Dust swirls and bird calls dominate this primitive camping area along the Salton Sea's shoreline. Red Hill Marina Park sits within the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, accessible only by boat or rough backroads that require careful navigation. The Imperial Irrigation District manages this dispersed camping spot where long-term residents mix with overnight visitors seeking an off-grid experience.
Sites include both tent areas and RV spots with full hookups, though Chad F. notes it "gets dusty, tons of birds, close to the Salton Sea and no complaints." The smell from the sea can be strong, and mosquitoes emerge at sunset according to multiple campers. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly for birding enthusiasts drawn to the refuge's diverse species.
Basic amenities include toilets, showers, and picnic tables, with rates starting around $7 per night for tent sites. The setting lacks traditional scenic views, and some visitors report feeling uncomfortable with the remote atmosphere and resident community. Campers often use this as a staging point for exploring nearby Slab City, located about nine miles northeast for those seeking an entirely different alternative camping experience.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRed Hill Marina Park is located in California near Niland
Address
7581 Garst Rd
Calipatria, CA 92233
Coordinates
33.19826689 N
115.60919618 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/23/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/23/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Red Hill Marina Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 34 min from El Centro, CA
- 1 hr 32 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 46 min from San Diego, CA
- 3 hrs 17 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ











