The Salton Sea falls within the territories of both Riverside County and Imperial County. Like Death Valley, it is located below sea level, with the current surface of the Sea at about 220 ft below sea level. The Sea is fed by the New, Whitewater, and Alamo rivers, as well as a number of minor agricultural drainage paths and creeks. The Salton Sea has been termed a "crown jewel of avian biodiversity". Over 400 species have been documented at the Salton Sea. Amazingly, the area supports 30% of the remaining population of the endangered American White Pelican. The Salton Sea is a major resting stop on the Pacific Flyway.

Long known as the best fishery in the state, the Salton Sea has rewarded anglers with corvina ( typeof sea bass) as large as 37 pounds. A limit of five corvina is easily caught. Tilapia, are most abundant, and are on the hook as fast as you can dip a line into the water. There is no legal limit to the number of tilapia that can be taken; park fishers generally leave with at least 100 tilapia in the 1- to 3-pound range.

Boat races are common at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area . The lake is known as the fastest in the nation because its salt content causes vessels to be more buoyant. Most of the aquatic speed records have been broken here. With its great surface size, an almost unlimited number of boats can use the Sea without it becoming congested. The Sea is so large that the distant shores are not visible because of the earth's curvature.

The park has five campgrounds with a total of 1,600 campsites. Developed sites can be found by Varner Harbor, and at Mecca Beach Campgrounds. The Salton Sea State Recreation Area has hundreds of day use sites, a boat ramp and wash area, trails, a visitor center, and play area for the kids, and fishing jetties. During the season, Rangers offer guided tours in the park's interpretive boat to view the birds for which the Recreation Area is famous.