Written By: Chuck Hayden
Every winter, the road leads me back to the Arizona desert, to a place that surprises people who’ve never been there. Quartzsite isn’t flashy, and it’s certainly not green—but for those who embrace desert living, it offers something rare: wide-open space, incredible skies, and a sense of freedom that’s hard to find anywhere else.
I’ve been coming to Quartzsite, Arizona, for the last four winter seasons, and it has become one of my favorite places to boondock, explore, and connect with people from all walks of life.
About Quartzsite
Quartzsite, Arizona, is an RVer’s paradise during the winter months.
Located about 90 minutes west of Phoenix on Interstate 10 and about 20 minutes east of the Arizona–California border, Quartzsite is mostly just a truck stop along I-10—except during the winter season.
According to many online sources, the population of Quartzsite and the surrounding area grows from about 3,500 residents to approximately 750,000 “residents” during the winter months. Some years, that number grows to 2 million. January is typically when the population peaks.
If you want to winter in Quartzsite or the surrounding area, you have several RV options. You can stay in a traditional RV park—there are over 70 of them in the immediate area. You can stay on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property, with approximately one million acres available to park your rig. Or you can stay in a Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA).
My Pleasure-Way XLTS is set up for boondocking, so I don’t typically stay in RV parks. I do use RV parks or campgrounds about once a month for a day or two, just to get off the road and get some rest while hooked up. But for me, Quartzsite is all about the desert and boondocking.
BLM Zones Around Quartzsite
The BLM zones around Quartzsite are managed by the Yuma BLM Field Office, which is responsible for managing the million-plus acres of land in the area.
Camping on BLM land is free for up to 14 days. There are no services at most of these locations, but the views and peace are well worth it.
Several large BLM camping and recreation areas surround Quartzsite. Probably the most popular area is just north of town off Plomosa Road. I’ve stayed in this area several times and have always been able to find a nice place to park and enjoy myself. The desert here is wide open for hiking, exploring, and relaxation.
The Plomosa Road BLM area is also where larger groups gather and host events for RVers—informational gatherings, live bands, drum circles, and more. You can almost always find something going on nearby, or you can move farther out if you prefer solitude.
Other BLM and free dispersed camping areas around Quartzsite include:
- Hi Jolly – just north of town off US-95
- Scaddan Wash – just east of town off I-10
- Roadrunner – south of town off US-95
- Dome Rock – west of town off I-10
Each of these areas has its own unique characteristics and attracts different crowds. The best way to know which one fits your style is to check them out for yourself.
Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
There are four LTVA areas near Quartzsite, all located just south of town off US-95.
To stay in an LTVA, you’ll need to purchase an LTVA permit. The permit provides access to potable water, dump stations, trash dumpsters, and pit toilets. The seasonal permit currently costs $180 and is valid from September 15 through April 15 each year. Two-week permits are also available for $40. These permits are good at all the LTVAs.
There is a total of seven LTVA locations in Arizona and California. The Quartzsite area includes four sections of La Posa: La Posa South, West, North, and Tyson Wash. The other LTVA locations are in California: Mule Mountain, Hot Springs, Imperial Dam, Midland, Tamarisk, and Pilot Knob.
La Posa and Imperial Dam are by far the most popular and crowded, mainly because they offer services. The other locations either have limited services or none at all.
Why Quartzsite?
I’ve spent four winters in and around Quartzsite, and people often ask me what the “big deal” is. Well, here’s why I keep coming back.
The Weather:
From November through February, temperatures typically range between 76°F and 41°F, with very little precipitation. I’ve experienced overnight lows as cold as 35°F, but that’s rare. Wind can be another story—gusts can exceed 50 mph—so it’s important to secure everything around your campsite.
The Desert:
A friend of mine is spending his first winter in Quartzsite, and he told me it’s completely different than he imagined. He expected something like the Sahara Desert—lots of sand and rolling dunes. Instead, he was surprised by the amount of vegetation, the surrounding mountains, and especially the number of RVs. There’s a lot to explore in the area, including abandoned mines, petroglyphs, mountain trails, and so much more.
The Events:
January is the busiest month in Quartzsite. Several big events take place, the largest being the RV and Outdoor Expo. A huge circus-like tent is set up near town, and vendors from all over the country showcase the latest “must-have” gadgets, RV accessories, and just about anything else you can imagine. RV manufacturers and dealers also attend to display—and hopefully sell—their newest rigs.January also features a massive Rock and Gem Show and a large Gun and Ammo Show, making it a busy and entertaining month.
Other Things to Do and See:
Yuma, Arizona, is just over an hour south of Quartzsite and has all the amenities of a larger town, including Walmart, Costco, and other big-box stores where many desert dwellers stock up on supplies.Just across the U.S.–Mexico border from Yuma is the town of Algodones, known as “Molar City” due to its large number of dental offices—about 700 in total. You’ll find dentists, eye doctors, and pharmacies offering affordable, high-quality care. I had a very thorough dental cleaning there last year for only $30.
Algodones is easy to visit and very safe. You can park on the U.S. side of the border for about $10 and walk across in about 10 minutes.
Lake Havasu is about 90 minutes north of Quartzsite and is a fun place to explore for a day or two. It’s home to the London Bridge, and the lake offers all kinds of water activities.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is about 30 minutes south of Quartzsite and is another great place to hike and explore. The refuge covers over 600,000 acres of protected land, and some areas allow boondocking.
If you’re into off-road vehicles, there are hundreds of roads and trails throughout the region. Many RVers tow their side-by-sides and use them to explore deeper into the desert or for quick trips into town.
The People:
I’ve been very fortunate to meet some incredible people from all over the world here in Quartzsite. I’ve learned a great deal from the conversations I’ve had—about travel, life, and places still waiting to be explored. I’ve also formed lasting friendships, and we’ve met back here to camp together over the years. I’m grateful for these people and the community they’ve become in my life.
The Sunrises and Sunsets:
Arizona and Quartzsite in particular—has some of the most amazing sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen in my travels. Almost every evening, the sky explodes with color: deep blues, brilliant reds, soft pinks, and countless shades in between. My favorite thing to do as the sun sets is to look west and give thanks for another wonderful day in the desert. The sunrises aren’t too bad either, but I’m not always up early enough to catch the sunrise!
Summary
Quartzsite may look like just another dusty stop along Interstate 10, but spend a little time here and it reveals its magic. Between the freedom of desert boondocking, the ever-changing skies, and the community that forms each winter, it becomes more than just a place to camp—it becomes a way of life.
For me, Quartzsite is well worth it: the people, the views, the affordability, and those unforgettable desert sunsets. And every time I roll out in the spring, I already know I’ll be back.
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