Beach camping in Baja

First and foremost, we love Mexico. The places, the people, and the way of life. We've been escaping to San Felipe, Baja for a christmas for the past four years. Six hours from Los Angeles it can be made into a quick trip. It became a perfect introduction, and inspiration to see more of Baja California.

In April 2014 we took a longer trip, camping our way south to Bahía Concepción.

Guadalupe Canyon Oasis Desert Hot Springs. The long name says it all, a true oasis with hot springs under the shade of lush palms.

Upstream from the hot springs is a rough hike reaching further than we were willing to venture. We headed back after Nick dropped his camera off a ten foot cliff.

Our site. Each campground has it's own private hot spring tub, complete with a valve straight from the springs controlling the temperature.

This dry lake bed is an alternative route to Guadalupe. When it hasn't turned to mud, you can ride side by side with as many vehicles as you like.

San Felipe's sunsets always look like this.

Moonrise christmas eve.

View from Campo de Kiki's.

Coco is the most famous man in Baja, if you find that hard to believe, look up Coco's Corner. We also think he's the most interesting. South of San Felipe, and half way to Chapala, before the rough dirt road meets MX1. When you arrive after being offered a beer, Coco writes in his book, your name, birthplace, destination, and a sketch of your vehicle. He will recall this information off-hand on your next visit.

On the left, Coco explaining that the "pinche mapa" was not going to work. On the right, Coco hand drawing a map with the correct route through the arroyos.

Coco's restrooms. His land has a Slab City meets Mexico feel to it.

Bahia de Los Angeles.

What texture! Giant Cardon cacti.

The Boojums trees on the way in seemed very Dr Seuess-ish. On the right, A lone house on a lonely beach, Bahía Concepción.

We chose to camp at Playa Escondido in Bahía Concepción. It was small and very chill with only ten palapas, ($7) only accessible by two axle vehicles. Our visit was during Semana Santa, the busiest time of the year.

We got the chance to swim with whale sharks for 100 pesos. We didn't even know the opportunity was available. It was only offered after we tried to rent a kayak, and no paddles were available. By far, the most memorable part of our trip. The whale shark swam up to our boat, opening its mouth, and filter feeding right at the surface. It looked like he stopped by to say hi!

The classically calm Sea of Cortez was consistent on Playa Escondido.

Two beaches to the north is the RV accessible, larger, and more popular Santispac. We joined some young kids on quads lapping the small track near the beach.

This gray whale skeleton seemed to belong to Cuatro Casas Hostel, though we are not sure how that works, or if finders keepers applies for whale skeletons in Baja.

Beach view from Cuatro Casas Hostel, our only stop on the Pacific.