We debated long and hard about whether to include this region as its own section or in the list of “Other Destinations in Baja California Sur.” In the end, we’ve included it here between the Todos Santos section and Other Destinations sections because it is arguably the fastest growing and most popular new destination for travelers in Baja California Sur.
The area is a quick and easy drive for many tour companies catering to the cruise ships and international airport dumping loads of tourists in Cabo San Lucas and it is an overflow from the beauty and cultural attractions offered by Todos Santos, making it the perfect storm for development.
We hesitate to include it as a camping destination because at the time of writing, there is really only one proper campground in the area that most mid and large-size RVs can access through the bumpy dirt roads, and that campground is typically full with long-term campers and permanent residents.
However, by the time we update this edition of the guidebook, Playa Los Cerritos and its neighboring community of Pescadero may have drastically improved infrastructure. We’ve always said that whoever paves a road to a modern campground in the area is going to make a fortune. If that turns out to be you – let us know!
Until then, we’re limiting the information we provide about this bustling region just south of Todos Santos because it is really difficult to plan a trip there if you have anything other than a van, truck camper or small trailer and you are willing to dry camp in a dirt lot. We know and have met many wonderful people who own small campgrounds in the area and we do know that you will appreciate them, their hospitality and their knowledge of the area.
But we’ll only list a few of these “campgrounds” in this section for you to be able to reference in doing more research prior to your journey.
There is a reason why Playa Los Cerritos is exploding in popularity. It is a nice beach haven nestled along the Pacific coast just a short drive from the charming town of Todos Santos. This coastal gem is celebrated for its golden sands, gentle waves, and laid-back atmosphere. You can find lots of great restaurants and bars that exude this vibe within walking distance of the beach and most of the camping options in the area.
The nearby village of Pescadero adds to the appeal with its lush farmlands, historic charm, and welcoming community. Known for its agricultural roots, Pescadero produces a bounty of fresh produce that contributes to the area’s renowned culinary scene. Most of your grocery shopping, drinking water and many of your meals out will be in Pescadero, which is really just a community built along a small stretch of Highway 19 between topes and gas stations.
Playa Los Cerritos is a paradise for surfers of all skill levels, offering consistent breaks that make it one of the best surfing spots in the region. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to learn, the beach’s inviting waters are perfect for catching waves. Several surf schools offer lessons and rent out boards.
Beyond surfing, visitors can enjoy beachcombing, swimming, and simply soaking up the sun. The beach itself is sandy, offering lounge chairs and umbrellas to rent if you would like. Vendors will come around and sell all sorts of things, including massages they will give you right there on the beach.
Most of what people enjoy about Playa Los Cerritos involves the beach itself. So between sunrise and sunset, expect not to be the only one on the beach. But keep your eyes on the water if you visit during the winter months as humpback whales will breach and spout at regular intervals, offering and experience that you cannot find in many places around the world.
Things to do in Pescadero and Playa Los Cerritos
Although Pescadero and Los Cerritos lack the charm of other villages and towns in Baja, there are still plenty of reasons to visit.
Here are the things to do in Pescadero.
Head Out Surfing
Playa Cerritos is among the most popular places to surf in Baja California Sur. The coast has both gentle and rocky breakpoints, making it an excellent spot for professionals and beginners.
Surfing equipment is readily available on the beach and there are a few surf schools on-site that offer lessons. Most people surf along the point beneath the big hotel at the north end of the beach because it creates waves that span out to the right and go a long way down the beach.
Enjoy Sportfishing
Sportfishing is another popular attraction in Pescadero. You will likely head out from Punta Lobos, a small beach just north of Pescadero. Local fishermen will take you to the best places to catch fish on half or full-day excursions.
If you are craving fresh seafood and don’t want to catch it yourself, you can often buy fish at Punta Lobos and take it back to cook where you are camping.
Relax at the Beach
Playa Los Cerritos is a sandy beach with generally gentle waves. Although there are times when swells will create large waves, Cerritos is a hugely popular place because it is safe to swim most days of the year.
In fact, vendors line the alleyways to the ocean and sell all sorts of items to make your stay more relaxing. From surfboard and wetsuit rentals to all sorts of food, you can arrive in Cerritos with nothing and still make a great day of it.
And if relaxing is your number one priority, there are palapas that you can rent for some shade when you want it and plenty of people will come around and offer massages right there on the beach.
Wear Yourself Out With Water Sports
When the surf is not up, the calm waters of Playa Los Cerritos offer the opportunity to head out on the water kayaking and paddleboarding. So regardless of whether you camp in the area so you can surf or paddle, you can wear yourself out virtually every day of the week doing one water sport or the other.
Plus, during winter, humpback and grey whales migrate close to shore and you may have some encounters if you time your paddle. While it’s rare to come very close to whales offshore, do
Campgrounds in Playa Los Cerritos and Pescadero
As mentioned, at the time of writing there is only one proper campground offering mostly easy access and all of the modern amenities that other campgrounds we have listed in this guidebook provide. We’ll cover it in more detail and then provide you with a list of other places you may want to consider further researching.
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!
Casa Caravan
Casa Caravan is a handy campground just a mile away from Playa Los Cerritos. Although it is a small campground, it has full hookups, the nicest bathrooms of any campground in Baja, an outdoor kitchen a small pool and a common area that fills up with social campers most nights of the week.
Although many of the spots are a tight fit, the campground is big-rig friendly if you are able to get in touch with the owner and secure a spot if one is available. However, expect very little privacy as most sites sort of overlap with each other. If you are traveling during winter be sure to reserve a site well in advance as there are many long-term campers who occupy most of the sites through the busy season. It is best to book either on HipCamp or via the website.
| Price Range | $35+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 12+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | Y |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 30A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | N |
Other Camping Options in Playa Los Cerritos / Pescadero
New campgrounds, formal and informal, are popping up regularly in Playa Los Cerritos and Pescadero as more people move into the area and see the opportunity to host campers of all sorts. These are a few options worth considering if you plan to spend any amount of time in the area.
- Mareas del Alma – 6 RV spots with septic & water, big rig friendly
- Pescadero Surf Camp – Small rigs, away from the beach
- Cerritos Boutique RV Park – Small rigs with full hookups
- Pescadero RV Park – Adult-only, no dogs
- Oasis Azul – 4 full hookup sites
- Clay Cactus Campground (+52 612 117 2816, 23.33458, -110.17099)
- Rancho Escondido – Away from the beach, quiet