Why RVers Spend the Winter in Quartzsite, Arizona: The Complete Guide
Every winter, RVers from all over the country head for a little town in the Arizona desert called Quartzsite.
Before our first winter there, we weren’t entirely sure why.
In fact, we’d heard plenty of negative things about Quartzsite.
During our first year of full-time RVing, we stayed in quite a few RV parks and talked with other travelers about our plans to spend the winter in Quartzsite. Not everyone had good things to say about it.
That made us a little nervous.
Then we went.
And we discovered something important:
Spending a week in Quartzsite and spending an entire winter in Quartzsite can be two very different experiences.
Once we had time to explore the town, meet people, discover the surrounding desert and settle into the rhythm of winter RV life, we absolutely loved it.
Here’s why.
Note: This article is based on our experience during the winter shown in our original video. Camping fees, businesses, events, services and regulations can change. Always verify current information before planning your trip.
What Makes Quartzsite So Popular With RVers?
If you’re expecting a picturesque little resort town with tree-lined streets and a bustling downtown, Quartzsite probably isn’t what you have in mind.
The permanent town itself is small.
The desert is rocky.
It’s dusty.
It can be windy.
And that’s part of what we love about it.
Quartzsite isn’t really about the town.
It’s about the RV lifestyle that develops around the town every winter.
It’s acres and acres of open desert. It’s neighbors who become friends. It’s campfires, swap meets, desert exploring, rock hunting, RV projects, wildlife and some spectacular Arizona sunsets.
And it’s space.
After staying in RV parks where your neighbor may be just a few feet away, having what feels like an enormous desert backyard is wonderful.
BLM Camping Around Quartzsite
One of the biggest reasons Quartzsite attracts so many RVers is the abundance of public-land camping surrounding the town.
There are short-term camping areas as well as Long-Term Visitor Areas, commonly called LTVAs.
When we filmed our original video, we were staying at La Posa South LTVA.
At the time, our seasonal permit cost $180 and covered the period from September 15 through April 15.
That price has changed since our video was made, so check the current Bureau of Land Management information before your trip.
What made La Posa South particularly convenient for us was access to basic services, including:
- Dump stations
- Potable water
- Trash disposal
For full-time RVers spending months in one place, those services make boondocking considerably easier.
What Is Camping at La Posa South Like?
Don’t expect grass.
Your “lawn” is rocks.
Little rocks, big rocks, pebbles and stones in just about every size and shape imaginable.
People even use the rocks to decorate their campsites and create elaborate designs in the desert.
Ed built a large compass rose at our site.
Other campers create names, pictures, maps and all kinds of other designs.
There are washes running through the desert, scattered vegetation and mountains in the distance.
And compared with a traditional RV park, there’s an incredible amount of room.
That space was one of the things we loved most.
Free Camping Around Quartzsite
When we visited, there were also several short-term BLM camping areas around Quartzsite where people could camp without paying the seasonal LTVA fee.
Those areas didn’t offer the same services as La Posa South.
Campers needed to make their own arrangements for things such as water, dumping and trash disposal.
The exact regulations and stay limits can change, so don’t rely on old information when planning your trip. Check the current rules for the particular BLM area you’re considering.
For RVers who are comfortable boondocking, though, the amount of public land surrounding Quartzsite provides an incredible number of possibilities.
What If You Don’t Want to Boondock?
Quartzsite isn’t only for boondockers.
There are also plenty of RV parks in and around town.
So if you want electrical hookups, water and sewer rather than spending the winter off-grid, that’s an option too.
During the winter season, Quartzsite accommodates just about every style of RVer — from people living completely off-grid in the desert to those who prefer a traditional RV park.
Is Quartzsite Pretty?
That depends on what you consider beautiful.
Some people look at the desert around Quartzsite and see nothing but rocks and scrub.
We see something different.
We see washes and desert plants.
We see mountains.
We see wildlife.
And as winter begins giving way to spring, we start watching for flowers.
The desert can begin blooming surprisingly early, and suddenly an area that looked brown and quiet begins showing color.
