Camping in Mexico

[garrydymond]

I just got back from a week of camping around San Luis and Queretaro. I thought I would post on where we camped so that others might enjoy some camping in Mexico.
First night Ixmiquilpan in Hidalgo State. There are several places to camp but we stayed at place called Tlaco. It is a "balneario" which is a swimming resort. This one had thermal water and slides etc. We paid 25 pesos each a night. It was another 70 pesos if you wanted to swim.
Next night Tamasopo in San Luis Potosi. This is a really nice place with a waterfall. I think it was 100 pesos for both of us.
Then Media Luna near Rio Verde in San Luis State. This is a great place with a lagoon which has warm crystal clear water.
Then Jalpa in the Sierra Gordo in Queretaro State at Mundo Aquatico or something like that. It is the only campground and is by the side of the dam. It has a swimming pool and small shop and restaurant. It was about 100 pesos.
Finally "El Oasis" near Tequisquiapan. This is a balneario and would have cost abouit 120 pesos each but we said we weren't going to use the pools and would be out by 10am and so only paid 50 pesos per person. It had electricity and nice hot showers.
All in all a great trip only Friday and Saturday night were noisy. Friday because we stayed at a place that had a fishing competition and our neighbours got up at about 4am and made a lot of noise. Nobody else seemed to make a noise. Saturday night we got a few more campers and they had a competition of who could have the loudest music, drink and fight the most.
I would suggest camping during the week and leave Friday and Saturday nights for Hotels.
Also anyone that comes to Mex City is welcome to stay at my place.

[paddyT]

thanks for the advice!
I'm currently in California and heading your way, so if you are serious about a place to sleep for a night......

[garrydymond]

Yes I'm serious. You can contact me at garrydymond @ prodigy.net.mx (just put it together) I normally meet people just outside the city and guide them in.

[garrydymond]

I wax in Playa del Carmen in September which is just south of Cancun. I saw a place to camp a little further near Tulum. I don't remember the name of the place. Several years ago we camped in Cancun at the "Albergue de la Juventud" which is a youth hostel. I don't know if it is stll there. If you ask around a little you will find somewhere to camp near Cancun.

[keyskruiser]

Originally Posted by garrydymond

I just got back from a week of camping around San Luis and Queretaro. I thought I would post on where we camped so that others might enjoy some camping in Mexico.
First night Ixmiquilpan in Hidalgo State. There are several places to camp but we stayed at place called Tlaco. It is a "balneario" which is a swimming resort. This one had thermal water and slides etc. We paid 25 pesos each a night. It was another 70 pesos if you wanted to swim.
Next night Tamasopo in San Luis Potosi. This is a really nice place with a waterfall. I think it was 100 pesos for both of us.
Then Media Luna near Rio Verde in San Luis State. This is a great place with a lagoon which has warm crystal clear water.
Then Jalpa in the Sierra Gordo in Queretaro State at Mundo Aquatico or something like that. It is the only campground and is by the side of the dam. It has a swimming pool and small shop and restaurant. It was about 100 pesos.
Finally "El Oasis" near Tequisquiapan. This is a balneario and would have cost abouit 120 pesos each but we said we weren't going to use the pools and would be out by 10am and so only paid 50 pesos per person. It had electricity and nice hot showers.
All in all a great trip only Friday and Saturday night were noisy. Friday because we stayed at a place that had a fishing competition and our neighbours got up at about 4am and made a lot of noise. Nobody else seemed to make a noise. Saturday night we got a few more campers and they had a competition of who could have the loudest music, drink and fight the most.
I would suggest camping during the week and leave Friday and Saturday nights for Hotels.
Also anyone that comes to Mex City is welcome to stay at my place.

Do you have any first hand information on the latest troubles in Mexico with regard to riders? I have seen warnings from Texas LEOs that it is not safe to travel in Mexico right now. I have traveled Mexico top to bottom and never had a problem. Planning a trip in May. Thanks for any info you may have.

[garrydymond]

I have lived here for over 30 years and never had a problem. I have travelled by bike and car in every state in Mexico.
If you go through the border towns and get to real Mexico as quickly as possible and use common sense you won't be in any more danger than at home, you may in fact be in less. I spent 4 days in Nuevo Laredo last year while my wife went to the States to do some shopping and never had a problem or saw anything unusual.
May is not the best time to come to Mex as it is the start of the rainy season,
If I can help in any way send me PM

[keyskruiser]

garrydymond,

Would you send me a pm? I do not have the required posts to pm you.

Thanks,

Tom

[Sjoerd Bakker]

Hi Keys ,
Do not hesitate to do a Mexico trip in May. As Gary says the rainy season is beginning but it starts out somewhat erratically in different regions. I have done a ride in May right down thru Mex 190, and out to the Yucatan in May and found it no problem.Just the odd shower in the afternoon as clouds built up. Of course every year is different.May In fact shows you a whole different face of Mexico. During winter in the dry most of the oak forest in the mountains of Oax is dull,and shrubs are leafless. In may the grass grows like mad and trees all turn brilliant green ,the huizache and thorny bushes all come out in flower and the algorobo ( i think also called flamboyan trees elsewhere ) in the Yucatan are ablaze with red flowers.
If you stay in the interior plateau regions the rain is never a problem and the cactus will be i n flower too.
And of course if it is too wet for camping get a cheap hotel =) .

[keyskruiser]

Hi Sjoerd,

We are commited to May as you know. We will be doing the green route that you suggested with maybe a few side trips. The rain will not bother us as I am used to rain in the Keys and it leaves just as fast as it comes. It was rain and 40 degrees for five days straight last May to and from Alaska. Thats why we are going to Mexico this year. I will be in touch with you.

Regards,

Tom

[garrydymond]

yuo can contact by mail garrydymond @ prodigy.net.mx (just put it all together)

[Acropolis]

Great info on camping in Mx I really appreciate the info.

Greg

[cruthas]

Hey Just want to let everyone know, I have been camping throughout Mexico for the last 15 days and have another 3 or so more. I have found great places to stay for free. What I have been doing is asking people if I can camp on their beach or in their yard. I have also met people who have let me stay at their house and use their shower. It is easy to find a deserted beach or camp behind an abandoned house. I have felt safe here in Mexico. If you have any questions feel free to email me through Motorcycling The World - Home

[vagamoto]

Just to add my two pennies worth: Garry and Ivonne are the most generous hosts in all of both the Americas. And Mexico is totally magical. I am currently in Chile, en route to Ushuaia, having ridden from California in January. The two highlights of the journey so far have been Mexico (especially Mexico City with Ivonne as tour guide) and Colombia. Both countries are safe, friendly, have wonderful riding and great places to camp or stay.

[garrydymond]

David very kind words. We always try and make guest feel comfortable. I am trying to get my daughter to design some t-sirts that will say something like "garryhostal.com Mexico's Motorcycle travellers haven, Invitation only" but sofar she hasn't come up with anything. Future visitors will get a t-shirt as soon as they are ready.
Safe travels to everyone.

[beemerbird]

Yep, I must agree - Garry and Ivonne are fabulous hosts!!

And the guided tour of Mexico city (by car) with relevant information about the sights was brilliant.

Thanks again, guys.

Regards to you both, also Rosa and Lloyd.

Cheers