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====== Quartzsite, Arizona ======

[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartzsite,_Arizona|Quartzsite]]((the name is historical mis-spelling)) ("Q" or "Q-town") is the most famous snowbird winter haven. It is centered of the intersection of Interstate 10 and US Route 95((which turns west at Q)) / AZ Route 95((heading north)).  

===== camping =====

The area is known more for snowbird services rather than for aesthetic beauty.   

The camping surface is [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_pavement|desert pavement]], a hard and fairly flat surface. Venturing off into sand (even beside road shoulders) can result in getting stuck.  Avoid camping in //arroyos// (low spots) because flash flooding in the desert is very real.  You Have Been Warned. 


{{ https://geogypsytraveler.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/06-DSC_4872lerw-Last-light-on-cholla-Dome-Rock-Quartzsite-AZ-g-1024x678-2.jpg?125}}
There are saguaro cacti but they are giant and easy to avoid.  Avoid stepping on small plants barefoot as they may have stickers.  

"Jumping" //cholla//((CHOY-ya)) cactus (at right) is evil.  Don't touch //cholla//, get near //cholla//, or even look at //cholla//.  If you get attacked by //cholla// the least painful way to get rid of it is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZUJK_vycYU|with a pocket comb]].  Carry one now, thank me later. 

==== free ====


[[camping:dispersed|Dispersed camping]] on BLM land is free and limited to 14d as with many other BLM lands.  Because of heavy use there are some restrictions: 

  * dispersed camping is only allowed in designated areas 
    * Plomosa, 6 miles north of Q
    * Hi Jolly((corruption of "Haj Ali")), 3 miles north of Q <- often the first to fill up
    * Scadden Wash, 4 miles east of Q
    * Dome Rock, 6 miles west of Q
    * Road Runner, 5 miles south of Q
  * a **free permit is required**

The permit is available from the camp host;  typically the host's RV will be near the  entrance and have a table out front to facilitate paperwork.   A flagpole signifies when the host is available:  if the flag is flying you can approach to get the permit.  If the flag is down find your spot and come back when the flag is flying.  

==== neighboring areas ====

The camping limits in effect are the normal [[camping:dispersed#bureau_of_land_management_areas|BLM rules for boondocking]]:  14d stay followed by 28 days at least 25 miles away. Luckily there are areas relatively nearby to meet this need.

From north to south:

  * [[https://www.blm.gov/office/lake-havasu-field-office|Lake Havasu]] BLM, AZ - Craggy Wash((free permit required)), Lone Tree North, Crossroads, etc
  * Parker BLM, CA - Shea Road, etc.  Hillier, more OHV activity.
  * Ehrenberg, AZ((BLM areas may not be technically 25 miles from Quartzsite dispersed)).  Visually similar to Quartzsite
  * **Quartzsite**
  * KOFA wildlife refuge (southernmost portion).   Beautiful area with mountains. Limited cell service. 
  * Yuma



==== LTVA ====



Longer stays are available for a fee in [[https://www.blm.gov/visit/la-posa-long-term-visitor-area|La Posa]], which are a collection of four [[camping:ltva|Long Term Visitors Areas (LVTA)]]. The LTVA typically offer dumpsters, RV dumps, vault toilers.  

In some years the [[https://drivinvibin.com/2020/04/01/quartzsite-blm-rv-camping-at-capacity/|LTVA areas can get full]].

==== RV parks ====


Commercial RV parks are also available for those who cannot boondock or who prefer not to.  



===== services =====

Informal swap meets and flea markets are plentiful.

Groceries and restaurants do exist in Q but tend to be very expensive.  Stock your cupboard before arriving.  Having said that, there are many salvage groceries where you can get oddball, expired, and discontinued foods for cheap:

  * [[https://goo.gl/maps/eoNgsqsQFH2UgvVW9|Quartzsite Grocery]] (tent)
  * Ken's Discount [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/33%C2%B039'50.1%22N+114%C2%B013'59.4%22W/@33.6633847,-114.2347689,18.17z/|33.66391,-114.23316]], see arrow [[https://img.mousetrap.net/2022/2022_01_05_09_37_10_584.jpg|on the big yellow tower]]


Showers are available at Main St Laundry ($9 for 20 minutes) and at at least one truck stop (~$12).

RV Pit Stop on 95 has propane, and water by the gallon. If you  have a camper or rv you can get bulk water for cheap ($2 for 40 gallons).  Bulk water and propane is paid for at the little office in the parking lot.  

Trash can be deposited for free at the [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Refuse+Transfer+Station/@33.6988133,-114.2215062,16.99z/|La Paz refuse collection point]] north of Q.  Hours are traditionally 7:30am - 2:30pm Sunday through Wednesday but check signage.  

[[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Silly+Al's+Pizza+In+Quartzsite/@33.6609448,-114.2328899,15.25z/|Silly Al's Pizza]] is a famous pizza place in town.  

[[https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11284|Hi Jolly's grave]] is interesting and refers to a part of American history few people know.  
===== events =====

In January and February Q hosts gem/rock shows, swap meets, and the [[https://www.quartzsitervshow.com/|"big tent" RV show]].

Historically the winter [[camping:social|Rubber Tramp Rendezvous]] has been held in January in the Q area.
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