Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

wendy devlin

Sep 8, 2003, 1:23 PM

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Let's talk camping ...

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now that Sandykayak brought the subject up on the thread about which vehicle to buy.

Years gone by, I used to post regularily on this topic on Mexconnect...but it generally seemed to me that most posters who visit these foro are looking to pack er all up...burn a few bridges...and move to Mexico...forever...

Or whenever;^)

However, if you actually hit the road, and travel/camp around the country...you are likely to discover a host of intrepid travelers doing the same. And among are women driving solo, families with young children, young people, 80 year olds and just about anybody else that you can imagine.

The guidebooks will get you started...but in my opinion, if you are prone to equating camping north of the Mexican border with camping south of the border, you are in for a few surprises, some of them pleasant and some of them not so pleasant.

After our first few long RV trips all around Mexico, I formed the opinion that campground experiences could tend to isolate you from some aspects of living in Mexico. Afterall, people tend to travel in self-contained rigs and interaction with others is voluntary.

After all, except on special holiday weekends, you won't find many Mexicans 'camping'. It seems to be a somewhat 'foreign' notion in general.

But now, many years later, after experiences renting various cuartos, bungalows etc. long term and short term around the country, I am back to believing that the camping lifestyle has considerable merit...especially for being able to check out specific areas as to all aspects of life...while retaining mobility.

And once you start doing it, you are likely to discover that it is easy to network in Mexico with other people sharing the same lifestyle.

Besides many campgrounds in Mexico will have a small ex-pat scene. Many people will be eager to share their first hand experiences about the surrounding area. And because of the informality of the social network, you can have as little or as much to do with them as you wish.

Although don't get me wrong here, you will also find some people have set-up little social fiefdoms...and will pressure to get involved in their lives or projects.

Afterall some people have been returning to the same campground for ...for months/years.

But there is a social advantage to getting to know the veterans.

They have a vested interest in keeping the campground a nice place to stay.Some people even plant little 'garden's around their rig for flowers or fresh tomatoes.

And...sometimes... If you end up staying somewhat semi-permanently you may even find people to 'mind' your scene for you if you want to day-trip away for days/weeks/months. The agreement is usually one of returning the favor someday.

Of course there can be individuals or groups of people to steer clear off too.

But my main point is that people find themselves in the same 'boat' so to speak.

And in absence of other family/support systems, many campers have a code of ethics. Being a good neighbour, heads up to others and all of that.

.

You may even get invited to casa or villa 'sit'. In small places, you will find that all the gringos in the village generally know of each other...and there is a strong grape-vine...should you wish to tap into it.

So what I am trying to say...is that once you make the plunge, you are likely to find out that there is a measure of support-out there.

Sometimes on these foros, I get the feeling of one-up-man-ship, rather than people helping people.

Plus there'll always be something new. Adios Wendy

sandykayak

Sep 8, 2003, 2:35 PM

Post #2 of 21 (1961 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...

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wendy, how can we get the links (put on the vehicle makes thread) put on this thread?

I've already ordered a book about Travel Journeys of women RVers and subscribed to the Bell's free newsletter. the sunseekerpub.com site must be temporarily AWOL.

lots of guides and videos on those links also.
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

alex .

Sep 8, 2003, 2:40 PM

Post #3 of 21 (1960 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] I thought you were describing our fora

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for awhile there : some flowers here, some tomatoes there, some fertilizer scattered about,
Alex

sfmacaws

Sep 8, 2003, 5:47 PM

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...

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Excellent post, Wendy. While we have been traveling in Mexico for many years, only in the last 2 years since I retired have we taken an rv and traveled without the time restraints of a vacation. You are right, there is a feeling of camaradarie and a natural friendliness and helpfulness among the rv'ing set, especially outside the US. We've had great evenings of food, drink and talk with people of many nationalities in campgrounds in Mexico. In fact, I'm a little sad that we had already bought our place in Akumal because I now feel we should spend most of our winters there and I'd really like to just keep moving around. I'm feeling that way about our place here in CA as well though, I think I have full-time RVer envy!

We have some full-timer friends who are leaving this January with 4 or 5 other RVs (not a commercial caravan) for an 11 month trip to Panama and back. I'm so envious. We wanted so much to go along but finally realized we just can't be gone that long, too many responsibilities for both houses. We are thinking though of trailing along with them as far as Antigua, Guatemala when they leave the Yucatan. Before we decide, we'll spend some time talking to others in the campgrounds along the border. You get the best information, the best advice and meet some wonderful people just asking folks where they've been.

My partner and I are both women and we have had no problems traveling in our RV throughout Mexico and Belize. I've met several women RVing alone who spend their winters either in one spot in Mexico or traveling. One of the plus's we've discovered is that 2 women 'of a certain age' do not fit any of the profiles either at the border or at the military checkpoints. We are almost always waved through, if not we are treated with great respect and courtesy. In particular, the young men at the military checkpoints are very hesitant to intrude into our home. The only time any of them has asked to see anything but the contents of the refrigerator, he asked what was behind a door. When I opened it and he saw that it was our closet, he turned beet red and backed out apologizing. It's very endearing.

The only time I remember meeting other Mexicans at a campground was on the gulf coast, in Monte Gordo. We have stopped there twice and both times most of the other campers were Mexican. Once we met a whole group from a Mexican RVing club out of DF. I haven't been to any of the campground along the west coast so perhaps there are more Mexican campers along there. In Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Yucatan states and in Belize I have seen many Canadians, French, Germans, Dutch, and English but so far no Mexicans. The people from the DF RV club said that it is not common yet in MX but that it is becoming more popular in the large cities and they think it will keep growing.

It is such a wonderful way to see any country, traveling with your house on your back and being able to stop for as long or as short a time as you want. It's hard to really enjoy an area when you can't find a comfortable place to stay. In an RV you can stay in really out of the way spots and still sleep in your own bed and use your own bathroom, once past your twenties those become important considerations. There is life and travel after your backpacking days are over!

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

sandykayak

Sep 9, 2003, 8:26 AM

Post #5 of 21 (1912 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...

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I found this on el Guapo Gabacho profile, so I guess this is Richard Davis' site.

http://www.campingmexico.com/pages/1/index.htm
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

wendy devlin

Sep 9, 2003, 12:52 PM

Post #6 of 21 (1890 views)

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Re: [alex .] I thought you were describing our fora

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Yup, Alex. I could have been describing lots of places!

So...Pick me a cyberbouquet, por favor;^) Wendy

wendy devlin

Sep 9, 2003, 1:35 PM

Post #7 of 21 (1883 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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It's always nice to hear from fellow RVers!

And like you pointed out, there is often much comraderie among fellow travelers on the road.

I, too, especially enjoy meeting people from all over the world.

And sometimes hooking up with them for a portion of the trip. When we've met Mexicans touring their own country...they are usually utilizing hotels for the overnights. Although it is not unusual to see tent cities sprout up on the beaches at times like Semana Santa or Navidad when the hotels are fulled to overflowing. And people do also drive down from places like Guadalajara to camp in tents or vans at places like Barra de Navidad or La Manzanilla on weekends.

For anyone wondering why I added on ...camping by Rvers... to my original subject I want to mention that some people do tent-camp...and in certain places this is possible but you have far less security...and therefore...open yourself up to more risk.

Especially petty thievry. A somewhat common occurrence, at least along the west coast of Mexico where we have RVed the most.

Many campgrounds along that route will cost in range of 5 to 20 dollars american a night. Do not assume that paying a higher fee, translates into increase security. For that you will have to take responsibility.

And the advantage to being at least minimally self-contained is that you do not have to rely on campground facilities which may or may not be in a good state of repair.

We've camped these past 13 years with several kids(now young adults)

The porta-potty numbers among my most precious possession!

When our 1990 Ford Aerostar packed it in, in 2001, (and the B9gfooot trailer long before that)we bought a new Ford 250 cargo van and completely camperized it for living in Mexico. Although the inside space is minimal, it holds everything we need. In addition, we take along a tent(unused as of yet!) and a screen tent which is easily attached to the side of the van. The propane stove fits on the door and the overhang of the screen tent is paramount for providing that essential for camping in Mexico...portable shade. (there is not always suitable shade trees in campgrounds available)

Except for the tell-tale ceiling vent and foreign plates, the Ford looks like any of the numerous white cargo vans driving around Mexico. It also makes it easy just to pull off during a long haul, say at a toll station and get a partial night's sleep;^)

Buen viaje! Wendy

sandykayak

Sep 9, 2003, 3:06 PM

Post #8 of 21 (1870 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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check out sfmacaws webpage at http://www.baddog.com/
awesome pictures. I thought they had a small RV until I the the Tortuga pulling the Sapo - their tow Jeep.

I've had a '95 VW EuroVan, now have a wee Jayco popup, think my camping days will not be complete if I don't have an A-frame. But WHAT to take to MX? THAT is the question.

With all these links and the fact that I have always wanted the freedom to just take off for extended periods, I think that I'll concentrate on that rather than rushing into settling down in one place.

Jonna and Mimi have a condo in Akumal, 60 miles south of Cancun that is available for short-term rentals.

Think we can convince the moderator to start a Camping Forum?????
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

Kip

Sep 9, 2003, 3:06 PM

Post #9 of 21 (1869 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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I like the blend in for safety angle. I don't think anyone has brought that up before.

Kip
kip

sfmacaws

Sep 9, 2003, 3:41 PM

Post #10 of 21 (1863 views)

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Re: [Kip] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Thanks Sandy, I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures and the web page. I've paid more attention to it now that I'm retired although not as much as I thought I would. It is true that the busier you are, the more you get done. I'm a real slacker now.

While our rv may seem big next to a van, next to the usual american rv it is small. We wanted it large enough to be liveable but small enough to fit on the roads we like. We do live in it for long stretches, 3 months this last trip. We have solar panels for electricity and aren't dependent on external hookups. We just need to find a place to fill the water tank and empty the other tanks about once a week.

Wendy, you're right that RVing isn't really camping as I remember it. It is a different but equally wonderful experience. The stealth factor of a van is very reassuring although I doubt that anyone would be fooled for long in a rural area. It would work for driving through and stopping briefly but as soon as you started coming out of the van or staying for any length of time, your covers blown! We also spend nights at truck stops and Aduanas and Pemex and even the occasional Sam's or WalMart. If we don't find a good spot to stay, we look for a restaurant with a big parking lot and ask permission to stay there. Some of those have become regular stops for us, a good meal and a safe place to park.

About 20 years ago, an ex and I and our 2 big dogs took off down the west coast of MX in a datsun pickup with a shell. We had a wonderful time camping on beaches and meandering down the coast for a couple of months. I love the memory but I don't think that I personally would do it again. Times have changed or perhaps we old folks always think that so that we don't have to admit that we have changed and are more cautious than we were in our youth. At my current spot on the river of life, there are some minimal comforts that I'm unwilling to do without. An RV allows me to go pretty much where I want without giving them up. I admit though, when I'm nervous about going to an area (the Petan is on my mind right now) I feel like I'm driving a big, wrapped box full of presents that could be irresistable to some.

The RVers mantra 'Home is where you park it'

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

sandykayak

Sep 10, 2003, 9:15 AM

Post #11 of 21 (1835 views)

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Re: [Kip] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Kip said: <<I like the blend in for safety angle. >>

Kip, could you explain that? In the context of camping, what do you consider blending in.

As a single woman (mit 2 small doggies that bark!), I'm thinking of staying lower down on the food chain. I'm not good at fixing things.

I might look at a VW bus again, but the older models don't have cruise control or automatic - or do they????

I thought my '95 EuroVan was going to last for 20 years, but things do go wrong and they cost a bundle to repair. I nearly died when someone said it cost them $6,000 to replace the transmission!

Mileage and gas costs do have to be taken into consideration.
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

Kip

Sep 10, 2003, 9:50 AM

Post #12 of 21 (1829 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Sorry kiddo, I was talking about her white van that looked like so many other white vans in Mexico so it didn't stand out and make them a target. I've thought of trying to blend in on a personal level but being a redhead with freckles the only place I'd have a chance to blend in is if they had a Middle Eastern community and I could cover everything up! Which I'm sure some would feel would be for the best!

Kip
kip

wendy devlin

Sep 10, 2003, 11:59 AM

Post #13 of 21 (1812 views)

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Re: [Kip] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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I got a kick out of the Tortuga on Sfmacaw's website too. And Sapo...toad...I love the name.

(but then...my grandson's nickname is Sapito, as his mom is Sapa and his dad, Sapo)

As to what vehicle to take to Mexico, that choice would seem to be as individual as the person who makes it. One certainly sees a wide range of options.

Speaking as someone whose transmission blew 3/4 of the way up the Nevado de Colima, a few years back, I opt for a vehicle make, that is easily fixed with reputable dealers under extended warranty. But that's just me.

As it was, it cost $70 tow, $2200 Can.for repairs and two weeks for the Ford dealership to fix the van in the nearest city of Cuidad Guzman. The work was under warranty for 3 months.

We left for the 5000 mile return trip with a month time remaining on the warranty. In Eugene Oregon, the 'repaired' transmission blew... the new work cost $3000 Can and a two day hotel stay. We got the money back from Ford in Canada for the $3000 worth of repairs made in the States.

We bought a new van ASAP upon returning home. The old van had given us 11 good years.

Other people do it different. I too admire the legendary Mexican mechanic who can keep things moving. But with most everything being electronic in the newer vehicles, dealers have the expertise and the tools.

Although I've met people who send back to the States for parts if they are trying to keep an older model going. They make a prior arrangement with a friend or family member on the procedure to be followed in the even of needing a critical part not readily available. It is shipped down(usually arriving within 3 days, and the person either puts the part in themself if savvy or gets a mechanic to do it for them)

May your wheels keep rollin' Wendy

(This post was edited by wendy devlin on Sep 10, 2003, 12:30 PM)

wendy devlin

Sep 10, 2003, 12:15 PM

Post #14 of 21 (1807 views)

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Re: [Kip] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Just like Kip, as soon as Arbon and I step into view...we are easily identified as gringos.

Perhaps the notion of our van blending in is perhaps a little delusional...but it goes along with the club on the steering wheel and the little flashlight in the ignition that flashes a light all night long...which I like to think might be thought of as a car alarm;^)

Just like Sfmacaw we too spend nights at rest stops, truck stops and Aduanas and Pemex and even WalMarts plus restaurants with a big parking lots.

Then we camp all over the countryside too...although always trying to arrive in a perspective overnight stop well before dark, to check out the ambience...the people...before deciding whether to stay. Often asking permission from whomever is in charge of the area. And with the van always parked for as easy a departure as can be arranged. Even in campgrounds.

Certainly as Sfmacaw suggests as I've aged, my caution has increased. But I like to think that experience has been a stern teacher. I take care of things now that never would have even occurred to me to think about when I was younger.

But then a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then;^)

The thing is that although most of the people that you are going to meet are as good as people you could ever hope to find...but there are still bad apples mixed up in every bushel...and given the opportunity...they will try to take advantage.

But my first post was directed more at the idea, of Rving for longer periods in an area...to get a stronger feel for what it might be like to live there.

A gradual introduction...to living in Mexico...without giving up jobs, health care plans, real estate etc. wherever a person is from...only to find out the hard or perhaps expensive way that living in Mexico was not for them.

We haven't travelled for many years with a dog...the two springers are aged and stay home on the Canadian ranchito but I think it's a good idea to have a canine pal along for the ride.

Que te vaya bien Wendy

Kip

Sep 10, 2003, 12:32 PM

Post #15 of 21 (1802 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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I don't know about Mexico, but when I was bringing the last of our stuff from Washington state to Mississippi . I had the front end of my four horse trailer full of heavy stuff (too heavy) the front end of my truck bounced around corners for 2650 miles) Every time I would pull into a rest stop to rest (meaning grab a few winks) it was god awful. The truckers never turned their engines off, and some of them don't run all that smoothly,rumble rumble rumble kersplat chug chug. It was impossible to sleep. I wouldn't get a motel room because I had my stallion in the back and I was afraid someone might mess with him. I guess the long awaited point is, is it the same at Mexican rest stops? Noisy trucks that is?

Kip
kip

sfmacaws

Sep 10, 2003, 3:01 PM

Post #16 of 21 (1783 views)

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Re: [Kip] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Kip,

All truck stops are loud and full of fumes, sometimes they are worse in MX because the exhaust and muffler laws are non-existant or not enforced. Really big Pemex have enough room for you to get away from most of the trucks but of course some will pull in after you have parked and put their exhaust next to any open window you have ;) I think the loudest and smelliest we've stayed at is the rest stop along the toll road near Minatitlan. Not much room and lots of trucks coming and going all night. Still, we were comfortable with all the windows closed and the fans running on top of the RV. Clearly truck stops are not the first choice of places to stay. They can be great if you are trying to make time to somewhere else and want to drive as long as you can and get up early and go on.

Jonna

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

sfmacaws

Sep 10, 2003, 3:25 PM

Post #17 of 21 (1781 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Wendy has some good advice, being aware of your security is not the same as being paranoid. It just means that you take the steps available to you to anticipate problems. You are also right that every barrel has bad apples and sometimes opportunity pushes marginal apples into bad. We try to reduce opportunity and prepare for possibilities.

Like Wendy, we always try to park so we can drive away quickly - we do this in the US and in MX. Places like truck stops that is not always possible as you can get hemmed in. As 2 women, if everyone around us are men we stop, close the curtains and don't exit the rv at all. We watch in the morning until we are clear (trucks move in and out alot, you won't be blocked for long) before opening the curtains, starting up and driving away.

We don't open the door to strangers. That sounds obvious but sometimes a knock catches you off guard. We look at the person, we look in back of the rig, we ask them to come up to the front of the rig to the electric window. We have a lot of deeply tinted windows on our rig and we can see out without them seeing in, that gives you the chance to make sure the person is alone or isn't hiding someone else.

We carry a small can of Oven Off aerosol oven cleaner in the shelf over the door and carry it on walks in marginal areas as you would a can of mace or pepper spray. It's simply an escape tool for an emergency, spray their eyes and run like hell. I've never had to use it and probably never will but I have it.

We lock everything attached outside the rig. That includes the tow bar on the jeep, the bikes on the bike rack and the chairs hung on the ladder. We also do that in the US, none of this is special to Mexico.

I agree with Wendy that spending a few months in an RV in an area you are thinking of moving to could help you decide if this is really for you. I've been looking at routes for our trip down this year and see that there are a couple of RV parks in the Lake Chapala area, PAL and one other. That would be a good way to spend enough time that you would get the feel of living there with very little investment, assuming you have or would want an RV anyway. Who knows, you could end up liking it so much that you will want to spend a month in every town you like ;) Mimi and I have another saying (we're just full of them): If you don't like the neighbors, fire it up Mabel and let's move.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán

sandykayak

Sep 11, 2003, 8:31 AM

Post #18 of 21 (1759 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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<<A gradual introduction...to living in Mexico...without giving up jobs, health care plans, real estate etc. wherever a person is from...only to find out the hard or perhaps expensive way that living in Mexico was not for them. >>

Wendy, that was good advice and very well put.

I'm still trying to work out how you had an extended warranty on an 11-year old van, but maybe I misunderstood. I agree that with computer diagnostics etc. it's worth paying the extra to have the dealer do the job - though I did have a good mechanic for my Honda.

If you have pictures of your van - inside and out or the kind of conversions you made please post the URL here so we can all enjoy or send to me an sandykayak@yahoo.com

I LOVE looking at people's rigs/campers/tents...
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

wendy devlin

Sep 11, 2003, 9:09 AM

Post #19 of 21 (1751 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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As it was, it cost $70 tow, $2200 Can.for repairs and two weeks for the Ford dealership to fix the van in the nearest city of Cuidad Guzman. The work was under warranty for 3 months.

In US & Canada a repair warranty is 6 months. (after the original warranty runs out)

wendy devlin

Sep 11, 2003, 2:55 PM

Post #20 of 21 (1734 views)

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Re: [sfmacaws] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Lots of good tips coming from all angles here.

>there are a couple of RV parks in the Lake Chapala area, PAL and one other.

In 2002 we stayed at a pleasant RV park over in Villa Corona. Not too far from Jocotepec.

Years early I met a pair of Canadian snowbirds who wintered there everyyear. They mentioned that it was a deluxe water park of sorts with hot water year round from the thermal springs(?)

There are actually two parks there...one had what looked like an aging(read run-down) set up for RVers...lots of derelit trailers...but then it was late October and perhaps the campers hadn't arrived yet to spruce the scene up.

We stayed in the other park at Chimuclo(spelling's off but should be close enough to find on a map or in a book)

Well-groomed, somewhat open site, although it had plenty of shade trees. And even a large clean shower/bathroom complex with a club-room. About $15am a night.

View of the lake and access to the thermal pools. Busy place on the weekends as is popular place with families from Guadalajara. The huge parking lot fills up with buses and cars.Wendy

sfmacaws

Sep 11, 2003, 6:13 PM

Post #21 of 21 (1717 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Let's talk camping ...by Rvers

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Thanks Wendy,

I've saved that info in my notes. We will probably stop for at least a night in the Lake Chapala area on our way south. I was just thinking about asking for info about the rv parks in that area.

Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán