. Here are PDF copies of the log that Ray and Cheri mention: Tepotzotlán to Cholula, Cholula to Tepotzotlán. They are courtesy of Lic. José "Pepe" Villena, owner of Pepe's RV Park.

 

February 18, 2007 Update -

My dream, and not on a "no drive day" which now extends we are told to include all of the State of Mexico, is a way of avoiding Mexico City if driving from Guadalajara or Queretaro to Puebla. There is now under construction a major four lane autopista which will extend from 57D between Queretaro and Mexico City to Texmelucan on 150D east of Puebla. The portion closest to 57D is nearing completion, while the other end near 150D is under furious construction. Another year to completion?

However right now there is another completed alternative. On 57D, about one kilometer further south from the southernmost Tula exit (also called Refinery), you will find a new four lane autopista heading southeast, labeled to Texcoco. The first toll booth is immediate, after the second toll booth continue about ten minutes and one sees a right hand looping ramp to Texcoco. You exit right and loop around and over the highway you were just on. This is a four lane street which can be very congested, but not impossible. After I would guess three or five miles of this (hard to judge distance, but perhaps twenty minutes on a busy day)(do not take the first autopista you cross as it goes to Pachuca, not where you want to go) you will see a sign for Tepexpan/Tulancingo, Hwy 132. Exit to the right, loop around and down onto this. You are on your way to the Pyramids, too, so you might see signs indicating this.

 (Editor's Note: Up to here this is also a good access route for the Teotihuacán Trailer Park, page 235. You pass the exit for this park near Km 21, it is marked San Juan Teotihuacán, see the campground access instructions on page 236 of the third edition for the driving route from this exit).

You will come to the Pyramids/Otumba exit. Go towards and through Otumba towards Ciudad Sahagun. One comes out south of Sahagun, just after some RR tracks, the road comes to a T. Turn right towards Calpulalpan, then Hwy 138 towards Apizaco and the four lane to Puebla from Apizaco. For variety with a smaller rig on a good but rural road, about twenty miles east of Calpulalpan, you will cross where the construction for the new toll road around NE Mexico City, roughly three miles further, at the crest of a small hill on a curve you will see a two lane asphalt road going right. This leads you through the very small pueblo of Espanita (a sign on this corner seems to come and go, so one might ask), and on down into Mariano Matamoros. The road Ts, go right on a fairly congested road, and in about eight miles you will come to 150D east of Puebla. Either way you have totally escaped Mexico City and that hill coming out of or dropping into Mexico City.  - Mark Dunn
 

Los Metates, Nuevo Casas Grandes - Page 247

 

11/21/07 Reader Report - Despite the entries below we have received word that a reader spent the night of 11/8/07 in this park with full hookups, and there was another rig there too. We would advize travelers wanting to stay here to knock on the door of the house in front of the park even if the park seems closed. We know that the owner often travels and when he's away the park is closed, but we've always suspected that when he's home, it's open. If you can find him!

 

11/9/07 Reader Report - Closed, see entry under Pistoleros below.

 

12/21/06 Update - Karla and Heiko Weber report than when they visited Los Metates earlier this month they talked to the owner's sister and were told that the campground is closed. We have also found this campground closed upon occasion, but later found it open so we're not quite sure if it's closed permanently or not.

 

Hotel Los Arcos, Nuevo Casas Grandes - Page 248

 

11/9/07 Reader Report - Not accepting RVs, see entry under Pistoleros below.

 

12/21/06 Update - Karla and Heiko Weber stayed at the Los Arcos. They found that it no longer offers hookups but they were allowed to dry camp for 30 pesos per night.

 

Pistoleros, Nuevo Casas Grandes - Page 248

 

11/9/07 Reader Report - Nuevo Casas Grandes update: Los Metates closed. Could not talk Los Arcos Hotel into letting us stay, "Very bad spiders! Not clean!" they said. When asked for suggestions, they pointed us toward Pistoleros, which turned out to be great.

As you described, dry camping is free. The young owner Sr. David Baca very much likes the campers to come and would like to see more. He no doubt appreciated us eating at the restaurant each evening. He speaks some English, and other staff speak well. Parking is in very large dirt area within the wall enclosing the property and behind the restaurant. Entering the gate behind the restaurant is easiest. Gates close at midnight; open at 6 am. The restaurant complex and rodeo arena are 8 years old and very nice. The surrounding wall, active stables, and a couple of ruined buildings provide the ambiance of a small old hacienda. Baca has developed a brochure (in Spanish) that describes many area sites, plus banks and restaurants. He holds festivals and rodeos at Pistoleros, too. This fall there were events Aug 31-Sept 2, and another early in October. It's a great location to see the Paquime Indian ruins with fine museum, town of Juan Mata Ortiz for bargain prices on beautiful pottery, historic Hacienda de San Diego, visit a Mennonite village, and petroglyphs some hike-in ruins that are are a bit longer drive away.

There are two small restaurant signs on the highway one block north of the bottling plant, but look sharp, they are not very noticeable. Look for the walled area alongside the vacant lot, back from the highway. The only sign on the restaurant itself is inside the building. Driving in the second entrance, you find a greenhouse, big parking area and the stables. If it is afternoon, the restaurant is opening up, and you could say hello to whatever staff is there and request a brochure. But they will probably have already noticed that you have arrived. Someone may give you a wave as they pass by, but will mostly leave you to your own devices. - Courtesy of Gigi  and Chuck Taylor

 

Mata Ortiz Boondocking - Page 249

 

November 18, 2007 Reader Report - We used the flat gravel area on the south side of the former train station and had a great night. We had asked several potters about parking there, and all thought it was fine.
More comments: We happened to spend our night on a Sunday. What a hoot! Just as we finished shopping (more on that), a few cars started backing in perpendicular to the train tracks. It was 5pm. Within an hour, there were 20+ cars parked, and it was cruising night! The show went on with every car in town in the parade, until about 8:30, when the police talked to a couple of people in cars, and the traffic died down. By 9, it was totally dead. Very entertaining, and quite the look into a relatively newly prosperous town where EVERYONE drives. We enjoyed it immensely, and felt welcome. By the time it started, everyone knew we were in town and buying pots, and made us feel very welcome. When we say it was quiet, it was very quiet; no dogs, roosters, cars. The sidewalks were, literally, rolled up and put to bed while the rest of the town went to sleep. - Courtesy of Jane Hogle and Ray Talley  (TalleyHo)

Villa Pátzcuaro, Pátzcuaro - Page 251

 

10/30/07 Reader Report - We had children with us when we stayed at Villa Patzcuaro.  Apparently they have had some difficulty with children in the past so have rules posted that must be observed and children pay the same per person rate as an adult but are allowed to stay. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

 

12/27/06 Visit and Update - The Villa Pátzcuaro now has free Wi-Fi. The broadcast router is in the office but we were able to use the system from a parking slot just beyond the restrooms. The signal is strong in the pool area.

 

El Pozo Trailer Park, Pátzcuaro - Page 252

 

1/29/07 Update - Sue and Dave Evans, traveling in a big diesel pusher and towing make some good points about El Pozo:

 

We are now in El Pozo in Patzcuaro. They have dug out under the arch. It is now marked 13’4”. It’s probably reasonably accurate right at this moment as we had no problem getting under it at our 13’1”. The trench they have dug does not extend too far on either side of the arch. Hopefully the angles will work as well on our exit as our entrance.

When entering the park we were a little unnerved as we couldn’t get our tow car off the busy road without straddling the active railroad track with the coach. Were we to do it again, we would be sure to unhook the car before we committed ourselves by turning into the park entrance….we can’t back up with the Jeep attached. So rigs our size with a tow either have the coach on the track or the tow car still in the road….not the safest situation in the world. There is room to unhook at the Pemex you mention in the bible.

We left El Poso in Patzcuaro today. The geometry WAS different going out because the digging under the arch, while reasonably gradual entering the park, was abrupt and right at the arch exiting the park. We made it okay….the dome and dish cleared but the antennas hit (they did not hit going in).

I don’t think you mention in your book that the water at the sites is brown, nothing one would want to put in a rig. However, from 8:00 a.m. until noon, one can fill up with their “drinking water” at the gate. It runs slowly but is clear.

 

Trailer Park Las Americas, Near Puebla - Page 254

 

February 17, 2007 Update -

 

Having stayed at the Las Americans Trailer Park several times, we were a bit surprised that westbound on 150D, the exit one needs to take seems to have lost its Periferico Ecologico signage designation. With four eyes it could still have been there, but we missed it. The La Vista designation was there, and from past memory the "Mexico Libre" was too so we exited onto a ramp that parallels 150D for at least half a mile before it meets the periferico at a stop light and overpass, where one turns left. Talked with another couple here last night and they missed this exit for the reasons cited above. If one is east bound cannot tell you what happens, except I assume a "Mexico Libre" designation might also exist at a minimum.
 
