Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area

We stayed here two nights and really liked it. There are a lot of travelers and some locals who come to the beach for the day, to look at the art of just to hang out, but overnight it gets pretty quiet. The first night there was only us and a bikepacker in a tent, and the second night there was a car camper that left early in the morning. Some ATV people riding around the sand also but they weren't too bad. There's also a guy in a nice small trailer down on the beach who looks like he's been there a while, but his site is nice and clean.

It's easy not to get stuck in the sand if you stay in the upper area. We had no problems in our 26ft class c. If you drive down to the beach just watch for the soft sand and stay on the hard packed parts.

The town and the beach are just so... interesting. The artists are taking over the nearly abandoned town and it's really neat to see. Curious to see what happens to the town of Bombay Beach in the long run. Very interesting history, both the sea itself and the towns around it. Lots of documentaries about it on YouTube if you're interested.

There's BLM land here but I think the part you can stay on is owned by IID (Imperial Irrigation District). Not sure about this, but anyway I don't think camping here is a problem.

Good cell reception and weather in mid November. We would have left if it was windy to avoid breathing in the particulates.

This place is so so special, beautiful, and a bit extreme. I’d consider this less of a place for recreational camping and more an alternative lifestyle safe place. There’s lot of interesting artsy folk who live out here full time for a different way of life. That said, it seems decently visitor friendly as long as you’re respectful. If you stay, please go to the Ski Inn. Such a lovely bar with locals!

I mean this in the best way possible but I love the rugged artsy vibe. It's almost post apocalyptic. It's modern but also stuck in time. It can be smelly in towards the water

October 2019, no access to campsite, roads gate locked.

we stayed here and visited bombay beach town. such an interesting place with a lot of history. make sure to wear shoes as there are dead animal bodies everywhere as well as nails and splintered wood. it's fun to explore all the abandoned buildings and graffiti art work. facilities are good for the campground, the showers are great after exploring..

The Salton Sea is a required taste, you either love it or you hate it and I absolutely love it here! It's solitude and the glow of the sky at sunset over the water is just magical. $20 per night, $7 day use fee, $5 boat launch, RV $30 per night. So many wild birds to photograph and the sunsets are a must see. Also go to Salvation Mountain which is close by, another bucket list spot to scratch off the list.