Things to do in El Centro
Heber Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area
This area has land that was part of the Imperial County Park System. It is primarily used for off-road recreation, however, camping, picnicking, and baseball are also popular activities in the park. Restrooms with showers and camping Ramadas are available. The old riverbed of the Alamo River formed the area with deposits of sand where tamarisk trees have taken hold. Much of the outer border of the park is native vegetation and the park as a whole creates the effect of being an island in a sea of agricultural fields. The most prominent features within the park are sand dunes and extensive vegetation, primarily tamarisk trees. Call 760-767-5391 for more information.
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area
This 40-mile-long dune system is one of the largest in the United States. Formed by windblown beach sands of ancient Lake Cahuilla, some crests reach heights of over 300 feet. These expansive dune formations offer picturesque scenery, opportunities for solitude, a chance to view rare plants and animals, and a playground for OHVs. Call 760-337-4400 for more information.
1661 South Fourth Street,, El Centro, CA 92243
Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area
Adjacent to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, this area has desert terrain, from below sea level to 400 foot elevations. It is a motorcycle, four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle, and dune buggy use area. The wash-and-ridge terrain includes a butte with dunes and a sand bowl, a blow-sand dune, springs and a camp on a former homestead site. The park has pay showers, picnic tables, shade ramadas, fire rings and a dump station available. No water.
Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Protected habitat of 35,484 acres of salt marsh and open water of the southern part of the Salton Sea. Also includes nearby 2,000 acres of pasture and freshwater marsh. Wildlife observation, photograph and waterfowl hunting. Call 760-348-5278 for more information.
906 W. Sinclair Rd, El Centro, CA 92233
Salton Sea State Recreation Area
One of the world's largest inland seas, Salton Sea was created by accident in 1905 when increased flooding on the Colorado River allowed water to crash through canal barriers and for the next 18 months the entire flow of the Colorado River rushed downhill into the Salton Trough. This 360 square-mile basin is a popular site for boaters, water-skiers and anglers. Call 760-393-3052 for more information.