New Campground
4.0710 reviews100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254
New Campground
$10.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees vary by campsite type: $20 for tent camping at New Camp, $30 for RV hookups at Headquarters, $10 for primitive sites. Extra vehicle fee is $7.
About this campground
Discover New Camp, a tranquil desert oasis within the Salton Sea State Recreation Area where tent campers find respite along the shores of California's legendary inland sea. This thoughtfully developed campground welcomes all adventurers with two fully accessible sites (#37 and #45), immaculate restroom facilities, and refreshing hot showers. During weekdays, you'll often find yourself enjoying blissful solitude under endless desert skies, with the quirky artistic enclave of Bombay Beach just a scenic 10-minute drive away, ready to enchant with its post-apocalyptic charm and vibrant desert art installations.
New Campground offers a range of camping options including RV camping with hookups, tent camping, and accessible sites. User reviews also highlight the availability of primitive camping and additional vehicle fees.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history's greatest accident created California's most surreal landscape. In 1905, human ambition met nature's fury when a catastrophic engineering failure sent the mighty Colorado River charging off course, flooding this ancient dry lakebed for two years. From this dramatic mishap emerged the Salton Sea—a testament to nature's unpredictability and humanity's profound impact on the landscape. Today, this accidental sea stands as a haunting reminder of our complex relationship with the natural world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience two distinct desert personalities throughout the year at New Camp. From October through May, the Salton Sea reveals its gentler side with perfect camping weather—crisp mornings give way to balmy afternoons hovering between 50-70°F, creating ideal conditions for exploration and stargazing. Summer transforms the landscape into a fierce desert crucible, with temperatures soaring between 70-115°F from June through September. The bone-dry air offers little reprieve from the heat, and warm months bring their own desert residents—flies and various insects that remind visitors this is very much a living ecosystem.
ElevationSet your tent at an extraordinary -227 feet below sea level, where the air feels different and the sky seems impossibly vast. This remarkable elevation places you among the lowest camping experiences on Earth, creating unique atmospheric conditions and spectacular sunsets that seem to melt into the desert floor.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to a landscape that defies expectations—where hardy desert scrub vegetation frames panoramic views of the Salton Sea's shimmering expanse. This surreal inland desert lake stretches to the horizon, its mineral-rich waters reflecting the ever-changing moods of the desert sky. The surrounding terrain tells stories of geological drama and ecological adaptation, creating a photographer's paradise where stark beauty meets environmental intrigue.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the extraordinary Salton Basin, where ancient geological forces created one of Earth's most fascinating camping destinations. At -227 feet below sea level, this desert depression cradles the Salton Sea—one of the world's largest inland bodies of water. The surrounding desert scrubland has adapted to this unique environment over millennia, creating an ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Here, geological time becomes tangible as you camp in what was once an ancient seabed, now transformed into a modern marvel of accidental engineering and natural resilience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTwo accessible campsites numbered 37 and 45 are specifically designed for ease of use. Accessible parking and routes to restrooms are provided, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious by user reviews, with quotes like 'I could have put two Casita travel trailers with trucks in my spot #47.'
Sites PrivacyReviews are mixed regarding privacy, with opinions like 'Campsites pretty close together' and 'Best spots are 48, 49, 50 with the lake Salton Sea View.'
Total Campsites1600 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring earplugs to counter train noise, repellents for flies, and tools for dealing with bugs during their peak season. Consider sites with shade or views based on personal preferences.
Best CampsitesSites #48, #49, and #50 are highly rated for their lake views. Sites #45, #44, #47, and #41 are noted for shade. Accessible sites include #37 and #45.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned for New Camp.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number not specified in the sources.
Groups
No information about group-specific camping options.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is laid out with spacious sites that can accommodate larger setups like two Casita trailers with trucks.
Open and Closed SeasonReservations are available October to May. The park operates year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on official California state park platforms and sites.
Walk-in Availability“First come, first serve” availability is noted in user reviews, but the exact number of such sites is not specified.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not detailed in the source materials.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
New Campground provides various recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, bird watching, and boating, tailored to the unique environment of the Salton Sea. User reviews highlight the pleasant views of the lake and proximity to attractions like Bombay Beach.
Hiking
The accessible Ironwood Nature Trail offers a 0.38-mile loop through desert scrub, leading to an overlook with views of the Salton Sea. The trail is described as flat and wide, making it accessible for most visitors.Fishing
Fishing is primarily for tilapia, with some campers fishing directly from the picnic area. There are no developed fishing facilities.Boating
Boating access is limited due to decreasing water levels, requiring visitors to wheel or carry their vessels to the water.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is a major attraction, especially during the winter migration season. The park is located on the Pacific Flyway, hosting up to four million individual birds daily.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs and interpretive exhibits are available seasonally, focusing on the environmental challenges of the Salton Sea.Winter Activities
Bird watching is optimal from November to February, and the cooler weather during these months makes hiking and other activities more enjoyable.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are possible but require the visitor to bring their own equipment due to limited facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Burning restrictions are in place, but more detailed information is not specified.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe area can be windy and cold at night. Flies and bugs are an issue during certain seasons. Additionally, the nearby train traffic can be noisy.
Active alertsAs of the latest check, Bombay Beach is closed, and Varner Harbor is closed for vessel access due to declining water levels.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 25 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Indio (30 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober to May is indicated as the peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal areas are mentioned as convenient by users, but recycling facilities are not specifically noted.
Proximity to water featuresThe Salton Sea is close to the campground, accessible on foot but not suitable for swimming due to water quality concerns.
Common complaintsNoise from trains is frequently mentioned in reviews, along with flies during warmer months.
HostHosts are not specifically mentioned in the sources.
Campground Map
100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254
Driving directionsThe park is located 30 miles south of Indio on Hwy 111. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, exit at 86S, turn left at Avenue 66, and then right onto Hwy 111. Drive south approximately 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance.
The park is accessible via Highway 111, which is paved and provides direct access. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but care should be taken during off-season hot weather.Nearby places
Indio (30 miles, approx. 30-40 minutes), Los Angeles (approx. 3 hours), San Diego (approx. 3 hours).
Nearby supplies
Indio offers the nearest grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options, approximately 30 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
New Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for New Campground are generally positive, emphasizing cleanliness, spacious sites, and accessibility. Some reviews highlight drawbacks such as loud train noise and the lake's condition.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, convenient accessibility features, and proximity to attractions like Bombay Beach.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from trains, flies during certain seasons, and the poor condition of the lake impacting swimming possibilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs for train noise, insect repellant for flies, and quarters for showers. Sites 48, 49, and 50 are recommended for their lake views.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter months are less noisy and have better bird watching opportunities, while summer offers good fishing but extreme heat.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Wish all campgrounds were so spacious and clean.' 2. 'Bring ear plugs. Bring ear plugs. Good ones. The train is loud and runs throughout the night.' 3. 'The campground is nice, but I have no idea...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Accessible sites #37 and #45 are highlighted for ease of use. Sites 48, 49, and 50 are preferred for lake views.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible campsites and facilities receive praise, with quotes like 'The New Camp Campground restroom/shower building is fully accessible.'
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, as per authoritative guidelines.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025