There aren’t lakes and rivers around Quartzsite if that’s the kind of scenery you’re looking for.
This is desert.
But desert has its own kind of beauty.
And then there are those Arizona sunsets.
Those alone are worth stopping to watch.
Wildlife Around Quartzsite
We saw much more wildlife than some people might expect from the desert.
Hummingbirds visited our campsite, and we put out a feeder for them.
We also saw roadrunners, ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits and plenty of lizards.
Watching wildlife became part of our everyday routine.
Even something as simple as watching the hummingbirds and bees negotiate access to the feeder could become entertainment.
That’s part of slowing down and staying somewhere for an entire season.
You begin noticing the little things.
Shopping at the Quartzsite Swap Meets
If you like flea markets, swap meets and treasure hunting, Quartzsite can keep you occupied for quite a while.
During the winter season, vendors set up throughout town.
Tyson Wells was one of the largest and most popular shopping areas when we were there.
You could find just about anything.
There were tools, RV supplies, clothing, rocks, jewelry, household items, collectibles, food and things we didn’t even know we needed until we saw them.
Part of the fun was simply wandering around to see what turned up.
And because vendors changed throughout the season, there could always be something new to see.
The Quartzsite RV Show
One of the biggest events of the winter is the Quartzsite RV Show.
The famous Big Tent draws RVers from all over.
When we visited, you could find information about RV parks and work camping along with vendors selling all sorts of RV-related products.
There were mattresses, refrigerators, batteries, cookware and other things for RV living.
And naturally, there were RVs for sale too.
Even if you aren’t shopping for another RV, it’s fun to look.
Because dates and vendors change from year to year, check the current Quartzsite RV Show schedule before planning your visit.
The Quartzsite Gem and Mineral Shows
Quartzsite is also famous for rocks, gems and minerals.
The shows were fascinating.
We saw raw stones, finished stones, cabochons, beads, jewelry, rock sculptures and equipment used for cutting and polishing stone.
Even if you aren’t a serious rockhound, it’s difficult not to get interested when you’re surrounded by so many beautiful specimens.
And the interest in rocks doesn’t stop at the show.
Rockhounding is a big part of the Quartzsite experience.
Restaurants in Quartzsite
We certainly weren’t going to spend an entire winter somewhere without finding places to eat!
One of our favorites when we made the video was Silly Al’s Pizza.
I absolutely loved their pizza.
There were other restaurants around town as well, including the wonderfully named Quartzsite Yacht Club.
Yes.
A yacht club.
In the middle of the desert.
With no water.
You have to appreciate that kind of humor.
Restaurants can change over time, particularly in a seasonal community, so check current listings before deciding where to eat.
Grocery Shopping in Quartzsite
Quartzsite does have grocery options, although you aren’t going to find the enormous selection you’d expect in a major city.
During our stay, there were local markets along with discount stores carrying food and everyday supplies.
For ordinary needs, we could generally find what we needed.
Like many RVers staying for an extended period, you may decide to make occasional trips to larger towns for bigger shopping trips.
But you’re certainly not stranded in the desert without access to groceries.
There Really Are Things to Do in Quartzsite
This is where we think some short-term visitors misunderstand Quartzsite.
If you drive into town, look around for a day and leave, you may wonder what everybody does all winter.
You have to start looking.
When we were there, the local newspaper was one of our best resources for finding activities and events.
The Quartzsite Improvement Association offered activities such as dances, classes, concerts and other gatherings.
The senior center also hosted activities.
Then there were the shows, swap meets, clubs and informal gatherings happening throughout the season.
If you want to meet people and get involved, there are plenty of opportunities.
Quartzsite Has Some Fascinating History
We also enjoyed discovering that Quartzsite has more history than we initially realized.
You can learn about the original Tyson Well and the role it played in providing water for travelers passing through the area.
Quartzsite also has a local museum where you can learn more about the community’s history.
Then there’s one of the area’s most unusual stories:
Hi Jolly.
Visiting the Hi Jolly Monument
Quartzsite’s cemetery contains a monument to Hadji Ali, better known as Hi Jolly.
