Salton Sea SRA — New Camp (sites 26-50)

One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at more than -240 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide – equaling about 130 miles of shoreline. Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore and has long been a popular site for campers. Increasing salinity means that fish no longer can survive in the waters. Kayakers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers and hikers continue to enjoy the area's many recreational opportunities.