We decided on staying on a paid campsite for our first night in Mexico. Safely away from the border zone.
After a smooth border crossing, we drove straight trough to a small village called Hidalgo in Nuevo Leon.
Hidalgo is north west of the first bigger city, called Monterrey, after crossing the border in Laredo
Normally I would advise to pass by Monterrey. Even Mexicans tell its not save there as it’s the first big city after crossing the border. But the campsite is in a mountain area and has good reviews.
But….. it’s not made for big rigs!
It’s a small mountain climbers campsite where people set up there tents.
But they have a parking lot!
Don’t expect a nice parking lot. Its un even and rocky, as is the road to the campsite.
Once in Hidalgo, the way to the campsite was well indicated. Just follow the signs.
CAMPSITE EL SENDERO (DEL POTRERO CHICO)
Mario and his parents run El Sendero (Del Potrero Chico) campsite. Mario speaks good English and is very help full.
Honestly, if I was traveling with a tent, this would be one of my favorite campsites. A nice grass field within the hacienda like walls of the campground offers plenty of space to set up your tent. There is a big fire pit where at night the campers sing and play music next to the camp fire. A very large common use kitchen with about 10 complete workplaces is offered to prepare your meals and 2 clean toilet blocks are on the premises.
But we didn´t come with our tent….
We brought an 31ft c-class RV.
Even though we were a bit out of tune with the rest of the young campers who came to climb, we were amazed how friendly everyone was. The owners and the other camp guests.
There were no amenities for our RV, but we didn’t count on that either. So make sure you bring your own. Although they did let us fill up our water tank before leaving for free. Also I would not recommend this campsite for rv´s or trailers much bigger than ours.
EL POTRERO CHICO
The main reason that people visit Hidalgo is because of its proximity to El Potrero Chico.
El Potrero Chico is a mountain range well known for its climbing.
As we are no climbers ourselves, I cannot tell a lot about it, but the mountains did give an astonishing view.
HIDALGO, NUEVO LEON
As famous El Potrero Chico is, as unknown the village of Hidalgo is.
That isn’t strange either.
To be honest, Hildalgo is just an average industry village. The CEMEX cement plant dominates the view of the village. There is nothing really interesting for tourists. But….because the people of Hidalgo are used to the tourist passing through their village to the campground, they are all very open and friendly.
So if you want to experience true daily Mexican life. A life where there is no tourist “facade” exists, only real Mexicans, real Mexican shops, bars and restaurants, but where you feel save and welcome, Hidalgo is a good place to start your Mexican journey.
After all of the bad stories, all the people who told us not to go to Mexico, Hidalgo made us see the real friendly Mexican lifestyle.
We made many new friends there, and we are sure we will be back there once.