His story is connected to the U.S. Army’s famous experiment using camels in the American Southwest during the 1800s.
It’s exactly the kind of quirky Western history we love discovering on our travels.
The cemetery itself includes both historical graves and more recent burials, making it another interesting stop for anyone who enjoys local history.
Celia’s Rainbow Gardens
Another memorable place we visited was Celia’s Rainbow Gardens.
The garden was created as a memorial to a young local girl named Celia.
Over time, it became a place containing memorials for other loved ones and pets as well.
There’s even a miniature town to explore.
It’s one of those little Quartzsite places you might never know existed if you only stayed for a few days.
The Quartzsite Town Park
Quartzsite also had a surprisingly substantial town park.
General particularly approved of this one.
There was a large dog park where we took him regularly, and he loved it.
The park also offered a variety of recreational facilities when we visited, including areas for sports and other activities.
We even found an RC vehicle track and an RC flying area.
Again, Quartzsite kept surprising us.
Exploring the Desert Around Quartzsite
Some of our favorite activities involved leaving town and exploring the surrounding desert.
There are old stone structures, mines, historical sites, petroglyphs and other points of interest scattered throughout the area.
We found places that we could reach with our two-wheel-drive truck and then hike a short distance when necessary.
We couldn’t get everywhere.
And that’s important to remember.
Desert roads vary enormously. Don’t assume your vehicle can safely reach a site simply because someone else has been there.
Research the route, know the capabilities of your vehicle and turn around if conditions become questionable.
There’s always another adventure.
Ancient Petroglyphs and Grinding Holes
One of our favorite discoveries was seeing ancient petroglyphs and grinding holes.
Finding evidence of people who lived in this desert long before modern RVers arrived gives the landscape an entirely different perspective.
We also explored old mining remains, including a mine and stamp mill.
For us, these kinds of places are exactly why spending an entire winter somewhere is so rewarding.
You have time to discover them.
Rock Art in the Desert
There’s another kind of rock art around Quartzsite that isn’t ancient at all.
Winter visitors create it.
People arrange rocks into enormous designs on the desert floor.
One of the most impressive was a huge map of the United States.
And then there was Ed’s compass rose at our campsite.
People would actually stop to look at it.
These little creations become part of the character of the winter camping areas.
A Day Trip to Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Quartzsite also makes a good base for exploring nearby areas.
One place we visited was Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge offers desert scenery and several areas to explore.
We were particularly interested in Crystal Hill and Palm Canyon.
Rules concerning collecting rocks or minerals on public lands can change, so check the current refuge regulations before removing anything.
Even without collecting a thing, Kofa is a beautiful place to explore.
Exploring Bouse, Arizona
Another nearby destination we visited was the little community of Bouse.
We stopped at the old assay office and museum and learned more about the area’s mining history and its connection to military training during World War II.
There was also an old miner’s cabin set up outside.
Small-town museums like this are some of our favorite travel discoveries.
They may not make the big tourist brochures, but they often tell fascinating stories about the places we’re traveling through.
RV Parts and Repairs in Quartzsite
Here’s another major advantage of spending the winter in a town filled with RVers:
RV stuff is everywhere.
When we needed parts or materials for a repair or upgrade, there was a good chance we could find them somewhere around Quartzsite.
That’s enormously convenient when your RV is your home.
Instead of waiting until you reach a major city or ordering every little thing online, you may be able to find exactly what you need locally during the winter season.
Seasonal Jobs for RVers
Quartzsite can also be an interesting place for RVers who want to earn some money while staying put for the winter.
During our stay, Ed got a seasonal job pumping propane.
And he loved it.
Restaurants, RV-related businesses and seasonal vendors may all need extra help during the busy winter months.
For a full-time RVer who wants to spend several months in one place and bring in some additional income, seasonal work can make Quartzsite even more attractive.
Mail and Packages While Wintering in Quartzsite
Receiving mail and packages is one of those practical issues full-time RVers have to figure out.
We used general delivery through the Quartzsite post office during our stay.
