We have been in Q in the BLM LTVA for over a month now and have posted on my blog www.fulltime.hitchitch.com over the years what we found in this boondocking capital of the country. And for many years spent the entire season in the LTVA here.
Every year the talk around town is always "Are they are coming back to Q this year." And we always have fun with that but let me tell you it is now December and the OP is very correct... Quartzsite IS empty...
The people who have always been here early in the season in the LTVA in their favorite sites are not here.
Now we may get an influx of people as they travel after thanksgiving, we shall see.
A couple of the restaurants in town (The Palo Verde is for sale) and the Grubstake looks like it is going to be a no show. And you can see the For Sale signs on some in town RV Parks.
Even us who for 10 years spent the entire season here as we love going to the largest Gem and Mineral Club in the country are not planning to be here for the entire season as we like so many others have found other places to spend much of our winter season in.
A couple of years ago we bought a property east of Tucson near Benson. The price was right and some others may have done the same.
Over the years we have seen a huge rush of RVs that just come to Q for the fair like events in late January for 10 days or as a day trip. Many are on a like RV rally circuit who go from one event to another. The Big Show in late January is a big draw for the big bucks MH people who gather and have fun and shop till they drop in the Big Tent and venders. It is a good time but that kind of deployment of RVers only lasts a max as it seems of about 14 days.
If you are not interested in a rock club to play at or running your ATV in the desert what is there here for you for the season. Lets face it's nice and warm in Oct. and Nov. But in much of December and January it is just darn cold here. So for many who have tried it, now go to Yuma or south TX as it is warmer in those places.
So what is the bottom line I am talking about.... You should by all means come and experience Quartzsite. It should be on your bucket list of things you must do. You may love it, or hate it, but do come at least once. And the price is right... Free BLM 14 day areas. $40 for 14 days with water and dump station. Or $180 for the full winter season.
Update later on if they came or stayed away this year...