Community Forums

baraff · 08-18-2013, 05:25 PM

We're planning a trip this October to Tucson and possibly on to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
Figuring on spending a few days in Tucson, at Gilbert Ray Campground, see the sights in the area and then on to Mexico for a week at one of the resorts in Puerto Penasco.
I have some questions I hope someone can answer:
How difficult is it to get a site in October at Gilbert Ray or in Tucson area in general?
Assuming an early morning drive to Puerto Penasco, how are the roads to to that destination? Has anyone had any problems getting there and back?
We may bring our cat with us, any problems bringing her into Mexico and back to the States?
How long a delay at the border into and back to the States? Any problems going in or out?
Any other forms or documents I need other than our US passports?
I understand we will need Mexican auto insurance, for both the MH and the toad, is there anything I should be aware of regarding this?
We have been to Mexico many times by air, but never by RV. We've never had any problem, but never driven there.
Appreciate any info you can offer!

gatorcq · 08-18-2013, 07:30 PM

No problems, coming back into USA. Ensure you have papers on cat. Be nice to border guard. Playa Bontio will be your best RV place.

datrbone8 · 08-18-2013, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

We're planning a trip this October to Tucson and possibly on to Puerto Penasco, Mexico.
Figuring on spending a few days in Tucson, at Gilbert Ray Campground, see the sights in the area and then on to Mexico for a week at one of the resorts in Puerto Penasco.
I have some questions I hope someone can answer:
How difficult is it to get a site in October at Gilbert Ray or in Tucson area in general?
Assuming an early morning drive to Puerto Penasco, how are the roads to to that destination? Has anyone had any problems getting there and back?
We may bring our cat with us, any problems bringing her into Mexico and back to the States?
How long a delay at the border into and back to the States? Any problems going in or out?
Any other forms or documents I need other than our US passports?
I understand we will need Mexican auto insurance, for both the MH and the toad, is there anything I should be aware of regarding this?
We have been to Mexico many times by air, but never by RV. We've never had any problem, but never driven there.
Appreciate any info you can offer!

Puerto Penasco is Arizona's beachfront. From Tucson the longest part of the drive is across the Indian reservation to Why and then on to the Lukeville port of entry. Lukeville is a small port of entry and crossing there is usually quick and easy. It's only about an hour from the border to Rocky Point. Once you're through the town of Sonoyta it's an easy cruise. WATCH FOR TOPES (vicious speed bumps) IN SONOyTA ! You can leave Tucson at 9am and be having ceviche or fish tacos on the Malecon in Rocky Point by lunch.

You should have US passports to re-enter the US. No problem with the cat. It's not likely you'll be asked for them but good idea to have vet records on hand.

Probably not a problem staying at Gilbert Ray but there are loads of other places to stay in the Tucson area and lots to do at that time of year. The Sonoran Desert Museum is our most popular attraction. Take a drive in the car up MT Lemmon in the Santa Catalina mountains. Lots of restaurants, bars, galleries in downtown Tucson. Visit the Hotel Congress where the Dillinger gang was captured. A walk down 4th Ave is fun.

Don't expect much of a "Mexican experience" from Rocky Point. The place is largely a gringo weekend destination.

garyswann · 08-18-2013, 07:49 PM

No guns no ammo. Not even one bullet under the couch. The road to the border from Tucson is through the reservation and always has a cow or two on the road so do in daylight. I always dry camp in why Az the night before (on right just after the turn south) to get to the border by 7am. The banditos sleep late. Check under your Rv before return to make sure there are no packages taped or zip tied under your rig.
X2 playa bonito

twogypsies · 08-19-2013, 01:08 AM

Gilbert Ray is a gorgeous campground and your chances are very good in October - still early for the snowbird crowd. Catalina State Park is another beauty. Have fun!

datrbone8 · 08-19-2013, 06:30 AM

Gilbert Ray is a bit closer to downtown Tucson and in a strictly desert setting. Catalina State Park is a little further out of Tucson in Oro Valley but in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains. It is much more scenic than Gilbert Ray, having not only the desert setting but also incredible mountain vistas. The sites are nicely spaced and have water and 50 amp electric service. There is a dump station. The park is very well kept and the bathrooms are the cleanest we've seen in any park, public or private. There are some great hiking trails and lots of wildlife, including the possibility of bighorn sheep and mountain lion. Across the entrance from Catalina is a new mall with restaurants, movie theater and shopping, including a Walmart. You can't see or hear the mall from the campground and crossing the road is like entering a different world. (There is no overnight parking at the Walmart) Camping at Catalina is $ 27 a night and you can make reservations online
Arizona State Parks: Catalina: Home

Jeep trekker · 08-19-2013, 02:35 PM

X2 on Catalina St. Park campground. Very nice.

baraff · 08-20-2013, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the replies, good information!

going_postal · 08-20-2013, 06:18 PM

Never been to Gilbert Ray so can't compare, but did go to Catalina in May, very nice place, nice views, a little warm during the day but cooled off very nice at night.
The on line reservation sight has pics of the camp sites with the length. Not on top of one another either.
Yes we would go back.