Corvina Beach Campground

4.46

51 reviews

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

StargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping California

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Corvina Beach Campground

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee for activities such as fishing and picnicking is $7 ($5 for seniors). Camping fees for Corvina Beach Campground are $10 per night, as...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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Reserve California

Provider

760-393-3052

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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 51 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietclean

"User reviews highlight the campground's affordability, scenic views, and proximity to the Salton Sea. Common themes include cleanliness of facilities, lack of shade, and presence of flies during hot weather. The peace and quiet is a major attraction."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

Corvina Beach Campground

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

Driving directionsLocated 30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. From 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.

The campground is accessible via paved roads from major highways, specifically Highway 111. The proximity to main roads ensures year-round accessibility.

Nearby places

Indio (30 miles, approximately 35 minutes), Coachella (28 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Palm Springs (56 miles, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes), San Diego (150 miles, approximately 3 hours)

Nearby supplies

The closest supplies for groceries, camping essentials, and fuel can be found in the town of Mecca, approximately 8 miles from the campground. Larger stores and amenities are available in Indio, located 30 miles to the north.

Best Time to Camp at Corvina Beach Campground

Time your visit wisely to unlock Corvina Beach's full potential. The sweet spot arrives between October and May, when gentle temperatures in the 50s-70s°F create perfect conditions for exploration and relaxation. Desert wildflowers may dot the landscape, and cool evenings invite campfire conversations under star-studded skies. Summer transforms this place into a fierce desert crucible, with mercury soaring between 70-115°F and creating conditions that even seasoned desert dwellers find challenging. As one candid visitor warned: 'Don't go during summer unless you have A/C'—the combination of extreme heat and seasonal flies can test even the hardiest adventurers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Summers are extremely hot with lots of flies and unpleasant smells from the sea.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is in the Oct–May peak season with gentle temps (50s–70s°F); ideal for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring falls in the peak Oct–May window with pleasant temps and good wildlife viewing.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in CA

Winters highlighted as best for cooler temps and exceptional birdwatching/migration viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October through May is considered peak season due to favorable weather conditions.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round. Peak season is October through May, while the off-season from June to September is characterized by extremely high temperatures.
Current Alerts: Currently, Bombay Beach is closed, and Varner Harbor is restricted for vessel access due to low water levels.

About Corvina Beach Campground

Where desert meets water in California's most unexpected landscape, Corvina Beach Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an otherworldly camping experience. This hidden gem along the Salton Sea's northeastern shore offers budget-conscious travelers an incredible value at just $10 per night, complete with essential amenities including pit toilets, refreshing showers, and water access. As part of the sprawling Salton Sea State Recreation Area—which stretches an impressive 14 miles along this mysterious inland sea—Corvina Beach serves as your gateway to one of the American West's most fascinating and surreal destinations.

Corvina Beach Campground offers primitive camping along the shoreline of the Salton Sea. It features a minimalistic camping experience for those seeking solitude and scenic views.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape born from human ambition and nature's unpredictable power. In 1905, an engineering miscalculation changed California's geography forever when a canal dike breach unleashed the Colorado River into the desert basin. What emerged was the Salton Sea—a testament to the early 20th century's bold attempts to reshape the American West. Today, camping here means becoming part of this ongoing story, where the echoes of agricultural dreams and engineering challenges still ripple across the water's surface.

Weather and SeasonsTime your visit wisely to unlock Corvina Beach's full potential. The sweet spot arrives between October and May, when gentle temperatures in the 50s-70s°F create perfect conditions for exploration and relaxation. Desert wildflowers may dot the landscape, and cool evenings invite campfire conversations under star-studded skies. Summer transforms this place into a fierce desert crucible, with mercury soaring between 70-115°F and creating conditions that even seasoned desert dwellers find challenging. As one candid visitor warned: 'Don't go during summer unless you have A/C'—the combination of extreme heat and seasonal flies can test even the hardiest adventurers.

ElevationPrepare for a camping experience that literally takes you below the horizon. At 227 feet below sea level, Corvina Beach Campground occupies one of the lowest accessible points on Earth. This remarkable elevation creates a unique atmosphere where the air feels denser, sunsets seem to linger longer, and you'll find yourself camping in a natural depression that few places on the planet can match. It's not just camping—it's descending into Earth's hidden valleys.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a landscape that defies expectations, where California's largest lake stretches endlessly beneath desert skies. The Salton Sea's vast waters create a mesmerizing contrast against the surrounding arid terrain, offering photographers and nature lovers a canvas of constantly changing light and color. While you won't find traditional sandy beaches here, the shoreline's crushed shell beaches tell their own story of this evolving ecosystem. Visitors consistently praise the 'beautiful views,' and though the shower water runs merely warm, it's a welcome luxury after a day of desert exploration. This is raw, authentic California—unpolished but unforgettable.

