Usually I head back towards LA whenever I return from wintering in Mexico and visit my brother in Rosamond (80 odd miles north of LA). It's gotten rather boring and routine stopping at the same RV parks year after year. So I decided that this year I'll stop somewhere different when I returned from San Felipe, Baja. It's just a short jaunt from San Felipe to the border (2 hours), but you never know how long they're going to hold you up so I looked for somewhere nearby the crossing of El Centro that I hadn't been too before.
And I happened to notice Jacumba Springs, California. Due west of El Centro up in the hills so it would tend to be cooler. Just a couple RV parks in that area and I selected the closest, DeAnza Springs Resort. After leaving the freeway, there is a 2 mile long unpaved road to travel though to get to the park but if you go slow enough, it's not too much of a bother. I arrived at a closed gate with a buzzer system to buzz the office so they'll let you in. There's several buzz codes listed there to try if arriving after or before office hours. Someone is always available to buzz you in.
After entering the park proper, it's a short drive on gravel and recycled blacktop (compacted) to reach the office. Signs are numerous and easily spotted. The roads are mostly wide and easily navigated even pulling a toad.
This park is
huge. I learned later they have over 300 spaces. Some are permanent sites while others are park models built to spec. But most sites are a space with services. Plenty of different areas to chose from. And the main building is large as well. Surprising and unexpected to find this big of a RV park with the kind of facilities they have here. There's a large meeting room, a large bar area with tables and chairs, a traditional bar, even a dance floor. Around the corner from the bar is the cafe. Then there's the TV room and lending library. Everything is newer, clean, well cared for.
Along side the building is another large covered and shaded seating area, then there's the pool and sauna. It is a clothing optional park but it doesn't bother anyone if you wear your regular clothing. While I was there the weather was iffy so many wore their street clothes (but not all).
I really enjoyed my weeks stay there as everyone was really nice, the Wifi was very fast and reliable, services were good, RV spaces are large, there were numerous improved hiking trails all over their 500 acres, and of course, spending a couple evenings in the bar and having dinner while making new friends was really nice too. I kind of like having a nice bar right on the RV park grounds...not something I see very often.
If you're looking to avoid the humdrum on your trip back from Mexico (or on your way there), check out DaAnza Springs.
