Puerto Penasco RV Parks – What You Need to Know

puerto penasco rv parks

Puerto Penasco RV Parks

RVing in Rocky Point can be a fantastic adventure!

If this is your first time venturing out of the country in your RV, Puerto Penasco is the perfect destination to start to ease yourself into this beautiful country.

RVing in Puerto Penasco offers some advantages:

  • It’s only 65 miles from the Arizona border.
  • It is within the “hassle-free zone” which means you can travel without obtaining a vehicle import permit. The same is true for the Baja area.
  • As of the time of this writing you don’t need a US passport. A US birth certificate and valid driver’s license is sufficient.

  • If you’re traveling from Phoenix or Tucson, you will be on the beach and enjoy the most amazing sunsets in fewer than 4 hours.

  • Though no longer the inexpensive destination it used to be, Rocky Point RV parks are still considerably cheaper than in the US. It is a great place to escape the inflation that is hurting Americans.

  • Full time RVers will especially enjoy the warm winter weather that Puerto Penasco offers. In January, you can enjoy plenty of sunny days with highs in the 70s.

Get Mexican Insurance

Is it safe to take your RV to Puerto Penasco?

Puerto Penasco is very easy to get to and overall, a very safe destination but for those who are hesitant about travelling into Mexico for the first time, consider joining up with a caravan. This can be a more expensive option, but they will take care of all the travel arrangements for you.

Once you go with a group and see how smooth and easy the trip goes you will feel a lot more comfortable venturing out on your own next time you go.

Considerations Before You Go

Required Documents

  • US passport or US birth certificate and valid driver’s license.
  • Vehicle title and registration.
  • If staying longer than 72 hours, FMM Immigration form. Obtain at the border or online.
  • Lienholder permission (if your vehicle has a loan on it).
  • Mexican Insurance
Mexican law requires all vehicles to have car insurance, you could end up in jail if you’re involved in an accident and don’t have it.

Your U.S. insurance policy will not cover you for liability in Mexico. You must buy at least a liability policy to satisfy Mexican Law.

The liability insurance would cover bodily injuries and property damage to others.

Recent changes in Mexican liability laws mean you should cover yourself for higher liability limits. We suggest at least $300,000. An RV is a bigger vehicle and can cause a lot more damage!

Liability insurance does not cover damage to your car or bodily injuries to you and your passengers. To protect your property, you need to add physical damage coverage to your Mexican policy.

You may want to check with your US insurance company to see if your existing policy includes physical damage coverage in Mexico.

Some things you may want to make sure your Mexican insurance policy includes are US labor rates, legal assistance, roadside assistance, medical evacuation and of course physical damage coverage and medial payments.

If you’re staying longer than 21 days, it’s considerably less expensive to buy a 6-month policy than a daily policy.

Get Mexican Insurance

Fuel

If your RV requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), take an ample supply with you. If you run out, you can find DEF at AutoZone, but it’s better to bring your own just in case.

Even if you don’t require DEF, it may be a good idea to fill up your tank right before crossing the border. Fuel is more expensive in Mexico.

The good news is you can now get low sulfur diesel in Rocky Point if you need to fill up.

Diesel pumps in Mexico are black, so make a note of that. Gas pumps are green. You will not be able to pump your own fuel. An attendant will do it for you, and they will be expecting a tip. You can give about 10-20 pesos, but if they do more like clean your windshield, you can give a little more.

If you are pulling a fifth wheel note that Mexico has a weight restriction for non-motorhomes of 7,716 pounds.

RV Repairs

Be sure to have your RV inspected for any mechanical failures and required maintenance ahead of your trip. RV parts can be hard to find in Rocky Point and if you do find them, they may be of lower quality than in the US.

Crossing the Border

  • Check out our blog to learn about what items are not allowed across the border.
  • The Lukeville port of entry is open daily from 6am to 8pm.

  • To avoid long waits at the border, try to cross between Monday and Wednesday. Check out the U.S Customs and Border Protection’s site to see current wait times.

  • You may or may not be stopped for inspection. Normally if you get a green light, you are free to keep going but make sure the officers wave you through as a green light doesn’t always mean go.
  • If your vehicle is stopped for inspection, they are just looking for illegal items you may be carrying. Make sure to keep your valuables out of sight.

  • If staying longer than 72 hours, after inspection proceed to the immigration office to obtain your FMM card. As of 2024, the cost is 687 pesos, but the price can change.

  • If you purchased your FMM card online, show your receipt with proof of payment at the immigration office. They may ask for vehicle registration and Mexican insurance as well.
puerto penasco border crossing

Traveling with pets

  • Bring up to date proof of vaccinations. Most likely, when traveling to Puerto Penasco you won’t be asked for it but bring it just to be safe!
  • Only bring enough bulk food to feed your pet for a day or up to 50 pounds of sealed, unopened bagged food. Food can only contain chicken or fish.

