MECCA, Riverside County — Visitors near the northern shore of the Salton Sea should distinguish the facilities that remain open from those under temporary closure. California State Parks’ latest park notice says Mecca Beach Campground is closed for maintenance repairs and provides no confirmed reopening date.

The Salton Sea State Recreation Area page says the main campground remains open for permitted camping and day-use activities, while the separate Mecca Beach facility is unavailable. An official superintendent’s order, identified as 555-26-21 and dated April 24, 2026, lists the Mecca Beach closure.

Other restrictions matter too

State Parks also lists Bombay Beach Campground as closed and Varner Harbor as closed to ordinary vessel access because of the declining water level. Visitors should not assume all historic boat ramps are functioning simply because boating appears in a park activities directory.

Visitor center and contact information

The state advertises visitor center hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with holiday exceptions. It lists the park at 100-225 State Park Road, Mecca, CA 92254, phone 760-393-3052, and visitor center phone 760-393-3810. Reservations are described as available for the October–May season, but availability for particular dates and campsite categories must be confirmed.

Safety on the shoreline

The Salton Sea is an environmentally sensitive inland lake with changing shorelines, exposed lakebed and potential dust concerns. Water quality and conditions should not be judged by appearance alone. Follow park signs and state Salton Sea Management Program notices, and check air-quality advisories through the responsible district.

Residents and visitors may continue using facilities specifically listed as available, but they should verify the exact campground or shoreline destination before traveling. The closure of one facility must not be presented as a blanket closure of the entire recreation area.

Sources: California State Parks Salton Sea State Recreation Area October 2026 restrictions, Superintendent’s Closure Order 555-26-21, visitor center information and Salton Sea Management Program resources.

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