Geological RegionCorvina Beach occupies a front-row seat to one of North America's most intriguing geological stories. The Salton Sea, born from that fateful 1905 dike break, has evolved into the world's largest inland seas—a shimmering anomaly in the Colorado Desert. This accidental oasis sits in an ancient seabed, where tectonic forces and human intervention have created a landscape unlike anywhere else. Today's increasing salinity levels add another chapter to this ever-changing environment, making each visit a chance to witness geological and ecological transformation in real-time. Here, the desert's harsh beauty meets water's persistent presence in a delicate dance that has captivated scientists, artists, and adventurers for over a century.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time is not specified.

Stay Limit

The campground has a 14-day stay limit for all guests per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact number of guests allowed per site is unknown.

Groups

No group sites are explicitly mentioned for Corvina Beach.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe layout is primitive with no distinct loops or sections. Sites are spread along the lakeshore for a minimalist camping experience.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official California State Parks websites and call centers.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is supported, especially during off-season periods when reservations are not required.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not detailed in authoritative sources.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features for Corvina Beach Campground are highlighted in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and offering plenty of room. Chris Helvie states 'This is the best campground for the entire lake. Plenty of room and space.

PrivacySites do not offer much privacy due to the lack of shade and clustering near the beach. Joe Nunez says 'Ok camping place but there is no shade.

Total Campsites1600 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the water offer better views, but caution is advised due to potential soft soil hazards.

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Corvina Beach Campground primarily enjoy scenic views of the Salton Sea and nearby birdwatching opportunities. The campground offers access to water activities, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

FishingFishing is possible directly from the beach, though limited species availability due to Salton Sea's salinity. Tilapia is the primary catch.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported. Kayakers may access the sea by directly wheeling their kayak to the water, though no motorized access is available.

Wildlife viewingThe area is renowned for birdwatching, particularly during winter migration. The Salton Sea hosts up to four million birds daily during peak migration.

Beach activitiesWhile the beach lacks sand and is composed of crushed shells, reviewers note the unique beauty and sunset views. Glace Arellano mentions 'no sand at the beach but crushed shells so wear shoes.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include soft soil near the water, making certain areas unstable. 'Soft soil as you get closer to the water so I couldn't touch the beach water, I got scared,' one user remarked. Summer heat and flies are recurring complaints.

Active AlertsCurrently, Bombay Beach is closed, and Varner Harbor is restricted for vessel access due to low water levels.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions apply during fire season as per Superintendent Orders.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include Mecca Family Health Center (about 8 miles away) for urgent medical care. For police services, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in Coachella is approximately 28 miles away. Ranger stations are located on-site at Salton Sea State Recreation Area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not specifically mentioned, though Fred Goodnow reviews suggest there is non-potable water available, implying limited infrastructure for waste management.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on the Salton Sea shoreline. Non-potable water is available, but swimming is not recommended.

Camp HostPark rangers actively check on campers, as noted by user reviews ('Park rangers checked on us 3 times to make sure we were OK').

Weather at Corvina Beach Campground

Reviews

4.5

51 reviews

Recommended

Corvina Beach Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's affordability, scenic views, and proximity to the Salton Sea. Common themes include cleanliness of facilities, lack of shade, and presence of flies during hot weather. The peace and quiet is a major attraction.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the 'peace and quiet' (Dennis), 'tons of stars at night,' 'exceptional deal at $10 a night' (Drea), and 'super clean bathrooms and shower facilities' (Juan Santoyohenry).

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of shade ('no shade' - Joe Nunez) and flies during hot weather ('lots of flies' - Fred Goodnow). Some reviewers also mention a fishy smell and high summer temperatures.

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during cooler months to avoid extreme heat and flies. Wear shoes due to crushed shells on the beach. Consider bringing an air-conditioned RV or tent.

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winters offer the best experience due to cooler temperatures and extraordinary birdwatching. Summers are challenging due to extreme heat, flies, and the smell from the Salton Sea.

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful sunset but the air smells fishy. Don’t go during summer unless you have a/c.' - Glace Arellano. 2. 'The peace and quiet is hard to beat.' - Dennis. 3. 'Super clean bathrooms and shower...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Fred Goodnow stayed one night on October 12th and praised the warm shower and beautiful views. Dennis mentions a 14-day limit and free access for disabled veterans with CA Distinguished Veterans Pass.

Based on 51 reviews