Many long time visitors to Puerto Peñasco will have vivid memories of rows and rows of tents pitched on Sandy Beach for as far as the eye can see with The Reef (now known as Wrecked at the Reef) plopped right in the middle. But those days are long gone as resorts now stretch along the beach where all those tents were once pitched. I get asked all the time if you can still tent camp on the beach in Rocky Point.
Tent camping is allowed on the beach in Rocky Point. However, you have to camp within one the camping and RV parks in the area. Open camping on undeveloped beaches has been banned.
But, before you roll up your sleeping bag and load up your tent, let me share some of the things you should know to plan your camping trip in Rocky Point.
Call Ahead
Don’t book online without calling the park first. Things change. Make sure the park is still open for business. Just because they have a website or Facebook page DOES NOT mean they are still in business.
Questions To Ask When You Call
Here are some basic questions to ask. Of course, you should customize your questions based on your specific needs.
- Do you allow for camping in tents?
- Do you allow tents on your beach front spaces?
- Is the price the same for tents as it is for RVs?
- Do you sell water and ice on site? (otherwise you need to stop before you get there.)
- Do you have restroom and shower facilities?
- What are your camp fire rules?
- Do you allow pets?
Puerto Peñasco Camp Grounds That Allow Tents
I called around and confirmed that the campgrounds listed here allow tent camping. However, things change all the time and businesses don’t always update their websites, so see above and CALL AHEAD.
The Reef RV Park
| Location | Paseo de la Duna, Playa Arenos, 83560 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico |
| Phone (Dial from U.S.) | 011 52 (638) 383-0650 |
| Website | https://www.thereefrvpark.com/ |
| Allow Tents | Yes, as spaces available |
| Allow Tents on Beach Front | Yes, as spaces available |
| Rates | Posted on website. Range from $26-$50 per night. Premium spaces have a 4 night minimum (Same price for tents as RVs) |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Other | Walking distance to Wrecked at the Reef. (They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have live music and dancing on the weekend.) |
Playa Bonita RV Park
| Location | Paseo Balboa 100, Playa Arenos, Bella Vista, 83552 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico |
| Phone (Dial from U.S.) | 011 52 (638) 383 2596 |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/PlayaBonitaRV |
| Allow Tents | Yes |
| Allow Tents on Beach Front | Yes |
| Rates | $29 per night. Beach front $34 per night. Discounts with stays longer than a week. (Same price for tents as RVs) |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Other | Reservations via e-mail only. reservations@playabonitarv.com They respond quickly to Facebook Messenger. |
Concha Del Mar
| Location | Calle 18, Bella Vista, 83553 Puerto Peñasco, Son., Mexico |
| Phone (Dial from U.S.) | 011 52 (638) 113 0467 (this number was not working when I called. But I messaged them on Facebook and they responded that) |
| Website | https://www.facebook.com/Concha-Del-Mar-1176129329084019. Their website is a facebook page. Most details are on the About page. Message them through Facebook for an automatic response with the rates. |
| Allow Tents | Yes |
| Allow Tents on Beach Front | Yes |
| Rates | $15 per night |
| Bathrooms | Yes |
| Showers | Unknown |
| Other | First come first serve. They do not take reservations. |
Extra Tips For Camping On The Sand
Beach Fires Are Not Allowed in Puerto Peñasco
Beach fires can be harmful to marine life so you won’t be able to make a fire on the sand in front of the waves. But fires may be allowed within your campground property. Just keep in mind that most will require use of a contained fire pit.
Also, you cannot bring wood across the border. But you can buy wood from local venders. (The honey vender on Fremont Street sells wood.)
Sand and Dust
Be prepare for sand AND dust. Camping on the beach, this is obvious. But Rocky Point is a desert on the beach. It is a dusty town. Don’t forget your broom.
Sun Protection
Cool ocean breezes and trick you into thinking you won’t get sunburned. But you will. Bring lots of sunblock and consider a shade-popup or beach umbrella. If you decide to bring the shade pop-up, don’t forget something to weight it down. The wind can get pretty crazy on some days.
Leave a Comment
Leave a comment if you have some more places that are tent friendly or if you have some tips on what I’ve shared here. I will explore them and add them so others can enjoy beach camping in Puerto Peñasco too.
