High in the Sierra de San Francisco, this dispersed camping area offers genuine relief from Baja’s desert heat under native Monterey pines and desert oaks. Multiple flat spots accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, with established fire rings and basic pit toilets maintained by local guides. The elevation brings cool nights year-round and occasional winter snow. Cave painting sites are within hiking distance, and mountain spring water flows in nearby canyons during wet years.
Access via 16 miles of switchback mountain road that climbs 3,000 feet from the desert floor. Road requires 4WD during rainy season but high-clearance 2WD suffices most of the year. No reservations, no fees — just mountain silence and some of the darkest night skies in North America.
Mountain camping among pines and ancient rock art
Place Details
| Type | Dispersed Camping |
|---|---|
| Elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Nearest town | San Ignacio, Baja California Sur |
| Miles from pavement | 16.2 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Access road surface | Rocky |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 8 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | October-May |
| Land manager | Other |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Fire ring, Shade, Toilets |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |