Salton Sea State Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Since this inland lake was first opened in 1907, people have been going to it to enjoy the beach, boat, and camp. The lake is a favorite of kayakers. This state park, one of the lowest points on earth, is located near Mecca, California. Start your visit by watching the video at the visitors center at the park. Located about 40 minutes southeast of Palm Springs, California, it's three hours from Los Angeles and San Diego.
Spring 55-90 F
Summer 76-105 F
Fall 58-92 F
Winter 40-71 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Salton Sea State Recreation Area
This unique state park is perfect for RVing to enjoy the outdoors and the water activities. If you do not have a camper, then you can rent one on RVshare.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area Campground
The Salton Sea State Recreation Area Campground offers two different sections with one having full hookups. Enjoy great views at the campground without hookups where prices start at $22 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Picnic table, fire grill, food storage locker
Mecca Beach Campground
This campground sits right on the beach in Mecca, California, so you can enjoy all the beach has to offer. Camping rates starting at $20 per night.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: No
• Other amenities: Beach
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campground
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Campground near Borrego, California, offers mountain scenery, an interpretative visitor center and occasional evening programming. Rates start at $20 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Visitors center
Oasis Palms RV Park
The Oasis Palms RV Park in Thermal offers spaces for RVs up to 60 feet long with rates starting at $40 a night. Weekly and monthly rates are also available at this campground where friendly campfires and potlucks are weekly events.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Lake, club room
What to Do at
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Inside Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Start your stay with a stop at the visitors center where you can learn more about this salt lake’s creation. The lake at Salton Sea State Recreation Area was created when an upstream dam broke in 1905, and water began rushing down to fill this low spot. You can launch your boat by carrying it into the water from the sandy beach. While you may have to carry your boat to launch it, boating is a favorite activity in this state recreation area. You can also go fishing.
When camping in the park, you may want to see how many bird species you can count because this recreation area is part of the Pacific Flyway. Bird watchers love visiting this state recreation area as over 400 species of birds have been spotted here.
Download the historical architecture map and go on an interpretative tour. There are many fun things to do in the area, including learning about the Native Americans who called this area home and the fossils found around the world.
How to Get to
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, this park is located about 30 minutes southeast of Indio, California. From Indio, take Indio Boulevard, which becomes California Highway 111 South. Continue on 111 for about 20 miles. Turn right on State Park Road. The entrance will be on your right.
If you are coming from San Diego, then take Highway 78 until you get to Highway 86. Turn left and continue until you come to Avenue 66. Turn right onto Avenue 66 and right again on Highway 111. Proceed for about 12 miles, and you will see the park entrance on your right.
By Car
Entering Salton Sea State Recreation Area
The recreation area is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area Per Vehicle (1-4 people) : $10.0
Boat launch $5
If you have visited the Salton Sea State Recreation Area in the past, then you have probably come away with many fond memories. RVshare would love to hear about your camping trip in this state recreation area. Please send your memories to [email protected]. The team would also like to see your photos regardless if you took them yesterday or over 50 years ago at this location. It should be fun to see how the sea has changed over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salton Sea State Recreation Area
The summer months in Salton Sea State Recreation Area are hot. Temperatures can go over 115 degrees. A pleasant time to visit is October through May when temperatures range between 50 and 70 degrees.
The park sees over 400 species of wintering birds thanks to the availability of fish. Birdwatchers will see a wide variety of birds, including kingfishers, brown and white pelicans, herons, egrets, and more.
The best campground in Salton Sea State Recreation Area for RV campers is the Headquarters Campground. There are 14 full hookup sites, and amenities include picnic tables, restrooms, and showers. The views from the campground are unbelievable.
Reservations are required for reserving a camping spot. Campers can make reservations six months in advance, and the reservation fee is $8.00. Camping sites are $20. Campers can choose from primitive sites or sites with full hookups.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area is pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed in developed areas, including roads and campgrounds, but must be on a leash. Dogs are not permitted on the trails or beaches.