Mecca Beach Campground

3.81

41 reviews

100-225 State Park Road Mecca, CA 92254

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mecca Beach Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on site type: full RV hookups at Headquarters Campground cost $30 per night, developed sites are $20 per night, and day use fees are...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

760-393-3052info@seaanddesert.org

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.81

Mixed Reviews

Based on 41 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

Some mention

noisetrain

"User sentiment is mixed, with high praise for the views, quiet atmosphere, and clean facilities during off-peak times. Peak times have seen complaints about restroom maintenance issues and overcrowding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100-225 State Park Road Mecca, CA 92254

Mecca Beach Campground

100-225 State Park Road Mecca, CA 92254

Driving directionsLocated 30 miles south of Indio on Hwy 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.

Access from major roads is straightforward, as the campground is located off Highway 111, approximately 30 miles south of Indio. Roads to the site are paved and accessible year-round.

Nearby places

Indio (30 miles, approx. 30 minutes), Mecca (20 minutes), Los Angeles (approx. 3 hours), San Diego (approx. 3 hours)

Nearby supplies

Stores for supplies, groceries, and fuel are located in Mecca, approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Mecca Beach Campground

Experience two distinct seasons that shape your desert adventure. From October through May, Mother Nature rolls out the welcome mat with delightful temperatures hovering between 50-70°F—perfect weather for hiking shoreline trails, casting a fishing line, or simply basking in the desert's golden glow. Summer transforms this landscape into a land of extremes, where temperatures soar between 70-115°F from June through September. These scorching months demand respect: pack your sunscreen like a trusted companion, wear wide-brimmed hats as your shield, and keep water bottles filled to the brim. Yet even in summer's fierce embrace, early morning and evening hours reward the prepared visitor with stunning light and wildlife activity.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

Not recommended

Summer is extremely hot and limits outdoor activities; not the recommended season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

October–May is peak season with pleasant 50–70°F temps; fall is within optimal period.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring falls in the recommended Oct–May window with comfortable temperatures and activities.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Mild winter temps and good conditions; listed as part of the preferred Oct–May season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October to May. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, with peak season from October to May.
Current Alerts: Active advisories include the closure of Bombay Beach and limited water access due to declining levels.

About Mecca Beach Campground

Discover an unexpected desert paradise at Mecca Beach Campground, where the shimmering waters of the Salton Sea meet the rugged beauty of California's Colorado Desert. This well-appointed campground within the Salton Sea State Recreation Area beckons adventurers with modern RV hookups and developed camping sites along the northeastern shoreline. Here, where millions of birds paint the sky during migration seasons and the night sky blazes with countless stars, you'll find yourself immersed in one of California's most fascinating natural phenomena—a vast inland sea born from a century-old accident that has transformed into a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking solitude in the desert's embrace.

Mecca Beach Campground features developed campsites suitable for RVs, tents, and groups. Primitive camping is not available at this specific location.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by one of the West's most dramatic environmental accidents. In 1905, the mighty Colorado River broke free from human control, surging through breached canal gates and pouring into the ancient Salton Sink for two tumultuous years. From this engineering disaster emerged an ecological marvel—the Salton Sea, now a critical lifeline for millions of migratory birds traversing the Pacific Flyway. What began as catastrophe has evolved into sanctuary, creating a unique ecosystem that serves as both a testament to nature's resilience and a vital refuge in an increasingly developed world.

Weather and SeasonsExperience two distinct seasons that shape your desert adventure. From October through May, Mother Nature rolls out the welcome mat with delightful temperatures hovering between 50-70°F—perfect weather for hiking shoreline trails, casting a fishing line, or simply basking in the desert's golden glow. Summer transforms this landscape into a land of extremes, where temperatures soar between 70-115°F from June through September. These scorching months demand respect: pack your sunscreen like a trusted companion, wear wide-brimmed hats as your shield, and keep water bottles filled to the brim. Yet even in summer's fierce embrace, early morning and evening hours reward the prepared visitor with stunning light and wildlife activity.

ElevationPrepare for a camping experience that literally takes you below sea level. At 227 feet beneath the ocean's surface, Mecca Beach offers the rare opportunity to pitch your tent in one of Earth's lowest accessible points. This dramatic depression creates its own microclimate and adds an element of geological wonder to your stay—where else can you watch the sunset while standing lower than the distant Pacific's waves?

Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic vistas where desert meets water in spectacular fashion. From your campsite, watch as the Salton Sea stretches endlessly toward the horizon, its surface shifting from mirror-like calm to wind-whipped waves throughout the day. The majestic Santa Rosa Mountains rise in the distance, their rugged peaks providing a dramatic backdrop to this surreal seascape. As part of the Pacific Flyway, the shoreline transforms into an ornithologist's paradise, where pelicans glide low over the water, shorebirds probe the mudflats, and seasonal migrations bring surprises with each visit. Desert sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky and water in impossible shades of orange, pink, and purple.

Geological RegionNestled within the Salton Trough along the vital Pacific Flyway, this campground occupies one of North America's most intriguing geological formations. The recreation area hugs the northeastern shore of the Salton Sea—one of the world's largest inland bodies of water, created when the Colorado River's 1905 flood filled this ancient seabed. At 227 feet below sea level, you're camping in a genuine geological depression, surrounded by evidence of the Earth's powerful forces. This accidental oasis has become an essential stopover for millions of birds traveling between Arctic breeding grounds and Latin American wintering areas, making it a crossroads where geology and ecology create magic.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not specifically provided.

Check-out

Check-out time not specifically provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Details not explicitly provided.

Groups

Group campsites accommodate large parties, with one user noting suitability for gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features developed sites and RV hookups organized in sections. All camping spots are hardtop, as noted in user reviews.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the California State Parks website or by phone at 760-393-3052.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified, but reservations are strongly recommended during the winter months.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy information is not explicitly provided.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites are available, with routes to restrooms and parking being ADA-compliant. There is accessible parking near the restroom and shower facilities, as well as picnic areas furnished with accessible tables.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and large. Multiple reviews praised the ample room provided at each site.

PrivacyCampsites are clustered but provide a peaceful environment. Some reviews appreciated the quiet atmosphere, while others noted occasional noise from nearby trains.

Total Campsites1600 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the water for better views and sunsets. Larger groups may prefer sites with spacious layouts.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Mecca Beach Campground provides opportunities for stargazing, birdwatching, and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Salton Sea and surrounding mountains. Nearby, hiking and biking trails support additional outdoor recreation.

HikingHiking trails are available within the recreation area, but specific details about trail lengths or difficulty levels near Mecca Beach Campground are not provided.

FishingFishing is permitted, with most catches being tilapia due to the salinity of the Salton Sea. Visitors fish from picnic areas such as Varner Harbor.

BikingUser reviews mention biking opportunities but do not provide specific details about terrain or trail availability.

BoatingBoating is available, with kayakers particularly enjoying the Salton Sea. Visitors must wheel or carry boats directly to the water due to lack of motorized vessel access.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is situated on the Pacific Flyway, making it prime for birdwatching. Over 400 species of birds have been observed during winter migrations.

Beach activitiesBeach access is available for sunbathing and scenic enjoyment. However, dogs are not permitted on the beaches.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExtreme summer heat and high salinity levels in the water can be hazardous. Wildlife is present; campers should secure food and trash.

Active AlertsActive advisories include the closure of Bombay Beach and limited water access due to declining levels.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated areas only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Mecca, approximately 20 minutes away. Hospital services are available in Indio, 30 miles north.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available but recycling is not explicitly mentioned. User reviews did not highlight trash maintenance issues.

Water FeaturesDirectly on the shore of the Salton Sea; water access is available for kayaking and fishing.

Camp HostCamp host at Mecca Beach (David) is described as friendly and helpful. "Camp host at Mecca Bch campground (David) was very friendly and introduced himself upon arriving."

Weather at Mecca Beach Campground

Reviews

3.8

41 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Mecca Beach Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed, with high praise for the views, quiet atmosphere, and clean facilities during off-peak times. Peak times have seen complaints about restroom maintenance issues and overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciated the clean facilities, spacious campsites, and breathtaking views of the Salton Sea and surrounding mountain ranges. Stargazing was noted as a highlight, with clear views of...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Restroom and shower facilities received negative feedback during peak times, especially on holiday weekends. Portable toilets were reported as overfilled and unsanitary. Noise from nearby trains was...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing self-contained RVs for greater convenience during peak times when public restrooms may be unreliable. Stargazing and birdwatching are highly recommended activities.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The best visiting season is October through May, with optimal weather and fewer maintenance issues reported. Summer months are extremely hot, limiting outdoor activities.

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Breath-taking views of Salton Sea and the mountain range. Air was fresh with pleasant westerly breeze." - Mike "Restrooms and showers were out of commission. A few porta potties are available and...

Based on 41 reviews