Salton Sea State Recreation Area sits along the northeastern shore of California’s largest lake — a vast, surreal inland sea shimmering in the desert heat of Imperial and Riverside Counties. Spanning nearly 17,000 acres near Mecca, this recreation area offers one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the state park system, where desert washes meet saltwater shoreline against a backdrop of the Chocolate Mountains.

The Salton Sea itself is a fascinating accident of engineering and nature, created in 1905 when Colorado River irrigation canals breached and flooded the ancient lakebed for two years. Today it draws visitors who appreciate its stark, haunting beauty and surprisingly rich birdwatching — the sea sits along the Pacific Flyway, attracting hundreds of migratory species including pelicans, egrets, and endangered Yuma clapper rails.

Fishing remains popular here, particularly for tilapia, and the warm desert waters invite kayaking and boating. Five developed campgrounds offer sites with shade ramadas along the shoreline, making this one of the more affordable and uncrowded camping destinations in Southern California. Hookups are available at several sites, and the Headquarters campground includes showers and restrooms.

Visit between November and March when temperatures drop from their brutal summer peaks into the comfortable 70s and 80s. Summer visitors should prepare for extreme heat regularly exceeding 110°F. Come at sunset, when the mountains turn purple and the still water mirrors the sky — it’s a landscape unlike anything else in California, raw and unforgettable.

Explore Nearby

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• Cleveland National Forest — National Forest in California