By Cheri Sicard
Every winter millions of RVers descend on Quartzsite, Arizona, just over the California border, to boondock and attend the annual RV show there. In the video below, join Jamie and Linda from Roaming with Rosie, who wanted to venture out while snowbirding in Quartzsite, so they put together a video compilation of the best day trips from Quartzsite.
If you would like to explore beyond the tiny Arizona town, give the video a watch and plan to branch out your Quartzsite experience. All of the trips can be accomplished while keeping your base camp in Quartzsite, although you may decide to stay longer once you see what’s offered. Jamie and Linda will show you where else you can camp with your same LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area) pass or other areas where you can camp near Quartzsite completely free.
Roaming with Rosie’s top day trips from Quartzsite picks
#1 KOFA National Wildlife Refuge/Palm Canyon: Twenty miles south of Quartzsite on U.S. Route 95, this refuge encompasses more than 665,000 acres and was established back in 1939 for the protection of the area’s magnificent bighorn sheep. You’ll also be treated to sightings of the rare California Fan Palm that thrive in some of the hottest temperatures in the Sonoran desert. Watch the video for highlights and hiking info. You can camp for free here for up to 14 days.
#2 Mystery Spiral Labyrinth: Nobody knows quite how or where this mysterious labyrinth on the national refuge property got there—it just appeared sometime between March and September of 2010. It also seems that someone is maintaining this perfect 60-foot-in-diameter spiral in the desert sand. It’s quite hard to find but the video shares all.
#3 U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground: It’s also one of the largest testing grounds for military weapons in the world. A lot of stuff gets blown up here. There is a museum that is only open to U.S. and Canadian citizens who pass a background check.
#4 Colorado River and BLM Imperial Dam Recreation Areas: On the California side of the Colorado River, this area contains two different reservoirs with boat launches which, of course, means water sports like boating, fishing, and swimming. Camping is allowed here, too. The long-term visitor permits you purchased in Quartzsite work here, too!
#5 Hidden Shores Resort: If you prefer the resort experience to boondocking, this huge Yuma, AZ, Colorado River resort and RV park might prove a good choice. Lots of amenities are included.
#6 Parker Dam, Parker, Arizona: Just 35 miles from “the Q,” Parker, Arizona, is where you’ll find services like restaurants, shops, and a hospital. Be sure to watch the video to learn the history of the beautiful but controversial Parker Dam, the world’s deepest dam at 323 feet tall, although 73% of the dam is underwater. The dam is what creates the 43-mile-long Lake Havasu.
#7 Colorado River Casino Camping: This fun casino offers camping along the Colorado River, plus all the usual casino amenities. The first night is free, the second night $5, and the 3rd night is $10. You’ll also find a full-service RV park right next door.
#8 Off-Road Trip to the Nellie E Saloon aka Desert Bar: If you go to Quartzsite, this bar in the middle of nowhere in the desert is apparently something that just must be experienced. While you don’t necessarily need 4-wheel drive to get here, a high-clearance vehicle is definitely recommended. The place was hopping with lots of people, music, dancing, and merriment. Come hungry, as two different restaurants serve out here. Be aware, they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from October through April, from noon until sundown.
Do you have other day trips from Quartzsite you would recommend? Be sure to drop them in the comments below.
Watch the video
Please click here to watch this video on YouTube (playback on other websites has been disabled by the video owner.) Also, please note that the video is from three years ago, so some of the above info may be outdated.
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RVT1248
#3 the Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center has been permanently closed for several years now. There is an open air museum just off 95 on the Imperial Dam Rd however.
Borrego Springs for the desert sculptures for sure!