There are some improvements to this oddly narrow periferico. The existing will become within a year three or four lanes southbound, while newly constructed three or four lanes northbound are about finished. This will make access doubly easy. Also, the final two blocks from the stop light from which one takes a left and remains posted with a trailer park arrow has been paved. Just too easy. A new Bodega Arrera is at the stop light now as is an Oxxo, both a two block walk away. Still hot water at trailer park which is clean, pleasant, and quiet. - Courtesy of Mark Dunn

 

Balneario Agua Paraiso, Southwest of Puebla - Page 255

 

January 31, 2008 Update - Stayed at baleario Agua Paraiso. N 18° 48' 11.7", W 098° 26' 07.7". Off Puebla - Izucar hwy 190 at Km 39.5, on 1.5 km paved but potholed road and just over 1km on reasonable gravel and cobbled road. Lots of signs to it on hwy and road in. Camping is right turn, watch for yellow tilt gate, clearance is tight. Camping is on very large open grass area with shade trees. No official hookups as yet, but there are several brick bbqs with electricity. Nice clean new washrooms, showers with hot water. Small shop and plans to open restaurant soon. Lovely quiet country location. Good water park for children, with waterslides. Water was cold in pools. We're the only people here on a weekday, expect weekends and holidays would be busier. Cost is 130 pesos per person + 40 pesos for vehicle. We explained that is quite pricy, sure a deal could be negotiated, they told us we're the first rvs they've had here. Website www.aquaparaiso.com.mx. Park is locked 6pm - 9am, there's night security person. - Courtesy of Heather Stefanek

 

Flamingo Trailer Park - Page 255

 

February 15, 2007 - The Flamingo rates appear to have gone up again:

Hotel Flamingo in Queretaro as lovely as ever. Pool cleaned at dawn even in January. Shock is that cost was $100 NP three years ago and this time through $250 NP per night.- Courtesy of Mark Dunn

 

March 13, 2006 - The Flamingo has raised its rates to 200 pesos per night. A family of four was charged 400 pesos per night.

 

Hotel Quinta San Jorge - San Luis Potosí - Page 258

 

October 30, 2007 Reader Report - When we stayed, there were usable restrooms for our use at the end of one of the buildings with toilet, sink and hot shower.  We did not have to negotiate to use a room although it was very quiet and we likely could have if necessary. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

San Miguel De Allende - Page 260

 

December 23, 2006 Update - San Miguel, one of our favorite Mexican cities, is now even more convenient. There's a new RV park, the San Miguel RV Park and Tennis Courts, described below. There's also a brand new Commercial Mexicana Mega supermarket (located near the La Siesta Motel) as well as a brand new Gigante supermarket and Office Depot near the former Gigante location on the hill above town. Access to the town is much improved. The highway from the east, Mex 111, has been rebuilt and improved and the highway from Celaya to the south now bypasses both Comonfort and Escobedo so it's now fine for big rigs.  Best of all, our favorite Mexican language school, Centro Bilingue de San Miguel ( www.centrobilingue.com ) has expanded and is now one of the leading language schools in town.

 

San Miguel RV Park and Tennis Courts (formerly Weber Tennis Courts) - San Miguel de Allende - Page 261

 

December 24, 2006 Update - We visited the park and like it very much. It has a very convenient location within walking distance of central San Miguel. Restrooms are excellent with hot showers and beautiful tiles. A state-of-the-art waste disposal system has been installed, this is no shoestring operation. See the website listed below for access instructions and more info including photos. The campground also has great tennis courts, they're clay, certainly better than any campground in Mexico. Tennis instruction is available from the owners, English is spoken. The GPS for the park is N 20° 54' 25.3", W 100° 44' 56.6".

 

September 27, 2006 Update - San Miguel has a new park due to open November 1, 2006. It's closer to the center than the La Siesta, can take rigs to 24 feet, and will have Wi-Fi throughout the park. See their website at: www.sanmigueltennis.com/rv

 

Hotel Balneario San Ramón - San Miguel de Allendee - Page 263

10/30/07 Reader Report - Has Wireless Internet. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise
 

Hotel Los Pinos, Tepic - Page 264

 

December 20, 2008 - The shopping center is now complete. It's semi-circular and has an arch at the back. Entrance to the park is through the arch. The owners say it's 13 feet, four inches high but take that with a grain of salt and watch closely as you enter. You must drive through the small parking area for the shopping center to enter and due to angles and parking site locations we think that medium to large fifth-wheels and coaches longer than 30 feet will find that very difficult unless they could convince people parked in the lot to move their cars. This would be a real challenge.

 

December 14, 2007 Reader Report - Update on Trailer Park Los Pinos, Tepic (December 8, 2007) The Hotel Los Pinos is now called Trailer Park Los Pinos. It is open permanently and has been upgraded by the new owner Reinaldo Rodriguez. It has free wi-fi. BUT it is hard to find because the street-front area is under construction for a small new shopping-center. To find the trailer park, follow the directions on p. 265. Pemex 7989 on the right-hand side of the street is just beyond the turn-off into the trailer park. Slow down when you see it and turn left at the adjoining car wash. The trailer park is directly across the street from thecar wash. Drive through the construction area into the trailer park in the rear. E-mail for the park is: rvpark_lospinos@hotmail.com

 

November 17, 2005 Update - Despite some rumors the Los Pinos is still open. Here's a report from a reader that we received today:

The manager of Los Pinos RV Park in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico asked me to send
you an update on the park. First, the name of the place is now "Los Pinos
RV Park", not "Hotel" as listed in the guide I have. In my opinion, it´s
the best park in Tepic, very quiet and peaceful, even though it´s right in
the city. It no longer rents bungalows, so this correction needs to be made
in your publication. It has 27 camp spaces, 20 amp electric, water, sewer,
nice shower, etc. And now, the latest, a wireless internet server, so
guests can use their laptops for internet. The manager, Jose, is a great
guy, very accommodating. It´s easy to get to if one drives past the city
centro to the south side, where one turns back north, up the main avenue
from the junction of Mexico 15 and 200. Los Pinos is on the west side of
the street. - Courtesy of Glendon Brunk

 

Termas del Rey, Tequisquiapan - Page 266

January 22, 2007 Reader Report - Termas del Rey is closed for remodeling until sometime in
Feb 2007.  They are referring to next door.  Their parking lot is torn up too, and they don´t allow pets.  The place next door, literally at the 31 kilometer marker is Fantacias Aquaticas.  Great place to park, on the grass next to the lake behind the fenced soccer field, shade available.  Could be tough to maneuver big rigs. There are 14 duplex 15-amp plugs.  Very quiet and pretty.  Very friendly, pets ok in camping area.  High arch at entry, shouldn´t bother anyone.  Open every day, restaurant in front open Wed to Sunday.  80p per person, 50 per vehicle, all per day.  Buses stop out front and taxi´s are cheap.  Showers under the water slide are hot, others are cold, clean, beautiful tile jobs.  Pools are warm, not hot. - Courtesy of  Jane Hogle and Ray Talley  (TalleyHo)

 

Toluca, Mexico - Page 270

 

February 2, 2007 Reader Update - Toluca is notorious for the problems that people have with the police as they pass through. Here's one reader's report - Actually Toluca wasn’t too horrible going through late morning. We luckily had the benefit of talking to someone at El Poso who had just gotten a ticket going through Toluca with his Class A and tow for not staying on the laterals wherever possible. We realized at one point that we were not on the lateral when we were the only big vehicle and had cars zipping around us….found an opening to go back out to the lateral and a block later passed the police. As Dave says, he’d rather be lucky than smart any day. - Courtesy of Sue and Dave Evans

 

Hotel Villa Jardin, Torreón - Page 272

 

January 8, 2006 Update - It appears that the Villa Jardin has closed. Here's a note from a reader:

The next night, 12/31/05 at Gomez Palacio, Hotel Villa Jardin (page 272, 3rd addition) was a problem. The Hotel closed the day we arrived, apparently it has been sold to Wal-Mart and is in the process of being torn down. We asked the management if there were other alternatives in the area and they didn't know of any which is the same information in your book. We talked them into letting us stay the night in the parking lot with no hookups but this will no longer be practical. Since there's no other RV parks in this area, it seems that staying at a Pemex would be an alternative.

 

Hotel Durango Inn, Torreón Region (Bermejillo)- Page 272

11/12/07 Update - Since the closing of the Hotel Villa Jardín in Gómez Palacio there has been no good alternate in the Torreón/Gomez Palacio region other than a few busy Pemex stations. That's a real problem since travelers following the El Paso/Chihuahua/Torreón/Zacatecas route south to Guadalajara or central Mexico usually find themselves wanting to overnight in this area. Here's a letter from a reader about a possible alternative with a real advantage, easy access since you don't have to drive the busy streets of Gómez Palacio as you had to do to stay at the Villa Járdin:

I am enclosing a card from the Hotel Durango, located near Km 33 north of Gómez Palacio and just south of the village of Bermejillo, Durango, Mexico. Due to a mechanical breakdown of my vehicle I stayed at this hotel from Dec 13 to 19, 2006. The Familia Castañeda who own the hotel also own and operate an auto recycling business net door called "El Hermano's" auto parts. This is operated by the father and sons, hence El Hermanos. The hotel has a large enclosed "courtyard" behind the rooms section that would accomodate several large RVs. During our stay we were treated like royalty, the family are Mormons and super nice people. I asked them if they would be interested in taking in RVs. They expressed considerable interest.

Hotel Durango Inn
Carretera Gómez Palacio-Bermejillo Km 33
Bermejillo, Durango

01 872-77-61045
Email: honeylds@msn.com

Hotel Las Palmas, Torreón Region (Bermejillo) - Page 272

 

March 23, 2009 Update - Driving into Torreon from Saltillo and headed to Mata Ortiz, we used "the book" to look for the Hotel Villa Jardin which is now a Sam's Club as you must know. No WiFi near by so we couldn't access an easy alternative for the non-existent H.V.J. by checking out your website. Drove on +/- 30K to Bermejillo, which I know now has another possibility; but we were winging it, and were happy to find the "Hotel Las Palmas" which also has a very high fence surrounding a large pleasant courtyard. There are two electrical outlets on one wall of the courtyard, a swimming pool (not open in the winter), and for 300 pesos we additionally had a room with a bath which we didn't use. The managers were very nice, but they really didn't know how to charge for an RV. We invited them inside ours which was almost overwhelming to them. However with a little interaction with these folks, this could be a really good spot for a Torreon-area layover. Everything there is spic and span and OCD neat and tidy. - Courtesy of Suzanne and Henry Schwake

 

Zacatecas - Page 276

 

November 18, 2005 Update - When our book went to press there was a considerable amount of road construction going on in Zacatecas. Most important to RVers, probably, was a brand new intersection just north of the Hacienda del Bosque RV Park. The intersection was such a mess at that time that it was impossible to tell exactly how things would sort out. Mark Dunn, a resident of Zacatecas, has been kind enough to drive the new routes and write them up. You'll also find some information about new bypass routes around Zacatecas. The information is too voluminous to include here, so follow this link to see it. We must warn you that it would be best to have a copy of your Guia Roji in hand while reading, it will help a lot.

 

Hacienda Del Bosque (Hacienda del Bosque), Zacatecas - Page 277

November 23, 2007 Reader Report - Bus still runs, where it used to, however, entrance is way different. Walk past the lobby entrance, and keep walking. You'll see the signs for the old entrada. Look across the railroad tracks (under the overpass) and the bus stops on the other side of the tracks, under the overpass. This bus stops a block from centro, and also goes to the best Soriana we have ever visited! - Courtesy of Jane Hogle and Ray Talley

 

Hotel Tepetapan, Catemaco, Veracruz - Page 285

 

October 30, 2007 Reader Report - Great place to stay.  There is a self-service washer and dryer now and wireless internet. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

 

March 24, 2007 Update - This campground is incorrectly identified as Hotel Tepetepan in the book. Actual spelling is Hotel Tepetapan. Email is tepetapan@yahoo.com . - Change courtesy of Richard Lacroix

 

Hotel Valles, Ciudad Valles - Page 290

April 7, 2007 Update - The land used for the campground has been developed for another purpose and camping is no longer available at this hotel.

 

El Bañito Balneario y Restaurant, Ciudad Valles - Page 291

 

April 7, 2007 Update - We recently visited this campground and found the grass uncut and only six of the electrical outlets working. The pools were dirty and cold. Friends visited it a few days later and found the grass cut and the pools clean and hot. Both of us found it to be a great birding location, both an Elegant Trogan and a Pygmy-Owl perched in the tree above our rig as we relaxed in the evening.

 

Tamosopo Waterfall - Near Ciudad Valles - Page 291

 

April 7, 2007 - In the Side Trips from Ciudad Valles we describe this waterfall, located 35 miles west of Ciudad Valles on Mex 70 and then 5 miles north on a back road. We recently talked with a couple who overnighted in the waterfall parking lot in their pickup camper. They reported a quiet and restful night and recommended the place. Access is via a narrow dirt road suitable only for small rigs like vans and pickup campers. The turnoff from Mex 70 is well marked. - Information courtesy of Nicole and Maurice McNabb.

 

Hotel Media Luna - Listed under Ciudad Valles: Other Camping Possibilities - Page 292

 

April 7, 2007 Update - We recently visited this hotel. RV camping is possible in the parking lot for any size rig. Electricity is available using a long extension cord and so is water. There is no provision for dumping. Restrooms have hot showers and there is a restaurant and a pool. The price is 60 pesos per person. The hotel is located on the east side of Río Verde on the side of Mex 70. This is about 85 miles east of Ciudad Valles toward San Luis Potosi.

 

Victoria Trailer Park, Ciudad Victoria - Page 293

 

February 16, 2007 - In case you hadn't heard..... thought you would like to know. We spent the night Jan. 12th at Victoria RV Park in Cd Victoria. When we arrived, Billy told us that dad "Russ" had passed away. - Courtesy of Ken and Shirley Marr

Editor's Note: This is unwelcome but not unexpected news as Russ had been sick for some time. Russ and Rosie's park was one of the first Mexican RV parks we ever visited, and their encouragement was one of the main reasons that we wrote our first Mexican camping guide. Over the years they've been a big help to hundreds if not thousands of RVers headed down the east coast for the first time. We sincerely hope that Rosie and family continue the tradition.

 

Trailer Park Neptuno, Emerald Coast - Page 299

 

5/19/06 Update - A reader sends this welcome update:

The original washrooms at Neptuno have  been renovated : new tile floors, showers  repaired, new toilets and the building has been painted inside and out. Much improvement.

See also Trailer Park de Alba below.

 

Trailer Park De Alba, Emerald Coast - Page 299

 

February 6, 2007 Reader Report -

Until this year my wife and I have been staying at Trailer Park Neptuno when we make our annual visit to Mexico. We help out on a volunteer basis with the English speaking side of things for the North American visitors. On arrival this year we learned that Neptuno has had a change of ownership.

Yuri and family has set up a new site in the adjacent lot called Trailer Park De Alba. Most North American visitors and particularly those with large rigs are now using this park, also most caravan companies such as Fantasy, Adventure, Vagbundos etc. are stopping there; primarily for ease of manoeuvre, but also because of the friendly atmosphere and excellent facilities.

Trailer Park De Alba is adjacent to Neptuno and is beach fronted with 80 RV and camping sites, most with 15amp electric, sewer and water hook-up which are able to accommodate any size RV. Facilities include clean restrooms with hot showers and a large modern swimming and paddling pool; laundry and Internet service is also available. A restaurant is under construction and is due for completion by the end of February. English is spoken.

The current rate is $14.00 per day with a reduction for weekly and monthly rates. The site is open all year and summer special rates apply for long-term stays from May to October.

The Address and contact details are as follows:
Yuri and Antonia Padilla
Trailer Park De Alba
Carretera Federal Poza Rica
KM 86, Monte Gordo, Tecolutla,
Veracruz, Mexico

Telephone 232 32 10102
Mobile (English Speaking) 232 32 21952
Email mexidixie-dealba@yahoo.co.uk

- Courtesy of Claire and Bob Piton

 

John's Camping Club, Emerald Coast - Page 300

 

February 6, 2007 Reader Report - Be also aware Johns Camping Club has closed. - Courtesy of Claire and Bob Piton

 

Poza Rica Bypass Route - Page 303

 

December 18, 2005 Update - In the book we mention a bypass route that goes around the east side of Poza Rica. It's a toll (cuota) route and in the north branches off the road from Tuxpan, not the one most folks take that makes a short-cut through Alamo (Mex 130). Here's a note about what to do to take this route if you've taken the Alamo shortcut:

Once you pass Alamo and a few miles before Poza Rica you will see a big sign with a U- turn on it and the name, Tuxpan. He said a smaller sign of Veracruz. That area is under construction. Take that road and you will go north for maybe 3 Km, then see an other sign Veracruz, and take this road. He was not sure if it said Quota. This way you will not have to deal with the city of Poza Rica as we did. The toll road was 56 pesos. - Courtesy of Sylvia and Rudy Griffith

 

Hotel Poza Rica Inn Resort - Poza Rica and Papantla Campgrounds - Page 303

 

February 2, 2008 Reader Report - Camping at the Poza Rica Inn has changed. It is now in a new large gravel lot below the hotel, rather than up the hill at the hotel itself. There are 20 sites around the periphery, each with duplex 15 amp electric and water, and sewer connections at alternating sites. There is room in the middle for a few more non-hookup rigs. There is a very nice set of restrooms in the camping area with showers and even seats on the toilets. The entrance to this new area is a few yards north past the main hotel drive, and has a normally closed white wood gate saying "Poza Rica Inn Trailer Park". Therefore it may be necessary to go up to the hotel lobby to have someone open this gate. You may have to park on the street to do this, as the entrance guard will not permit large RVs to enter. The gated entrance is right on a very busy street and requires a wide turn to enter. As of this visit, the gravel is over top of clay, and becomes soft enough after a rain to be a problem for a few big rigs. The owner intends to improve this soon. There are(steep) stairs up to the hotel, where there is a nice pool and restaurant. - Courtesy of Bill and Annette Halberstadt

 

March 1, 2007 Reader Report - Poza Rica Inn has free WI-Fi. - Courtesy of Rudi und Uschi Müller

 

Driving Route to Bypass Tampico, Heading South - Page 308

 

December 17, 2005 Update - When we researched this edition of the book an interchange was being constructed at the turn from Mex 70 to go south along the bypass route. We didn't know exactly how things would sort out when construction was finished. We've received an email from Sylvia and Rudy Griffith with new information so change the last paragraph on this page to read:

At 13 miles (21 km) you will approach an overpass. Take the exit on the right marked "Tuxpan" which will take you up and over to head south on the bypass route. You will cross a bridge and at 14.7 miles (23.7 km) come to a toll booth.

The rest of the bypass description remains the same.

 

Tampico, Other Camping Possibilities - Page 308

 

December 8, 2005 Update - Here's a boondocking possibility from a reader:

When we traveled on the east coast of Mexico a couple of years ago with 3 other couples, after a frustrating drive around Tampico, we ended up spending the night in Tampico Alto.  We stopped in at the Police Station and asked them if we could park around the Plaza.  They said, "no problem".  The Plaza is large enough to park 6 large RV's or 5th Wheels.  The only bar on the Plaza was opened as soon as we parked.  We ended up having a wonderful night! The next morning we left a donation at the Police Station.   Adventures Tours, in McAllen, TX told us that Tampico Alta was a great place to stay for the night - and it certainly was! - Diane and Bill Herbert

Editor's Note: In a later email Diane emphasized that it is important to get police permission to park at the square, and to leave them a donation.

 

Driving Route to Bypass Tampico, Heading North - Page 309

 

June 3, 2007 Update - A we mentioned above, a new intersection has been constructed on the bypass route where the bypass meets Mex 70. Heading north this might be confusing so here's a rewrite of the second paragraph on page 309:

When you reach another Y at 1.8 miles (2.9 km) take the left fork and cross the bridge. At 8.1 miles (13.1 km) you will reach a small toll booth. A mile beyond you will cross a bridge, then at 9.8 miles (15.8 km) reach an intersection. You will see the overpass ahead which would take you west on Mex 70. For the Tampio bypass route you want to go east instead so don't go over the bypass. Instead take the right turn before the overpass which will put you on Mex 70 heading east.

The rest of the bypass description remains the same.

 

Campamento El Rey, Veracruz - Page 310

 

January 5, 2006 Update - We received the following from the owner of Campamento El Rey. Note that the website mentioned is www.elrey.com.mx :

We now have 22 full hook-up spaces and a central dump station, our bathrooms now have HOT water and our webpage in English has been updated. - Dr. Oscar J Barraza H.

 

Balneario Mocambo, Veracruz - Page 310

 

October 23, 2007 Reader Report - We arrived early in the day, were met by a security person and assured it was fine.  Because of the storms this summer, they did not have power and water to offer and let us dry camp in the parking lot.  With our limited Spanish, we understood the fee to be $100 pesos which we paid the security guard.  After a day exploring Veracruz, we arrived back in the late afternoon to be met by someone who seemed to be the manager.  He asked how long we were staying and we said for one night for which he said the fee was $25.  We explained that we had already paid the security guard $100 pesos.  He went away and talked to the security guard, came back and said the $100 was for something different and we needed to pay $25 USD more.  We thought that was pretty expensive for dry camping and said that we would move on and find something else.  We also did not like his attitude.  He then said we would have to pay $200 pesos for parking for the day.  We said that we thought the $100 pesos we had paid already should cover that.  He again said that was different and we needed to pay $200 pesos more and went and closed the gate so we could not leave.  We eventually paid another $100 pesos and he let us leave only because the security guard gave up the $100 pesos we had paid already.  Given the security concerns already noted in the book and our latest experience, we would highly recommend that people do not patronize this facility at all, they do not deserve any business with those kinds of actions.

 

Recreative El Gordo Y San Pancho, Villahermosa, Tabasco - Page 313

 

3/3/09 - We've talked with the member of a caravan sharing a park here in Chiapas. Coming down the east coast they had expected to stay in this campground. They found the RV hookups gone and the lot they formerly occupied filled with junked cars. The caravan moved on and didn't try to stay here. Other RVers tell us they have been able to stay here in the parking lot but without hookups this season.

 

Rancho Hermanos Graham, North of Villahermosa - Page 314

 

12/19/07 Reader Report - Just to let other campers know that we stopped at the Ranch Hermanos Graham at Agua Dulce (Page 314) and the campground is no longer open. There are big locks on both gates and someone came out and told us it was closed. - Courtesy of Rod and Judy Ewen

 

Mex 175 Between Oaxaca and the Coast - Page 318

 

1/02/08 Reader Report - We drove Mex 175 from Oaxaca to Puerto Angel. The road is in excellent condition and spectacular, granted we drove it Christmas Day so there was little traffic. We paid for our good fortune by hitting a nasty little traffic jam in downtown Pochutla. We suggest, instead of going through town to take the bypass that says Mex 200 Puerto Escondito and once you get to Mex 200 turn south and drive a couple of kilometers to the intersection described in the book. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

Toll Road between Tuxtla Gutierrez and San Cristóbal - Page 318

 

February 21, 2007 Update - In the book we warn folks that this toll road is closed due to a bridge problem. It's now open, we drove it earlier this year and it's definitely the preferred route up to San Cristóbal from Tuxtla. Much safer and a lot quicker.

 

Oaxaca Trailer Park, Oaxaca - Page 325

 

January 2, 2007 Reader Report - Oaxaca Trailer Park is still open and the city is really well worth visiting. Some days there is no water available or only available for a couple of hours in the morning. Long time Mexico travelers Tally-Ho who were there at the same time tell us that this intermittent water issue has not really changed over the last five years or so. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

November 14, 2007 - More from Maria, Jane and Ray. See the first message below on November 7, 2007:

 

Cost of the trailer park is 200 pesos per night for two persons - double what it was five years ago when I investigated. But then so is everything more expensive (city bus fares are 3.50 but companies are trying for increase to 5 pesos due to gasoline prices, etc.). I stopped by yesterday (on way to new restaurant) and ascertained that there are still hot showers available, as well as all the trailer connections for water, electricity, discharge. The caretaker was working on cleaning up the trailer spaces and facilities in general and reiterated that if you let him know a few days in advance he will have everything ready for your arrival. This time he added a request for a deposit. I didn't ask him how much, as I had friends in the car and we were running late, but i think that is a minor detail, the most important being your decision about staying or not. I am an outsider to the whole concept of staying in a trailer park but, from what I have observed from visiting and talking to the caretaker, I believe I would feel comfortable there for a week or so with no qualms - in one of the spaces on the north side, farthest from the construction.

 

November 7, 2007 Update - We received the following informaton from readers Jane Hogle and Ray Talley. They had been communicating with Maria of www.oaxacalive.com . Maria stopped by the park and here is her report, her visit was in late October, 2007:

I went by the Oaxaca Trailer Park today and talked with the watchman/caretaker who told me that there are definitely NO plans to close totally. I had good look at things and they don't seem any more run down than last time I went in five years ago. The entire western half of the property is taken up by the Secretaria de Cultura office bulding and parking. It is fenced off from the rest of the property with chain link only - no wall. On the south perimeter is where they are now building another office building which is not very far along and all access is through the main/only entry. It looks as if the building will take up about one quarter of the eastern half, with the rest, for the foreseeable future, left for the trailer park - about twenty to twenty-five spaces for trailers, RV's etc.. (I suspect that once the second building is finished that some of those spaces may be sacrificed to parking for tenants, leaving only the northeast corner of the property available for the trailer park, but I am only guessing and, in any case construction will probably not be finished in this year. At the moment vehicles of the construction workers and others are parking in those spaces but the caretaker told me they would be moved somewhere else whenever trailers/RV's arrive. He said they are still receiving caravans two or three times a year.

 

June 7, 2007 Reader Report - Its days might be numbered! When we arrived the footings for another large building (with underground parking) were being erected, and there were maybe 7-10 spaces left (others covered with materials and machinery). The day we arrived the white wall saying Oaxaca Trailer Park was still standing, the next day most of it was gone... 

 

San Felipe Trailer Park, Oaxaca - Page 326

 

December 12, 2007 Reader Report-

Just wanted to let you know that the Oaxaca Trailer Park near downtown Oaxaca is almost completely closed down. The remaining half is under construction of an office building so San Felipe is almost the only choice. The owner has improved the park greatly - garbage disposal well under control, water systems good, 7 full hookups and 25 sites - and the bus to downtown Oaxaca leaves right from the front gate. There is also now WiFi available throughout the property.

