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camping:snowbirding:quartzsite [2021/11/22 11:41]
frater_secessus [Quartzsite, Arizona]
camping:snowbirding:quartzsite [2023/09/19 20:04] (current)
frater_secessus [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 Interstate 10 and US Route 95((which turns west at Q)) / AZ Route 95((heading north)).   [[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 area is known more for snowbird services rather than for aesthetic beauty.   
  
-FIXME +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.  
-===== 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.   
 + 
 +"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 ==== ==== free ====
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   * 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**
  
 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.  
 +
 +==== 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 ==== ==== LTVA ====
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 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.  
  
 +In some years the [[https://drivinvibin.com/2020/04/01/quartzsite-blm-rv-camping-at-capacity/|LTVA areas can get full]].
  
 ==== RV parks ==== ==== RV parks ====
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 ===== services ===== ===== services =====
  
-showerssurplus groceries, cheap water @ RV pitstoptrash collection point north of town.  +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 thatthere are many salvage groceries where you can get oddballexpired, 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 propaneand 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.  
  
-Silly's Pizza+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 ===== ===== events =====
  
camping/snowbirding/quartzsite.1637599309.txt.gz · Last modified: 2021/11/22 11:41 by frater_secessus