Playa El Tecolote Dispersed Beach Camping
El Tecolote is a long stretch of white sand beach about 20 kilometers northeast of La Paz, popular with overlanders for its drive-on beach camping. You can park your rig right on the sand above the high-tide line and set up camp with the Sea of Cortez as your front yard. The beach faces northeast, so you get protection from the prevailing northwest winds but catch the morning sun. No facilities whatsoever — bring water, firewood, and a way to deal with waste. Gets busy on Mexican holidays.
Access is via a paved road from Highway 1, then about 2 kilometers of washboard dirt road to the beach. High-clearance recommended for the final approach, though determined 2WD drivers make it. Sand can be soft after storms — air down and stick to the firmer sand near the water. No camping fees but respect the local fishing community that uses this beach for boat launches.
Drive-on beach camping with white sand and blue water
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 10 ft |
| Nearest town | La Paz, Baja California Sur |
| Miles from pavement | 2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Sand |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 50 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | November-April |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Cell signal |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |