Discover the Ultimate ATV Basecamp at Quail Run RV Park in Quartzsite, AZ
Quail Run RV Park is an ideal base for RV enthusiasts looking to explore the desert’s natural beauty and rich history. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique Arizona adventure beyond typical tourist spots
- Address: 918 N. Central Blvd Quartzsite, AZ
- Phone: 928-927-8810
- Website: https://www.quailrv.com/
- GPS Coordinates:
- Latitude: 33.678924
- Longitude: 114.21719
- 22 miles to Blythe, CA
- 33 miles to Parker, AZ
- 80 miles to Lake Havasu, AZ
- Concrete Pads at each site
- Large, level sites with some pull-thrus
- Paved roads throughout the park
- Easy access for off-roaders
- Razor wash for Quail Run customers
- Soft Water
- Laundry / Restrooms / Showers
- Boondocker Services:
- Propane
- Ice
- Water
What Makes This Place Special: The Quartzsite RV Show
Every January, this small town of 3500 residents – swells to an incredible 250,000+ visitors from all over the country.
The show features a wide range of RVs on display, from the latest models by top manufacturers to used and vintage RVs.
In addition to RVs – the show includes vendors selling RV accessories, parts, and outdoor gear.
The event is also a community gathering that includes seminars on RV-related topics, opportunities to meet with industry experts, and entertainment. Visitors also enjoy exploring local attractions like rock and gem shows.
Nearby Attractions
Robin’s Roost Philly Cheesesteaks
Hands Down the BEST food in Quartzsite!
Look for their food truck on the main drag during the season.
131 W. Main St. Quartzsite, AZ
GPS Coordinates: 33.6649° N, 114.2251° W.
Phone: 208-312-4774
As former truck drivers – we can testify this is the BEST Philly cheesesteak we’ve ever had.
Arizona Peace Trail
- Length & Location: A 675-mile OHV loop through western Arizona, ideal for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.
- A popular section of the Arizona Peace Trail near Quartzsite is accessed from the area around Bouse, which is northeast of Quartzsite.
- GPS: 33.9319° N, 114.0051° W
- Route: Passes through La Paz, Mohave, and Yuma counties, connecting towns like Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Yuma, and Parker.
- Scenery: Features diverse landscapes, including the Sonoran Desert, Colorado River, mountains, historical sites, and ghost towns.
- Accessibility: Suitable for various skill levels, with marked trails; GPS and maps recommended for navigation.
- Amenities: Access to fuel, food, lodging, campsites, and RV parks near towns like Quartzsite.
The Great Tree
The Quartzsite “Great Tree” is a large ironwood tree designated a “Great Tree” by the state of Arizona for its impressive size and age.
1050 years old – this tree is a remarkable example of how life can survive in a harsh desert environment.
Tyson Wells Museum
Historically, Quartzsite was known as Tyson’s Wells in the 19th century and served as a water stop and stage station on the road between Arizona and California. The area around Quartzsite was more fertile in the past, primarily due to the Tyson Wash, which provided essential water resources.
What’s up with all the Camels?
The first thing you’ll notice as you arrive in Quartzsite is the camels.
- They’re on the town sign – they’re in people’s yards – in front of restaurants – in front of banks, on their busses – camels are everywhere!
- Shiny metal camels – Driftwood camels -Rusted patchwork camels – Camel families – Camel silhouettes
Here’s the story
Back in 1856, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis (Yep, the same Jefferson Davis that would later become the leader of the Confederacy) decided to try using camels as pack animals instead of horses.
With a budget of $30k – The U.S. Army’s Camel Corps was born. 75 camels were brought to the area and the experiment began – with some success.
And then – in 1861 – the Civil War began, priorities shifted, and the project was abandoned. The camels were sold off, set free, or left to wander.
Hi-Jolly Monument and Cemetery
The person most famously associated with the Camel Corps was Hi-Jolly, whose real name was Hadji Ali.
He was a Greek-Syrian hired by the U.S. Army to serve as a camel driver. Hi-Jolly became a well-known character in the region due to his association with the camels and his colorful personality.
Hi-Jolly later became a U.S. citizen and settled in Arizona, where he continued to work with camels until his death in 1902.
His legacy is commemorated by a pyramid-shaped monument topped with a camel in Quartzsite, Arizona, where he is buried. This monument honors his unique contribution to the region’s history and the quirky experiment of the Camel Corps.
Intaglios
The intaglios near Quartzsite are large geoglyphs found on the desert floors. These are ancient artworks created by Native Americans, thought to be the work of the Mojave and Quechan tribes.
The figures are created on the ground by removing the dark desert stones to reveal the lighter soil underneath. These intaglios are best viewed from the air and are believed to have spiritual significance, representing characters or stories from Native American mythology.
The Blythe Intaglios, located northwest of Quartzsite near the Colorado River, are the most famous of these geoglyphs.
Camping and Boondocking Near Quartzsite:
RV Parks
Quartzsite is home to 60+ RV Parks. Our favorite is Quail Run RV Park. (see above)
If you’re planning on being in Quartzsite in the winter months (particularly January and February) you’d be wise to make reservations beforehand. Also, be aware that most RV parks increase their fees during these months.
Boondocking
Quartzsite is well-known for its boondocking opportunities – for those who prefer to park out in the desert without any hookups to water, power, or sewer.
Quartzsite offers both long-term and short-term boondocking options, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
General Information for All Areas
- Connectivity: Cell phone reception is generally good across all sections due to the proximity to Quartzsite.
- Access: Easy access to Quartzsite for supplies and social activities.
- Regulations: BLM regulations require that all vehicles be self-contained. Although tents are allowed, they must be within 25 feet of the road and cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
- BE AWARE: Do NOT camp in the washes surrounding Quartzsite. Flash floods are common when it rains. To see how quickly flooding can occur – watch this video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD9GColWQ1k
Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs)
Quartzsite has several Long-Term Visitor Areas where you can stay for extended periods during the fall and winter months.
For a relatively small fee, you can purchase a permit that allows you to stay for up to seven months (usually from September 15 through April 15).
These LTVAs typically provide basic amenities such as dump stations, potable water, and trash disposal, which are not commonly found in free boondocking sites.
LTVAs near Quartzsite include:
La Posa LTVA: La Posa Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) near Quartzsite, Arizona, is one of the most popular destinations for RVers looking for long-term camping options during the winter months.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), La Posa LTVA is divided into several sections, each offering different amenities to accommodate the needs of long-term visitors.
La Posa South
La Posa South is the most developed of the La Posa areas and often the most crowded due to its proximity to Quartzsite and the variety of services it offers.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.643° N, 114.216° W.
- Fee: Visitors can purchase a season pass (valid from September 15 to April 15) or a shorter, 14-day permit
- Water: Potable water is available
- Dump Station: Dump station for waste disposal
- Dumpster: Dumpsters are available for trash disposal
- Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available
- On-site Camp Host: An on-site camp host is present to assist with visitor needs and ensure compliance with LTVA regulations
La Posa North
La Posa North offers a slightly less congested environment while still providing essential amenities, making it a good option for those seeking a balance between utility and space.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6691° N, 114.2183° W.
- Fee: Same as La Posa South, with options for a season pass or a 14-day permit
- Water: Potable water is available
- Dump Station: No dedicated dump station in La Posa North; users typically use the station at La Posa South
- Dumpster: Dumpsters are available
- Vault Toilets: Vault toilets are available
- On-site Manager: The camp host is shared with the other La Posa areas.
La Posa West
La Posa West is often less crowded than La Posa South and provides a good mix of amenities and open space.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6591° N, 114.2453°
- Fee: Fees are consistent with the other La Posa areas
- Water: Potable water is available
- Dump Station: Like La Posa North, there is no dedicated dump station; users go to La Posa South
- Dumpster: Dumpsters are available for trash
- Vault Toilets: Vault toilets available
- On-site Manager: Managed as part of the overall La Posa LTVA system
These LTVAs offer a great way to spend the winter months in a warm climate, with community activities and amenities that make long-term camping comfortable and enjoyable.
Tyson Wash LTVA
Tyson Wash Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) is another long-term camping option managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) near Quartzsite, Arizona. This area provides an option for those seeking to stay for extended periods during the cooler months from September 15 through April 15.
Features and Amenities of Tyson Wash LTVA:
- Fee: Tyson Wash LTVA requires a fee, similar to the other LTVAs. Visitors can purchase a season-long permit, which covers the entire LTVA period, or a shorter 14-day permit. The season permit allows for unlimited entry to Tyson Wash and other LTVAs during the season.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6650° N, 114.2150° W
- Water: Water facilities are not as prominent in Tyson Wash as in the La Posa areas, so it’s important for visitors to check specific availability or plan to access water at nearby LTVAs like La Posa South.
- Dump Station: There is no dedicated dump station directly at Tyson Wash LTVA; visitors typically use nearby facilities such as those at La Posa South.
- Dumpster: Basic trash disposal services, like dumpsters, are available.
- Vault Toilets: The area is equipped with vault toilets for basic sanitation needs.
- On-site Manager: Like other LTVAs, Tyson Wash has an on-site manager to assist with visitor needs and ensure compliance with BLM regulations.
General Environment and Accessibility:
- Terrain: The terrain at Tyson Wash is typical of the Sonoran Desert, featuring flat to gently rolling landscapes dotted with desert vegetation. It’s less developed compared to La Posa, which can appeal to those seeking a more rustic and quiet desert experience.
- Accessibility: The LTVA is easily accessible from Quartzsite, making it convenient for visitors to resupply or participate in community events in town.
- Recreational Activities: Tyson Wash offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the peaceful desert scenery.
Tyson Wash LTVA is a good choice for RVers and campers who prefer a quieter setting while still being close enough to enjoy the amenities and social activities available in Quartzsite. Like all LTVAs, it is designed to accommodate the needs of long-term visitors, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy the winter months in a warmer climate.
14-Day Free Stay Areas
In addition to the LTVAs, the BLM manages several areas around Quartzsite where you can camp for free for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. After the 14-day limit, campers must move at least 25 miles from the original site and cannot return to the same spot for another 28 days.
These areas are more primitive, with no amenities, so you need to be fully self-contained. The 14-day sites are perfect for those who prefer a more off-the-grid experience. Some well-known 14-day free areas around Quartzsite include:
Plomosa Road
- Location: North of Quartzsite off AZ-95.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.7483° N, 114.2167° W
- Features: This area offers a flat, desert environment with little shade. It is popular for its ease of access and spaciousness, making it suitable for RVs of all sizes.
- Amenities: There are no water, dump stations, or toilets available, so visitors must be entirely self-contained.
Scaddan Wash – Close to town with easy access to the services and amenities of Quartzsite.
- Location: East of Quartzsite, accessible via AZ-95.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6658° N, 114.1903° W
- Features: Scaddan Wash provides a relatively flat area suitable for all types of RVs. The site is popular during the peak season around the Quartzsite RV Show.
- Amenities: Like most free areas, there are no facilities, requiring visitors to be fully self-contained.
Roadrunner
- Location: South of Quartzsite on AZ-95.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6106° N, 114.2226° W
- Features: This area is slightly more remote compared to others, offering quieter camping options. It’s suitable for those looking for a peaceful desert experience.
- Amenities: No facilities are available – campers must be self-contained.
Hi Jolly
- Location: North of Quartzsite, just off AZ-95.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.7147° N, 114.2169° W
- Features: Named after the famous camel driver Hi Jolly, this area is known for its historical significance and offers easy access to town.
- Amenities: There are no amenities, so campers need to be self-sufficient.
Dome Rock Mountain
- Location: West of Quartzsite, near the Dome Rock Mountain area.
- GPS Coordinates: 33.6430° N, 114.3047° W.
- Features: Popular for both its accessibility and scenic views, this area attracts both short-term campers and those attending the annual Quartzsite Gem and Mineral shows.
- Amenities: As with other free areas, no amenities are provided.
These areas are popular during the winter months when RVers flock to Quartzsite for the mild weather and community events.
Whether you choose the long-term stay areas with amenities or the free 14-day sites, Quartzsite offers a unique way to experience the Arizona desert.
Safe Travels!