There were also businesses in town that would receive packages for travelers for a fee.
Procedures for General Delivery and package pickup can change, so check directly with the current provider before addressing something important.
That’s particularly true during the busiest weeks of the winter when thousands of additional people are in the area.
Internet and the Quartzsite Library
The library was another useful resource for us.
Besides books and DVDs, it offered internet access.
That mattered to travelers who needed to get online for work or other tasks.
When we visited, people could bring their laptops inside and work at tables, use the library’s computers or access Wi-Fi.
For RVers trying to work from the road, knowing where to find dependable internet access can be extremely useful.
Again, check current services and hours before relying on them.
Why We Fell in Love With Quartzsite
When people describe Quartzsite, they often talk about the RV show.
Or the Big Tent.
Or the swap meets.
Or the desert camping.
Those are all part of it.
But they aren’t really why we loved Quartzsite.
We loved returning to the same campsite and setting up beside a neighbor who had been coming there for years and had become our friend.
We loved watching hummingbirds.
We loved watching other RVers transform buses and unusual vehicles into homes.
We loved getting our little solar setup working.
Ed loved his seasonal job.
Friends we’d met while traveling joined us and camped nearby.
There were RVs driving up and down the desert roads.
There were off-road vehicles.
There was dust.
There was wind.
There were roadrunners running through the wash.
And somehow…
It was absolutely perfect.
Is Quartzsite Right for You?
Probably not if your ideal winter destination involves green lawns, lakes, resort amenities and manicured RV sites.
Quartzsite isn’t trying to be that.
But if you like boondocking, desert scenery, wide-open spaces, meeting other travelers, exploring backroads, treasure hunting, rockhounding, RV projects and a little bit of unconventional living…
You might understand exactly why so many RVers keep coming back.
We certainly did.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wintering in Quartzsite
Why do RVers go to Quartzsite in the winter?
The combination of mild winter weather, abundant public-land camping, RV services, seasonal events, swap meets, outdoor recreation and a large winter RV community makes Quartzsite especially attractive to RV travelers.
Can you boondock near Quartzsite?
Yes. Public lands surrounding Quartzsite have long made the area popular with boondockers. Different areas have different permits, services and stay limits, so always check current BLM regulations before setting up camp.
What is an LTVA?
LTVA stands for Long-Term Visitor Area. These BLM-managed areas are designed to accommodate longer stays during the winter season. We stayed at La Posa South, where basic services made long-term boondocking much easier.
Does Quartzsite have RV parks?
Yes. Boondocking isn’t your only option. Quartzsite also has traditional RV parks for travelers who prefer hookups and campground amenities.
What is there to do in Quartzsite besides the RV Show?
Quite a lot. We explored swap meets, gem shows, historical sites, museums, desert points of interest, petroglyphs, mines, parks and nearby destinations. There were also community activities and plenty of opportunities simply to explore the surrounding desert.
Is Quartzsite good for full-time RVers?
We certainly thought so. In addition to inexpensive camping opportunities, we had access to RV supplies and services, mail, groceries, restaurants, internet resources and even seasonal employment.
How long should you stay in Quartzsite?
That’s entirely up to you, but our experience convinced us that Quartzsite is difficult to judge from a very short visit. Some of the things we enjoyed most were things we discovered only because we stayed long enough to settle into the community and explore.
Our Verdict on Quartzsite, Arizona
Before we arrived, other people’s opinions had made us wonder whether we’d made a mistake choosing Quartzsite for the winter.
We hadn’t.
We discovered that Quartzsite wasn’t simply a destination.
For us, it became a winter home.
It was the people we met, the enormous desert backyard, the wildlife, the adventures, the friendships and the freedom of boondocking.
Quartzsite is dusty.
It’s rocky.
It’s windy.
It’s unconventional.
And we absolutely loved it.
If you’ve always wondered why RVers descend on this tiny Arizona desert town every winter, spend some time there.
Not just a day at the RV show.
Stay long enough to experience Quartzsite.
You may discover exactly what keeps bringing people back year after year.
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