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Beyond the Border: Baja Adventures for the Bold
If you’re towing a toy hauler like the Grand Design Momentum, Baja is the perfect place to unleash your inner adventurer. With remote trails, local cuisine, and hidden campsites waiting to be discovered, this journey down the Baja Peninsula blends thrill and serenity in equal measure. This is our guide and checklist for how to get there so you can play harder and rest easier south of the border.
The Road Less Traveled: Preparing for Baja
The Baja Peninsula stretches more than 760 miles, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. The diverse landscape—ranging from mountains and deserts to pristine beaches—makes it a favorite destination for RVers. Driving through Baja’s winding roads, however, requires careful planning. Some roads can be narrow with steep drop-offs and limited shoulder space, so traveling with spare tires and a well-stocked toolkit is essential.
Border Crossings and Documents:
To enter Mexico, every traveler needs a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist permit, which costs about $38 per person. You can apply for this online or at the border, but make sure it gets stamped upon crossing to avoid complications at military checkpoints later.
It’s also mandatory to carry Mexican liability insurance since U.S. policies are not valid in Mexico. Baja Bound and Discover Baja offer insurance policies tailored to RV travelers, with both short-term and long-term options available.
Bringing Pets to Baja
Traveling with pets is welcome in Baja, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind. Dogs need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, although cats are exempt. RVers often encounter off-leash dogs at campsites and beaches, so it’s wise to bring flea prevention treatments. With most RV parks and beach areas allowing pets, Baja offers a great opportunity to explore the outdoors with furry companions.
Staying Connected: Cell Service and Wi-Fi
Although Baja boasts stunning remote landscapes, reliable cell service is mostly available in towns and tourist hubs. Telcel provides the most extensive coverage, and travelers often purchase a local SIM card for affordable pay-as-you-go plans. A $5 SIM card with a $10 plan offers 3GB of data and unlimited social media access for 30 days. For those relying on U.S. carriers, plans from T-Mobile and AT&T include Mexico but may limit speeds after a certain data threshold.
When heading off-grid, a WeBoost signal booster is a game-changer, amplifying weak signals in remote areas. Many travelers also rely on free Wi-Fi at RV parks and cafés to stay connected.
Must-Have Gear for Baja Adventures
- Spare Tires and Tools: Flats are common on Baja’s rough roads. Be prepared with multiple spares and essential tools.
- Water Tanks and Filtration Systems: Grand Design Momentum toy haulers come with generous fresh water capacities, but a filtration system ensures a steady supply during extended boondocking.
- Portable Solar Panels: Many of the best campsites lack hookups, so having solar power extends your stay in remote areas.
- Cash on Hand: Some gas stations and stores only accept pesos, so it’s smart to carry cash. Most travelers recommend withdrawing a larger sum from an ATM to avoid multiple fees
Top Baja Destinations for RVers
Winter-Ready and Adventure-Ready
Winter RVing isn’t about escaping the cold; it’s about leaning into the season and experiencing something new. With these upgrades, you’ll stay warm, comfortable, and well-prepared for whatever winter brings your way.
Grand Design RVs are built for all kinds of adventures, and a few thoughtful additions only make them better. When your rig feels like home, there’s no such thing as off-season.