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Salton Sea SRA
Overview
Located in the low desert of Riverside County, Salton Sea State Recreation Area offers a striking landscape where the desert meets one of the world's largest inland seas. Situated at 227 feet below sea level, this park provides a unique opportunity to witness a transitionary ecosystem that is both haunting and beautiful. Travelers often visit to experience the vast horizons and quiet solitude that define this inland body of water. It is a place of ecological complexity and stark beauty, serving as a critical stopover for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway.
Location & Surroundings
The park is positioned on the northeastern shore of the sea near Mecca, CA, easily accessible via State Route 111. The surrounding environment is characterized by the rugged beauty of the Colorado Desert and the nearby Orocopia Mountains. Visitors will find a landscape that is both harsh and captivating, with beaches composed of crushed barnacles and white salt crusts. The remote nature of the location ensures dark skies and incredible vistas, making it an excellent spot for stargazing far from the light pollution of Southern California’s urban centers.
Amenities & Park Features
RV travelers can choose from several distinct camping areas, including the Varner Harbor site which provides full hookups for those needing electricity and water. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive sites are available at Corvina Beach and Salt Creek. The park features a functional boat launch and a visitor center that highlights the area's natural history. Essential facilities such as restrooms and showers are maintained for guest comfort, and a convenient dump station is available on-site to accommodate self-contained RV units.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The area is a premier destination for birdwatching, with hundreds of species documented in the region throughout the year. Beyond the water, adventurers can explore the Ladder Canyon and Painted Canyon hiking trails in the nearby Mecca Hills Wilderness, known for their narrow slot canyons and vibrant geological formations. A short drive away, the quirky International Banana Museum offers a lighthearted detour, while the Dos Palmas Preserve provides a lush contrast with its fan palm oases and protected wetlands.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature photographers and birders who want to capture the unique interplay of light and water in a desert setting. It appeals most to RVers who prefer peaceful, off-the-beaten-path locations over crowded luxury resorts. If you appreciate environmental history, enjoy wide-open spaces, and want to experience one of the most unusual geographic features in the United States, this state recreation area offers a memorable and contemplative stay.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Lauren Chroman
Plenty of space, decently large firepits, bear-proof trach receptacles for every campsite, nearby restrooms and showers! Also, it's beautiful. Come here for birding and stargazing!
Jerry King
This is a man made lake. Do not go in the water. Pets as well, it's beautiful, but has a smell
N Cowan
Lots of bugs! Service is like one person for the whole park. So I car camped and did dry camping. I didn't rely on any services. It was a nice view but the bugs are something else. Sad story about the lake. "They cut off the flow from the Colorado River and it went stale".
Segue Fischlin
I camped once at the Salton Sea Recreational Area. I was LITERALLY the only person camping there that night. Really nice facilities; eerily quiet. Absolutely gorgeous sunset and sunrise. Haunting levels of trash embedded along the shoreline (tires and such). All of it made for some great photographic images. Honestly, I had a positive experience there. Wouldn't make it a destination, but it was a great waypoint on my journey and I would stay there again. (this was in 2020)
Albert Perez
Attended a local night life tour. We arrived before sunset and got some great pics. I can’t recommend as a destination but there is history at the Salton Sea and this was a great way to explore and learn with a knowledgeable group of volunteers. If you visit bring water, good shoes and be ready to explore. The Salton Sea is what it is and you can enjoy it but be ready.
Richard Morris
Interesting place to visit. Not as stinky as you think. The edge of the water has mud that sinks so be careful! Otherwise worth the 2hr detour from Joshua tree.
Mary “Western Wanderer” Snyder
It is hauntingly beautiful down the road that holds the most astounding sights of a desperate place and the people that choose to remain there. The Salton Sea is a dead place but the beaches are alive. The beaches and sights of the homes in the Bombay Beach area are truly something to behold. It looks like Mad Max, apocalyptic! Be warned tho, be weary of your surroundings. This is a decimated, desolate place, surrounded by squatters and slab towns, as well as the air is not healthy. Especially the closer you get to Imperial city. It's worth the stop, but be smart, stay safe, understand where you are at all times. Enjoy the beauty but know it's come from agony and that remains.
Nicole Wade
Surprise stop for us, but worth it. Educational. Took an hr or so to learn and view the "sea." Lots of camping spots. Friendly staff. $5 if have Senior in party.
Angie Hoschouer
A beautiful place to visit. We spent time at the North Shore where we had a picnic near the sea. I highly recommend a stop at the visitor's center to watch the brief movie of the history of the sea.
Shalini Joiner
Stopped briefly while passing thru. Visitor center staff very helpful with information and tips about the park, its history, and general area. Lots of picnic areas offering shade were up and down the shoreline. Interesting but sad history of what used to be a popular tourist area- now like a ghost town. Camping sites available, some with full hookup.