Cabo San Lucas is what it is. Years ago, this was a charming coastal fishing town like many other places in Baja. However, as word got out about its beauty, the abundance of sports fish (marlin in particular), its deep water and pristine beaches, the village was overrun and exploited for its natural resources. Now, Cabo San Lucas is more known as a cruise ship destination or international airport providing access to all-inclusive beachside resorts and time-share condominiums.
That’s OK. We’ve been there, and we can tell you it is 100% as beautiful as the pictures and videos show it to be. However, it is not camper-friendly, and you will likely want to avoid it at all costs unless you really need something from Costco!
One of the main draws of Cabo San Lucas is its breathtaking natural beauty, epitomized by the iconic El Arco rock formation that juts out majestically into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. Visitors flock to this picturesque landmark on pangas hired in the marina for a handful of pesos to admire its splendor and snap unforgettable photos. You’re bound to see a lazy sea lion sleeping on the rocks and you may even see whales and dolphins by accident as they are abundant in the area.
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of thrilling activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal-clear waters to embarking on exhilarating whale-watching excursions during the winter months. You can paraglide, mountain bike, hike, jetski, ATV or find virtually any way to explore and enjoy Cabo San Lucas at any pace you would like.
Just don’t plan to camp there. There are no formal campgrounds in Cabo San Lucas, making visiting the city a challenge unless you plan to camp in nearby areas and have a separate vehicle you can use to make trips into the city.
However, there are quite a few informal camping spots as you head toward Cabo Pulmo at the beaches near San Jose del Cabo. Similarly, camping in El Pescadero and Los Cerritos leaves you close enough to make a short trip down to Cabo San Lucas if you want.
We have included Cabo San Lucas in this guidebook because while it is difficult to visit with a camper and overrun with tourists most days of the year, it has a particular beauty that should be experienced and enjoyed, especially if you have made it this far down the peninsula during your camping trip.
If nothing else, walk the marina and dream about the life of luxury aboard the many yachts and mega yachts, check out what fishing charters have caught that day, stop for a happy hour drink and snack and certainly spend a few pesos hiring a panga to take you out to Land’s End. It might be difficult to reach and, at the time, harder to enjoy.
But looking back on your time camping in Baja, you’ll appreciate making an effort to travel from one end of the peninsula to the other!
Campgrounds in Los Cabos
Although the market for campgrounds in Los Cabos is ripe, there are not many options for camping in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. If you use the popular camping mobile apps, you’ll find a few slivers of land where you can visit for a few nights here or there depending on your setup.
At the time of writing, however, there is only one formal campground in the Los Cabos region, and it is your best bet if you want to spend some time relaxing and enjoying everything that this area has to offer.
Looking for campground contact and location information? Check out our 280-page paperback guidebook with everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your Baja camping adventure!
Costamigos RV Resort (San Jose del Cabo)
Costamigos RV Resort is a brand new campground just outside of San Jose del Cabo that offers a premium RV camping experience in a location that is about as close to life in Los Cabos as you can get. It feels like an oasis, a haven for travelers seeking comfort and luxury during their time in the area.
With 14 spacious 45’ x 20’ full hookup sites offering 50/30/20 amp service along with water and sewer hookups, the campground also offers luxury amenities such as a refreshing pool and loads of shaded common area catering to remote work with Starlink access.
Costamigos RV Resort also has laundry facilities, a community kitchen and private showers and restrooms. The price for camping is on the very high end of what you will pay at any campground in Baja. However, what you get with your stay by way of amenities and location are well worth every peso.
| Price Range | $50+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 14 | WiFi | Y | Pool | Y |
| Big Rig Friendly | Up to 45’ | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 50/30/20 A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Things to do in Cabo San Lucas
Filled with natural landmarks, the city of Cabo San Lucas has a lot of character, particularly on its coastline. It has plenty of entertainment for couples and families alike.
So if you’re looking to make a day trip out of Cabo San Lucas, or feel like renting an Airbnb or hotel for a few nights to give camping a break, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Here are things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
Go Fishing
Cabo San Lucas is very well known for its incredible sport fishing. The city is in a perfect location where diverse ocean life thrives throughout the year. The bay has Blue, Black, and stripe Marlins, sailfish, dorado, tuna, wahoo, roosterfish and an endless variety of bottom fish.
Fishing tours are available throughout the city. If hiring a private charter is too expensive, you can choose a fisherman from the local panga fleet. Moreover, surf fishing is also quite productive here.
Visit Land’s End Arch
Land’s End Arch is a beautiful rock formation on an island located at the southernmost end of Cabo San Lucas. It is arguably the most identifiable landmark in Cabo San Lucas, if not all of Baja, and is a peaceful spot to see the sunset with sea lions.
The island is only accessible by a water taxi from the downtown marina. Moreover, it is the point where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, so currents are strong, and swimming is not encouraged in the area.
Head Out Whale Watching
Like many other Baja cities, whale watching is also a popular attraction in Cabo San Lucas. The visiting time of grey and humpback whales is between December and April.
Boats a readily available in the city and along the marina offering tours varying from 2 hours to an entire day.
Enjoy Watersports
Cabo San Lucas has some of the best watersports facilities in the entire Baja. Medano beach is the busiest beach, which makes it an excellent place for parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skiing.
Moreover, snorkeling on hidden beaches and coves like Playa del Amor is favorable because of the smaller crowds.
Similarly, Cabo Pulmo marine reserve just to the north is a great area to dive or snorkel with marine life.
And Zipper Beach is another excellent location for surfing. The rocky outcrops maintain ideal conditions for surfing throughout the year – though this should be for intermediate and expert surfers. Moreover, locals also conduct a surfing competition every summer.
Catch a Sunrise or Sunset at Mount Solmar
Mount Solmar is the best spot to see the sunrise and sunset in Cabo San Lucas. The hill is the highest spot in the city and provides exceptional views of downtown Cabo San Lucas and beaches.
The trail is relatively easy to complete, but remember your sunscreen and pack some water and snacks to keep yourself fueled for the hike.