GPS for the San Felipe del Agua Trailer Park is
N 17degrees, 6 mins, 18.89 seconds
W 96 degrees, 43 mins, 2.04 seconds

Also, the exact address is 10 Camino a la Chigulera, San Felipe del Agua. General driving directions would be - drive to the town of San Felipe del Agua about 6 kms NE of the city of Oaxaca. Church and small town square are on the right - turn Left just before the church (sign says HOSTEL) then turn Right at the end (one short block) then turn Left again at the first street left (going downhill). This road turns into Camino de la Chigulera - cross the bridge, begin uphill climb and the trailer park is on the left side - #10. Ring the bell at the gate and WAIT several minutes (it takes a few minutes for someone to get to the gate).

We came in with a 36' Avion travel trailer. Some of the corners were tight but if you are under 30' you should be OK.

November 7, 2007 Update - The website for this park is: www.oaxacanstuff.com/trailerpark.htm .

 

March 16, 2007 Reader Update -

 

The San Felipe campground now has Wi-Fi service. Doug French will advise the passwords when checking in. - Courtesy of Gary Bros

 

Club de Playa Tangolunda, Bahías de Huatulco - Page 329

 

February 16, 2009 Update - We recently visited this campground. It is again open and just as it was before being used as a pipe storage yard.

 

January 8, 2007 Update - We visited this campground and found it closed. Pipe is being stored in the parking lot. As an alternative we spent the night in the paved lot behind the Tourist Police office just another 100 yards down the road on the left. The police office was not open but no one approached or bothered us the night we were there. Access to the lot is from the opposite direction, you have to go past the police office and a row of commercial establishments to turn around and enter the lot. We don't know if the closure of the campground is permanent, they may have needed a temporary place to store the pipe while a construction project was underway.

 

Rancho Los Mangos, Puerto Angel, Oaxaca - Page 330

 

 

March 1, 2009 Reader Report - Rancho Los Mangos now has WIFI. It is based on a, for Mexico, standard ADSL line. Its use by campers is included in the price of 300 pesos/day for a site, paid only for 6 of 7 days of stay. - Courtesy of Ellen & Richard Lacroix

 

January 2, 2008 Reader Report - Rancho los Mangos is a wonderful secure retreat of manicured grounds two short blocks (two minutes walk) off the Zipolite beach with four fully serviced RV sites, washrooms, cold showers and a very nice, super clean pool – 200 pesos/night. The facility also has bungalows, cabanas and rooms and is expanding further with more accommodations and a large patio for fiestas - completion expected Feb 2nd. In the future I would expect it may be a little more noisy at times. The manager Cerilo Aragon runs a great operation and will knock open a coco for you at any time. The number for reservations on the Church and Church update pages is not correct and Cirilo has given us his Oaxaca number as a replacement 958-109-1316. Spanish Only. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deborah Norgren

 

June 7, 2007 Reader Report - I noticed this place already mentioned in the latest update - we highly recommend it, particularly the very clean pool (not that common in Mexico)... Price is $100 (that's Pesos) per person/night!

March 25, 2007 Update - Here's a note from a reader about a new campground on Zipolite Beach. Note that his writing style is very similar to an entry in our book.

Rancho los Mangos
Address: Colonia Roca Blanca, sobre carretera Zipolite > Mazunte.
Telephone: +52 958 5895999 [Spanish only]
Open: All Year
GPS Location: N 15.66583, W 96.52009.

Rancho los Mangos is an almost 15 acre orchard with many fruit trees, predominantly mangoes and coconuts. It belongs to a business man from Oaxaca, who developed it originally as a week-end retreat for his family. There is a splendid and well maintained swimming pool, as well as two contemporary villas complete with kitchen, which sleep 4 in two bedrooms with queen size beds. There are also two more modest 4 person rooms, with two double beds and bathroom, in the swimming pool annex. Villas and rooms are for rent. An additional 6 apartments on three floors are being built and are supposed to be ready for rental by year’s end. The property is close enough to Zipolite beach to hear the surf, but far enough not to have the salty sea mist. It is also completely walled in and, hence, quite secure.

At present, four ample camping sites are available, all shaded and each equipped with 4 fifteen amp, properly grounded, electrical outlets, 2 water spigots with own well water and sewage connections linked to a real septic tank. Because of trees and overhangs access to the sites is still somewhat difficult, notably for big rigs. Tree and branch clearings, though, have been marked for removal such that, soon, all four sites will be accessible to the largest rigs and will be pull through.

For directions, follow those to “Fernando’s La Palmera Trailer Park”, on page 330 of “Church & Church” edition 3, but continue beyond to “Colonia Roca Blanca”, which is actually the most western part of Zipolite beach. After another mile or so, you will see a long grey, cement stone, wall on your left, the property’s wall mentioned above. Take the second gate, which has a small sign with the name “Rancho los Mangos”. If you come from the other side, i.e. from Mazunte, you see the grey wall almost immediately upon entering the Zipolite area, after “San Agustinillo”, now of course on your right. The road you are on loops from coastal route 200 along the Mazunte / Zipolite / Puerto Angel area. The loop is not shown on the 2005 edition of the Guia Roji we have.

Courtesy of Ellen & Richard Lacroix

 

Puerto Arista, Chiapas - Page 331

 

January 26, 2006 Update - Actually, there is no section about Puerto Arista in our book but this is the page it would be on if it were there. We've heard about Jose's Cabanas for years but never visited. Puerto Arista is located on the south coast of Mexico roughly 20 miles (30 km) south of Arriaga (which IS in the book).  Here's a description from a reader:

We were wondering why you haven't included a lovely spot for Vans and Pickup sized rigs in Puerto Arista.  We found Jose's Cabanas and Camping to be a fine stop for a rest along Mex 200.  It is too tight for big rigs but very easy for those of us in pickup campers.  Good 
clean facilities, toilets and showers that really work (cold water only but not very cold and you don't want hot there anyway).  He, Jose Roundtree ( a Canadian), serves great meals and all for decent prices.  We were nearly the only Americans there, most of the clients are European backpackers.   The beach is nearby, mostly deserted and great for walking.  The waves can be rough, but were nice for part of our two stays, coming and going.  Behind the campground is a lagoon with really fine birding and Jose has a canoe you can paddle along 
the lagoon to see Boat Billed Herons and the like.  Our only problem was leaving, it's easy to while away quite a few pleasant days without realizing it.

 

Cabañas de Cortes, Puerto Escondido - Page 331

 

We are managing the campground Cabañas de Cortes. thought we should give you some updates. The RV site has been somewhat neglected, therefore there is quite a lot of clean up. However, there is room for approximately 10-12 RVs up to 40 feet as well as 3 cabañas. They will all have individual 15-amp hookup, it is not there yet, we can however accomodate. There are some individual sewer dumps as well as water. We have 2 private bathrooms with shower, toilet and sink as well as a few restrooms with flush toilets. There are 4 outside showers, a palapa and we will be putting in a small swimming pool in the future. We will be calling the campground "Pura Vida" trailer park. The sign you refer to in your Mexico Camping Book 2005/2005 tells you to turn at Puente Regadillo, however the sign spells Regadijo. - Courtesy of Kim and Paul Nielsen

 

Palma de Cortes, Puerto Escondido - Page 332

 

January 9, 2007 Update - A reader reports that this campground is now open again. It closed several years ago but has apparently been cleaned up and reopened. Note that we have not confirmed this information. It is listed on Page 289 of our second edition. Here are pertinent excerpts from that edition:

Under $10 (this has probably increased), tents OK, electricity, water, sewer, cold showers

GPS Location: N15° 51' 41.0" , W 097°  03' 44.7"

The Palmas de Cortes is located right on the beach in downtown Puerto Escondido. There are fifteen spaces for tents, vans, and small RVs set under palm trees next to the beach. The park is fenced but limiting unauthorized access in this area is almost impossible, if you camp here you should watch your belongings carefully. Most of the spaces have 15-amp outlets and there are a few water spigots. The surface is packed sand with no patios. Clean restrooms and cold showers are provided.

To reach the trailer park take the first left (toward the beach) west of the Puente Regadillo. When you reach the barriers marking the pedestrian area turn left. You will see the campground sign ahead down the alley and to the right next to the beach. This campground is only suitable for smaller rigs. Maneuvering space inside the campground is very tight.

Los Leones, Palenque - Page 336

 

January 6, 2006 Update - At Los Leones, Palenque (leaving here tomorrow for Calakmul), we had it to ourselves, as is fairly normal, but the exciting thing is that just over the back fence to the left of the restrooms where they used to dump the trash, they are now growing vanilla orchids in a big, commercial way.  Fascinating. - Jane Hogle and Ray Talley (Talley Ho)

 

Hotel Posada "Margarita" - Page 336

 

February 3, 2007 Reader Report - These folks are in a 38-foot Class A diesel pusher so the Margarita can take larger rigs than we state in the book:

We just left Palenque, we stayed there for 10 days. We stayed at the El Posada Margarita hotel on the grass lawn.  We were the only ones there until two days before we left.  That place is great and up on a hillside overlooking a pasture and the mountains where the ruins are.  It was a great price also at 60 pesos a night.  With no hook-ups.  The pool there is great and the man that runs it is very nice.  We went to the ruins a couple of times and saw toucans and trogans and howler monkeys, What a great ruins there in the jungle.  We went to Aqua Azul and Misol- Ha and also down on the boat rides to Yaxchilan ruins.  There we also saw spider monkeys and many new birds. Mike is going crazy with new ones. Since being in Mexico he has seen over 100 new birds, but he said Palenque was the best so far. - Mike and Gail Lenny

 

Hotel Bonampak Trailer Park, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas - Page 338

 

January 10, 2008 Reader Report - The Hotel Bonampak now offers free wifi (ask for WEP at front desk) however a word of caution in reguards to electricity - test before connecting. We found two cross wired sockets before we found one with an open ground. The locations towards the back on on the right we tested as properly wired and grounded. - Courtesy of Jeff and Deb Norgren

 

January 10, 2008 Reader Report - We left Tuxtla Gutierrez yesterday and took the wonderful cuota to San Critobal las Casas. Travel time from point to point was less than an hour. We did follow the directions from the "libre", which got us a little tangled up, but soon reversed ourselves, and found the RV-hotel with no problem. The Hotel Bonampak now has a very speedy internet connection. Washrooms remain a little iffy, but the hotel's response to any request is prompt and courteous. - Courtesy of Gary and Bernadette Craigen

Hotel Calli, Tehuantepec, Oaxaca - Page 342

March 22, 2009 Reader Report - We stopped by the Hotel Calli in Tehuantepec and were told by the guard that it was closed to camping or parking. We went into the main desk and verified it was closed. - Courtesy of Steve and Tommie Clendening

 

La Hacienda Hotel Trailer Park, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas - Page 344

 

January 8, 2008 Reader Report - We've been at La Hacienda for the past several days and are enjoying the many sights nearby. The hotel has WiFi, and now has HOT showers. Also, the "covered wagon" monument seems to have morphed into a huge white overpass with towering arch with indistinguished characteristics, but it certainly can't be missed when coming from either direction on the main road. - Courtesy of Gary and Bernadette Craigen

 

 

Yucatan Roads - Page 348

Various dates, see below - here are some early reports on road conditions on the Yucatan after the hurricanes this fall.

 

November 12, 2005 Message -

I have more info from the bus drivers....the road has been washed out at the Yucatan-Quintana Roo border eastward towards Cancun and traffic will have to take the toll road from Valladolid....we are heading from Chichen Itza to Cancun tomorrow, Sunday, and were going to take the libra but now now will get off the libra at Valladolid and take the quota from there to Cancan.....will be sending more reports as we get to our Cancun campground, and from there will be in Xpu Ha, where our friends have reported that the cg in Xpu Ha is serviceable and has water and electricity.....forgot the name of the cg, that is listed in your book but its the one that you have a report on......sure wish you could send us some un humid weather here but the nights are a little more bearable with a low of 16c last night....until my next report....Jim and Louise Cirka
 

Second November 12, 2005 Message -

Another thing I forgot to mention was the fuel prices....today I paid 5.30 pesos per litre for diesel and gas is aprox. 6.45......both quite a saving from Canadian or USA prices as we received 8.97 pesos per Cdn. dollar a week or so ago.... Jim and Louise Cirka

November 18, 2005 Message -

Hi Mike....We are settled in the Playa del Carmen area and passed thru Cancun a
few days ago....
The free road at the Yucatan, Quintana Roo border is closed so the toll road, which did not cost us the usual 360 pesos for our 5th wheel is the only way to get to Cancun. You must exit at Valladoid and take the toll road to Cancun but there are still a few spots that have detours....watch for water on the road at km marker 235.....at km marker 250, there is a 2 km detour as the road is being brought up to a higher level due to flooding. The Cancun rv park is up and running with hydro and water....the Paa Mull RV park is also open but a lot of debris is still lying around the park...the rate for a single night is 25 USA dollars..Jim and Louise Cirka

 

New Samula Trailer Park - Campeche - Page 352

 

October 30, 2007 Reader Report - Park is as advertised - added bonus is interesting owner - Anita Coleman - keen on having visitors to talk to and made our visit most enjoyable. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

 

Cenote Azul Campground near Chetumal, Quintana Roo- Page 355

 

March 22, 2009 Update - We're traveling down the east coast of the Yucatan and stopped at Cenote Azul Trailer Park and couldn't find a sign and the gate is locked. We went down to Balneario Cocalitos, and the locals confirmed that Cenote Azul Trailer Park is closed. - Courtesy of Steve and Tommie Clendening

 

Yax Ha Resort near Chetumal, Quintana Roo- Page 357

 

February 11, 2008 Reader Report - New web address for the Yax-Ha: Website is yaxha-resort.com, Reservations are reservaciones@yaxha-resort.com, Information is informes@yaxha-resort.com, Manager is ileana@yaxha-resort.com - Courtesy of Bob and Pat Pence

 

February 4, 2007 Reader Report - We are now in Chetumal and staying at the Yax-Ha campground in Calderitas. We are parked right up near the stone wall and the price here is 300 pesos a night but when we told him we didn't need any services so we got it for 180 pesos. They also have wi-fi and there is going to be a wedding tomorrow and Sunday. We went into town today and they now have a Sam's Club. - Mike and Gail Lenney

 

Las Palapas near El Centenario - Page 358

 

October 30, 2007 Reader Report - The restaurant near El Centenario is now called Las Palapas and was very accommodating in allowing us to stay in their yard.  We were even able to run an extension cord and plug into power. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

Editor's Note: This restaurant was formerly called Restaurante Familiar Campestre La Laguna and is described in the Third Edtion.

Stardust Inn, Chichén Itzá - Page 360

 

February 9, 2007 Reader Report - We visited Chichen Itza at the end of December.  When we arrived in Piste we found that the Stardust Inn appeared closed.  However, we parked anyway and  went to the reception area of the Stardust Inn.  They were open but there was  no power and facilities were closed.  We were charged 150 pesos to park  overnight.  Very nice quiet and clean site and easily accesible if you know  where the turn is (beside the bus depot next to the Pirmide Inn).  Otherwise  the Pirmide has a few spots in front right next to the road but length may be  a problem for some. - Courtesy of Joe and Peggy Steves

 

Freedom Shores - Isla Aguada - Page 363

 

2/19/06 Update - We received the following email from Willam and Thelma Bussear:

FREEDOM SHORES -- An Accessible Wheelchair Resort & Deluxe RV Park.
God bless the Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and may God
bless our Wheelchair Veterans!

Freedom Shores is a newly rebuilt RV resort, including a Universally
Designed small hotel on the Gulf of Mexico. This island getaway is
redesigned to be a handicapped accessible resort, a great restaurant, and a
deluxe RV Park!
There is 300 feet of gorgeous beach on the Laguna de Terminos. The beach has
boardwalks allowing wheelchairs to move around the beach and under the
coconut palms.
The RV park offers: 30/50 amps, sewer hookup at all sites, purified water at
the tap, cable TV, and all RV sites will have their own concrete slab and
picnic table. A barber/beauty shop, laundry pickup and delivery, and a
clubhouse with big-screen TV and hot showers is available to all guests. Our
grand opening is December 31, 2006.

 

9/29/06 Update - The RV park in Isla Aguada, formerly known as La Cabaña Hotel and RV Park, has new owners and a new name. The park was recently acquired by William and Thelma Bussear and is undergoing big changes. It is now called Freedom Shores and is a handicapped-accessible resort and restaurant is addition to having RV spaces. See the website at www.isla-aguada.com for lots more information. Although the website does not mention RVs we are told that the RV park will continue to be open.

 

Rainbow RV Campground, Mérida - Page 365

 

December 12, 2008 Reader Report - The Rainbow RV Park in Merida is still in operation, and in fact is rewiring the sites as we sit here. Improvements seem to be under way. They are working on a new permiter wall on the Liverpool side that may improve entry into the park. Plenty of room, only 4 rigs here now. Not many Norteamericano tourists on the road at this time. - Courtesy of GW Baines

 

October 30, 2007 Reader Report - Was still operating in September but potentially up for sale. - Courtesy of Ray and Cheri Wise

Editor's Note: This campground has been up for sale for several years. Good to hear that it's still open.

 

Paa Mul, Quintana Roo Coast South of Cancún - Page 369

 

May 21, 2007 Reader Report - The entrance to PaaMul is undergoing transition. They just added two more lanes making it a divided highway which eliminated the left turn when going south. You must go another .6 miles south to a "Retorno" (U-turn). There is a sign for the Retorno that indicates you should use the left lane (Carril Izquierdo). However the turn lane is not yet installed. It should be within the next couple of weeks. In the meantime I recommend that you pull to the right with your hazard lights on and wait for the traffic to clear to make the U-turn. If you miss this turn there is another similar turn about 1/2 mile further south.

