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camping:snowbirding:quartzsite [2021/11/22 11:20] frater_secessus [Quartzsite, Arizona] |
camping:snowbirding:quartzsite [2023/09/19 20:04] frater_secessus [Quartzsite, Arizona] |
====== Quartzsite, Arizona ====== | ====== Quartzsite, Arizona ====== |
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[[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 I10 and US95. | [[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)). |
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It is known both for winter camping and for the Big Tent and Gem shows. | ===== camping ===== |
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| The area is known more for snowbird services rather than for aesthetic beauty. |
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| 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. |
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===== camping options ===== | {{ 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. |
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| "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. |
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==== free ==== | ==== free ==== |
* dispersed camping is only allowed in designated areas | * dispersed camping is only allowed in designated areas |
* Plomosa, 6 miles north of Q | * Plomosa, 6 miles north of Q |
* Hi Jolly((corruption of "Haj Ali")), 3 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 | * Scadden Wash, 4 miles east of Q |
* Dome Rock, 6 miles west of Q | * Dome Rock, 6 miles west of Q |
* Road Runner, 5 miles south of Q | * Road Runner, 5 miles south of Q |
* a free permit is required | * a **free permit is required** |
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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. | 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. |
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| ==== neighboring areas ==== |
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| 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. |
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| From north to south: |
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| * [[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 |
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==== LTVA ==== | ==== 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. | 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. |
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| In some years the [[https://drivinvibin.com/2020/04/01/quartzsite-blm-rv-camping-at-capacity/|LTVA areas can get full]]. |
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==== RV parks ==== | ==== RV parks ==== |
===== services ===== | ===== services ===== |
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showers, surplus groceries, cheap water @ RV pitstop, trash collection point north of town. | Informal swap meets and flea markets are plentiful. |
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| 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: |
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| * [[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]] |
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| Showers are available at Main St Laundry ($9 for 20 minutes) and at at least one truck stop (~$12). |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| [[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. |
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| [[https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11284|Hi Jolly's grave]] is interesting and refers to a part of American history few people know. |
| ===== events ===== |
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Silly's Pizza | In January and February Q hosts gem/rock shows, swap meets, and the [[https://www.quartzsitervshow.com/|"big tent" RV show]]. |
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| Historically the winter [[camping:social|Rubber Tramp Rendezvous]] has been held in January in the Q area. |