Salt Creek Beach Campground
03 reviews100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254
Salt Creek Beach Campground
$7.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
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 campground type and activity. Day use fee $7 ($5 for seniors), headquarters RV hookups $30, developed campground $20, extra vehicle fee $7.
About this campground
Where desert meets water in California's most unexpected landscape, Salt Creek Beach Campground offers an otherworldly camping experience along the shores of the enigmatic Salton Sea. This primitive campground within the Salton Sea State Recreation Area invites adventurers to embrace the raw beauty and peculiar charm of one of America's most fascinating ecological oddities, where sunsets paint the sky in impossible colors and the silence speaks volumes.
Salt Creek Beach Campground is a primitive camping area along the lake's shoreline, offering basic amenities and a quiet atmosphere.
Historical SignificanceBorn from an engineering accident that became a geographic marvel, the Salton Sea emerged in 1905 when the mighty Colorado River broke free from human-made canals and poured into the ancient Salton Trough for two years. This accidental sea stands as a monument to nature's unpredictability and humanity's complex relationship with water in the West, creating a landscape that has captivated artists, scientists, and wanderers for over a century.
Weather and SeasonsFrom October through May, campers enjoy nature's perfect temperature balance with crystal-clear days warming to a comfortable 70-75°F while nights cool to a refreshing 50°F—ideal for campfire gatherings and stargazing. Summer transforms this desert oasis into a land of extremes, where temperatures soar between 70°F at dawn to a scorching 115°F by afternoon, creating an adventure for only the most heat-hardy souls from June through September.
ElevationExperience the rare sensation of camping 227 feet below sea level, where the air feels denser and the sky seems closer. As one of the lowest inhabited spots on Earth, this below-sea-level wonderland offers a perspective few places can match—where you can literally look up to the ocean's surface while standing on dry land.
Natural Features and SceneryThe stark beauty of desert scrub brush meets the shimmering expanse of California's largest lake, creating a landscape of contrasts that defies expectations. From your campsite, watch as the Santa Rosa Mountains rise like ancient sentinels across the water, their rugged peaks catching the first light of dawn and the last glow of sunset. The Salton Sea itself transforms throughout the day—from mirror-smooth morning glass to wind-rippled afternoon waves that lap at the sandy shoreline.
Geological RegionNestled within the remarkable Salton Trough—a massive desert basin that tells the story of tectonic forces and ancient seas—this campground sits in one of North America's most geologically dynamic regions. The Colorado River's historic flooding transformed this below-sea-level depression into an inland sea, creating a unique ecosystem where desert geology meets aquatic wonder, all while resting 227 feet below the level of the distant Pacific Ocean.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySalt Creek Beach Campground does not have accessibility-specific mentions. Nearby New Camp Campground has accessible features such as accessible campsites, restrooms, showers, and parking.
Sites SizeUser reviews do not provide detailed descriptions of site sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as quiet and peaceful, suggesting a level of privacy, but explicit details on site spacing or seclusion are not available.
Total Campsites1600 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo specific site recommendations.
Best CampsitesNo specific sites were mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit information is not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Number of guests per site is unspecified.
Groups
There are no specific mentions of designated group camping sites at Salt Creek Beach Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutPrimitive camping layout along the lake shoreline.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season is October-May, off-season is June-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the California State Parks website or contact by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is possible, with developed sites often filling up during winter months. Reservations recommended during peak season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not detailed in the source materials.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Salt Creek Beach Campground is situated along the shoreline of Salton Sea, offering opportunities for relaxation and beachside enjoyment. While fishing is popular in the area, there are no specific developed facilities at Salt Creek Beach Campground. Seasonal birdwatching and wildlife viewing are popular activities due to the location on the Pacific Flyway.
Fishing
Fishing is popular in the Salton Sea area, with tilapia being the primary catch. However, Salt Creek Beach Campground itself does not have developed fishing facilities.Swimming
Swimming is listed as an available activity in the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, but there are no specific mentions of designated swimming areas at Salt Creek Beach Campground.Boating
Visitors can kayak or use non-motorized vessels to explore the Salton Sea, but must carry or wheel their vessel to the water due to lack of motorized access points.Wildlife viewing
The Salton Sea is located on the Pacific Flyway, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching, especially from November to February. Up to four million birds are estimated to use the area daily during migration.Beach activities
Salt Creek Beach Campground provides a primitive camping experience along the shoreline, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the beachside environment.Winter Activities
Winter birdwatching is highly recommended at Salton Sea State Recreation Area, especially during migration periods.Water Sports
Kayaking is the most mentioned water sport activity at the Salton Sea, but must be self-supported due to lack of boat ramps or docks at Salt Creek Beach Campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed in designated fire pits/grills.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential for extreme heat during summer months. Increasing salinity in the sea may impact recreational water activities.
Active alertsNo active alerts for Salt Creek Beach Campground specifically. Some closures in other areas of the Salton Sea SRA, like Bombay Beach.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 19.4 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
Emergency services can be accessed at nearest hospitals and ranger stations in Indio, CA.
Good to know
Peak season datesOctober through May.
Trash and recyclingThere are no specific mentions of trash or recycling facilities at Salt Creek Beach Campground.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Salton Sea shoreline.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight limited water availability and a lack of amenities at Salt Creek Beach Campground.
HostNo information about campground hosts provided.
Campground Map
100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254
Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access is via Highway 111, a paved major road. Seasonal closures or special restrictions are not mentioned.Nearby places
Indio, CA (30 miles
approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Indio, CA (30 miles away). Additional local grocery and fuel options may exist closer but are unspecified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Salt Creek Beach Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Salt Creek Beach Campground's quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Positive aspects include the scenic, beachside location and basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. However, concerns about unreliable water facilities persist.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
1. Quiet and peaceful environment.
2. Scenic beachfront location.
3. Availability of picnic tables and fire pits/grills.
4. Affordable camping fees.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
1. Potentially unreliable water facilities.
2. Primitive conditions with minimal amenities.
3. Limited infrastructure for recreational activities.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring sufficient water supplies due to unreliable on-site facilities.
2. Visit during the off-season to avoid extreme heat (October-May is recommended).
3. Birdwatchers should visit between...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Best time to visit is October-May for cool weather and comfortable camping conditions. Birdwatching is excellent from November to February. Fishing is best during the summer months (June-September),...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "A weird and quirky camp spot. It’s $10 a night but worth it. Plenty of bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits/grills per camp spot." - Matthew Kotarbinski
2. "There is nothing here for you....
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews with identified site numbers are available for Salt Creek Beach Campground.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features at Salt Creek Beach Campground.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews confirm that dogs are allowed in developed areas such as campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025