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

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.

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/

"Revive the Salton Sea Fund"

 

 

Park Videos

Vista: Parks from Ridge to River

The online video journal of the Colorado Desert District covering Anza-Borrego Desert State Park^®, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, Picacho State Recreation Area, Salton Sea State Recreation Area, and Indio Hills Palms Property.

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