9 Best Things To Do in Quartzsite, Arizona
If you’re looking for things to do in Quartzsite, Arizona, you’ve come to the right place.
For the last five years, my wife and I have been traveling the USA full time in our vintage Airstream. Quartzsite is a must-see destination for ALL RVers in America.
It’s the only town in the USA that hosts tens of thousands of campers every winter. Here’s the best part, most of the campsites and activities are absolutely free!
Today we’re sharing the best of what’s around.
Let’s dive in!
Quartzsite Annual Mineral Shows and Swap Meets
Price: Free to shop.
Why You’ll Love It: Known as a rockhound mecca since the 1960s, over a million visitors, come to this area during January and February each year.
Thousands of vendors with minerals, gems, rocks, fossils, and everything imaginable set up in a swap meet (flea market) and at least 8 official shows, offering an educational and interesting shopping experience in the desert.
Address: 1055 Kuehn Rd, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “This is my favorite rock show. It rocks!” (Yelp)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 8/10
Quartzsite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show
Price: Free
Why You’ll Love It: HUGE RV and accessories show with trailer and motorcoach dealers, as well as lifestyle vendors with add-ons for your rig and gifts for yourself. Get anything you need to enhance your camping experience.
The Quartzsite RV show is a rite of passage for full-time RV travelers.
Address: 700 S Central Blvd, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “We believe accidentally coming across this show changed our lives and got us out of boondocking into an RV! It’s the Sturgis of RV’ers.” (Facebook)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 9/10
Reader’s Oasis Book Store
Price: Free to browse
Why You’ll Love It: A jam-packed bookstore with an unusual and eclectic collection of genres, but especially southwest topics. This bookstore is truly a funky Quartzite gem.
We’re sad to report the eclectic owner has since passed.
Address: 690 E Main St, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “Very unusual and a must stop for anyone who likes print. There is so much packed in here, it is a treasure trove.” (Google reviews)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 7.5/10
Hi Jolly Tomb
Price: Free
Why You’ll Love It: Have you ever visited a camel caretaker’s tomb? Well, now you can add this offbeat roadside attraction to your list. In 1856, over 70 camels were imported to transport freight and people across the desert southwest, and they came with a caretaker named Hadji Ali, who to locals became known as Hi Jolly.
The Civil War intervened, and the camels were set free. Hi Jolly remained and lived until his 70s. He was so beloved that the locals built a stone and petrified wood tomb which was later improved with a bronze plaque and camel silhouette.
Address: W. Elsie Lane and Hi Jolly Lane, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “Interesting monument and unique story in history. Nice to visit for a short time and learn something of the area. Well kept monument; you can tell they cared for the contributions of Hi Jolly.” (Google reviews)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 9/10
Quartzsite Rock Alignment and Intaglios
Price: Free
Why You’ll Love It: Another southwest oddity, the Rock Alignment was laid out for training General Patton’s air troops during World War II. The rocks, spread over 100 feet of desert floor, spell QUARTZSITE with an arrow.
The Fisherman Intalgio is the rock outline of a fisherman drawn on the desert floor, mysteriously created by ancient Native Americans for an unknown reason.
Address: Plomosa Road
What’s the Word: “Great little quirky piece of history.” “Really interesting to see the Intaglio and wonder about ancient people.” (Google)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 8/10
Restaurant: Quartzsite Yacht Club
Price: Sandwiches from $9-$13, nightly specials.
Why You’ll Love It: Another quirky Quartzite must-see, this nautical theme bar, restaurant, and motel in the desert has a motto of “long time, no sea.” A local hangout, the Yacht Club is a fun, casual place to sing karaoke, listen to live music, visit with friends, and have a fun night out.
Address: 1090 W Main, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “The food is casual and reasonably priced, with a fun theme.” “People have fun here. The rooms are single wide trailers split in half, themed for different ships. I felt like I was staying over at a friend’s house.” (Google)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 10/10
Best RV Park: Holiday Palms RV Park
Price: $35-$42/night, $215-$250/week, $450-$525 month, snowbird (Oct-April 6 months) $1545.
Why You’ll Love It: This conveniently located RV park has great amenities including two pools, pickleball, wifi, cable, fitness center, game room, hot tub, a car wash and is pet friendly. The 245 sites are full hookup, ensuring a no-stress stay, and the dog park will make your dog happy too! Walking distance to most winter attractions.
Address: 355 W Main, Quartzite, Arizona
What’s the Word: “Showed up after hours and still got great service.” “Very nice park, one of the best in Quartzite.” (Google Reviews)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 7/10
Best Free Camping: Plomosa Road
Price: Free
Why You’ll Love It: It’s close, free camping on BLM land. “Pack In Pack Out”, but close to town so you can go get things you forgot or visit attractions. Many report great signal for cell and internet via various providers so you can boondock and get some work done. After work, this area is known for quiet camping and great sunsets, along with meeting new friends.
Address: 40617-40703 Plomosa Rd, Quartzite
What’s the Word: “Easy place to first-time boondock, we got a large site to share with friends.” “One of our favorite BLM camping spots.” (Google)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 10/10
Hotel: Best Western Desert Oasis
Price: $78-88
Why You’ll Love It: Conveniently located off I-10, this basic hotel has a pool and palm trees, free breakfast, free WiFi, and comfortable rooms if you need to take a break from driving or the RV.
Some nights there is a Managers Reception from 5-7 with free appetizers.
Address: 1-10 Exit, 1 S Frontage Road, Ehrenberg, AZ
What’s the Word: “Outstanding hotel for the price.” “Excellent staff, hotel has a decent breakfast.” (Google)
Quartzsite AZ Vibe Score: 7/10
Trip Routing to Quartzsite, Arizona
If you’re traveling with an RV, trip planning to Quartzsite is essential.
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Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
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