Is Bombay Beach — Salton Sea free to camp at?

Yes — Bombay Beach — Salton Sea is free dispersed camping managed by the Bureau of Land Management. No reservation required. First come, first served.

When is Bombay Beach — Salton Sea open?

Bombay Beach — Salton Sea is open October – April (summer dangerously hot). Verify current conditions with the Bureau of Land Management before visiting.

What is the stay limit at Bombay Beach — Salton Sea?

The maximum stay at Bombay Beach — Salton Sea is 14 days (BLM standard). This is enforced by the Bureau of Land Management.

What is the elevation at Bombay Beach — Salton Sea?

Bombay Beach — Salton Sea sits at approximately -213 feet elevation. Expect temperatures between 52°F and 85°F during peak season.

What wildlife can I see at Bombay Beach — Salton Sea?

Wildlife commonly observed near Bombay Beach — Salton Sea includes: Common Raven, Snow Goose, Black-necked Stilt, Sage Thrasher, Savannah Sparrow, Bell's Sparrow.

Do I need a permit to camp at Bombay Beach — Salton Sea?

Bombay Beach — Salton Sea is dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land. No advance reservation is required. Some areas may require a free self-issue permit — check with the Bureau of Land Management for current requirements.

How do I get to Bombay Beach — Salton Sea?

Bombay Beach — Salton Sea is located at coordinates 33.3560, -115.7266 near Bombay Beach, CA. Use Google Maps or a GPS device — cell service may be limited in the area.

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Bombay Beach — Salton Sea

Bombay Beach, CA, CA-213 ft🗓 October – April (summer dangerously hot)

About this site

Bombay Beach is unlike any campground in America. A ghost town on the eastern shore of the Salton Sea, 223 feet below sea level — the lowest free campsite in the continental US. The town was abandoned in the 1970s when the Salton Sea flooded, leaving behind rusted boats beached in the desert, crumbling buildings covered in murals, and art installations that appear out of nowhere in the sand. Free camping on BLM land surrounding the town. No permits, no reservations, no fees. Bring everything — water, food, shade. What you get in return: the most otherworldly sunsets in California, zero light pollution, and a place that genuinely feels like another planet.

Peak season temperatures

85°F

Avg high

52°F

Avg low

Verified historical climate data for this campsite location.

Cell Signal

Wildlife in the area

Research-grade verified observations from iNaturalist near this campsite.

Common RavenSnow GooseBlack-necked StiltSage ThrasherSavannah SparrowBell's SparrowGambel's QuailHouse Sparrow

Amenities

Free Camping (BLM Land)No Permit RequiredBeach AccessZero Light PollutionArt InstallationsFire Allowed (check conditions)Near Salvation MountainNear Slab City