Down to the sea
One day my wife and I were camping in the desert miles from surface water, and our windows looked out on saguaro and cholla cactus. The next day our trailer was on a beach just yards from lapping salt water, and we were watching gulls and pelicans. Such is the magic of a home on wheels. The water was the Salton Sea in southern California. Our original destination, after we left the desert in Arizona, had been Joshua Tree National Monument.
But a cold snap was gripping the Southwest, and the campgrounds in Joshua Tree lie at 3,000 feet or higher. As we refueled at a service station on Interstate 10, shivering in a biting north wind, we started wondering if it might be wiser to go downhill rather than up.
The next exit was the turn-off to Joshua Tree. We took the exit but headed south instead of north and found a lovely, quiet beach by the Salton Sea. There, we were 227 feet below sea level. And 10 degrees warmer than on the interstate. After the weather moderates, we'll head up to Joshua Tree.
Or maybe not. As RVers, we get to change our minds as often as we like.
5 Comments:
Sounds like a great idea to me. As a resident of the Arizona desert we are always looking for a body of water to camp near, other than the Colorado River. Where is the Salton Sea?
By Anonymous, at January 20, 2007 8:10 AM
Nice place to visit, but don't drink the water!
By mike, at January 21, 2007 6:37 AM
We were at Hole in the Wall campground in Mohave Preserve with nighttime temps in low 20,s
By Anonymous, at January 22, 2007 10:01 AM
The Salton Sea is in central southern California near the Mexican border, below Joshua Tree National park and Interstate 10. Most RV camping is within the Salton Sea State Recreation Area along Highway 111 on the east shoreline. Primitive camping on the beach costs $7 a night ($5 for RVers 62 or older). Two campgrouds with utilities are also available. Be sure to tour the visitor's center for tips and more information.
By Gerry Bruder, at January 22, 2007 1:49 PM
You can Boondock at the Slabs for free at the Salton Sea I understand but have not done so myself. The Slabs are supposed to be the remains of an old USMC base that is no longer there, just the level cement pads to park on. Type in The Slabs on Google and take a look. Black Rock Joe
By Anonymous, at September 24, 2007 2:10 AM
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