When going north there is no exit lane. It is an abrupt right turn from the lane of traffic. It is best to turn on your hazard lights about 100 yards before reaching the turn.

When leaving PaaMul and going south you first go north (there is no on ramp / merge lane so use caution) a couple of hundred yards to a Retorno. This one already has a left turn lane.

 

Camping Sacbe, Yucatán - Page 375

 

January 11, 2007 Update - We have received several reports this season that Camping Sacbe is closed:

I'd planned on staying at the Camping Sacbe Campground (page 375, Mexican Camping) but was told by two other travelers at the Uxmal parking site that the campground is closed. One RVer was stopped at the gate as he drove in and asked to leave, the other found the gate closed or chained.

When I drove by that area, I couldn't find any signs for the park, and the only area that had an RV park appearence, didn't have any signs and the gates were closed, with no place to park and walk in to check so I kept traveling (my phone wasn't picking up a signal in the area). - Courtesy of Jim Morgan

 

Mex 2 Between Sonoyta and Santa Ana - Page 380

 

3/1/08 Update - Many people now cross the border at Sonoyta (north of Puerto Peñasco) and use Mex 2 to access the west coast. The Sonoyta crossing is easy (particularly during the week) and there is a very quiet station at San Emeterio where you can get your parperwork done in peace. Unfortunately, Mex 2 east of San Emeterio is under construction now, here's an update from a reader:

 

We crossed the border at Sonoyta yesterday. The registration at the check point south towards Caborca went easy enough. 10 yr permit for the MH and 180 days for us and the Jeep. Between the check point and Caborca there is a MAJOR road rebuilding project. In a couple of years this will be a great highway! For now it is SLOW. About 10 miles or so posted at 40 KPH, good new payment; but they are adding two more lanes off to the east side and require the slower speed. About 10 other miles is detour off the pavement and 5-10 MPH at best with an RV. A good rattle check location! Stayed in Santa Ana RV park as we did not make good enough time to go all the way to Guaymas. - Courtesy of Don and Kay Damkaer

 

Playa Elegante RV Park, Puerto Peñasco - Page 388

 

9/26/06  Update - It is reported that the Playa Elegante will close on November 30, 2006. - Alan Clarke (www.gypsyy.com)

 

Playa Miramar RV Park, Puerto Peñasco - Page 389

 

June 15, 2007 Update - This park is now closed.

La Jolla de Cortez, San Felipe - Page 394

June 15, 2007 Update - This park is now closed.

Vista del Mar, San Felipe - Page 397

12/15/05 Reader Report - The place is deserted, fenced chained closed, and
a Remax "For Sale" posted.  Apparently they have gone out of business even
though all the infrastructure is still present. - Courtesy of Mike Sumner

Ensenada Migracion Office Won't Issue Tourist Cards - Page 417

January 22, 2007 Update - The Ensenada Migracion office is no longer issuing Tourist Cards. Here's a note from a reader:  In  your book P417 you say that you can bypass the border and get a visa  in Ensenada. We just tried that and the office in Ensenada has a sign  posted that says. Any one arriving by land to get a visa must pay a 55  peso fine  for bypassing the border. If you arrive by sea there is no fine. - Courtesy of Bill Wethington

For more about this see the entry above about new Baja Peninsula Tourist Card Procedures.
 

Hussong's RV Park, Ensenada - Page 418

2/8/06 Update - Reader Report - The website says this (new!) site is now closed. I also rang and was told the same thing.

Editor's Note: We called too and were told that the resort is being expanding and they needed the land for the expansion, the RV park is indeed closed.

Century Beach Resort, Near Rosarito, Baja California - Page 427

February 20, 2007 Update - The Century Beach Resort at Km 25 N of Rosarito Beach is open but no longer accepts RVs. The RVs are gone, and so are the spaces and hook-ups. Too bad, it was a great location. - Courtesy of Rainer Wilson

Playa Santispac, Bahía Concepción - Page 443

May 15, 2007 Reader Report - Playa Santispac continues to evolve.  All of the semi-permanent  structures have been removed and the palapa owners have relocated them to other Bahia de Conception Playas.  RV camping is still OK at $7 per night, if there are no permanent structures involved. Ray's restuarant has burned down and the chef has opened a restaurant in Mulege.  Anna's restaurant is still open.  Rumors abound about some unknown development taking place at some unknown time.  In the mean time, Santispac was little used while we were in the area. The playa is wide open and beautiful.  Beach-front camping awaits. - Courtesy of Jon Smaker and Kim Vogley

Playa Escondida, Bahía Concepción - Page 444

May 16, 2007 Reader Report - Eco Mundo, the kayak operator just south of Posada Conception, has gone out of business. All of the small "eco-structures" were burned down. The large central building remains but is closed up. Playa Escondida remains unchanged. - Courtesy of Jon Smaker and Kim Vogley

Aquamarina RV Park, La Paz - Page 456

November 3, 2007 Reader Report - For information, we arrived in La Paz November 01, 2007 to find Aquamarina RV Park permanently closed. - Courtesy of Dave & Leslie Shefley

Editor's Note - The Aquamarina is definitely closed. In fact, we received this message from the owners:

The Aquamarina RV Park in La Paz has ceased to operate and is closed permanently due to a land sale. In many ways we regret this decision to close. Thank you, Richard and Mary Lou Adcock, Owners

La Paz Trailer Park, La Paz - Page 457

November 3, 2007 Reader Report - For information, we arrived in La Paz November 01, 2007 to find La Paz Trailer Park permanently closed. - Courtesy of Dave & Leslie Shefley

Editor's Note: Based upon our own experience and messages like the one below we're not sure if the La Paz is really permanently closed, but it may be. We'll see what happens later in the year.

June 7, 2007 Reader Report - We have just stayed at the La Paz RV Park in La Paz. We have been here before and liked it but it was a bit of a disappointment this time. There was no hot water in the showers and no one around to assist in any way. They keep the gate shut all the time and we saw many RVs stop and pass by due to the fact that no one came around to open it and let them in. The rates are the highest in town at $24 US. They do now have Wi-Fi if you can get the gal in the house to come out and give you the security code but we never did figure out if there was a laundry here anymore.

Campestre Maranatha - La Paz - Page 457

December 5, 2007 Reader Report - In La Paz we are staying at one of the nicest campsites so far which I was surprised was not listed in the book.  It is called Campestre Maranatha, Carr. al nte. Km 11, La Paz, (612) 124-62-75 and is not far out of town.  Facilities are amazing with hot showers, nice size swimming pool, internet cafe on the premises selling lattes and the most amazing cakes, it has a play park for kids with swings, trampoline, ping pong table and they are even starting a little farm for the kids that come and stay here for kids camps.  The goat and chicks arrived while we were here.  The owners are lovely - american woman with her mexican husband.  The family has owned this land for more than 50 years.  It has walls and is secure they even have a night watchman for safe keeping! - Courtesy of Nancy Maher

Editor's note: The reader is right, this one should have been listed a long time ago. It's in the third edition of our Baja book (published in 2006) on page 166 but we neglected to add it to this update sheet for the Mexico book. Additional information: There are eight full-hookup RV sites large enought for 40 footers. Each has 20 and 30 amp outlets, water and sewer. These are angled back-in sites in a quiet area with parking on dirt. More sites are planned. The campground is just east of El Centenario. As you leave El Centenario headed east on Mex 1 watch for the El Exquisito coffee shop on your right, it's at about Km 11.3. Turn south on the road to the west of the coffee shop, the camping area entrance is on the left in about 100 yards. GPS Location is N 24° 05' 48", W 110° 23' 13" .

Road North to El Cardonal - Los Barriles Area - Page 465

February 5, 2007 Reader Update - A few years ago a paved road suddenly appeared that led north from Los Barriles to El Cardonal. The road bypassed the coastal route and provided good access to El Cardonal, but it was obviously built cheaply with little engineering. Now, apparently, that lack of engineering has caught up with it:

We stayed in Los Barriles, and decided to take a day trip N. in our Jeep up to Bahia los Muertos. I was also interested in seeing El Cardonal for a possible future trip. We headed north and soon hit the paved road over the mountain. I presume this is what you describe as the "new" road (Editor's Note: This description is in our Baja book, not our Mexico book). It has now been severely damaged by storms. Much of the road was one lane due to rock slides and cave ins. We drove up and over the first mountain and started up the second. The road was so badly undercut that I could not imagine driving any RV on it!. In many places the pavement remains on the edge of the cliff, but there is no support underneath. We decided it was not a safe trip even in our Jeep, and returned to Los Barilles. There were several road crews working, but it appeared much of the road would need to be rebuilt. I do not know what the No. access is like, but from the S. the "new road" is not suitable for any size RV. - Courtesy of Pat and John Downing

Brisa Del Mar RV Resort,  - Los Cabos Area - Page 469

February 27, 2007 Update - The Brisa del Mar is no longer accepting daily RVers and their long-term folks have been given notice. Looks like this old favorite is finally going to close its doors.

