What Happens in Quartzsite?:
If you pass through Quartzsite, AZ in the summer, the answer to this question is, “Absolutely nothing.” You will see flat desert, some roadside businesses, tumbleweeds and that’s about it.
But in winter, RVers come by the thousands to camp in the warm climate on the free or cheap campsites on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land. And in January there are huge events...RV shows, Rock and Gem shows, etc., so Quartzsite is buzzing with activity and looks like this:
Arial view of the main RV vendors tents, but others are spread all over the city.
Our Women's RV forum group was having a get-together in one of the long-term visitor areas on BLM land. Anita took this photo of our group from the roof of her RV. That's my RV in the center. It cost $40 for a short term permit to camp here for two weeks and that gives you use of the fresh-water fill and dump station, as well as trash disposal. Many RVers pay for the season which is very cheap. There are also free areas where you can camp for two weeks without any amenities.
We gathered at Kerry's RV, a custom made GMC. Our group camping or visiting from other nearby areas included Kerry, Sharon, Anita, Donna, Sandi, Chris, Carolb, and PattyK. I think I remembered everybody.
Anita was giving rides in her Slingshot. That's me with her. We did a run to Walmart in Parker....30 miles away, lol.
There was a lot of dog-walking going on. That's Carolb with her 3, Piper, Tigger, and April. Thistle is there and Donna's Chewy.
Sandi with Abby, Donna with Chewy and PattyK with Sammy can be seen here.
It was hard to get them all in one picture. Notice the pretty serape that Sandi's Abby is wearing. She bought that from one of the vendors at the RV show.
One evening this rig gave us entertainment as it noisily arrived with horn honking. I can't even imagine hauling all that. Inside the trailer was an ATV.
We saw many beautiful sunsets,
And equally beautiful sunrises.
One evening we had a campfire.
Some of us visited Celia's Gardens, started by a local bookseller who lost his daughter. Many individuals and groups have a section for memorials.
The RVW group has placed a memorial for our friend Sharon Souter, who lost her life to cancer this past year. Sharon was also a member of womenrv.
A plaque for Sharon at Celia's Gardens.
Then there was just one more sunset,
And a beautiful full moon.
We all went our separate ways except those that stay the season.
