If you are planning a visit to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, please note:
- Bombay Beach Campground is 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 this website for further updates as they become available.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area is located along 14 miles of shoreline at the northeast corner of the Salton Sea in southern Riverside and northern Imperial Counties. The state recreation area (SRA) occupies 15,000 acres of land and water in a region that is the ancestral homeland of numerous California Native American tribal groups and peoples since time immemorial. These include the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, Quechan and Cocopah.
Salton Sea state park opened to the public in 1955, providing shoreline access and water-oriented recreation opportunities. The park was classified as an SRA in 1963.
In recent decades, reduced inflows into the sea have caused declining water levels and increasing salinity levels, creating a host of ecological challenges and adverse impacts to surrounding communities. Despite these challenges, Salton Sea SRA continues to offer many recreational opportunities, including camping, birdwatching, picnicking, photography, nature appreciation and hiking.
Directions
Salton Sea SRA is 30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111, about a three hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas.
From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, then take Highway 86 south towards El Centro. From Highway 86, turn left at Avenue 66, then left onto Lincoln St., then right onto Highway 111. The entrance to the Salton Sea SRA Visitor Center is approximately 12 miles south on Highway 111.
From San Diego, to avoid driving through winding mountain roads, take Interstate 8 to El Centro. Take the exit for Highway 111 north towards Brawley and stay on Highway 111 for approximately 65 miles.
Day Use Fees
- Day Use/Parking: $7.00 per vehicle ($5.00 for Seniors 62 and over)
- Bus entry fees:
- Small (10-24 persons): $50.00 per vehicle
- Large (25 persons or more): $100.00 per vehicle
Camping Fees
- Full/Partial Hookup Campsite: $30.00 per night
- Developed Tent Campsite: $20.00 per night
- Primitive Campsite: $10 per night
- Group Campsite: $75 per night
- Senior Citizen (age 62 and over) Campsite Discount: $2 off per night
- Extra Vehicle Fee: $7.00 per night
- RV Dump Fee: $7
Seasons/Climate
June - September: 70-115 °F; Peak desert heat. Extra water, wide brimmed hat, sunscreen strongly recommended.
October - May: 50-70 °F; Best time to visit the park for any activity.
Sea and Desert Interpretive Association
Discover important information about the Salton Sea at the Sea and Desert Interpretive Association website and find out how you can help support Salton Sea SRA.
