Igor at dusk with a view of the lake at Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Cancun on December 17th!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Hacienda Contreras RV Park

Most of our long time readers know that we're not really "RV park" kind of people. Two things turn us off the idea. One, most RV parks are overpriced for what you get. And two, most RV parks have you stuffed together like sardines. We like our space! We think that there is nothing worse than opening your blinds in the morning only to see another RV parked 10 feet away!

Many people don't realize that there are actually quite a few RV parks in Mexico. In fact, The Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping lists over 250 campgrounds of various sizes and descriptions. We've been to several of them over the last five years. Most of them are on the coast. Many people who come to Mexico in an RV need to be by the water. But we found that there is so much more to see and do in the interior that we came to like that better than the ocean.

We had read about Hacienda Contreras RV Park when we were in Mexico the winter of 2008-2009. At the time, we were intrigued by their very reasonable pricing and the fact that they were new and trying to attract customers.  We were on our way north at the time, and decided to stop in for a night or two.

Sherman's first stay at Hacienda Contreras on March 19, 2009.

Not long after we got parked up that day, we were invited by the owners to join the other campers on a trip to a mariachi festival in a nearby town. We had a blast! The next day was just as much fun, and we didn't want to leave. But we were on our way north, and promised to return. And we did, staying for a full week in February of 2011.

One of the things we love here is that the owners, Barb and Sal, treat you like family. So much so, that we have been regularly invited to family events in the area. Sal is originally from the nearby town of Valle de Juarez, and Barb is from Chicago, So Sal has lots of relatives here, and we've been to several weddings and other events. You really get to experience the Mexican culture here!

A Mexican wedding we attended last April.

The other thing we like here is the consistently perfect weather. It does get a little chilly at night, sometimes down to the freezing mark, but by 9:00am the sun is warming things up and daytime highs are usually between 20C-25C (68F-78F). With the clear blue sky and sunshine, we find that to be perfect! Oh, and bugs? I don't think we've ever had a mosquito bite here!

The grand entrance!

They've been doing some more building and additions here this past summer to make things even better for the campers. Sal's been finishing a new washroom, and the rec room is almost done as well!

Ruth and Sal having a look at the new rec room yesterday. There will also be kitchen facilities installed in this room.

The balcony of the rec room overlooks the campground. You can see Sherman and the little blue car on the left! Notice how much space between sites!

The laundry room. It costs 15 pesos ($1.20) per wash, and you hang your clothes on the lines outside to dry. And you can put your "I'm from here" pin on the map to show where you're from!

The new washroom and shower building at the far end of the campground.

Should be ready soon. Just needs windows and a door!

Some of the sites have patios that have been partially paid for by campers who return each year. If they're empty when you get here, you're welcome to use them until the regulars arrive for their site!

The main building.

There are two washrooms like this for camper use.

Here's Ruth with Osa and Niko.

And what does all this cost? One night at Hacienda Contreras costs 125 pesos ($10.00). If you want to stay for a week, it will be 750 pesos ($60.00). And a full month will set you back 2800 pesos ($224.00). All electricity is metered at each site (exactly the way any RV park should be!) so you pay for what you use.

Owners Sal and Barb Contreras, with Don Quixote.


29 comments:

  1. That place looks great, wish we were in the empty spot across from you.Glad to see all is going well and you guys are enjoying your stay. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna...

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    1. Maybe you will be here to occupy one of those spots next winter, Sam!

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  2. I've noticed that Tioga George has started to stay in RV camps now instead of boondocking.

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    1. If I remember right he has been doing that now for at least 2 years. When you can find a park at a great price why not sit back and enjoy it. You can put out your chairs, have a BBQ and not worry. On the street you can't really do that.

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  3. Yeah for Hacienda Contreras!! We concur with everything Kevin & Ruth say about this wonderful spot. When we did our tour of Mexico last year, we never felt more welcomed than we did at Hacienda Contreras. Barb & Sal are simply the BEST hosts and everyone should make this great campground and town a stop on their tour. We can hardly wait to get there at the end of January!! Looking to seeing you guys and Sal & Barb!!

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    1. Yep, we think by stopping here you really do get to see the REAL Mexico. And for us the weather is perfect, and no bugs!

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  4. The words, "Brick shit house" popped into my head. That thing ain't going anywhere.
    The house we rented in Puerto Rico was of a similar construction. It was parged cinder-block on slab, with a poured concrete roof. The roof had to be sealed about once a year though, since the concrete would eventually spring a slight leak.
    It was completed just before hurricane George and never suffered even a scratch.
    So when a storm comes and you can't make it to the "big house", you can at least head for the shit house!

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    1. You're right Bob, that washroom is going nowhere! It's built good and solid.

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  5. We found a place like that near Port Lavaca, TX. It was something like $230/mo plus electric and run by a couple and their niece. About three times a week he'd cook up a mess of fish or a roast and everyone was invited. All they asked was that you bring some disposable plates or napkins once in a while. He even started to cook things gluten free when he found out Gordon was celiac. Everyone called him Grandpa. We were looking forward to going back there when the sky fell in October 2009.

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    1. Yep, places like this one and the one you are talking about are the best! Sure hope you are able to make it back there sometime in the near future.

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  6. Reckon this looks perfect, a very fair price, nice clean facilities and plenty of space.

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    1. Yep, it's perfect for us but it is missing a beach for you!

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    2. Even we would forgo the beach for a few weeks there.

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  7. Barb and Sal are indeed super folks and the town is a perfect little spot.

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  8. Great place and we can't wait to be there next week!! Great improvements on the rv park. Looks fantastic.

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    1. Every year there seems to be something new here. The trees are really growing too. Looking forward to seeing you guys soon.

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  9. Looks like you have found the perfect spot, decent rates, lotsa room and great weather. Gotta love it.

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  10. Gosh Kevin and Ruth, what a great write up! Your comments are exactly why we did things the way we did. We wanted our RVers to be comfy and happy and to come back. Thanks. Though not sure about that water picture in the bathroom, hope they didnt get it from the toilet! Just kidding. I can't wait to get back....

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    1. And that is exactly why we keep coming back. It feels like our second home. You and Sal are what really make the place special though. Looking forward to seeing you soon Barb. Our thoughts are with you right now.

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  11. Hi Kevin and Ruth, I just got my Firmoo glasses-they are great. Thanks for the reccomendation.

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  12. What a GREAT blog posting. We will be there next winter (2013). Wish we could make it this year but just can't make it happen. Love the pics and your daily posts. Thanks!!!!

    rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

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    1. Hopefully our paths will cross here next year then. So happy you are enjoying our blog.

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  13. Looks like the perfect place to enjoy Mexican living and friendship!

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  14. Contessa, they have a nice Class B. We tried to talk them into joining us down here but I think it will be awful hard to pull them away from their family and the grandkids!

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