Day use and campground open all day and all night.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
UPDATE (March 31, 2020): This park is temporarily closed to vehicular access. The park remains open for locals who wish to walk, hike and bike (in parks with bike trails) in the park, provided they practice social/physical distancing of 6 feet or more. This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach.
In an effort to prevent visitation surges and help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Parks has implemented the following safety measures to date:
A list of closures is available online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. The list is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.
In an effort to prevent visitation surges and help stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), State Parks has implemented the following safety measures to date:
- Closed some parks, meaning all trails and restrooms within these parks are closed.
- Closed vehicular access at remaining parks, including for off-highway vehicle riding.
- Closed all campgrounds, museums and visitor centers.
- Cancelled all events.
A list of closures is available online at parks.ca.gov/FlattenTheCurve. The list is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.
Phone Number
(760) 393-3052
Max. Trailer Lengths
Trailer: 35 Feet
Camper/Motorhome: 35 Feet
Park Hours
Driving Directions to Salton Sea SRA
Located 30 miles south of Indio on Hwy 111.Camping and Lodging
Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
BOATING
Boating
Boat Ramps
Boating
Boat Ramps
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Group Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Sites w/Hookups
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Museums
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Drinking Water Available
Notice:
Bombay Beach will remain closed.
Varner Harbor is closed to vessel access until further notice. The Department of Parks and Recreation is meeting to determine the best course of action with regard to the decreasing water level of the Salton Sea and recreational boating access. At this time, you may access the Sea by wheeling or carrying your non-motorized vessel (or motorized, depending on how heavy it is) across the beach directly to the water. At this time we know of no other motorized access to the water on the Salton Sea. At no time are visitors permitted to drive vehicles on the beach in the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. Please stay tuned to the website for further updates as they become available.
One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at -227 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed downward into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide – equaling about 130 miles of shoreline. Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore and has long been a popular site for campers, boaters and anglers. Increasing salinity in the Salton Sea basin has limited the number of types of fish that can be found there, and most fish currently caught are Tilapia. Varner Harbor within the SRA provides easy access to the sea for boating and water skiing. Kayakers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers and hikers can enjoy the site's many recreation opportunities.
Location-Directions
30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. Located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, it is about a three hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, take 86S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance. From San Diego take Highway 78 east, then left (north) on Highway 86 . Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
Fees:
Day use area for Fishing, Visitor Center, Picnic, Birding, Sightseeing. $7.00 ($5.00 for Seniors)
Headquarters full RV hookups $30.00
New Camp developed campground $20.00
Boat Launch $5.00
Extra Vehicle Fee $7.00
Bus Fees: 10-24 persons $50.00
Bus Fees: 25 persons or more $100.00
Seasons/ Climate/ Recommendations
Off Season Jun. - Sept. 70-115 degrees - Very hot, water, hat, sunscreen, best fishing season
On Season Oct.-May 50-70 degrees- Best time to visit the park for any activity
Sea and Desert Interpretive Association
Discover important information about The Salton Sea State Recreation Area and Picacho State Recreation Area at this link: Sea and Desert Interpretive Association and find out how you can help care for these magnificent parks.
Salton Sea Task Force Public Outreach Committee, Upcoming Public Meetings:
California State Parks is proud to be a participant on the Public Outreach Committee under the Direction of Bruce Wilcox, Assistant Secretary to Natural Resources.
For more information, please visit the website at: http://resources.ca.gov/Salton-Sea/