13 Things To Know About Quartzsite, Arizona - Good, Bad, Ugly, and Otherwise
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Quartzsite, Arizona is a very popular winter destination for snowbirds and full-time nomads. This is my 7th winter season visiting Quartzsite, and in this video I share 13 things to know about Quartzsite, Arizona. Some of these may seem obvious, others less so, but these are all things I would have like to know before arriving here for the first time.
NOTE: I hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate with Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) endorsement for Part 107 commercial operations.
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There seem to be 2 types in Quartzsite
Winter vacationers: here for a week or two and have to leave. They hit all of the restaurants and bars Then go to the COVID infested giant tent to buy junk they don’t need. They are here and gone during the worst weather.
Retired snowbirds: They set up for the entire winter. Clear out a living room sized spot of ground, cover it in carpet, furnish it as an outdoor living room. Have campfires and pot luck dinners with their neighbors. Many hop on their four wheel Razors and explore the desert They form a group to visit a hot spring or visit Mexico. It is a totally different experience.
Don't bring your politics and personal beliefs on here.
Love your balanced perspectives!!! One of the best video descriptions I’ve heard!!! Thanks.
Thank you :) There are definitely better and worse parts about Quartzsite, in my opinion. I wanted to provide some balance and just helpful information for those who are making plans to visit Quartzsite at some time. It probably is not surprising with any quirky, tourist-type town like this, but most people I know love Quartzsite while a smaller number do not for various reasons.
Thank you for being completely upfront about the whole quartzsite thing... I've no interest in trying to survive winter in the Southwest in this fashion. Not many folks are willing to state the truth about this place. Again thank you Robert...
Thanks, Mark! I'm glad you found this video helpful. I don't want to paint Quartzsite as being a terrible place, but I do think it is hyped so much that it's helpful to share a more balanced view for those who haven't been here. I think a lot of the people who really like Quartzsite are here for the social opportunities. While I do enjoy connecting with friends on occasion, I'm also busy with work every day and then have the perspective that I am camping and want to experience nature. Staying in an area that is so crowded it feels like I'm in an RV park just doesn't do it for me.
You should do more research before eliminating a giant region because of one mans opinion. I love it here.
Damn Mark. Follow much?
This is his opinion. Do the rest of us a favor and stay in your box.
You so quickly labeling or making a major decision like that off 1 opinion, is 100% why our country sucks.
Freedom isn't free when all it did was make you stupid
@@joeo7257 100% truth!
@@joeo7257 keep the secret please. 😉
My opinion is you should stay in RV park. Costs a little more but worth it, if you’re older. To me 1500 for 6 months is cheap rent.
So one can stay as long as they want at these parks as long as they pay the rent ?
@@kolbpilot last winter we stayed for 6 months for 1500
@@webbharding53 : Thanks. I'm planning my escape. Approx. 15 months from now.
I’m in Quartzsite now, I’ve been in the area two weeks. I’m camped out over at Dome Rock in my class C tonight. This is my first time here and I’s say your observations are right on!
That's kind of a cool area over there by Dome Rock. I have camped there for a few nights in the past. This year with needing to be in the area for several months for work I just went with the LTVA so I didn't have to worry about moving around and then driving back to Q for work stuff.
I actually think Quartzsite is a fun and quirky town for a visit, though I may not have expressed that well enough in the video. I just don't care for spending an entire winter here. For me there is just enough "friction" between needing to drive to Parker every week or so for supplies, questionable cell data, rocks that eat up tires and make me not want to hike, etc. More than anything I wanted to provide as balanced of a report as possible so those who haven't visited before at least know what to expect. It's not terrible, but it's also not my favorite place for an extended period of time.
Thank you for your honest insights, helps tremendously! Safe travels
Thank you for sharing 😊
Great information.
Guys remember always try stop at the truck stops, employees and truckers will tell you all about Quartzite. We truckers go all over the union.🌄🌅🚛
This is our third winter here. I wasn't to interested in Q, but my wife wanted to come here. It is not perfect, but was good enough that we stayed the whole season and have come back for two more seasons. We summer in Montana near Glacier Park where we are from. Talk about beauty; however the cold winters got to us. I don't complain much about the weather in Q and if I do I get on line and look at the snow and cold temps up north. I have 5g t-mobile phones which work great in the morning and get iffy connectivity in the evening. It's all good for my needs.
That is lovely country up around Glacier! I have lived in several parts of Montana and explored the state a fair bit. I'm based out of Wyoming now as all of the kids have moved away from Montana and most of them are in Wyoming.
Wow! We have two different perceptions. Your favorite season is my least favorite (D-J) It’s cool in the winter, but often 40 degrees warmer than at home. September and April are down right hot, and flies come out. Oct Nov Feb and March are awesome. I return to the same place in LaPosa South. 5 yrs in a row my neighbors are 200+ yards away. Every year I end up with a slow leaking tire, but never a full year. The stars, sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. Almost no children are here. It’s almost entirely baby boomers and older. If that is you, you will love it.
One thing I did not dive into in this video but that you mention is the cultural difference between LTVAs and some of the other free areas. I find that most people staying at LTVAs are friendly (more so than at other areas) and are respectful when it comes to driving around - not dusting camps, waiting for others to pass at narrow sections of road, etc. I used to say that the RV dump and dumpsters made the LTVA worth it - and it does, but I've come to appreciate the culture even more.
Super helpful video. Especially the bit about the tires. Thank you so much!
I really enjoyed the LTVA in spend the full season and often stay in town before and after the season. I find it to be a place full of creative and independent people. I host music and community drums circles in the desert. I have made many friends and truly feel at home here. That's saying a lot because though I traveled a lot as,a kid and young adult. I am mostly from Maine and Massachsetts.
I've stayed at the LTVA for the past two winters after thinking about it for years. It's nice to have a legal place to hang out and camp for the winter without needing to move about.
The most thorough and informative video I have seen on Quartzsite. We have never been, but are considering it for next winter.
Thank you :) I'm glad you found this video helpful! I always say that everyone should experience Quartzsite at least once if possible as it is definitely unique, quirky, and maybe even one-of-a-kind. Probably the two biggest challenges for me are the chronic internet issues and the sheer number of people. The internet issue is a problem for me as a digital nomad because I need a fast, reliable every day of the week for work. The crowds are a challenge for me, despite the fact that most people are friendly, because as a nature photographer I like to camp in the middle of nowhere with nobody around. LOL Most people do seem to really like Quartzsite though for the abundant cheap (or even free) camping options, the camaraderie, and the RV/van-friendly culture.
Thanks for the tips, especially the rock-tire issue. Great review, really helps.
On one hand, it's "only" been three flats in seven years. On the other hand, all three have been in Quartzsite... LOL In fairness though, I have been known to drive on some sketchy trails, but even the "maintained" LTVA areas are just all rocks and many of them are sharp.
We appreciate your observations amd insights about Quartsite! Thank you
Thank you Kim!
Very good to be square with folks.
Thanks for thorough objective info about Quartzsite
Thank you for your honesty hopefully trying to go next winter .
Thanks for the unbiased information, Robert. If all goes as planned I'll make it down there for part of the winter to meet up with friends and family and experience some of it myself.
Good, helpful information. Oh, btw, Robert, HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎉 🎁🎂
Well thank you, Mom!
@@RobertWitham Happy Birthday!!
Great video. First learned of quartzite for new years at a New Year’s party. It was a fun place and can see the draw to spend more time there. You’re correct about the sunsets.
FIRST TIME WENT TO QUARTZITE 20 YEARS AGO..The way you explained it was right on even for back then. Nothing has changed in Quartzite. With that said we are going there for the American Adventurist event Feb 17-20th so we are looking forward to being around other like minded people
Just curious what that event is all about?
@@invictaland1983 yes iam interested as well!!
Thanks again Robert for another great video. As a soon to be nomad, this information is so helpful. I hope to meet you on the road some day. Happy Trails!
I was hoping to provide some balanced and helpful info for those who haven't been here before. It's really not a terrible place, but not really my ideal spot for an entire season either. I do think Quartzsite is a fun and quirky town to visit and many people do love to spend the entire winter here.
Thank You Robert, another good 👍 video chock full of good to know information. 🌿
Next winter, I plan on going there. Thank you for the information!
I think more people are going because I think something happened once we were FORCED to be at home so much! Heck, I started hiking, taking photos, traveling more (I live in Phoenix) and now I'm going to do car life starting in Jan 12th! I'm going to Palm Springs first and then going to cali for a minute then coming back to Quartzsite! I think also there is more vids of people staying at Quartzsite...some of us younger folks enjoy all this adventure (altho I'm middle aged...47)...I'm excited!
Been there twice. First time was end of February. Loved it! Second time was in January for the shows. NO THANKS!!!
The crowds and traffic are definitely better the further it is from January. During the times I have been here in what I consider to be "shoulder seasons" it is quite a different experience from during peak season.
This is my first time here and it’s been cold 🥶. But I have been able to keep my batteries 🔋 charged at 💯 % daily 👍🏼
That was really weird how long that cold spell lasted. In my experience, it's usually only a few days and then it warms up again. Fortunately the weather is beautiful again now!
Part of my problem with solar this winter is that I'm having to piggy back from the van to the trailer for power. I would probably be ok if I was just in the van like previous years or if I actually had solar on the trailer. I had planned to put solar on the trailer before leaving Wyoming and then after running out of time I planned to do it as soon as I arrived in Quartzsite. I've been holding off though because I have shore power in Wyoming and I'm just not sure yet if I will bring the trailer down south again next winter because of fuel costs, etc.
Thanks so much for this, Robert. Definitely great to have a heads up on things so I'll be more prepared - Especially to take proper footwear for that landscape, and to avoid certain times if you don't like crowds or high temperatures!
I'm glad you found this video helpful! I don't hate Quartzsite, but prefer visiting for a shorter period rather than spending the entire winter here.
The general rule of thumb I use for "safe" winter weather is south of I-10. Ehrenberg (west of Quartzsite) seems to be windier than Quartzsite. Yuma, to the south, tends to be 5-10 degrees warmer than Quartzsite. Typically Quartzsite is pretty hot up until Thanksgiving or even early December and then starts getting pretty hot again sometime between the middle of February and early March. The weather does vary from year to year though.
This year has not been as crowded as usual, but it has definitely been picking up over the past week. January is definitely the busiest month here though. Some people think that's a good thing and others not so much :)
We had a pretty nasty few weeks earlier this winter when it was cloudy and cool with a cold wind. Everyone I know who has been coming here for a while agrees that it was the longest cold spell they could remember in Quartzsite. It happens, but usually not for that long.
Sturdy hiking boots with hard soles definitely help when it comes to walking around in the desert. The other consideration with footwear is that, in addition to jagged rocks, there are many cacti and other thorned plants. A misplaced step in soft-soled shoes has the potential to be an unpleasant experience.
Thank you so much for this video. I just got in contact with my north mother for the first time in 33 years and she lives in quartzsite and I’m making the trip from Florida to meet her next month and this was a lot of good information.
I hope that trip to Quartzsite is a positive experience for you all the way around! The good news with visiting this time of year is that there should definitely not be a problem with crowds. It's kind of an interesting place when it's not overcrowded, in my opinion :)
I was so stoked to go to Quartzsite, but you are so right...there is no solitude. The only thing that I liked there was the sky (sunrise, sunset)...but you can get that all over. I will be coming back for a couple weeks in late Jan to visit with some friends but won't be there long after. Lake Havasu is better in my opinion. Thank you for this information. If people like meeting with others and gatherings they might like it more.
There are definitely options in the region that are less crowded and - in the case of the Yuma area - warmer as well. Like you said too, the sunrises and sunsets are great all around the desert - and I do appreciate them! The weather now is amazing, in my opinion. That was a long cold spell though. Everyone I have talked to who has been coming here for a long time agrees that it was unusually long. My calculation this winter was that since I needed to be around Quartzsite for work I might as well just stay here. I could camp somewhere more interesting, but then would have to drive back once or twice per week for work so it's just not worth it with fuel costs as high as they are now.
I do think Quartzsite is worth experiencing just because it is so different and quirky. I just tire of it pretty quickly. There are a lot of people who really love it here, but I think you're right that usually they are looking to meet a lot of people and attend the many gatherings/meetups in this area.
Great vid! I have to admit I look forward to Quartzsite all off season we have a blast crowds and all tons o'fun and then a beautiful spot for peace and quiet in the evening by the fire ☺️
I don't hate Quartzsite, but it's not my favorite place. I'm in the minority though :) Most of my friends absolutely love it here. Off season definitely means fewer people and a lot more choices for camping. Part of my problem is that as a photographer I am always looking for campsites with nobody in sight so that I have plenty of photo opportunities right from camp. That's a unique problem to have though!
@@RobertWitham makes sense!
All good points! I love Quartzsite and the people. However, I also love my alone time too. Hope you are doing well Robert. Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉! ✌💜
Thanks @C Dub's Journey! I always enjoy visiting here, but I tend to tire of it quickly too. Part of the draw for a lot of people is the social opportunities like you mentioned. While I don't mind meeting new people, I've now made so many friends on the road that I can't keep up with them all as it is. LOL This is also always my busiest season with work too so that cuts into my time for socializing as well. I don't think I mentioned it in the video, but as a photographer I also find it challenging to be here too long as the scenery starts to all look the same after a while. During the summer when I go to the mountains I can drive a mile away and have completely different views along with wildlife. Oddly enough, I haven't even seen a coyote or rabbit this winter!
So we’re do you get fresh water for your RV in quartzite?
@@duanescarpetcleaningutah8999 you get fresh water at RV Pit Stop.
@@RobertWitham just now seeing your reply. Let's both now act surprised 😲... lol.
Yes, I can understand, why as a photographer you want to be in other places. I have had other photographers say the same thing. Best wishes on many exciting and wonderful photo opportunities this spring and summer.
Thanks Robert that's the most truthful description I've ever seen on Quartzite I'm heading there after Thanksgiving this year for my first time
Yes, the sunsets are super!
Happy birthday Robert!
Thank you, Monique :)
Stayed for a week mid Dec 2021. Certainly adequate. A must experience once if not more. Right of passage for serious RV’ers.
The truth about Quartzsite is it is not for everybody. Now after saying that you enjoy meeting nice people or like to party or peace and quiet, you can do it all here. One group will be seniors in million dollar class A’s, and another group will be leftover hippies in school buses. ( painted up green and purple hair with enough Metal protruding from there bodies you wonder how there are alive.) I am 72 years old with a taste for wanderlust and travel in a 4x4 diesel Airstream motorhome I built myself. I drag a Jeep cj8 with a LS3 automatic & air to run around in. I was a prison chaplain for 16 years. I was in Vietnam 68/69 and now have my PHD in clinical psychology. My hobby is watching people. In the past 40 years I have visited Rainbow tribe gatherings 3 times, Burning Man twice, and Quartzite 9 or 10 times. I don’t smoke or drink but people are a trip. Some are running from something and others are looking for something, I hope they find it or lose it whatever there need is. I am an amateur musician, but find myself counseling people with questions. I am retired so that advice is free. By April I usually leave my RV in Storage and fly myself home to the Southern Bahamas.
Thanks man. I'm a little younger but single & no kids. I left the east coast of Va. for the mid-west 10 yrs. ago but have no connection here other than that's where I was stationed in the Air Force forty years ago. I'm finally thinking of leaving (I've no friends here) & been watching many youtube videos. It's all excellent information. I'll probably try Quartzite first when I finally go nomad. I'll get there early, way before the mainstream winter tourists come, get a site right in town or as close as possible (one that costs a fee) & stay there as long as I can my first season. It's all a learning curve & one only gets that with experience. There are probably some good deals during the big tent sales fest they have in January, especially at the end when they are packing up.
I've crossed over to Blythe in our van to shop at least 50 times and have never been stopped or asked anything at that California Entry Station ... they just wave you through .... Even so good and fair appraisal of Quartzsite .... I do have to say , if you're not the type of person that has to go where everyone else go's in their follow the leader mode of travel ... go to the Yuma/California LTVA instead ..100% nicer than Quartzsite is , you're just a few miles from Mexico and the Yuma area has all the affordable shopping you can ever need or desire ... plus it's not at all as crazy as Quartzsite is traffic wise .
I have never had any trouble at the agriculture checkpoints myself, but I do have friends who have been more or less interrogated briefly. It seems to be mostly a concern for commercial vehicles, but I do find it to be a minor hassle. Not a big deal, but slightly annoying to me.
Good pointers! Every place has good and bad I guess! Crowds don’t appeal to me at all anywhere! I’m not a nomad but love to travel, I’ve always wanted to “winter” in the southwest just for fun! It’s a thought! 😃❤️☀️🌈
I didn't really emphasize it in the video I don't think, but I do think Quartzsite is a fun town to visit. I just don't love it for spending the winter. There is actually a fair bit of diversity around the southwest desert though so if you're free to travel you can definitely mix it up and have some different experiences over the course of a few months.
I have been to quartzite the farther away from town the better. But I think you're spot on on the rest of it
I do prefer further away from town as well. It's always an interesting experience - I usually describe it as a carnival-like atmosphere - but I also prefer a more serene and peaceful environment so it seems to wear me out if I stay too close for too long.
Thanks for the perspectives. I'm here for the first time. So, far it's been good for me. I've been able to easily do and get the things I've needed without fighting a crowd too much. I also don't rely on internet to work so the slowness has been manageable. It's actually been good to have to do something else than scroll and search just to pass the time! I do think having a natural affinity for a desert environment helps me. I love it and have lived in desert areas before. I am struggling getting used to the dryness since I live in a fairly humid area at the moment, but I'll adapt. I've been very pleasantly surprised with the quietness of where I'm parked down Plomosa. Your viewpoints are valid but I think anyone who wants to should try it here and not let anyone's experience put them off. The funky old hippie vibe of the town itself is fun to me.
I like visiting Quartzsite for short periods of time, but don't care for spending the entire winter here. Usually I move around more during the winter anyway so this year is an exception for me. If I didn't need internet for work the sluggish speeds here would be less of an issue for me, but since I do it tends to end up being frustrating a lot as it can make even the most basic tasks difficult and time consuming. I do think Quartzsite is worth checking out for those who have not been before as it is such a unique place.
@@RobertWitham I agree about not wanting to spend the winter here. There are so many other places to go, but I do understand the convenience of being here or nearby. It would get old for me, too.
Quartzite is an okay place to visit.. I got there in December about 6 years ago, before I heard about Bob Wells.. turns out he was there the same time I was as I found out when I found his channel .. but I left those first few days in January ..he was pretty informative about stuff, I guess his channel was still kind of new but getting around back when he had Jamie as his camera/ video guy.. that was when Deborah first got up with Bob and I wanted to see what happened to her and got onto her Channel.. it wasn't busy back then either so it was cool to see the famous Quartzite that I had been hearing about for years mainly about the gem show and it was cool to see all the other stuff they have there.. it's set up pretty well for what it is.. I left the area When the Crowds hit, way too crazy for me.. I found Bob's Channel not too long after that.. and the rest is history.. there weren't so many channels back then now that's insane too.. there's so many people now it's a good thing you know the area and where to go.. the desert is a pretty wild place.. when I saw it forty years or so ago it was in full bloom.. how could you not appreciate it.. I was there again 6 years ago and traveled around a little.. went to the hot springs in Holtville.. there weren't too many people there.. it was interesting. But I do love mineral hot springs, the minerals ease the aches.. went to the Central Valley up to the Salton Sea area which is so horribly polluted now,I've seen on videos, my friend showed me Slab City which is pretty strange, I enjoyed the artwork as always, I saw the Jets practice using the EMP Ray on the chocolate mts .. I just heard about it a few days before on Coast to Coast and how they did it.. it's a weird place alright.. they have a hot springs there.. someone told my friend someone died in there he said about a year before whether that's true or not I don't know, but it's a party place so it wouldn't surprise me.. I had always wanted to visit Topeka hot springs on Highway 15 going north.. it's an old Hot Springs Resort place,that was cool.. ayoung couple had bought it and her friends were there and it was nice they had a bonfire and musicians would play.. actually there's three hot springs in that area.. the other two are free and out a little farther in the desert but they're cool and the surrounding area is really amazing.. there's a lot of salt there and the formations it makes in the sand, you'd love it Robert taking pictures. its like a little village and then you have the rock people putting all kinds of cool rock formations around.. they had a couple of campgrounds around.. the people were friendly there weren't many fancy rigs around so it was a nice atmosphere.. I traveled around a little bit more and then got out of the heat.. I've been fixing up a camping van, my other one bit the Dust, so I haven't been out in a while but now there's so many people around and the weather is pretty strange.. I'm wondering about how it will be when I hit the road again..
Thanks for the update on quartzite Robert.. good to hear it's not as crazy as it has been.. oh I have a question how do you think this 5G is going to affect the rest of us.. it has to use 4G to even be able to travel around to their special boxes are placing everywhere.. I think they turned it on the other day and I've noticed that it's harder for me to get a signal.. but I have a old 4G phone it can be updated but I don't know if I want to.. I like being old-fashioned and simple. LoL.. take care Robert have fun..💖 I'm having trouble with my phone it kept turning on after I turned it off so I tried to make it not do that and somehow now I'm not getting my notifications for the videos I've subscribed to.. I've been trying to fix it but these phones are so complicated.. you never know what they're really talkin about.. and if you're press the wrong buttons you never know where they'll take you.. and then good luck getting out of it..😣
It gets really hot in the summer.,
Yes been there many times I'm a truck driver, and I also camped there. A few times, that pizza bar has good pizza. 👍 one year during Monson season at the pilot, I seen a roof get blown off a building across the street 😳. Was crazy winds and rain.
Thanks for the non-rose colored glasses perspective. I’ve always thought most peoples takes on the place we’re too good to be true.
This is an awesome video. Thank you Robert.
Thanks, Robert -- that was really useful info! More than I expected. Much appreciated. These summaries are never wasted, because there are always new people watching, and learning, from the info they provide. Wishing you an easy winter, with more freedom down there than in most cities these days (esp. during Covid-crazytown-hysteria). Take care of your health! 👍🙏☮☸
I am retiring at the end of the year and have been watching several videos about Quartzite and AZ in general. Thanks for your opinion about it!
A lot of people love spending the winter in Quartzsite. Personally I like visiting for a week or two, but it doesn't really resonate for me as a winter destination. Sometimes work makes it necessary though like this year.
Thank you for the information, Robert. 👍
Thanks for watching!
My first winter as a nomad, thought i should check out quartzsite but i haven't been in a hurry. I definitely noticed the sharp rocks in Parker!
I haven't spent quite as much time in Parker, but Quartzsite and Ehrenberg seem to be worse. By the time you make it down to Yuma / Winterhaven it's more sandy. I was just out hiking around evening and came back with my feet really hurting because I forgot to put on heavy boots. Quartzsite is an interesting place and I do think it's worth seeing at least once even if it's not something you care to repeat :) It's not as crowded this year as it has been in the past, but in about two weeks it will probably start thinning out for the season.
Great practical info, thanks for covering what others miss.
I do like visiting Quartzsite, but it's not my favorite place to spend a winter. Of course, a lot of people love it and return every year. I definitely do want to discourage anyone from visiting Quartzsite as I think it's worth experiencing at least once, but there are some annoyances/challenges as well that I think it's only fair to warn people about so they are prepared and know what to expect.
Thank you for sharing. Very informative! I hope to travel there some day. I’m still waiting to retire. Maybe sooner than later😊
I do think Quartzsite is quirky enough that it's worth visiting even if, like me, you decide it's not your favorite place to camp long-term. I don't mind coming here for a short visit, but after a while I'm ready to move along. On the other hand, I do know a lot of people who absolutely love spending the entire winter season here so it's really a personal preference. If you don't need to be right here for work like I do this winter there are tons of opportunities around the southwest Arizona and Southern California region. Technically I could do that again this year, but I would have to drive back to Quartzsite regularly for work so I decided to stay put. The good news is that the weather has warmed up again finally and it is absolutely beautiful right now!
Thanks for the insight - very helpful! I have never been to Q, but hope to go at least once for the ‘experience’.
About 20 years ago, I spent a lot of time around Ridgecrest, CA for work. I grew to enjoy the desert and was there long enough continuously to appreciate the seasons. Not sure I could ever live there full time as I enjoy trees and forest, but it was a nice area to visit and get to know.
I probably should have said in the video that I think Quartzsite is worth experiencing at least once even though I don't love spending the winter here. In years past when I was camped elsewhere and would visit Q for 2-3 days I found it fun because the town is sort of quirky. My opinions aside, a lot of people really love it so there is that :) I do appreciate the desert and the changing seasons, but I am always more than ready to head for mountains and forests by spring time. Heck, most years I head north early enough that I'm pretty much guaranteed to be snowed on. LOL I did want to provide something of a balanced perspective on the good, bad, etc here to help people who have not visited before to be better prepared (like you definitely need heat midwinter).
@@RobertWitham I thought it was a great video showing what to expect from a seasoned traveler- just the type of video that I truly appreciate! I love your no drama, just the facts approach!
That's exactly how I feel. Trees, woods and ocean girl myself.
This year will be our first to stay near Quartzite and I appreciate your honesty. Your points are well taken!! I’ll definitely will let you know on my thoughts and/or the wife’s!
Thanks, Ken! I live this lifestyle voluntarily because overall I enjoy it. Still, like anything, it has challenges as well and its' not all Instagramable moments (though there are plenty of those). I try to always present information that is as balanced as possible so that others have a realistic idea of what to expect.
When it comes to Quartzsite, most people seem to love it. I'm in the minority :) That being said, I don't mind it in small doses, but it's just not my favorite place to park for three months.
I hope you and your wife have a great experience this winter! I am sharing a video tomorrow with a few tips about making the camping experience here more pleasant.
Wonder How You Like Q, i'm PLanning To Go To The 2025 RTR, After Hearing about The Jagged Rocks, Took Some 😮Air Outta my 😅Tires, The Other PLace; City Of Rocks Looks DeLightFULL, Peace
I did like Heavens kitchen. They had great steaks. Yes, get out when hot. We stayed in other places.
I've only been to Quartzite once. It was lovely but once was enough.
Awe come on Lost, tell us how you really feel 😅! Quartzsite is even more special to me because I met you and Dan here. Enjoy your camping 🏕!
