Looking towards Quartzsite, January 2010

Are you planning on coming to Quartzsite during January? Maybe thinking about it and wondering if it is  worth going? Is this your year?

Quartzsite is one of those phenomena you should do at least once! You'll see nothing like it. You may love it or hate it, but it's worth going once. Each year sees changes in Quartzsite. The town realizes lots of revenues from the vendors, winter visitors and tourists passing through, particularly in January. They have added a number of buildings over the years. Last year we found more RV dealers taking space that had formerly been a flea market or show. Visitation was down last year compared to prior years, probably due to the economy, making it easier to get around.

Quartzsite RV show
Now there are two stoplights in town, which has improved traffic flow. It used to be that during the Quartzsite RV Show, we would hunker down and shop before traffic had built up, using various shortcuts to get around. We would park a distance from the show and then walk or bike in. Above all, we learned the hard way, avoid the first day! It's packed and much less crowded after that. he RV show is there for a whole week from January 16-24 so pick another day. Two shows follow the RV show in the big tent so check the Web site for more information.

Other shows
The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce has a show schedule posted at their Web site. You can see when the various shows/vendor areas will be open.

BLM camping, RV parks and motels
Visitors have several options when visiting Quartzsite.

• Motels: Actually, motels are in short supply in Quartzsite- a Super 8 plus two small local hotels that are usually booked is all it offers. More hotels are in Blythe, CA, about 22 miles away.
• RV parks: A list of commercial RV parks can be found at the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce. Many only operate during the high season and have zero amenities and often little space. Be sure there is room for slideouts and your tow vehicle or toad.
• BLM: You have two choices: You can purchase a permit for La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) for $180 for seven months or $40 for two weeks. The LTVA has a location with water, trash receptacles and for sewage disposal. There are also several 14-day areas around Quartzsite. No fee is charged. Several locations in town sell water, propane, have dumps or offer showers and laundry facilities.

Mail: You can have your mail sent to Quartzsite in care of general delivery. Returning visitors often have their mail sent to Blythe or another nearby town where lines are shorter. We combine grocery shopping with picking up mail with much less hassle.

For more information on Quartzsite, see our article, “The Glory that is Q,” updated for 2010.

We are planning on being there the last two weeks of January. We have an event scheduled (more later) and need to work on our gold claim. See you there? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak