With the advent of new and improved motor homes, pop-ups, fifth-wheels, and cab-over campers, the increase for new RV’ers is expected to rise within the next five years.  More and more men and women are finding freedom from careers, finances, and in general life stressors by taking to the open road.  While some stay on the road year-around, the majority of RV’ers come and go from a home base.  Many of those are in the process of getting their mobile accommodations ready for Quartzsite, Arizona. 

January 19-21 is one of the biggest RV shows in America.  The Annual Sports, Vacation, and RV show will bring in around a million people to come through the area.  Quartzsite is a small town with a population of a little over 3,000, however, during the months of January and February, it has been estimated the population swells to about one million.  Where do all these visitors stay?  If you are one of the early ones, you’ll get a site at one of the small RV parks around Quartzsite or perhaps one of the three motels available.  Those coming later will be allowed to camp on the surrounding desert land, which is opened up by the U.S. government for two week periods.  Others will find refuge within one of the 70 RV and camping facilities.

Quartzsite is located in the West-Southwest border of Arizona.  The small town is approximately 17-20 miles from the Colorado River.  This area is a popular place for those who love rock hunting.  With the largest open outdoor flea market beginning each January – February, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something you’ve always wanted.  While those who gather at this popular destination are busy scouring the desert markets for gems and minerals and attending the annual shows, others are scouting out the annual RV show which showcases the newest models available.  Seems this is the place to be while winter howls across the country.   

Parker Dam, found north of I-10, is an adjacent playground for RV’ers.  This area boosts of more than 30 miles of shoreline where you can play in the water, winter and summer.  Average daily temperatures during January hover around 60’s – 70’s with lots of sunshine.   Besides water sports, golfing is just one more reason to make Parker Dam and Quartzsite, Arizona, your next RV destination. 

While traveling through the area, don’t forget to drive further north and visit the Colorado River Indian Tribes museum and library which is opened to the public Monday through Friday.  This museum has the largest collection of Chemehuevi baskets, Navajo jewelry, Mohave pottery artifacts, Hopi Katsina dolls, as well as numerous other tribal artifacts.  There is also a resort and casino located north of Parker – BlueWater Resort and Casino.  So, again, another form of recreation is just waiting to be experienced by you.  As you can see, this destination area is chock full of history, heritage both old and new, and caters to a spectrum of visitors from the passers-by to those who have made the desert their home.

Check below for a list of the area events:

January 1 - February 28 Desert Gardens
January 3 - January 15 Gold Show (Prospectors Panorama)
January 6 - January 15 Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
January 6 - January 31 Main Event
January 7    Hi Jolly Daze Parade/Events
January 17-  February 3 Gem & Mineral Show (Prospectors Panorama)
January 20 - January 29 Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
January 21 - 29 Sports Vacation & RV Show (Big Tent)
February 5 - February 12 Peddler’s Faire (Prospectors Panorama)
January 25 - January 29 QIA - 40th Anniversary
February 1 - 5 Hobby Craft & Gem Show (Big Tent)
February 3 - February 12 Tyson Wells Arts & Crafts
February 4 - 5 Rock & Roll Car Show (Big Tent)
February 24 - 25  Blue Grass Festival
February 25 Chili Cook-off and Salsa Championship
March 3- 4 Mardi Gras Faire
Tyson Wells Market Square - Black Rock Marketplace - Camel Swap Meet

Happy Traveling!           

(photos courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism)