Beach camping in Baja, Mexico is dreamlike. Where else can you; wake up to the sound of waves crashing, making a cup of coffee, and taking it out to your chair planted in the sand to watch the sunrise for free? Yes, using “dreamlike” is over-done, but it fits, I promise. After 7 years of living on the road, I’ve realized there isn’t much out there which compares to Baja. More specifically, Baja Sur. While several beaches have become over-populated in recent years, Baja’s coastline is still relatively unpopulated. The beaches that are crowded are often close to a main road with easy access. My guess, if you just go a few turns north, or south, you will find something similar, if not better, without anyone. So, if you are on a road trip, or currently planning a road trip to Baja, Mexico, here are four beaches you should check out!
The best beach camping in Baja are:
Along the East Cape road, ideally near Cabo Pulmo or a surf break
Conception Bay
The outskirts of Todos Santos
San Juanico
Read on to discover how much to pay, what is offered at these beaches, if there is surf, and so much more!
Sleep on the beach and surf every sunrise in San Juanico in Baja, Mexico. Photo by Dalton Johnson
1) San Juanico
San Juanico is a small fishing village with a large surfing problem. Myth and legends are told of a mile-long ride from third point to first. Some have even gone on and said the link-up has been done from fourth peak… insane! The best part of this sleepy town, other than the surfing, is the camping. You get to park on the cliffs and overlook the breaks you want to surf. The catch? Well, if you want to sleep around the main points, you’ll have to pay… I think $2/day to the cantina. If you are looking for free beach camping, just head down the way, not but a couple of miles on a friendly dirt road. If this isn’t your jam, then head down to the marina and take the beach for as far as you want. I’ve made it 20 miles!
Why should I visit San Juanico?
Free beach camping
World class surfing
Great food, make sure to check out the pizza joint (it’s owned by an ex-NFL player… so I am told)
Meet the locals, they might take you fishing
There is a weekly farmers market where you can get all of your produce! Go to it!
Is San Juanico van life friendly?
San Juanico is a vanlife-friendly town. Heck, San Juanico is a great place for any road trippers. In town, you can find a carwash, water, a farmers market with fresh produce, and so much more. At first, this town seems far off the beaten path, but trust me, if you have a week to stay, the camping is well worth it.
Is there surfing at San Juanico?
YES! San Juanico is a world-class surfing destination for south swells. While the bay is great for other swells, the best waves come with a south swell. Be aware, during a solid stretch of good swell, several locals and travelers will come to San Juanico to surf the never-ending right.
What else can I do at San Juanico?
Watch the Baja 1000
Open water swims
Fishing
Skim-boarding
Snorkeling
Off-roading
Hiking
Paragliding
Camping on a beach with a van north of Todos Santos in Baja, Mexico. Photo by Dalton Johnson
2) Todos Santos
Todos Santos is a bustling town, but just outside of the town proper, there are several smaller oasis. In this grouping of places is Cerritos Beach, Tuna Beach, Turtle Beach, the Green Room, and so much more! Some of the best times I have had in the van has been north of Todos Santos. If you drive the beach road north, you will leave the town and end up crossing farmer’s land. One year, I wanted to search for waves, so I headed north for as far as I could, only to skinny dip in the ocean and lay in the sand naked for a few days. There is literally nothing out there, so make sure to bring some gas and water!
Why should I visit Todos Santos?
Todos Santos has a cute town center and is full of character
The Hotel California resides here
Lots of live music and great places to eat
Todos Santos is an artist vibe kind of place
If you need to fix anything, there are several hardware and auto stores
Is Todos Santos van life friendly?
Exploring the town of Todos Santos in a van will feel tight, as the corners are sharp and the parking is small, but the people will love you. I would suggest exploring and sleeping outside of the town. There are several beaches nearby with easy access for secluded camping.
Is there surfing at Todos Santos?
Todos Santos itself is land-locked, so there is no surfing, but the outskirts contain some of the best surfing in Baja. Cerritos Beach has boomed in the last five years, adding condos and houses for ex-pats. Most of these folks are older but share well. The locals are kind and the overall vibe of the surf is mellow. If you are lucky, you will be in Cerritos for a big swell! I’ve surfed the point when it was 15+ feet and you can get stand-up barrels.
