How to visit Quartzsite?

[Chickadee]

O.K., O.K.!!

Fulltimed for 5 yrs. now and have read about and read about the Quartzsite experience. Although we've passed through the Quartziste area a few times during the "off" summer season with pretty empty desert on both sides, we understand that it's pretty packed during the winter.

Now we've got a MH (DP) towing a car, and was wondering what suggestions you Quartzsite experienced folks might have for where, and how, we might stay in the Quartzsite area for 2-3 weeks.

Guess ya need to get a permit somewhere? How do ya know where ya can park? Are there really flooding issues in some areas due to heavy rainstorms?? Do ya just drive into the area and wander around looking for a place to park...er what?

Sure would like to spend a little time there..if ya can help.

Thanks.

Steve & Lynette

[LindaH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickadee Guess ya need to get a permit somewhere? How do ya know where ya can park? Are there really flooding issues in some areas due to heavy rainstorms?? Do ya just drive into the area and wander around looking for a place to park...er what?

A permit is only needed if you stay in one of the LTVA's (Long Term Visitor's Areas); otherwise, all the other BLM land surrounding Quartzsite is free for up to 14 days at a time, at which time you will need to move to another area.

Here are the directions to all the BLM areas surrounding Quartzsite, both free and fee.

As long as you don't park in one of the washes, flooding shouldn't be a problem.

And, yes, you just wander around and look for a place to park. The BLM areas, both free and fee, are clearly marked and the above link will give you directions to each area.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Chickadee, post on the Newmar or NKK forum. The Newmar folks have a get together every year...I think near mile marker 95. At one time this was a Newmar KK rally, but due to BLM restrictions it is now an unsponsored get together.

[Chickadee]

Hey, Ronnie:

Thanks, will do!! Have you guys done the Quartzsite thing??

Steve & Lynette

[Stillwater]

The permit areas require an annual permit ($180.00) or a two week permit ($ 40.00) which can be renewed every two weeks as opposed to staying for two weeks and having to leave.
If you stay more than 2 months then the annual permit becomes cheaper. The permits whether annual or two weeks are good at 7 different BLM areas in southwest Arizona and into California so you can move from one to the other. The most popular for the BLM permit areas are the Quartzite ones plus Imperial Dam north of Yuma, and Pilot Knob just west of Yuma. There are various services provided at the permit areas. In Q and IDam there is trash, water and sani-dump. In non permit areas you are on you own to find these services. Q has a couple of commercial areas in town that provide these services for a fee.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Chickadee, We have not stayed at Quartzsite. We usually stay at Cocopah in Yuma and take day trips to Q. Too much wind and sand for me at Q although others really enjoy.

[Spikester]

Chickadee, as I mentioned on the other thread about the "Gathering in the Desert" last year was my first experience with Quartzsite, am returning again this year. Last year I spent 10 days at the Road Runner area (free). Move to Buckskin State Park near Parker for a week to dump, do laundry and so, then back to the road runner area for another 10 days. You do need to be aware where you park, it will be easy to tell where the water run off goes/flows when it rains, it pretty easy visually where you should not park. The last night of last years "Gathering" it blew and rained really hard. I had one jack that sank into the mud, put it pulled right up. Once the "Gathering" was over I moved to a slightly different location. I explored all of the "free" 14 day areas, IMO the areas south of Quartzsite are what I prefer, not as rocky as the areas to the North. My suggestion would be to find a spot to park your coach, then explore the areas in your toad, in order to explore the LTV areas you will need to get either the 14 day or the Annual permit. Either of these gives you access to the Dump Stations and water spigots in the LTV areas. Once you find an area/spot you like, you can move and set up house keeping. If you stay in the free areas there is a business in Q (Pit Stop) that charges you to dump, fill with H2O and propane, every time I drove by it was nothing less than a 3-ring circus. I also did see water, pumper, and propane trucks pass through the areas on occassion, appears they will come to your location to pump you out, fill you up. Imagine you have to get in touch with them to arrange the service or flag them done when you see them in your area. This year I am going to the "Gathering" then move into one of the LTV areas for several weeks, suspect it will be the LaPosa South, it appears to me that the closer you get to town the crazier it gets during the RV/Mineral/Car Shows.

If you like swap/flea markets, Q has got them, could take a lot a days to get through them all. Q is a very interesting place that time of year, RV's everywhere just parked out in the desert.

Hope to see you at the "Gathering", I have some pictures of the area from last year that I could share with you if you desire. Send a private and I will figure out how to get them to you.

Spike

[springwater]

Q is an experience. You either love it or hate it. We love it. We are in Rainbow Acres a subdivision near dome Rock road. It is not an rv park. We rent from a lot owner, its great.
Love the flea mkts and vendors in January. This will be our 7th winter. Try it, you just may love it.. Dona

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' Chickadee, We have not stayed at Quartzsite. We usually stay at Cocopah in Yuma and take day trips to Q. Too much wind and sand for me at Q although others really enjoy.

How long is the drive from Cocopah to Q?
J

[jacmat]

If you want to boondock, one of the best places in Q, is at the La Posa South, ltva,. This LTVA has ( free of charge ) a dump station and potable water and also trash bins. The entrance is located on highway 95 to Yuma, approx. 2.5 miles south of I-10. As mentioned in previous posts the permit cost is $40 for 14 days.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

If I remember right it's about 90 miles from Cocopah to Quartzsite...if you are lucky or check with the base you might see the Army parachute team practicing about mid way.

[PalmSprings]

If ya dont mind driving out of toen a couple miles at most theres plenty of BLM sites free parking. You can choose to have someone right next door or 100 yards away. Lots of choices. Oh no hookups on BLm Loved it for 3 days

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chickadee O.K., O.K.!! Fulltimed for 5 yrs. now and have read about and read about the Quartzsite experience. Although we've passed through the Quartziste area a few times during the "off" summer season with pretty empty desert on both sides, we understand that it's pretty packed during the winter. Now we've got a MH (DP) towing a car, and was wondering what suggestions you Quartzsite experienced folks might have for where, and how, we might stay in the Quartzsite area for 2-3 weeks. Guess ya need to get a permit somewhere? How do ya know where ya can park? Are there really flooding issues in some areas due to heavy rainstorms?? Do ya just drive into the area and wander around looking for a place to park...er what? Sure would like to spend a little time there..if ya can help. Thanks. Steve & Lynette

[Chickadee]

Hi ALL !!

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you. Great info. We'd sure like to give it a try this winter and hope to meet some of you folks while there.

LindaH:..those directions and maps are very much appreciated.

THANKS AGAIN.

Steve & Lynette

[dunerbill]

iamplanning a winter dec ? trip to quartsite, if i go this year or next
what are some 1st time must haves for us. i have a 25' 5th and
may only stay 10 days the first time.
concerns:
weather
wind
should i try the permit areas or a rv camp
parking for a big pickup at the fairs
sites to see
base camp clubs
dodge pickup diesel groups?
ham radio groups
open areas
will things be crowded?
what have the ones that have years of experience, advise : to stay
dont need hookups


any pics to share?

thank you in advance