Before You Go

Camping near Ensenada ranges from cliffside Pacific beach sites at $17/night to high-country camps in the Sierra de Juárez. Established campgrounds have security and basic facilities. Bring your own water, food, and supplies — there are no convenience stores at most sites. Allow extra time for the U.S. border crossing on your return (often 2–8 hours without SENTRI or Global Entry).

Beach Camping

Playa Saldamando

$17/night (4 people) 30 sites 24/7 security

The best beach campground in the Ensenada area. Spectacular Pacific Ocean cliffside views from every site — nothing like this exists at this price point in the US. Located off the Tijuana-Ensenada scenic toll road, about 30 minutes north of downtown.

Facilities: Gated entrance (locked 10pm-6am), clean toilets, showers, fire pits, BBQ grills, trash cans, tables. Dry camping — no water/sewer/electric hookups.

Bungalows: $45-85/night (no pets in bungalows)

Extras: $3/extra person. Motorhomes $19/night. Pets allowed on leash at campsites. Firewood $5/bundle at entrance. 3 vehicles per site area.

Reservations: Recommended — contact via their Facebook page.

Walk to the famous "Vicmar" shipwreck along the coast. Sites are marked with white-painted rocks and visible from the toll road above.

Playa La Jolla

$10-20/night Rustic

Popular weekend beach camping spot between Rosarito and Ensenada, off the toll road. More rustic than Saldamando with basic facilities and minimal infrastructure, but beautiful coastline. Great for experienced campers who want a quieter, more raw experience.

Informal Beach Camping / Car Camping

  • Playa Hermosa parking lot — Paid overnight parking for campervans and car camping. Arrive during business hours to secure a spot.
  • El Faro Beach — Secure parking area where you can pay to stay overnight in your vehicle.

RV Parks

Estero Beach RV Park

$25-50/night Full hookups Resort amenities

The most comfortable camping/RV option in the Ensenada area. Located at Estero Beach Hotel & Resort, south of town (~15 min drive). RV hookups with access to hotel amenities including restaurant, beach, and tennis courts. Feels like a self-contained beach resort.

California Trailer Park

Hookups available Beach access

Long-established RV park along the coast north of Ensenada. Popular with returning snowbirds and long-term visitors. Near the California Trailer Park surf break — one of the area's best waves. Basic facilities with a laid-back, community feel.

Mountain Camping

Parque Nacional Constitucion de 1857 (Laguna Hanson)

~$4 park entry Rustic rooms ~$60 1,200m elevation 4x4 required

Beautiful highland park in the Sierra de Juarez, 84 km east of Ensenada. Conifers, wildflowers, and the sometimes-dry Laguna Hanson. Sublime for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking (when lake has water), and speleology in Llanos Canyon.

Getting there: Take the Ensenada-San Felipe Highway to the Km 35 turnoff, then 43 km of dirt road from Ojos Negros. High-clearance vehicle required, 4x4 recommended.

Facilities: Campsites (included with park fee), rustic rooms for rent, cement outhouse bathrooms (basic). No reliable water — bring your own.

Phone: +52 686 554 4404 (Mon-Fri 8am-3pm)

Important Warnings

  • No cell service once you're deep in the park
  • Extreme climate — very hot summer, very cold winter (below zero with occasional snow)
  • Roads are rough dirt — Google Maps won't work once service drops
  • Follow signs for "Parque Nacional Constitucion" (signs for Laguna Hanson are scarce)
  • Bring ALL food, water, ice, and supplies — tiny markets in the last small town 6km before the park

Las Canadas Campamento

$50-150/night Family-friendly Rustic rooms available

Camping resort and adventure park about 30 minutes south of Ensenada. Rustic rooms, a water park, ziplines, ATVs, pedal boats, and more. Great for families with kids who want the camping experience with activity infrastructure and proper facilities.

Safety Tips & Gear Checklist

Safety Tips

  • Water: Bring all your own. Tap water and natural water sources may be contaminated.
  • Firewood: Available for purchase at established campgrounds ($5/bundle). Do not collect from protected areas.
  • Security: Established campgrounds (Saldamando, Estero Beach) have 24/7 security. Wild camping is at your own risk.
  • Vehicle: High-clearance/4x4 recommended for mountain camping. Beach campgrounds are accessible by regular vehicles.
  • Border crossing: Allow extra time returning to the US — the wait at Tijuana can be 2-8 hours without SENTRI/Global Entry.

What to Bring

  • All food, water, and drinks (no stores at most sites)
  • Firewood or purchase on arrival ($5/bundle)
  • Warm layers for evening — ocean wind can be cold
  • Trash bags (pack out everything you bring in)
  • Sunscreen and hat (Baja sun is intense)
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • First aid kit
  • Cash (pesos preferred at most campgrounds)
  • Valid passport and vehicle insurance for Mexico

Quick Reference

CampsiteTypeCost/NightHookupsSecurityBest For
Playa SaldamandoBeach$17No (dry)24/7, gatedFamilies, groups, budget camping
Playa La JollaBeach$10-20NoBasicRustic beach experience
Estero Beach RVRV Park$25-50FullResortRVs, comfort camping
California Trailer ParkRV ParkVariesYesOn-siteLong-term RV, surfers
Laguna HansonMountain$4 (rooms $60)NoNoneAdventure, hiking, isolation
Las CanadasMountain Resort$50-150SomeOn-siteFamilies, kids, activities