Salton Sea

California · State Recreation Area

The Salton Sea is a unique saltwater lake surrounded by stark desert landscapes, providing a rich habitat for migratory birds. Its striking scenery and fascinating history attract visitors seeking adventure and tranquility in a rare ecosystem.

Current alerts

• Partial closure — In-progress Incident

Campgrounds

• Headquarters Hookup (sites 2-15) — Year-round · 14 sites · 23 ft · reserve
• New Camp (sites 26-50) — Year-round · 25 sites · -219 ft · reserve
• Mecca Beach Campground (sites 106-159) — Closed (checked 2026-07-31) · Closed for maintenance repairs; no reopening date announced. · 54 sites · -212 ft · reserve
• Corvina Beach Campground — first come, first served · Open for day use and undeveloped shoreline camping.
• Salt Creek Beach Campground — first come, first served

Top trails

• Ironwood Nature Trail and Beach Spur — 0.7 mi loop
• Salton Sea Visitor Center Beach Path — 0.3 mi

Visiting

Fees — Vehicle Day Use: $7, Senior Vehicle Day Use (62 and over): $5, Small Bus (10–24 persons): $50, Large Bus (25 or more persons): $100.

Parking: Varner Harbor provides approximately 600 spaces designed to accommodate vehicles with trailers. Accessible parking is available at the New Camp Campground restroom area and the Visitor Center lot.. Dogs allowed on leash.

Top spots

• Bat Cave Buttes — POI
• Salt Creek — POI
• Corvina Beach — POI
• Mecca Beach — POI
• Varner Harbor — POI

Coordinates: 33.5088, -115.9181. Official website.

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