I don't think I really said it clearly in the video, but I do think Quartzsite is quirky enough that it's worth experiencing at least once. My experience is that I tire of it pretty quickly and am ready to move along. I was actually planning to spend this winter in Texas and along the Gulf Coast, but ended up being here for work.
@@CDubsJourney HA HA! If was retired I might feel differently but it's such a long drive for just a week off, know what I mean?
@@LostOnLandAgain truth on the long drive for a week. Retirement has its perks.😃 ✌💜
Thank you! Sliced feet and tires is not something I want. I did want to make it to the RTR one of these days. Maybe I'll have to think of something else.
king loungers/the loungers club thanks you for the latest quartzsite info
I can relate to your degree of education based on your video, something where videos now sound as used car salesmen trying to get you to agree with them. One thing that no one talks about though? Household pets, not the regular kind but Scorpions Rattlesnakes , mosquitos , Gila Monsters, those kind of loving creatures.
And Desert Rats , Mice, and Spiders, Red Ants.....??
Maybe Someone Can Tell Us More About These Creatures ...!!
Thank you for your honesty! I was planning to spend next Winter there , but I have now decided against it !
It seems that most people really like Quartzsite, but "most" is certainly not everyone. I think it really comes down to what is important to you, what you like and don't like, etc. I end up going there for work most winters, but otherwise it doesn't really check too many of the boxes on my list. There is so much "hype" around Quartzsite that I felt it was important to share a more balanced review so that people considering visiting Q could make their own decisions with more information. I always say it's probably worth visiting once to see it, but for me there are places that better meet my needs and preferences.
It's not Q for us, but the LTVA's. Wish there were more of these systems where you can pay a fee then come and go and have access to fill/dump. It's such a good deal.
I'm only here for three months so the LTVA fee works out to $60/month, but I still feel that is a great deal. I would pay that just for the dumpsters and RV dump station, but not needing to move every two weeks is really nice since I need to be fairly close to Quartzsite for work in the winter. It would be nice to see more of these areas in different locations around the country!
Thank you for the info im on my way ....this will be my first time and you helped me with what I need to know.
A lot of people truly love Quartzsite. It does have some fun, quirky aspects for sure. I hope you have a great visit in Quartzsite.
Thank You, I appreciate your time
Not a full timer but had to check it out. A few times I’ve gone for a few days.not sure I would like it full time. Rocks and cacti are so hard on dogs’ feet.
My first few winters down here I never was in Quartzite for more than a short time. I liked it better that way as I could come for a few days, eat at Silly Al's (legendary local pizza shop), walk around the vendors, etc and then leave again when I'd had enough.
That is a good point about pets. I didn't think to mention that as I do not have a pet, but I have camped with friends who have pets many times. Any walk in the desert - or even just allowing a pet to run around a bit - often also involves extracting cactus thorns from their paws and other parts. I have heard a lot of people say that the rocks and cactus are very hard on dog paws as well.
I went by myself to Quartsite some 30+ years ago for assorted merchandise; flew to Phoenix, rented a car, drove to Quartsite, stayed 3 days, spending nights in hotel just over CA border. The thing I remember liking the best, besides the wide variety of merchansise, was the excellent barbecue from a Texas vendor, 'Cowboys'. I'm considering going there again, to camp this time, for a week or two this winter but am concerned about the border issues of crime, disease, and so on. Any comments on this matter?
I've not encountered any crime or border-related issues myself in Quartzsite, though I have occasionally heard of thefts from unattended camps or vehicles. I don't know that it is particularly prevalent compared to other locations.
The peak of activity in Quartzsite usually coincides with the Big Tent RV show in late January and then it starts to slowly quiet down in February. I used to visit for a few days or a week usually in December before it was too busy and then hide away somewhere during January ;-) It's an interesting place and experience though for sure!
I’m in Maine. Winters are nasty. Can’t wait to go south and join the nomads.
A "cold" winter in Quartzsite is still a whole lot better than winter in many places!
Good info. Thanks for sharing.
We'll be going for the first time in December, so thanks for the realistic review of the place. We'll be car camping, so yeah privacy will probably be an issue. We might not stay, but I at least want to see the place.
The first time I was there I had a car and had not figured out any sort of curtains, etc yet. I did eventually come up with a solution, but not until I was back up north for the year. LOL
Great information...great detail....thank you!!!
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you found this video helpful.
Hi Robert, I have been to Most of the places you mentioned. I was in Yuma I 2018. I met caravan Caroline and a few of her travelers. There was a man named Robert who left a note in my vehicle windshield. I think it was you. Caroline and her crew LAUGHED at this event and at me. I didn’t have an RV or camper at the time. I drive there to Yuma to see what other people were doing and driving before I made any decisions. I have been on the road since 2019. Does this bring back any memories? I was driving a vanilla colored Lincoln MKX. I hope to travel to Az. this year also. I have been twice since 2018. I am going to spend more than the winter there. I have decided to relocate from East coast , Virginia. I need the heat and change in population. My quality of life will improve GREATLY. If your going to be in the southwest this winter reach out to me.
Thanks for the info. Now I know what to expect when I do visit quartzite.
It seems that most people love Quartzsite while a smaller number of us don't care for it quite as much. Actually, I like visiting Quartzsite well enough for a short time, but don't care for spending three months here. Lots of people do though. I did think it important to share what it is really like because this is one of those locations where there is a lot of hype. I know there were plenty of surprises for me when I first came here seven years ago!
@@RobertWitham I do appreciate the information, thank you. This is going to be an experience for me and every information helps.
Thanks!
Thank you, Monique! I appreciate the tip :)
I go to Quartzsite each winter to meet my friends. We have a great time.
I like Q for the wide open spaces but there are way better options if you are an active hiker or biker.
This is my second winter in Q and other than the lack of well stocked craft/beading stores and quilt shops or even Joann Fabrics or Hobby Lobby I mostly like it. I could do without some of the WIND!
I have joined the senior center and the quilt club.
I don't mind going to Parker or even the occasional long trek to Bullhead City. Not anything unusual for this Mainer to travel 2-3 hours just to get to a particular store.
If it weren't for the fact that 3 of my kids are in Maine, the too hot summers, I would live here when it came time to hang up my RV keys.
The wind does get annoying sometimes! I do think it's better here though than over in Ehrenberg. Seems to really blow over there. There are definitely a ton of activities, groups, and events around here for those that are interested in such things. That is certainly a positive. I'm too busy working during winter to take advantage of that stuff though! LOL
One day I want to go there
A lot of people really love Quartzsite. I used to enjoy visiting for a few days to check out vendors, etc because it's kind of a quirky, carnival-like atmosphere during the peak season in January. The past few years have been a bit quieter though with both vendors and the number of people coming here. It definitely has some things going for it. I just would prefer not to spend the whole winter here, but that's just me and that's also on winter number seven.
Hey! Just watched for first time from Vancouver Island BC🙋♀️🇨🇦😍❤️‼️ We just finished a 13,600mile trip across 5 🇨🇦provinces, in our brand new 17ft Taylor Coach. We'd love to get to AZ again, but cannot get across the border till the USA ends mandates. We are part of BoondockersWelcome and have been totally booked this year, we love hosting our fellow travellers! We want to look more into making our place more off grid like our new trailer😆‼️We travelled 33 USA states back in 2019 and LOVED it!!!! We made to many friends, oh my!!! Quartsite would be good if we could find a friendly spot, not partiers tho lol!
Wow! I have only been to Quartzite once, during RTR 2018 & loved it. However, I never left the desert, except to return home. So dis not experience traffic ect. Because I grew up in Yuma, already knew that the desert was mostly rock and no sand. The weather was fantastic that year! So I have had a lot of idyllic visions of what it wd be ljke to winter in Q. After listening to this video, I do recall, from growing up in Yuma, the winter months can be a crap shoot. You have definitely helped me be more realistic about Q. At the end if the day, the Sunsets are pretty darn nice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
The sunsets are nice so often that I am actually disappointed when we have an "average" sunset here in the desert! LOL I actually like the Yuma area a bit better than Quartzsite personally. That being said, I do enjoy visiting Quartzsite, but it's not my favorite place to spend a few months during the winter. It is true though that even during the cold spells here it is a whole lot warmer than many other places in the US.
@@RobertWitham things do become relative to our perspective, even beautiful sunsets. Hope things are well for you ~
My husband and are heading down there in February from Wyoming thank you for the info!
I like hearing another Wyomingites opinion. I'm thinking of trying the Snowbird lifestyle in the next few years.
I've gotten to where I don't mind being snowed on occasionally. Wyoming winters do tend to be long and cold though so it's nice to have a break with some sunshine and warmer weather.
@@RobertWitham the wind is the worst.
Lol, didn't realize you has spent time in eastern Montana. Just wondering where you were. Was born in Havre and raised at Ft Peck. So glad to be parked down here in the desert for winter.
Oh another Montana person! I was in Sidney for a year or so back around 2013-2014 or 2014-2015 I think. I had been in the Billings?Laurel area for a while, but like so many people in that part of the country was enticed to the Bakken for decent paying jobs. I eventually left there to go back into the news business, but probably should have just stayed longer.
Same reason I left Montana, but I’m in Reno, Nv.
Slab city is looking very interesting
I just got here today at 4 pm.
Ive been there twice, its nice but not much to do, interesting hiking and biking is just not there. I usually stop in on the way further W and S to boondock for winter. Nice folks there though.
We where on our way to quartzite but stopped at Sierra Vista beautiful area and cheap rv park so we r staying here for a while ,,,
...bringing it down to reality, from the perceived hype. Flock to the crowds or hover 'round the outlying better comfort. T.y. for this.
Wind blows in all of Arizona. I live in Golden Valley Az and it’s windy. Quartzsite it not always cold last year it was in the 60’s and 70’s all winter. This is just a strange year. 2017 it rained a lot 2018/2019/2020 was nice.
When Starlink releases roaming capability, it will be a game changer. Have a friend with Starlink that has same speed numbers as I do with my high speed cable internet. Great for remote areas that have had to depend on cellphone.
I do think that has the potential to be a game changer for nomads who need to be online! Even just around the Quartzsite area there are tons of places to get away from the crowds if you aren't tethered to one of the limited cell towers.
@@RobertWitham ... I've been told that the internet is just a minor part of the Starlink system and the reason they're constantly sending up new satellites. However, that's just conspiracy theory, until it isn't. LOL
Yes we don't prefer the crowds, but like to come in Feb after the big show is over to walk around Tyson Wells. We arrive around 9am to get a decent parking spot. We usually stay for 2 weeks only, as we'd rather be more by ourselves in boondocking in the desert.
I always find it to be quieter in the morning so typically plan any trips into town for as early as possible.
