Update 5: Camping Cabo to California

What an epic adventure! Excited to share our favorite and FREE camping spots from Cabo to California. Okay, okay we did pay $10 for one camp for a shower.

first, the tough stuff

Saying goodbye to Doug was all the tears. This beautiful husky boy knew we were leaving and put up a fight. It took 30 minutes to get him out of the house. Followed by him chasing my truck down the dirt road. My heart broke when he started jumping on my truck.

Porter snuck out, Doug jumped in. Another 30 minute challenge to get him out of the truck. Took him home several times and in the end I drove away at 20 mph with Doug right on my tail.

Even one month later writing this I have tears streaming down my cheeks.

For those wondering, yes I did ask permission to adopt Doug. The answer was no and I had to respect that. I kept in touch with the grandpa and learned the family had been in tough times including the husband having two emergency surgeries. Believing everything happens for a reason, I trust I was meant to care for Doug and sweetie pie chicka while living there.

This camping spot might just be my #1 favorite spot.

On arrival I stopped to talk to the first van we saw. A man named Mango. He was tall, tan, and tattooed from head to toe and he is regular at this surf spot. He kindly advised me of the high tide line and the best place to park. Porter and his dog ran around on the beach all evening.

We spent one night here and looking back we should have stayed the entire weekend. Quiet and peaceful, it is worth the off-roading.

Cabo to California: all the views, no cell signal, but fresh margaritas and tacos on the beach. To escape the crowd we drove all the way past the sand trap where less people were parked and set up camp. We had one neighbor, a retired man from Canada. Note: it can be windy in this location, a tent is not the best.

Beautiful black sand beach with layers of mountain peaks, islands, and sailboats. We arrived about 30 minutes before sunset and set up camp. A short while later, two families arrived for a weekend of cowboy camping.

Porter immediately ditched me for the kids.

Within 3 minutes of chatting to the parents, one hand was holding a ice cold beer and the other a bag of sunflower seeds.

The kids played with Porter all night, running around and feeding him steak, chips, and pastries. The next morning I went for a cool swim. When I came out of the water, Porter was cuddling with their son. They poured me a double coffee and fed me Mexican sweets. Then, we began our Spanish lesson of the day: swear words. jaja

Every time I shared my driving route I was told to take the short detour to San Javier. And, I sure am glad I did. What a stunning drive! The town has less than 200 people and has a mission that is 325 years old. It is the oldest missions in all of Baja. Pictured below, is me with a 300 year old olive tree. San Javier is the first place in California (the original CA) that ever produced wine.

Our time in Loreto was more of a work slash rest stop for me and full rest stop for Porter. We stayed in a brand-new Airbnb run by two brothers who also run an ocean safari company.

Loreto is one of my favorite towns, on my next Baja trip I will spend a good amount of time here. Not only is it notorious for Blue Whales, but it is one of three Pueblo Magico towns in Baja. 

Pueblo Magico is a designation awarded by the Mexico tourism secretary. It signifies that a town is rich in culture, natural beauty, and history. With traditions worth exploring that include food, folklore, art, and hospitality.

Camping near not one, but three volcanoes! Say what!? When I found this spot on the map it was a no brainer. If I ever make it to the middle of Baja I will take the time to hike up.

After camping at the three volcanoes we had no next camp picked out. We hit the road with the goal of finding a good breakfast spot. After a delicious plate of chilaquiles, I opened the iOverlander app and found a place about a half hour away right on the beach.

A top favorite camp, possibly a tie for #1

Sage advice, do not plan a camping trip on the Sea of Cortez side from the end of June through September. Unless you enjoy 99 degree sleep and wind on your face that feels like a blow dryer.

It was hot and the wind was brutal. The toughest night, I moved the truck twice and ended up breaking down the tent and sleeping in the truck. In the morning I was able to refuel with a healthy breakfast and good coffee.

Highly recommend visiting November – May.

Another day of having no destination.

All I knew is that we had to get back to the Pacific Ocean. No joke, it is 30 degrees cooler at night. Now, I don’t know about you but I prefer to sleep when it’s a cool 60F, not a sizzling 99F.

This was also Porter’s first time camping on a cliff. For a second I turned my head to gaze at the ocean. And then, in the corner of my eye a black dot headed down the cliff.

My mom yell was in immediate action. Between Porter’s face and the unsteadiness of his legs he knew he f’d up. He slowly turned himself around, kicked it into four wheel drive, and got up safely.

🇲🇽 sharing a black sand beach with a local family who just started camping their own land

🐾 Porter cuddling with their son in the morning

🐬 Watching dolphins at 3 of our campsites

🌋 Camping near three volcanoes

🌅 The endless beauty of Baja Mexico. From sunrise to sunset and most certainly at night. Once you are away from the big cities, nothing beats sleeping under a blanket of stars.

All the campsites were discovered using an app called iOverlander. I look for 4X4 trails only. This eliminates upwards of 70% of travelers and then I read reviews to ensure it’s a camp for us.

Oh, Porty Porter boy. What a complete joy it is to watch him continue to learn and grow into the best travel pal ever.

One night we were camping pretty far off grid, it was the night we camped at the volcano. Just like sleeping in a new house, there can be new noises that can easily activate anxiety.

It was then I realized how amazing it is to travel with Porter. He motivates me to provide him the best years of his life and gives me a boost in confidence when I need it most.

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