How much does camping cost at New Campground?

Camping fees at New Campground are $10 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is New Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

New Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at New Campground before I book?

Yes! New Campground has 23 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit New Campground?

New Campground is open October to May is indicated as the peak season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at New Campground?

Yes, New Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at New Campground?

Fire policies at New Campground: Burning restrictions are in place, but more detailed information is not specified.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does New Campground have?

New Campground has 1600 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at New Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at New Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at New Campground?

New Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at New Campground?

Popular activities at New Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

New Campground

3.69

21 reviews

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

Top 10% in CAWinter

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$10 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1600 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

New Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Provider

760-393-3052info@seaanddesert.org

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

New Campground

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

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.

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.

Weather at New Campground

Current alert: As of the latest check, Bombay Beach is closed, and Varner Harbor is closed for vessel access due to declining water levels.

Best Time to Camp at New Campground

October through November brings the best conditions. Highs in the 50-70°F range, cool mornings for birding, and light weekday crowds. Weekends get busier. Summer is brutal: 70-115°F with bone-dry air and more insects. The sea's water levels drop through summer evaporation, so boat ramps and fishing access are better in fall and early winter before heat sets in.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Winter offers good birding and less noise; park operates year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: October to May is indicated as the peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations are available October to May. The park operates year-round.

About New Campground

New Campground sits at -227 feet below sea level along the Salton Sea, offering 1,600 sites with full hookups, showers, and flush toilets. Fees run $10-30 per night. The campground is clean and accessible, with sites 37 and 45 designed for accessibility, but expect loud train noise throughout the night. Most reviewers mention it.

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 Significance

The Salton Sea formed in 1905 when a Colorado River engineering failure flooded this ancient lakebed for two years. What started as a mistake became California's largest inland sea and remains a strange monument to unintended consequences.

Weather and SeasonsOctober through November brings the best conditions. Highs in the 50-70°F range, cool mornings for birding, and light weekday crowds. Weekends get busier. Summer is brutal: 70-115°F with bone-dry air and more insects. The sea's water levels drop through summer evaporation, so boat ramps and fishing access are better in fall and early winter before heat sets in.

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 SceneryThe campground overlooks the Salton Sea, a massive inland body of water in the Colorado Desert. Desert scrubland surrounds the sites, and views stretch across the mineral-rich lake to distant mountains. The landscape is stark and flat, shaped by ancient geology and the accidental 1905 flooding that created the sea. It's visually surreal. Expansive, empty, and unlike typical desert camping. During warmer months, flies are common near the water.

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.

Scenic ViewsSome sites, such as #48, #49, and #50, offer views of the Salton Sea.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information available about hotel-style lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs and interpretive exhibits are available seasonally, focusing on the environmental challenges of the Salton Sea.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged with generous spacing in most areas, though campers sit fairly close together in some loops. The layout can handle large RV setups. Shade varies by site.

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.

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.

Site 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.

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 SitesBring 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 get the best lake views. Sites 45, 44, 47, and 41 offer shade. Sites are spacious. One reviewer fit two Casita trailers with trucks in site 47. Privacy is hit or miss, with some sites close together.

Need help booking New Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

New Campground at Salton Sea State Recreation Area offers several standard amenities as well as some unique features. On-site amenities include restrooms, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and RV hookups. Reviews often praise the cleanliness and spaciousness of the campground's facilities. Accessible restrooms and showers are available, as per authoritative sources, while user reviews confirm their functionality and cleanliness. Some users also noted the convenience of potable water and trash disposal areas.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at New Campground

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.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Birdwatching is a major draw, especially during winter migration.

Hiking3.0/5

Short Ironwood Nature Trail (0.38 mi) to an overlook; limited trail mileage.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing for tilapia from picnic areas; no developed fishing facilities.

Boating2.0/5

Boating limited by receding water levels; access may require wheeling/carrying vessels.

Water Sports2.0/5

Kayak/boat access constrained by low water; launching may be difficult.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Salton Sea vistas, birdlife and stark desert offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe 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.

Fire PolicyBurning restrictions are in place, but more detailed information is not specified.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Indio (30 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal areas are mentioned as convenient by users, but recycling facilities are not specifically noted.

Water FeaturesThe Salton Sea is close to the campground, accessible on foot but not suitable for swimming due to water quality concerns.

Camp HostHosts are not specifically mentioned in the sources.

Cell CoverageUser reviews do not explicitly comment on cell phone service quality, leaving this information ambiguous.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

New Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, convenient accessibility features, and proximity to attractions like Bombay Beach.

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from trains, flies during certain seasons, and the poor condition of the lake impacting swimming possibilities.

Based on 21 reviews

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 21 reviews

Pro 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 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are less noisy and have better bird watching opportunities, while summer offers good fishing but extreme heat.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper 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 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites and facilities receive praise, with quotes like 'The New Camp Campground restroom/shower building is fully accessible.'

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, as per authoritative guidelines.

Based on 21 reviews

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New Campground

$10.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve California

Provider

760-393-3052info@seaanddesert.org

Go if

Winter birders and desert oddity-seekers will get the most out of October through February. Sites 48, 49, and 50 face the Salton Sea directly. Full hookups, showers, flush toilets, and $30/night RV rates make this legitimate base camp for exploring one of California's strangest l

Skip if

Light sleepers should know the train noise is not occasional, reviewers across the board mention it, and earplugs are a near-universal tip. Summer is also brutal: 115°F highs, more flies, and the lake smell intensifies. Boating is no longer practical with Varner Harbor closed due

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(41)

Mecca Beach Campground

100-225 State Park Road Mecca, CA 92254

Mecca Beach Campground sits at 227 feet below sea level on the northeastern shore of the Salton Sea, one of the world's largest inland lakes. This developed campground offers 1,600 sites with full hookups, showers, and both flush and vault toilets. Fees range from $20-30 per night. The location along the Pacific Flyway makes it a hub for bird migration, and the desert sky delivers exceptional stargazing.