Mulejé, Baja California Sur - Page 470

May 20, 2007 Reader Report - Thought you might like to know that there is a bank and ATM in Mulege now. - Courtesy of Marilyn and Ray Broomfield

Trailer Park Martin Quezada Ruíz, San Ignacio - Page 477

January 31, 2008 - Recently Martin died suddenly and the gates were locked. No dates out to dry. Not sure of the future status. - Joyce and Larry Space

Crossing the Belize Border - Page 487

March 19, 2007 Update - RVers crossing into Belize from Mexico continue to be charged an unusual fee if they want to retain their Mexico tourist cards. Retaining your visa is desirable because at this crossing returning RVers are given a 15-day transit visa rather than the normal 180 day visa. This is not convenient if you plan to spend more time in Mexico. The over-and-back fee (sometimes called a double-entry stamp fee) has gone up to the same 210 peso fee charged for 180-day visas. Also, some travelers have been asked for an additional 100 pesos per person although receipts will not be given for this and the fee is sometimes waived if you politely insist on a receipt "for your records".

If you leave Mexico through Guatemala you may be allowed to keep your Mexican tourist visa. You have to request this, otherwise the visa is taken from you as a matter of course. We were allowed to keep ours and coming back into Mexico at the Belize crossing our documents were examined and pronounced to be in order, there was no fee and no wait in line. We didn't even have to leave the rig.

Cucumber Beach Marina, near Belize City, Belize - Page 491

March 10, 2007 Update - This marina is listed in the book as a possible camping area for the Belize City area. We recently visited and found it to be a very convenient location for a visit to Belize City or as a place to leave your rig while you spend a few days touring the cayes. This is an upscale marina that allows RVs to park on the grounds. Low amp electricity is available from outlets located on some of the light poles. Water also available and there is a self-service washing machine and dryer (tokens required). Also on the grounds are an excellent restaurant, a swimming beach with a swimming pond ($5 Belize for folks staying at the marina), and a museum (extra fee). Ocean swimming isn't popular here due to coral and muddy water. The price is $5 Belize ($2.50 U.S.) for each person, $6 Belize ($3 U.S.) for electricity. Busses toward Belize City or Belmopan pass the front gate at least every hour, usually every half-hour.

The marina is located between Mile 5 and 6 on the Western Highway (the one between Belize City and San Ignacio). It's on the water side of the highway (of course), the gate is marked "Old Belize", not Cucumber Beach. GPS location is N 17° 28’ 23”, W 88° 14’ 57”, telephone is 501 222-4153, fax is 501 222-4161.

Lagoon Campground, just north of Corozol Town, Belize - Page 492

March 17, 2007 Update - We recently visited this campground and found that it is being developed as a subdivision. The work seems to be going slowly and RVs continue to be accepted. Most folks boondock here but electricity is sometimes available, as are water and a place to dump. This is likely to be the case for some time despite the subdivision work.

Caribbean Village, Corozal Town, Belize - Page 493

March 18, 2007 Update - We recently visited this campground and found that new hookups are being slowly installed on the grounds south of the former camping area. Plans are to eventually have 28 fully functioning full hookup sites. There is no longer a restaurant here and most sites and hookups are in poor shape. The price is now $20 U.S. for RVs, tenters are charged $5 U.S. per person. There's a website at www.belizetransfers.com . Campers with pets report that this is no longer a good stop for them as there are several fairly fierce guard dogs on site.

Victor's Inn, Corozol, Belize - Page 494

March 15, 2007 Update - We recently revisited Victor's and found that hookups have been installed. There are 12 indoor style duplex 15-amp outlets on three square posts in the flat lot behind the restaurant and motel. Water outlets are on the same posts. A dump station is available. The rate was $25 Belize ($12.50 U.S.) with no air conditioner use. This is an excellent place to stay while taking the popular boat run up the New River to the Lamanai archeological site, the management at Victor's can make arrange the tour and have you picked up at the campground.

Corozol has a new bypass around the eastern side of town so access is easier than it was. From the north at a point just south of  Mile 57 follow the bypass (signed Belize City) around the east side of town to the first traffic circle (Signed San Esteban, in 2.1 miles) turn and head east away from town. Drive .3 miles, turn right (signed for Happy Camp Lagoon), Victor's is on the right in .2 miles. From the south the ring road starts at a traffic circle just north of Mile 52, follow signs for Corozol which take you east on the bypass road.  In 2.5 mile you'll reach the traffic circle (signed San Esteban). From there follow the directions above. 

Ceasar's Place Guest House, San Ignacio, Belize - Page 495

December 31, 2008 Reader Warning -

In the Belize section, you mention "Caesar's Place guest house" as a possible place to camp. While it is nice and quiet there, with hookups, we don't feel it is a SAFE place for anyone to stay. We camped there in an RV for 7 nights. On the 6th night the owner told us over dinner that his "pack" of dogs had killed the dogs of two other guests, and there were actually SIX of them. We had only seen 2. He assured us that the dogs were "not out during daylight hours".

Imagine our horror on Christmas morning with our border collie on a leash, as this pack of dogs savagely attacked our dog again and again right in front of our eyes. The security guard, with a shotgun on his back, had NO control over them, and his only action was to yell and pound them with his fist. With enough people there to distract the dogs, we were finally able to pick our severly wounded Max up and get him to a vet in San Ignacio.
The owner's comment "this is nothing, my dogs do this to each other all the time".

With outhouses provided, and camping, what is to prevent these dogs from attacking someone who wanders out during the night? We feel fortunate that our dog lived; the vet warned us that we would not be able to make our anticipated Guatemalan border crossing as a wounded animal such as this would make them fear rabies and refuse us entry.

Not only are we caring for a severly injured pet, we are stuck in Belize, our vacation on hold, and the owner never even offered to pay the vet bill. In fact, didnt even check with us to see how things were. Please reconsider adding the campground, or at least warn people of the possibilities of danger here.

Inglewood Camping Grounds, San Ignacio, Belize - Page 496

March 9, 2007 Update - We recently visited Inglewood and found the place in great shape. There are now 20 sites with electricity and water (16 are 30 amps), many are pull-thrus. There is room for another 10 rigs or so to park with no hookups. There is also a bunk house. Wi-fi is available for a fee. The rate for tenting is $15 Belize for two plus tax. RVs pay $21.50 Belize (10.75 U.S.) plus $.60 Belize per kilowatt hour for electricity.  Telephone/fax is now 011-501-824-3555 or 824-4589, email is gregcarillo@hughes.net, website is www.inglewoodcampinggrounds.com .

Cosmos Camping, San Ignacio, Belize - Page 496

March 8, 2007 Update - In the book Cosmos is referenced as a possible camping area for tenters. We recently visited the campground and found it being used by RVers. The gate would be difficult for rigs over about 30 feet but once inside it is possible to maneuver and park on grass. It is possible to run a line for low amp electricity, water is available, and there is a dump station too. Restrooms are very basic with flush toilets and cold showers. There are rental cabañas and breakfast is available on request. Campers pay 10 Belize dollars ($5.00 U.S.) per person, for electricity it's an additional $10 Belize ($5 U.S.)

The address is #15 Branch Mouth Rd, telephone is 824-2116, email is cosmoscamping@btl.net. Coming into San Ignacio from the east zero your odometer as you cross the Wooden Bridge. Follow the paved main road (Joseph Andrews Drive) as it curves to the right and at .3 miles take the right fork onto a dirt road. The office is signed on the left after .1 mile (.2) of gravel, stop and check in. The campground is on the right in another .1 mile (.2 km). The GPS location of the camping area is N 17° 10’ 10”, W 89° 04’ 19” 

Tikal Archeological Site, Guatemala - Page 496

March 8, 2007 Update - In the book we mention that many folks visit San Ignacio, Belize in order to take a van trip over to Tikal. We recently drove the road in an RV and found it to be rough but passable in any rig if taken slow. The first 14.2 miles from the Guatemalan border town of Melchor de Menhos are dirt and gravel. In our pickup and camper this was a 15 mph road. After that the road is paved but very potholed for another 24.0 miles, the going is often almost as slow as on the gravel portion. After that you reach the Tikal cutoff, from there north to the site is 21.1 miles of excellent paved road.

In Tikal camping is allowed in a special camping area. There is parking on grass for RVs and also tent camping with palapas. Restrooms with flush toilets and cold showers are provided and there are nearby restaurants. The entry gate to the ruins is 100 yards away, you can not enter the ruins outside normal opening hours. The cost is 20 Quetzales per person (about $ 3.85 U.S.), the GPS location of the camping area is N 17° 13’ 29”, W 89° 23’ 41”.

 

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