Salton Sea State Recreation Area
- Status
- Varner Harbor closed to boats
- Boating
- Carry-in non-motorized only
- Day use
- $7 per vehicle
- Camping
- $10-$30 per night
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
About this lake
Status: Varner Harbor is closed to vessel access until further notice. Non-motorized boats can be carried or wheeled across the beach to the water. Mecca Beach and Bombay Beach campgrounds are closed; the main campground is open.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area runs along the northeast shore of the Salton Sea near Mecca. Varner Harbor, one of two public access points for boaters on the sea, last reopened in 2016 after dredging.
On the water
With the harbor closed, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are the only way onto the sea from the park. Vehicles are never allowed on the beach. Fishing and swimming are listed as day-use activities.
Camping and visiting
The park is open around the clock. The main campground has hookup, tent and primitive sites, reservable October through May on ReserveCalifornia, and a dump station; trailers and motorhomes are limited to 35 feet. The visitor center is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dogs are allowed on roads and in campgrounds on a 6-foot leash, but not on beaches or trails.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The park entrance is at 100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, off Highway 111.
Launching
Carry or wheel non-motorized boats across the beach. Driving on the beach is never allowed.
- Closed
- Mecca Beach, Bombay Beach campgrounds
- Park
- (760) 393-3052
What's here
Kayaking
Carry-in non-motorized boats across the beach
Camping
Main campground with hookup and tent sites
Fishing
Fishing listed as a day-use activity
Swimming
Swimming listed as a day-use activity
Visitor center
Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Varner Harbor is closed to vessel access until further notice; non-motorized vessels may be carried or wheeled across the beach; no vehicles on the beach at any timeparks.ca.gov ↗
- Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet on roads and in campgrounds; not on beaches or trailsparks.ca.gov ↗
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