Extreme Newbie question

daveB110 hit it right on the head. It's not a Texas entry, but an easy one, and a nice introduction to Mexico and it's charms. Good road, easy entry, not too far, and a beach!

Welcome to Mexico!!

An extremely easy and short trip to do, that gets you into Mexico and shows you quite a bit of Mexico and its customs, is to cross the border at the Lukeville, AZ/Sonoyta, Senora, Mexican crossing. It's an hours' drive from there to the small city of Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point or, Phonex's "water front." Some rules that apply going farther south do not apply this close to the border. Make sure you have insurance that will cover you on the roads there; liability insurance is always with a Mexican company. Check with Lewis and Lewis for what you need, they specialize in this. You will need passports and if staying longer than three days, you will get FMMs, which are tourist permits. You may need deposit(s) for vehicle, for "temporary importation," not sure about that.

Rocky Point is located on the Gulf of California, also know as the Sea of Cortes. An excellent book for RVers is the Mexico Camping book by husband and wife authors, Church and Church.

According to my computer mapping it is about 700 miles from Laredo to Mazatlan - no one day for me - ever. Then you have the Devil's Backbone at the end. Not a trip I would try - especially not for a newbie. Better bet is over to Nogales and then Puerto Penasco or San Carlos. Newbie needs to read all the Stickies at the top about permits and insurance and so on. Remember you need a passport to get back into the US.

Mexico has some good roads and many are getting better all the time. But you will rarely average 60mph or more. With one thing or another we figure on about 40mph average and hope to do better. There are more things to slow you down in Mexico. And finding suitable RV parks or campgrounds can be problematic. You need to do research on this website to review old posts that explain some things - and ask more questions and get more specific. On this forum you will find experienced people who are more than willing to help and guide you. But we do not all agree so telling us your style of driving could help to connect with those of like minds. In Mexico we rarely go 300 miles in a day - though we have and will again - it can be a long day depending on the roads. We are in no hurry and like to take our time seeing the sights along the way. We also never drive at night in Mexico - speed bumps - cows - horses - sheep - goats - and who knows what could be out there on the road. The next RV park could be a long way away so planning stops is important until you learn the ropes.

We still recommend this book . . . http://www.rollinghomes.com/mexico%20book.htm . . . but some would disagree. It tells a lot but is an old edition so out of date - but their website has updates and if those in the know would post on the updates it would help.

Another great source is . . . http://www.ontheroadin.com/ . . . where a great deal can be learned. We bought their road logs years ago and still use them daily - we do our own updates in the logs as we go - they are well worth what they charge.

Some travelers prefer . . . http://ioverlander.com/ . . . and it can have a lot of useful information though we have found many RV locations in Mexico are not listed - but it is getting better.

Mexico is not USA so their is a learning curve. Some people just go for it while others prepare ahead. The more prepared you are the more enjoyable things will be.

Yes that works if cross at Laredo. I may be a bit uncomfortable as far as durango as a newbie. Pretty lonely roads and no RV parks til you reach mazatlan

You can easily cross from Texas to Mazatlan in a long day's drive. Mostly all toll roads, leave early. Mazatlan and vicinity has some of the best weather and beaches you'll find in Mexico.

Why not head to the west coast? Cross at Nogales, you can get to San Carlos in one day. Safer and easier than the north Gulf coast.If you feel nervous, Fantasy, Adventure & Caravanas de Mexico are running less than 30 day trips as far as Mazatlan, or in the case of Fantasy, Rocky point. You can easily get as far as San Carlos on your own however. PM me for info on what you need to do about permits if you like.

Why not make your first time a trip to an established RV Park? I myself will not beach camp park solo on the gulf side until I get as far south (way down) as Lake Catemaco.

IMHO 99% of "Mexico" is the wonderful people, food, and atmosphere.

First question is when / what time of the year? Makes a big diff as temp can become an issue.

rocmoc n AZ/Fld/Baja

Just a suggestion, but if you go to your post and change the title to Mexico Gulf Coast Water Front Camping, might get more responses.

Since you are going in from Texas, you are talking about the Gulf coast of Mexico. Not as pretty as the west coast until you get well south.

There are some Forum members familiar with the E coast. Hopefully they will chime in.

We have driven in that way many time with our coach-- no problems.