Great video but one more negative is the windy days. I can stand a little cold but when the wind gets up to 40 mph that another thing. Have said that this is our first winter in Quartzite and have had a great time. Going to get high speed internet from Fastnet today. Would come back again because it has all the things you need, trash removal, water and waste water dump.
Ah yes, the wind can be really crazy there. I've found it to be better in Q than in Ehrenberg where I used to camp a lot, but it still can be nasty and even destructive.
Thank you you did great.
WOW great info thanks
Just catching up on video. I've been doing the Q for a few years now. Love it in the Fall, but out by early November. Then back in the Spring, about March first. I consider it completely too damn cold during "the season". However, with my schedule, also don't hit the crowds, plenty of solitude, and really decent cell coverage. When it does hit 105° I will moved on. This last October, was typical, but only spent a couple of weeks there. Hopefully back this March. Oh, another good resource, Happy Valley pharmacy. Walked in, got my booster, no waiting. 🙂 --Mark
That is a definite advantage where you like the weather warmer than me! LOL I have been here when it was too hot for my liking and you are right about nearly having the place to yourself - and the cell coverage being so much better. The weather now is what I consider to be nice - mostly 60s and low 70s - but it was unpleasantly cold and damp for a few weeks.
Amusingly enough, my granddaughter called from Wyoming a few mornings ago and it was actually 6 degrees warmer there than in Quartzsite! LOL We did end up warmer by the afternoon though, but that illustrates that it's not necessarily warm all the time down here during winter.
So where’s all round better for cheap seasonal camping, during the winter, going to be retiring in 2 longgggggg years? Thanks for this Mr. Robert.
In terms of cheap seasonal camping it's truly hard to beat one of the LTVAs in the southwest desert. A lot of people do love Quartzsite, though it's not top of list for me. It seems like Q works best for those who do not need fast, reliable internet for work and who don't mind camping with plenty of other people around. Most people there are friendly. I just need very good internet for work and prefer to be in the middle of nowhere with nobody in sight for nature photography opportunities.
BLM does run a number of LTVA sites in both Arizona and California. At $180 for up to seven months (if you can stand the heat) it's a very good deal - especially with gas prices so high now. I used to just bounce around on 14-day BLM land, but with my vehicles becoming larger over the years at the same time fuel prices were increasing I've been trying to move a bit less often.
Aside from an LTVA or needing to move every two weeks (sometimes fun, but sometimes tiring and expensive), it's sometimes possible to find volunteer or paid campground hosting gigs or similar opportunities that at least provide an opportunity to park for a season.
Here's a link to a BLM page with a map and info about the LTVA options: www.blm.gov/documents/arizona/public-room/map/long-term-visitor-area-map
@@RobertWitham that’s so much for this detailed response much appreciated 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
I spent 24 miserable hours in quartzsite in November. It's not a place for me at all. Great times then around Lake Havasu and Yuma then San Diego. Thank you for your information. May see you in Wyoming this year.
I don't really understand the hype around Quartzsite. There are other places that, in my opinion, have a lot more to offer and are more interesting. The only reason I'm here this winter is due to work and not wanting to drive back here 1-2 times per week with fuel prices being so high. My original plan was to spend this winter in Texas and the Gulf Coast to do something different. I'm usually out of here sometime in February so not too much longer :)
I spent 5 months in Quartzshite. Just left 3 weeks ago. Other than meeting one very special person it was downright miserable. It won't be a repeat event. I'd rather be found frozen stiff in a snow bank.
I was just planning on a winter in Quartzsite until I watched this video and too many reasons to think about a visit, but not a long stay.
I do like visiting Quartzsite, but two winters of being based there made me realize that I prefer it in smaller doses. 😂 It’s not that it’s a bad place, but it is too crowded for my preferences. Sometimes it’s fun to stop in and catch up with friends though since a lot of them do go there for at least part of the winter.
@Robert Witham that's what I was thinking. At least 1 day at it craziest for the experience. I hope to be on the road in the next couple of weeks, and it'll be one of my stops on my adventures this winter.
I always describe Quartzsite during January as a carnival-like atmosphere. I do find it fun for something different, but usually I prefer peace and quiet. 😂
Thanks for the info. I live in Wyoming, hope to head south next winter.
Oh awesome! I love Wyoming, but winters there can be brutal. Ironically, my granddaughter called one morning this week and it was 6 degrees warmer there than in Quartzsite! LOL We were warmer again by the afternoon though. This is not a bad place and I don't want to discourage anyone from checking it out. It's just not my favorite spot after traveling for more six years and I want to share both sides of the coin so to speak as I think there is too much hype surrounding this lifestyle. I do it by choice because I mostly love it, but it also has its challenges.
You forgot the Winds and the Isolated Dust Storms...
And then there is that... Those can be pretty darn unpleasant. Fortunately I didn't encounter any dust storms this winter, but I also left early this year so may have just lucked out with timing.
I just arrived today! I want to meet people but it’s so vast’ I’ll check out the rtr tomorrow.
The RTR is a great place to meet as many people as you want! All of my closest friends were met on the road, and a good number of them I met either at the RTR or, in the "old days," at what we used to call the Pre-RTR in the days before the RTR officially started.
Depending on how long you are staying, there are also a ton of social events in Quartzsite during the winter months. There are some Facebook groups for Quartzsite (I don't belong so cannot recommend any one in particular), but the QIA (Quartzsite Improvement Association) also has a lot going on during the winter.