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.
Outside Salton Sea State Recreation Area
The Coachella Valley offers many fun activities. Many museums offer unique activities, which may be perfect if the weather is too hot outside. You may also want to go on a drive to explore nearby towns. Mexican food is excellent at many local restaurants, but you can find other cuisines, too. This area also has many unique shops to visit.
Restaurants
Taco Time
If you are hungry for Mexican food, then this restaurant’s tacos are sure to please, with burritos and other entrees available, too.
Type: Mexican
Location: 91193 2nd Street, Mecca, CA 92254
Subway
Get deli sandwiches and cold drinks at this chain restaurant.
Type: Sandwiches
Location: 90480 66th Avenue, Mecca, CA 92254
Denny’s
Start your day out with a hearty breakfast or stop later in the day for a filling meal at this restaurant.
Type: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Location: 90470 66th Avenue, Mecca, CA 92254
Plaza Garibaldi Restaurants
Enjoy a leisurely Mexican meal at this upscale restaurant where you always get large portions at an affordable price.
Type: Mexican
Location: 91275 66th Avenue, Mecca, CA 92254
Oasis Date Gardens Cafe
Sit in a garden filled with date trees while enjoying meals featuring dates along with ice cream, shakes and other goodies.
Type: Cafe
Location: 59-111 Grapefruit Boulevard, Thermal, CA 92274
Shopping
Mayra’s Clothes & Cosmetics
This unique shop offers many essentials, including gifts, cosmetics and women’s clothing.
Location: 91280 2nd Street, Mecca, CA 92254
Desert Wolff Art Gallery
Find contemporary art, sculptures and decorative accessories from around the world at this showroom.
Location: 73-995 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Splurge
This shop inside the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino features jewelry, fragrances and high-end gifts.
Location: 94-225 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio, CA 92203
Old Town Artisan Studios
Paint pottery at this studio that regularly gives lessons to underprivileged residents in the area.
Location: 78046 Calla Barcelona, La Quinta, CA 92253
La Quinta Gallery of Fine Art
Find traditional and contemporary art at this small gallery.
Location: 78080 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, CA 92253
Sightseeing
International Banana Museum
See over 20,000 items related to bananas while enjoying a dish of banana ice cream at this museum.
Location: 98775 CA-111, Mecca, CA 92254
Dos Palmas Preserve
See a variety of wildlife at this nature preserve, including fish and frogs along with desert fan palms.
Location: 1201 Bird Center Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Learn about the Aqua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians with a stop at this museum featuring cultural events, a walking trail and other activities.
Location: 219 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Coachella Valley History Museum
This 6-acre campus houses a variety of structures where you can learn more about the history of the area.
Location: 82616 Miles Avenue, Indio, CA 92201
The Museum of Ancient Wonders
This museum contains more than 375 artifacts and fossils divided into five galleries.
Location: 69028-B East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234
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.