Mexico makes a great destination for RV campers for several reasons. It is easy to get to from the U.S. and Canada via excellent roads. There are many interesting landscapes to explore in Mexico, from tropical beaches to pine covered mountains to vast open deserts. Since RV campers have been heading to Mexico for years, there are also many camp grounds that have full hook-ups and accommodations for RV's. Here are some things to think about when for planning an RV trip to Mexico.
When To Take an RV Camping Trip to Mexico
Mexico enjoys great weather year round. Normally, April to November is considered the rainy season. During this time, some areas can experience rainfall on a daily basis. Daily rainfall is not a certainty, however, and it could be that there are times during the rainy season experience when there is no rainfall for weeks at a time.
Planning an RV camping trip in Mexico during the rainy season should entail bringing adequate supplies to deal with potential downpours. RV's need to be in top mechanical condition, which includes having good tires and strong brakes.
Documents Needed for Driving in Mexico
Vehicles that cross over the border into Mexico need to receive a permit. Permits are normally for 6 months. It is possible to buy optional car insurance at the border as well. This can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 and will cover the RV while it is in Mexico.
Mexico requires a tax to be paid on all vehicles entering Mexico. The amount of the tax is based on the year and model of the vehicle. Drivers are also asked to put down a credit card or cash deposit to cover fines in the event that the RV fails to leave the country or check in with immigration when the vehicle permit expires.
Types of Roads in Mexico
Mexico has seen a massive road building campaign in recent years. In addition to widening existing highways, a series of toll roads have been constructed across the country.
Toll roads will cut down on travel time and are less likely to have military checkpoints on them, which will make for less frequent stops. However, be aware that there are fewer services such as gas stations and convenient stores on toll roads, so it is a good idea to stock up on gas before entering the toll.
Toll road charges vary depending on the length of the road. A bonus of driving on toll roads is that they are patrolled by the “Green Angels”. Green Angels are roving car repair vehicles, that can help motorists to repair their vehicles in the case of a flat tire, dead battery, as well as offering a number of other services. Services by the Green Angels are free of charge.
Encountering Military Checkpoints on Mexico’s Roads
Anyone who drives across Mexico is sure to encounter a military checkpoint now and again. Some checkpoints are permanent, and some are roving. Motorists who encounter a checkpoint should be prepared to show proper documentation for people in the vehicle and the vehicle itself.
Sometimes military personnel will ask motorists to pull over so they can search the vehicle for “armas” (guns) and “drogas” (drugs). Guns and drugs are illegal in Mexico. Normally the search is short, and drivers will be back on the road in no time at all.
Finding the Locations of RV Campgrounds in Mexico
There are a number of travel guides that will help with planning RV camping trip to Mexico. Making an itinerary of the places that have RV campsites along the route will help to eliminate needing to stay at expensive hotels along the way. Also, it is a good idea to figure out approximate drive times to avoid having to drive at night
Make sure a plan of a place to stay each night. Be aware that hotels are normally only in large towns or tourist centers. Lack of planning could end in having to drive at night. Driving at night is not advisable due to the low visibility on roads. Some roads through Mexico’s mountains can have dangerous switchbacks and “topes” (speed bumps) that make driving at night very hazardous. Using a guide like Mike and Terri Church’s Traveler’s Guide to Mexican Camping will be a great asset to have during the RV trip.
Planning the Driving Portions of Your Trip
A good driving map of Mexico is a very important part of an RV camping trip. Having a GPS system is helpful as well. For those who already have a GPS, it is possible to download the most current Mexico maps online before the trip. For those who prefer the more traditional maps, the Guia Roji's Mexico Tourist Road Atlas is one of the best road guides to Mexico available. Obtaining the most recent one available is advisable.
Be aware that many roads that go through the mountains may appear shorter than they really are. Driving speeds are often limited to 20mph on some of these roads, so plan on extra driving time if mountains are in the itinerary. Driving at night on these roads is not advisable at all, so it is important for drivers to plan on reaching their destination before nightfall.
References
Church, Terri and Mike. Traveler’s Guide to Mexican Camping. Rolling Homes Press, 4th edition, 2009
Guia Roji Mexico Tourist Road Atlas. Guia Roji, 2004.
ontheroadin.com/mexicocamping.htm
CAM101
Andrea Julian - As a child I was always fascinated with ancient worlds and far away lands. After completing a Bachelors Degree in Biology at Texas State ...
