====== 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.