New Camp Campground

For Californians seeking an affordable, feature-rich camping experience in a unique desert landscape, New Camp Campground near the Salton Sea in Mecca stands out as an excellent choice. This well-maintained campground offers a surprising array of amenities for its modest price, making it a highly attractive option for both RV and tent campers looking to explore the distinctive environment of the Salton Sea region. While it presents a few considerations, its overall value, cleanliness, and spacious sites make it a noteworthy destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

New Camp Campground offers a blend of convenience and natural beauty. It's a place where you can enjoy the vast, open skies of the desert, partake in activities near the Salton Sea, and return to a comfortable, well-kept site. The dedication of the staff, as evidenced by clean restrooms and daily trash service, contributes significantly to a pleasant stay. For the California local, this campground represents an accessible and budget-friendly opportunity to experience a different facet of the state's diverse geography, providing a unique desert camping adventure without sacrificing essential comforts. Its generous site sizes and comprehensive offerings make it a strong contender for your next California camping trip.

New Camp Campground is conveniently located at 99620 Tripoli Dr, Mecca, CA 92254, USA. This places it directly adjacent to the historic Salton Sea, offering campers a unique vantage point to explore this intriguing body of water. Mecca is situated in the eastern Coachella Valley, making the campground accessible from major Southern California metropolitan areas via well-maintained highways. Travelers from Los Angeles, San Diego, and other parts of the Inland Empire can reach the campground with relative ease.

The campground's proximity to the Salton Sea provides immediate access to its shores, allowing for activities like fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the unique desert landscape. While the location offers excellent access to the sea and the surrounding desert, prospective campers should be aware of a nearby railroad. Trains pass frequently, including during the night and morning hours, which can be a source of noise for light sleepers. Despite this, the accessibility and unique setting make it a compelling destination for those looking for a different kind of California camping experience.

• Spacious Campsites: The campground boasts generously sized campsites, with some reviewers noting that a single spot could easily accommodate multiple travel trailers with tow vehicles.
• Full Hookups: Many sites, such as site 43, offer hookups, catering well to RV campers.
• Concrete Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a large concrete picnic table, providing a sturdy and clean surface for meals and outdoor activities.
• Ramadas/Shade Structures: Sites come with a ramada (a shade structure), which is a crucial amenity in the desert environment to provide relief from the sun.
• Fire Pits: Individual fire pits are available at each site, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire).
• Easy Access to Potable Water: Campers have very easy access to potable water throughout the campground, a significant convenience in a desert setting.
• Clean Restrooms: The restrooms at New Camp Campground are consistently noted by visitors for being clean and well-maintained by the staff.
• Hot Showers: Hot showers are available, a welcome comfort, especially after a day of exploring the desert.
• RV Dump Station: An RV dump station is provided, adding to the convenience for recreational vehicle owners.
• Daily Trash Pickup: Campground staff regularly pick up trash, contributing to the overall cleanliness and pleasantness of the environment.
• Beach Access: The campground offers beautiful beach access with additional tables and ramadas near the Salton Sea shore.

• Exceptional Value: Priced at approximately $20 per night (as reviewed), New Camp Campground offers an outstanding value for the array of amenities provided, including hookups, hot showers, and spacious sites.
• Spacious and Well-Laid Out Sites: Campers consistently praise the size and intelligent layout of the sites, which provide ample room and a sense of privacy.
• Cleanliness and Maintenance: The dedication of the rangers and staff to maintaining clean restrooms and regularly picking up trash is a frequently highlighted positive feature, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors.
• Unique Salton Sea Experience: The campground's location directly on the Salton Sea provides a distinctive camping experience. While the Salton Sea has its own unique characteristics, it offers opportunities for birdwatching (especially during migration seasons) and appreciating a starkly beautiful desert landscape.
• Desert Scenery: Enjoy the expansive skies, unique flora, and striking sunrises and sunsets characteristic of the California desert, offering a different visual experience than mountain or coastal camping.
• Reliable Staff: The presence of helpful and nice rangers contributes significantly to the positive camping experience, providing assistance and ensuring the smooth operation of the campground.
• Quiet During Weekdays: While train noise can be a factor, the campground is often noted for being very quiet during the week, offering a serene escape for those who can schedule their visits outside of peak weekend times.
• Accessible Location: Despite its desert setting, the campground is easily accessible from major California population centers, making it a convenient destination for a quick getaway.

Address: 99620 Tripoli Dr, Mecca, CA 92254, USA

For direct inquiries about New Camp Campground, including reservations and current conditions, it is best to contact the managing agency, likely a local or state parks department. While a specific phone number for the campground itself isn't provided, you can usually find this information by searching for "New Camp Campground Salton Sea" or by contacting the California State Parks general information line if it's a state park facility.

For Californians, New Camp Campground offers a compelling and valuable option for a unique desert camping experience. Its location near the Salton Sea provides an accessible escape from the bustling urban centers, inviting locals to explore a distinct and often overlooked part of the state's diverse geography.

The campground’s excellent value, coupled with its spacious sites, hookups, and remarkably clean facilities, makes it particularly suitable for families, RV enthusiasts, and budget-conscious campers. While the train noise is a consideration, the overall positive aspects—including helpful staff, accessible potable water, hot showers, and daily trash service—create a comfortable and enjoyable environment. It offers a practical and pleasant way for locals to experience desert camping, whether for fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the vast open skies and unique landscapes. New Camp Campground stands as a highly recommended destination for Californians looking for an affordable, well-equipped, and distinct outdoor adventure close to home, offering a different flavor of the Golden State's natural wonders.

New Camp Campground

99620 Tripoli Dr, Mecca, CA 92254, USA