Headquarters Campground

What do you mean the Salton Sea is the fastest lake in the United States? You’re talkin’ crazy. But it seems to be true -- there’s so much salt in here that boats become super buoyant, and since the elevation is way below sea level, engines can operate better. Don’t ask us about the science behind that, just take our word for it. There are boat launch facilities all around the lake, whether you’re coming from Highway 111 or 86. You can boat all year long, but it gets pretty wild and windy from November to April, especially if you have a tiny boat. See some boating tips here.

The salinity in the Salton Sea limits the type of fish that can live in such a salty environment, but anglers can find plenty of tilapia as well as some limited gulf croakers, hefty corvina, and sargo. There’s good fishing all around the lake, but the marinas and jetties are probably the most convenient spot. Boating out or staying on shore both promise a bountiful catch of tilapia. You can see fishing reports on Fishhound for more information.

There are nature trails that loop around each campground, making for a totally accessible and convenient day trip. The best hikes are along the (somewhat stinky) 300+ mile shoreline where you can do some birding along the way. Look at the sand-and-shell-covered ground and breathe in that uniquely Salton Sea air. If you want some more dramatic change in terrain, try heading up the Red Hill, one of the five Salton Butte volcanoes in the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea. It’s 127 feet below sea level and there’s a lot of obsidian in case you wanted to fashion a spear or something. Go take a hike!

Kayakers can launch off at any of the designated areas around the lake, or rent a kayak. There are kayaking tours held throughout the year; you should contact the park for availability. There is a new 14 mile kayak trail behind the visitor center as well as two kayak camps at Salt Creek and Bombay Beach (now closed). You can even try kayak fishing for double the fun! There’s no shortage of paddling options here -- you can even go jet skiing and wakeboarding!

You can kiteboard/windsurf here, but the smell might knock you out. Fair warning, it isn’t done regularly, but if you’re an avid kite boarder/windsurfer, might as well try it out on California’s largest lake, right? It gets pretty windy from November to April, which can make conditions dangerous.

Birding paradise! Since this is the only lake around this desert area, thousands of birds flock here to take refuge. It provides a feeding, nesting and resting habitat, especially for migrating birds during the winter. You can find seabirds, endangered species like the Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, and California Brown Pelican, and tons of waterfowl. Check out a list of birds here.