Any recommendations for places to stay before crossing over into Baja? Have two motorcycles and would prefer camping not too far from border before entering Mexico...also, best time to cross border?? Any information would be helpful. Thanks

I see no one's answered you, but if you go east (look on a map) there is a border crossing at Tecate. It is in low-lying mountains east of San Diego, where you will likely find better options for camping as well as crossing. That being said, I am not sure what kind of paperwork you will need for the rest of the trip into Mexico, so not sure what is available in Tecate vs. a large city like Tijuana. I do know that if you head even further eastward, there is camping in and around the cities of El Centro, Calexico, and others, and the city of Mexicalli offers all the paperwork you will need as that is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja Norte.

If you are going to the Mexican mainland, don't go through Tecate if you want a TVIP, they don't issue them there. Lots of somewhat cheap motels on US side, but you can cross without doing any paperwork even late in the afternoon, then go back to border in the morning to do tourist card (must do in TJ before going south, do not forget this step) Cheaper to stay on Mexican side

No good camping near border at Tijuana. Places for huge motorhomes perhaps and motels.

Best to plan arrival at the border before Noon. Little traffic then. Right at the border itself you will see some big building on your right. These are Migracion and Aduana. You can pull over any where there, walk in and get your Tourist Visa. Note:
As you approach the actual border ... you will see guards but they won't stop you, only wave you through. You need to stop
right there, pull over and say "MIGRACION" They will point the way.

You can also get your TVIP if you'd like ... or you can wait until La Paz Ferry terminal to get it instead .... BUT ... you must get your tourist visa at the border even though NO ONE will tell you this and NO ONE will stop you, ever, for anything or ask for your Visa. (not required until 200 miles South) It's an open border and they like to keep traffic moving so you have to stop on your own and go get your Visa.

Getting the Tourist Visa takes about 10 minutes, the TVIP about an hour.

Once back on the bike, follow signs to Ensenada. In about 4 miles the road opens up and clears out. You will be riding along cliffs over the ocean. Most Motels are expensive along here but cheaper available in Ensenada inland from the tourist area.

About 1.5 hour ride from TJ to Ensenada. Toll road. Free road is a pain. Pay the tolls. (5 stops ... bring coins ... US or Mex) You should have plenty of time to find a Motel if you cross before Noon. There can wild camping in few places on the beach ... but I DO NOT recommend it here. Further South, much safer. You decide.

If you choose to stay on USA side you'll spend 4 times $$ for a room and wild camping will be HARD TO FIND unless you go 30 miles inland on the back roads along the US/Mex border. Use caution. This is now a seriously MILITARIZED ZONE.
Border cops everywhere .... and they'll treat you like a Guantanamo prisoner.
Most are X military and totally damaged goods.

Once you're in Mexico ... all this crap disappears. You will be safe if you use common sense .... and smile.
Mexico is a delight in every way.

Thanks MD this is exactly the info I needed!

Very interesting comment Molly.

I wonder is it implicit that if you serve as part of the US military machine that you will come out as damaged goods?

..... and if so, what does that say about US society in general (given that the USA as a country has one of the highest percentages in the world of voluntary, i.e. non-conscripted, participation of its population in the defence forces)?

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Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman

Damaged goods? Very possible, many are. I know several Iraq vets and of course lots of Vietnam guys too. The Iraq guys are worse off in my experience, younger, more aggressive ... really a seriously ****ed up group of vets. Of course there are many who have come out unscathed. But MANY are not.

The Border Patrol and ICE actively recruit these unskilled, out of work vets with very little vetting.

Don't get me started on US society. But keep in mind what our soldiers are now paid. Not like old days. Now many make over $60K a year and goes up steeply with rank and years.

So really, the military is truly our "new" welfare system. Now they use trained killers who got their asses kicked in Iraq to do border dirty work. Now they deal with Mexican civilians ... and treat them all like terrorists. It's the only way they know.

Granted, we have serious immigration issues here that should have been dealt with 30 years ago when it really started. Now ... nearly impossible. At least 30 million undocumented folks here. Huge swaths of our economy is now dependent on them ... in many ways we are VERY LUCKY to have them here.
(you like Fruits and Vegetables?, cheap tree trimming and a thousand other tasks that young white kids won't do?)

The situation down on the border is now down right scary. Fully militarized zone. These dudes have NO sense of humor.
The damage and humiliation is clearly present in the attitudes of many of these guys. So yes, lots of "damaged goods".

Combine that with various crazy ass vigilante hater groups operating there ... true recipe for disaster. My advice? Get away from the border and USA influence. I love Mexico!