Why Winter Camping in Quartzsite is a Must for Every RVer

Quartzsite is a mecca for winter snowbirds in the southwest. Located about 15 miles east of the California and Arizona borders, this tiny town set surrounded by a vast desert landscape is where thousands of RVers flock together every January and February. If you’ve never been to Quartzsite, home to the world’s largest RV rally, here are eight reasons why winter camping in Quartzsite is a must for your RVing destinations list.

1. Quartzsite is the biggest RV rally on the planet.

You won’t believe the huge variety of rigs you’ll see at Quartzsite RV rallies, it’s a RV enthusiast’s dream! From vintage fiberglass trailers to painstakingly restored Flxible bus conversions to ultra posh Newell motor coaches, Quartzsite is the best place to see the amazing variety of RVs that people call home. As you hop from campsite to campsite, you’ll get whiplash from constantly turning your head to check out the amazing varieties of RVs.

2. You’ll get firsthand tips and tricks from other RV owners.

Each January Quartzsite becomes a hands-on learning session for RVers. Whether you decide to set down your jacks in an owner’s group rally for your particular RV, or you want to rally hop to different owner’s groups because you’re trying to pinpoint your dream rig, you’ll have dozens of formal and informal learning sessions that can give you the real scoop about the RV that you own or just ones that catch your eye.

3. RV manufacturers and vendors offer on-site servicing, tips and tricks.

Quartzsite is a great chance to get your rig in prime condition for the rest of the snowbird season and beyond. That’s because manufacturers know that the annual gathering is an easy way to showcase their RV goods and services to thousands of RVers, all camped out in one location with plenty of time on their hands. Many will showcase under the big tent at the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV Show, while simultaneously offering on-site servicing for everything from towing system tune ups to trailer disc brake conversions. Most vendors are in Quartzsite between mid-January to mid-February. If you have a particular part you need serviced, check with the iRV2 Forums topic “Vendor Spotlight” or call the manufacturer to see if they’ll be at Quartzsite. Odds are pretty good they will be there.

4. Quartzsite is a great chance to meet like-minded RVers.

In addition to the long list of RV Owners Group rallies at Quartzsite, a huge variety of social and special interest groups gather to have fun, learn and relax. Groups like the Escapees and Xscapers RV support clubs host happy hours, while the annual gathering of RVing nudists soaks up the sun. If you’re unsure where to begin finding like-minded RVers, try posting in the most current iRV2 Discussion Forums topics tagged with “Quartzsite.”

Don’t let another snowbird season go by without going winter camping in Quartzsite. Even if you aren’t keen on huge, festival-like events, you’ll be glad you experienced the biggest and most unique RV gathering on the continent.

Rene Agredano

Often called “The O.G. of full-time RVing,” Rene Agredano and her husband Jim Nelson hit the road in a fifth wheel trailer in 2007, after their dog Jerry lost a leg to terminal cancer. Sixteen years later they are still traveling and sharing their nomadic adventures at LiveWorkDream. As a self-employed wordsmith, Rene shares her expertise for many RV industry videos, publications such as the Escapees RV Club Magazine, and has authored numerous books, including the Essential RVing Guide to National Parks, and  Income Anywhere, a guide to earning money on the road. She has been featured in global media outlets including the PBS documentary “NATURE: Why We Love Cats and Dogs,” The Guardian Sunday Edition, and the Dan Pink book Free Agent Nation.