If you want to learn how to surf, or just get info about the break talk with Juan and Carlos at CRT Surf School.
What else can I do at Todos Santos?
Whale watching
Surfing
Fishing
Hiking (I recommend the abandoned Sugar Mill)
Off-roading
Release turtles
Enjoying the sunrise from bed while sleeping on the beach in Conception Bay of Baja, Mexico. Photo by Dalton Johnson
3) Conception Bay
Conception Bay is very large with hidden gems throughout, so make sure you keep an eye out for an arroyo that could take you to the water. Over the past few years, a few beach camping spots have become “developed” and require payment. This has fluctuated by the cost is usually in the $5-10/night range. For that, you get a toilet and a guard. If you are not keen on paying to sleep on a beach, keep driving, there are tons of beaches are free to camp directly on the beach.
Why should I visit Conception Bay?
Relaxation and gorgeous views
Sailing
Snorkeling
Paddle-boarding
Long walks on the beach
Tranquility
Is Conception Bay van life friendly?
Conception Bay was made for van life and RV travelers alike. The shoreline is predictable, so you can park just above the high tide line, pull out some chairs, and post up until you run out of water. If you are looking for amenities, there are a few paid camping places (I think $5/night) that have a guard, a palapa, and toilets. If that isn’t your jam, take a few of the back roads and explore the secluded beaches Conception Bay has to offer.
Is there surfing at Conception Bay?
Conception Bay is not a place to surf. The bay is long, making the water flat and protected from the elements. Because of this, you often find sailboats moored offshore, enjoying the safe waters.
What else can I do at Conception Bay?
Snorkeling
Open water swimming
Fishing
Glass boat bottom rides
Stand Up Paddle-boarding
Kristin enjoying a sunrise journal session while camping on the beach along the East Cape Road in Baja, Mexico. Photo by Dalton Johnson
4) East Cape Road
The East Cape Road is where I learned how to dive. My Dad took me out there when I was roughly 12 years old, plopped me in the front seat of his Ford 250, and asked if I could reach the pedals. The East Cape is littered with beach camping and its development has been slow. With that said, several ex-pat communities have popped up and on a recent trip up this road, I noticed several UTVs in use. The roads out here are dirt, often washboarded out, but well worth the tour. I would not recommend an RV take this road, but my 2-wheel drive van made it no problem—we only got stuck in the sand once.
Why should I visit East Cape Road?
Access to the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
A sense of adventure and untouched land
The pace is slower and people rely on each other
Wildlife is around, keep an eye out
Access to great surfing
Beach Camping
Is East Cape Road van life friendly?
Yes, the East Cape Road is van life friendly. As more ex-pat communities are established, things like water, propane, toilets, groceries, and showers are becoming more common. With that said, you will still want to stock up for the journey. Give yourself enough food, water, and gas to find a stay at places for a while. Enjoy your time and the lifestyle vanlife provides!
Is there surfing at East Cape Road?
Yes, there is surfing throughout the East Cape. Several of the spots are on Surfline, but there are tons more not on the map… thankfully! So, keep an eye out, as you drive, for pumping swell. Most of the surfing is best during the summer months when the south swells come up. Jellyfish are everywhere on the East Cape, so be ready to pee on yourself!
What else can I do at East Cape Road?
Whale Watching
Surfing
Snorkeling
Spearfishing
Kiteboarding
Paragliding
Off-roading
Trail running
Sleeping on the beaches in Baja, Mexico is a privilege. Please, be a kind human. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Final Beach Camping Considerations
At the end of the day, the beaches of Baja are open to all by federal law. The access can be restricted, but the beach itself is public land. If your plans are to post up and camp for a while, share! The magic of road trips to Baja, Mexico is the kindness of people. Please, continue the tradition and be kind, clean up after yourself, and help each other out. If you are looking for “secret” beach camping spots, just look around the popular places, they exist. Now, go find your beach, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and plop down in it to watch the sunrise.
