The homey Trailer Park La Palmera Fernando’s (no telephone, $6 per person tent, $8–20 RV) has about 20 parking (big rigs possible) or camping spaces beneath a shady, tufted grove by the road at the east end of Playa Zipolite. A spirit of camaraderie often blooms among the tents and assorted RVs of travelers from as far away as Miami, Medicine Hat, and Murmansk. RV rates get you a space for two people, including electricity and shared dump station, shower, and toilets.

Otherwise, park or camp at Zipolite’s former hacienda, now new paradise Rancho Los Mangos RV and camping park (cell tel. 044-958/109-1316, Mex. toll-free 800/546-4693, $10 RV, $50 room, $150 bungalow). Soak in the lush tropical garden ambience, bask in the swimming pool and patio, and feast on all the mangos you can eat in season April–May. All this for $10 per person for any size RV, including electricity, water, and drainage. Also available are two deluxe two-bedroom bungalows, sleeping up to five, with living room, kitchen, and a/c for $150, and two comfortable rooms with bath and a/c for $50. Find it on the Puerto Ángel–San Agustinillo main road, at a signed driveway about half a mile past the Zipolite–Adoquín–Roca Blanca intersection.

One of Zipolite’s best beach tenting spots is on the strand below Shambhala, with fine food from neighboring Restaurant Alquimista or Shambhala’s restaurant uphill. The friendly Shambhala owner, Gloria Johnson, will probably allow you to use Shambhala’s showers and toilets for a small fee. Ask at the Shambhala office if it’s okay to camp.

Camping is also customary on the beach in Mazunte, in front of Palapa Omar and Cabañas Yuri, or for a $4 per-person fee at Posada del Architecto.