New Campground

3.97

21 reviews

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

Quick Facts

-227 ft

Price

$10 - $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

$10 - $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

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

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

760-393-3052info@seaanddesert.org

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What Campers Say

3.97

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noisetrain

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254

New Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at New Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

Extreme heat in summer; fishing okay but conditions harsh.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

October–May is peak with ideal camping weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring is in peak season with good weather; some seasonal flies reported.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in CA

Winter great for birding and quieter stays.

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

About New 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.

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 layoutThe campground is laid out with spacious sites that can accommodate larger setups like two Casita trailers with trucks.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingThe 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.

FishingFishing is primarily for tilapia, with some campers fishing directly from the picnic area. There are no developed fishing facilities.

BoatingBoating access is limited due to decreasing water levels, requiring visitors to wheel or carry their vessels to the water.

Wildlife viewingBird 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 ProgramsEducational programs and interpretive exhibits are available seasonally, focusing on the environmental challenges of the Salton Sea.

Winter Activities

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.

Active AlertsAs of the latest check, Bombay Beach is closed, and Varner Harbor is closed for vessel access due to declining water levels.

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.

Weather at New Campground

Reviews

4.0

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

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