Quartzsite

Overview:

Any van or RV lifer who wants to get away from the cold winter weather and hang out with other snowbirds, then Quartzsite is the place for you. Quartzsite is located in Arizona by the California border and has over 3,000 people. Interstate 10 runs directly through Quartzsite, which is at the intersection of U.S. Route 95 and Arizona State Route 95. Quartzsite is surrounded by thousands of acres of BLM land, which allows for free boondocking for an extended period of time. As a result, the town and surrounding area attract thousands of snowbirds from January – March.

 

Background:

Quartzsite is a popular place for van lifers and recreational vehicle owners who are looking to get away from the cold winter weather and enjoy the warm sunshine of Arizona.  The town is surrounded by miles of BLM land which allows for free camping and boondocking. An annual gathering of RVs and van dwellers called The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous takes place in January. During the months of January – March there are major gem and mineral shows, and 15 general swap meet shows that are very popular with tourists, attracting around 1.5 million people annually. 

Boondocking

Free camping not to exceed 14 days in a 28-day period is permitted in non-fee Quartzsite BLM areas. These areas are a bit further away from the four-corner intersection of Quartzsite.  The Long Term Visitor Areas South of I-10, and running on both sides of Route 95 is the La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). The La Posa LTVA charge is $40 for a stay of up to 14 consecutive days, or $180 for up to a seven-month stay (September 15th – April 15th). The fee entitles you to a plot of desert and use of the trash bins, dump station, and a potable water station.

Exploring

Amboy Crater

Amboy Crater is located off Route 66 in the middle of the Mojave desert in one of the youngest volcanic fields in the United States. The crater is 250 feet high and 1,500 feet in diameter. The hike from the trailhead to the craters is approximately a 3-mile round trip. The trailhead offers parking, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and an overlook for viewing the crater.

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Camping

Corn Springs Campground

The Corn Springs Campground is located deep in a canyon of the Chuckwalla Mountains and is the perfect place for any van lifer looking to get lost in a desert canyon. It is situated adjacent to a stand of California fan palms and an oasis that supports abundant wildlife and is an important stopping place for migratory birds. Wheelchair accessible

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