Other helpful tips

  • After crossing the border, obey the speed limit. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.

  • Come to a complete stop at every stop sign. ALTO means STOP. Stop signs can be hard to see sometimes or even missing. To be safe just make a full stop at every intersection.

  • Know the height and weight of your RV. Beware of low-hanging power lines and lights. It’s good to know the height and weight of your RV in meters and kilos, since that’s the local measurement.

  • Many streets in Puerto Penasco are unpaved and have large potholes.

  • Stick to paved roads until you know your way around. Even then, be aware of potholes and giant speed bumps (tope in Spanish). Sometimes speed bumps are hard to see, so keep an eye out for them at all times.

  • If you need roadside assistance look out for the Angeles Verdes (Green Angels). They are government employees and charge for parts but not labor. They cruise the main road from Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco and their purpose is to assist travelers with breakdowns, accidents, and medical emergencies.

RV PARKS

Puerto Penasco offers several RV parks to choose from. There are more than ten RV parks and camping areas. Four of them are located right on the beach and offer spectacular ocean views with clean, secure spots.

A few of them offer full amenities such as pool, laundry, Wi-Fi, mini market, restaurant, showers.

Below is a list of the most popular RV parks in Rocky Point Mexico.

Get Mexican Insurance

Playa Bonita RV Park

Central location close to restaurants and shopping. Gated RV park with beach front sites. Social club with tequila bingo, karaoke, potlucks, dancing and other social events. Clean bathrooms and showers. Access by dirt road. Rates from $34 – $39 daily, $204 – $273 weekly, $810 – $1120 monthly.

Reservations 011-52-638-383-2596 or email [email protected]

  • Beach front & regular sites

  • Full Hook up – Electric (30amp), Water, Sewer

  • Wi-Fi

  • Restrooms & Showers

  • Laundry

  • Picnic Area

  • Class A motor home access

  • 300 Campsites
  • Clubhouse
  • Outdoor hot tub

  • Pet friendly

  • Tents allowed

The Reef RV park

Sandy beach location past all the condo developments with full hookups and 24 hour security. Rates from $26 – $50 daily, $702 – $1,350 monthly. Beach has some rocks. Large spaces.

For reservations call 011 (52) 638-383-0650

  • Beach front & regular sites

  • Full Hook up – Electric (30 & 50amp), Water, Sewer

  • Wi-Fi

  • Restrooms & Showers

  • Dump station

  • Class A motor home access

  • 216 Campsites

  • Restaurant/bar next door

  • Pet friendly

  • Tents allowed

  • RV storage

Concha Del Mar

Beach front, 24 hour security. Walking distance to restaurants, bars, shopping, pharmacies. No hookups but there is a self service dump station. For a fee you can have water delivered and waste removed. Daily $12 – $15, Monthly $300 -$360

No reservations, first-come first-served basis.

  • Beach front & regular sites

  • Dry camping

  • Wi-Fi

  • Restrooms & Showers

  • Dump station

  • Class A motor home access

  • Pickleball court

  • Pet friendly

  • Tents allowed

Playa De Oro RV Park

Located on Playa Mirador, close to Manny’s Beach Club and Pitayas Bar. Rates from $30 – $35 daily, $180 – $245 weekly, $713 – $929 monthly. Noise could be a concern on busy weekends due to it’s proximity to Pitayas Bar.

Reservations 602 476 2242 or email [email protected]

  • Beach front & regular sites

  • Full Hook-Ups – Electric (30 and 50 amp), Water, Sewer

  • Wi-Fi

  • Restrooms & Showers

  • Laundry

  • Ice & Vending machine

  • Class A motor home access

  • RV storage

  • Spa facilities

  • Pet friendly

  • Tents allowed

playa-de-oro-rv-park

Embarking on an RV adventure to Puerto Penasco offers many enticing opportunities for travelers seeking both convenience and excitement.

With its close proximity to the Arizona border, ease of access within the “hassle-free zone,” and exemption from the requirement of a US passport, Puerto Penasco serves as an ideal starting point for those venturing into Mexico for the first time.

Despite the evolving costs associated with the destination, Rocky Point’s RV parks remain a cost-effective alternative to their US counterparts, offering respite from economic strains. Moreover, the region’s warm winter climate presents an inviting escape for full-time RVers.

While safety concerns may linger for some, joining a caravan initially can help assuage anxieties and facilitate a smoother transition into independent travel.

Before setting off, ensuring compliance with necessary documentation, securing appropriate insurance coverage, and heeding practical travel tips are essential for a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Whether reveling in breathtaking ocean views from beachfront RV parks or partaking in local activities, Puerto Penasco promises an unforgettable RV experience for all adventurers.