Welcome to Salton Sea

One of the largest inland bodies of saltwater in the world (and the biggest lake in California), Salton Sea was created in 1905 by flood waters from the Colorado River. It is located at about 228 feet below sea level below sea level but it is also very shallow with an average depth of only 20 feet.

Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 F. The area is best to visit between October and May when temperatures usually range in between 70 and 90 F. During winter months it is home to over four million birds (representing over 400 species). Visitors should be prepared for extremely hot weather during summer months.
[CTG: Birding / Lakes ]

Exciting high adventure opportunities for exploring, boating, camping, hiking, watersports, weekend retreats and more.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
600,000 acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the largest state park in the contiguous United States and voted the #1 state park in California by National Geographic. Visitors can traverse canyons full of desert palms, ancient pictographs, majestic cactus and early spring wildflowers. Camping, hiking, ORV Trails.

Salton Sea State Recreation Area
Located along the northeastern shore of the Salton Sea this state park boasts great fishing - game includes croaker, corvina and tilapia.

Imperial Valley Adventure Tours
Explore the Golden State - (Keyword: Imperial Valley)

Bashford's Hot Mineral Spa
RV Resort
10590 Hot Mineral Spa Road, Niland, CA
760-354-1315; Resort Website;
Full service RV resort and campground located on the Salton Sea. This park is an oasis for those looking to escape the city. Natural spa features hot mineral rich water flowing from 530 feet within the earth. Ride out from your RV site for hundreds of miles. Great Restaurant. Great RV park. Spacious sites and loads of fun.
Glamis North KOA -

Salton Sea RV Parks
Facilities for Recreational Vehicle Camping around Salton Sea are most popular as a winter retreat with mild weather and plenty of activities:
Oasis Mobile Home & RV Park - 8132 US Highway 111, Niland, CA; 760-359-0411
Fountain of Youth Spa & RV Park - 10249 Coachella Canal Rd, Niland, CA; 760-354-1340
Lark Spa Mobile Home & RV Park - 10016 Frink Rd, Niland, CA; 760-354-1384
Corvina Mobile Estates-Rv Park - 10525 US Highway 111, Niland, CA; 760-354-1220
West Shores RV Park - 559 Sea Garden Ave, Salton City, CA; 760-394-4755
Oasis Palms RV Park - 90123 81st Ave, Thermal, CA; 760-397-1011
[ California RV Parks]

Borrego Springs Country Club Resort - Borrego Springs CA
1112 Tilting T Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004;

Serene resort oasis found tucked away in the Anza Borrego Desert at the foot of the Santa-Rosa Mountains. Borrego Springs Country Club Resort features 100 guestrooms that are well appointed with a casual early California charm.

The property is showcased by a 27-hole championship golf course that has taken advantage of the desert terrain, local plantings and a magnificent stand of palm trees. Also offered at the resort are six lighted tennis courts, state of the art fitness facility, heated pool, whirlpool spa, restaurant/lounge and over 5,500 square feet of meeting and conference space.

Calexico Holiday Inn Express - Calexico CA
2501 Scaroni Rd., Calexico, CA 92231;

Situated just 2 miles north of Mexicali, the new Holiday Inn Express represents the best that Calexico has to offer in lodging facilities. This multicultural community has a history rich in agriculture and is the center of one of Southern California's most promising new commercial and industrial areas.

Holiday Inn provides ADA compliant facilities.

Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
906 W. Sinclair Rd, Calipatria, CA 92233;
760-348-5278; FWS Website;

Protected habitat of 35,484 acres of salt marsh and open water of the southern part of the Salton Sea. Also includes nearby 2,000 acres of pasture and freshwater marsh. Wildlife observation, photograph and waterfowl hunting. Protected areas include the Wister Waterfowl Management Area and Imperial Wildfowl Management Area.

Salton Sea International Bird Festival
Date : Mid-Febr / Festival Webpage;
Four-day annual special event on the watch for endangered species of California Desert. Over 400 recorded species - Can see 100 species per day. Salton Sea – Desert – Wetlands – Agriculture – Awesome birding on Pacific Flyway.

The Imperial Valley refers to the southeastern corner of California contained in Imperial County. This area is usually one of the warmest spots in all of the U.S. and is a popular wintertime escape from colder climes. Irrigation successfully transformed a barren desert into productive farmland.

PENDING CLOSURE NOTICE :
Salton Sea State Recreation Area is on the Governor's list of pending park closures. See the links below for ways you can help keep this facility open!

The park's cooperating association, Sea & Desert Interpretive Association, is working towards taking over management if funds can be raised.
Sea And Desert.org -

Salton Sea State Recreation Area
100-225 State Park Road, North Shore, CA 92254'
760-393-3052; Park Website;

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. 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.

Since 1955 this park has offered an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Facilities include five campgrounds and boat ramp. (Access is 11 miles southeast of Mecca on SR-111).

Ironwood Nature Trail
Hiking / Kayaking Trails
Popular birdwatching destination. From Visitor Center to Mecca Beach is 2 miles round trip; to Corvina Beach is 4.5 miles round trip.

The Salton Sea’s unusual combination of desert and aquatic environments attracts over 350 species of birds. Most noticeable are the loud-honking Canada geese who fly here in their distinctive V-shaped formation. Large snow geese, ross geese and white geese stopby here.