FREE 14-DAY BLM CAMPING, QUARTZSITE, AZ

Our Opinion: Neutral. If our Boomer RV group was not camped here each year during January, we would not be, either - but it is an excellent rally spot in the dead of winter.

Date of Stay: January 23-28, 2009

Weather During Stay: Days of sunshine, a day of rain, days of wind and partly cloudy days. Highs in the upper 60’s and low 70’s changed to highs in the upper 50‘s later in the week. Lows in the 40‘s. Some wind and wind chill.

Sites: The town of Quartzsite is surrounded by BLM land, with different rules for different sections. No developed sites. Dispersed camping. Our area is stony and sloped, but it is possible to find ways to get reasonably level. Because of the stones, we have less problem with dust on winday days that the rigs closer to town. Roads to and through th camping area are dirt/dust.

Rate: We stay in the “14 day limit” area, free for 14 days, after which you must move. If you want to move to another 14-day area, it has to be 25+ miles away. Other nearby areas have longer stays, or water and dump services, but associated fees.

Phone/radio/TV: Excellent Verizon phone signal, aircard on Broadband. Nothing to block satellite. Didn‘t bother with antenna. Used satellite radio only, so don’t know about local radio. No local NPR.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: Elevation is 1,110‘. Views are of arid mountains, desert shrubs, and stony soil. We meet our group at N 33 38.960, W114 09.090, east of and slightly higher than the town of Quartzsite so night time views include the distant “city“ lights.

Lighting/Noise: No night lighting whatsoever. No moon, so the stars are brilliant. The only noise was made by our camping companions and the wind.

Favorite Sites: Anywhere level that isn’t already occupied. We tend to stay near the edge of the enclave.

Hiking/Walking: Step outside and head out in just about any direction of existing dirt roads and tracks.

Comments: We come to Quartzsite in January to camp with our RV’ing group. The town is nothing special at all. During January, the usual population of 2,000 swells to around 150,000 as RV’ers pour in by the thousands to boondock in all directions and shop at the annual RV sales, gem shows and flea markets that spring up. It is a sight to see, but the only draw for us is the comraderie of our RV’ing friends - a way to touch base and catch up with old and new friends each year.