We found the Salton Sea to be a spectacular place for seeing birds but challenging for an extended stay. Think long and hard before making a trip to the nearby Ramer Lake in sunny, southern California.
There are very few places for travellers to stay in the area, so a mattress was conveniently left in the road.
A sign reminded us at the entrance not to forget to sign the guest book.
Another convenience for the traveler with tire problems: a few spares were displayed by that broken chain link fence just waiting to be picked up.
You might be wondering why were we heading for Ramer Lake? And then you’d ask did we have any idea this was what awaited us?
We had planned several days of bird watching in the Salton Sea area, and Ramer Lake was noted as a spot with over 200 species of birds. Ramer Lake is part of the Imperial State Wildlife Area, governed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
We love National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges, but somehow Ramer Lake has been forgotten. Was someone in charge just thinking “this place is only for the birds”?
We had driven slowly down the drive to Ramer Lake, made a u-turn, and quickly left. Sometimes a travel destination just isn’t worth spending any time.
February 2016
simpletravelourway 
Surprising it wasn’t billed as a ghost town. Hope you hadn’t given up your digs in Palm Springs!
What a shame.
Thanks for the warning! Feel rather sorry for the birds…
A good tip — sometimes it’s more important to learn what NOT to do, than what to do!
Wow our tax dollars are put to good use again!!! NOT
Yeah, it is a post acapolyptic looking place. Casa de Zorro in Borrego Springs where I took the reflection photos, is a lovely place to stay. There are several wonderful restaurants in Borrego Springs including Carlees which is truly fabulous. We stay in posh but reasonably priced Casa de Zorro, eat at Carlees and do day trips to the birds. This makes a very nice experience. Staying at the sea would not be okay for me either.