Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area, near the Salton Sea in California, is a unique spot that draws a mix of travelers and locals looking for a laid-back experience. This campground is known for its quirky charm and artistic vibe, making it a fascinating place to unwind and soak in the local culture.

The area is pet-friendly and allows fires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars. Visitors have noted that the beach can get a bit soft, so it's best to stick to the hard-packed areas if you're driving down. As one camper put it, “It’s easy not to get stuck in the sand if you stay in the upper area.” 

Exploring the nearby town reveals a blend of art and history, with abandoned buildings and vibrant graffiti art that tell the story of this once-thriving community. Many campers recommend checking out the Ski Inn, a local bar where you can mingle with residents and enjoy the atmosphere. 

For those who appreciate nature, the sunsets over the Salton Sea are a must-see, and birdwatchers will find plenty to photograph. Just remember to wear sturdy shoes while exploring, as the terrain can be a bit rugged. Whether you're here for the art, the history, or just to relax, Bombay Beach offers a one-of-a-kind camping experience.

Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area

Looking for the best campgrounds near Salton City, CA? Salton City is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Salton City, reviewed by campers like you.

Salton City

The Best Camping Near Salton City, California

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.

Salton Sea Gem

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..

interesting area!

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

No access 

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 

I love the artsy hobo energy 

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! 

Very special place but keep and open mind

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. 

Photos of Bombay Beach - Salton Sea State Rec Area

Real photos from real campers