Quratzite, AZ

You do have to register to stay. Some areas are free for 2 weeks while other areas are long term and have small fees based upon your length of stay. No facilities, of course, but there are dump stations and fresh water available within a short drive. If you drive N and S of QZ a short distance you will find the parking areas well marked with LaPosa N and S (both S of town) the most popular. Once in an area you can park where ever you please across 1000's of acres. Close in for some and way, way out for others. You can even join the nudists if you select the right area.

I went through in October, pretty quiet, temperature was OK, free desert camping or near free in the area where there is water an sewer. I also went near Yuma, BLM near the Colorado, I prefer that place since it is near the water, does not feel has dry as Quartz and Yuma is pretty close.

I would imagine there is a lot of Generator noise when the desert fills up, there must be a humming noise floating around all day long, people making coffee at 7 in the morning or watching TV late at night, or running all day long for AC or just running their anoying contractor genset.

I think it could be an experience to live this, but do not think I could stand this crowd for very long, I would prefer going in the desert, far from the noise.

tropical36 wrote:
We never been there, so not sure what the attraction is in Quartzite, unless it's for the free parking and safety in numbers, while doing so. My full timer friend, says he won't go near the place and frequents Mesa, instead.

Mesa? Hmmm I wonder if it's because he prefers to pay exorbitant site fees for that safety in numbers feeling. :B

For example, Viewpoint charges $1000/mo. for their sites jan. - march, great place though. Sometimes when you come in really late you have to nudge the gate guard so he stops snoring so loud. :B

We never been there, so not sure what the attraction is in Quartzite, unless it's for the free parking and safety in numbers, while doing so. My full timer friend, says he won't go near the place and frequents Mesa, instead.

Kid kasha , here's what we do. I-10 from LA past Blythe into Quartzsite. Rose Rv park, easy to find on net . January it was 7 bucks a night to dry camp , more for hookup. We usually spend 3 nights cause that's what it takes for us to see the show and relax . Bring firewood for small campfire at night. Class A Rv, self contained , we go to the camp full of water. Dump station available at camp for a fee. Honey wagon and fresh water delivered / picked up for a fee. You can last 3 days easily with full tank of water and your generator. Rose Rv is fairly easy walking distance to the event and it will spare you having to find a parking spot cause you won't believe the traffic and how tough it is sometimes to find a parking spot.

That's for short stays . We've done that for the last 10 years we've been going to the show. Longer stays Blm property but ya gotta drive to show.

Plenty of eaten at the event. Stuff you never imagined you needed. Some good deals. Some not so good deals. Parts for the Rv . Stuff for the wives. Stuff for the guys.

Bring good walking shoes/boots , hat and cash. Some take credit cards.

10 years later we still enjoy it for 3 days. Is it dying out? Was it better 10 years ago or 20? Dunno, but you decide.

Go, have, a good time.

Gas/diesel fuel available

J-Rooster wrote:
La Posa (BLM) is the largest dry camping in the area it's about 2 miles South from Quartzsites on Hwy. #95 (as your leaving Quartzsites, AZ. and heading toward Yuma, AZ. it's on the left or East side of Hwy.#95). Last time that I dry camped there it was $40.00 for two weeks or $240.00 for the season (7 months).

Please let me correct this. There are three Long Term Visiting Areas (LTVA) LaPosa West, LaPost South and LaPosa North. (by north and south, they mean north of the south area, not north of Q). They are south of Q. They cost is $180 for the 7 months (the season). Even if you come in the middle of the season and want long term, you pay $180---they don't pro-rate. Both of those costs allow you to use their dump stations, water, and dumpsters. You can use the same ticket for the BLM area west of Yuma.

Further south of these, north of Q, and east and west of Q are short-term stay areas....these are $40.00 for 2 weeks. You get the same amenities, but have to move at least 25 miles away after 2 weeks. Moving 25 miles isn't that hard to do here. :)

Even further out from Q are totally free camping area.

Whether you pay or not, you can get water and dump your tanks in town at numerous places for a small fee. The trash can be dumped north of Q at the transfer station.

As far as "how" you do it......you drive in to the areas (you'll see the gravel roads) and find a place to camp. Do NOT camp IN a wash....if you camp near a wash make sure you're on "hard pack" not on sand. Sand means in a good rainstorm you may end up under water.

Yes, Q is an experience you MUST have.....at least once in your life. :) :)

There is actually more RV related stuff outside the tent, and on the other side of the street around Gambelers. Still plenty to do..

tinkerer wrote:
We winter about 15 miles east of Quartzite at an Rv park. The flea market is kind of neat but the big tent show has been taken over by a lot of snake oil cures for your aches and pains, kettles sales people and etc. If you never been there don't hold your breath for a lot of Rv things. There are a lot RV displays around the town though. Also the ice cream cones are great!:)

X2, maybe 30% is RV related, the rest is like you describe it plus pots and pans, ladies make up, and the list goes on for all the non RV related stuff.

This is going to be the first year of the last 5 yrs. that will NOT be able to join my RV group to Quartzsite. I have family/business matters in TN that will delay my trip back to CA. Oh well, maybe in 2015 I can make it!

For those folks who have never been, you have to try it at least once! Joining friends makes it even more fun. We had big bonfires and pot luck dinners... fun, fun!

MM.

kidkasha - you-gotta-be-kidding-me you are in Ventura CA and have not been to Quartsite. Get on over there. It is not a rally it is a HUGE RV gathering and the World's biggest outdoor mineral-tool-jewelry-rock-RV stuff swap meet-extravaganza. Check internet for dates. I am going again this year mid January. Loads of fun.