//
Town in La Paz County, Arizona, US
Photo: Unknown BLM employee, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Quartzsite is a former mining town in La Paz County, Arizona. In 2020, it hosted a permanent population of 2,400 people, but during the balmy winters from December to February the population explodes to well over 100,000 as RV campers descend in droves in recreational vehicles to camp on the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) Lands surrounding the town. Quartzite is also well known for gem shows, which draw over a million visitors yearly.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A tribute to camel driver Hadji Ali, enlisted in an unsuccessful 19th-century attempt by the US Army to use camels in the southwest.
Visit this location to learn more about this town. This location is where the original adobe stage station was built in 1866. It was a vital way station on the California-Arizona line because it provided water and grass for the animals.
This site has hundreds of pre-Columbian petroglyphs. Look for the ruined stone cabin; nearby is a cave with the springs. A path leads off from here to the cliff base, where many petroglyphs can be seen.
More pre-Columbian petroglyphs, on both sides of the wash.
Fisherman Intaglio
The outline of a pre-Columbian geoglyph on the desert floor, portraying a fisherman. Walking a bit further you can find a Native American lookout and the ruins of a stagecoach station. The site is under the protection of the Bureau of Land Management; see website for driving instructions.
Kofa NWR
Managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, this area is home to over 400 desert bighorn sheep. Recreational opportunities include hiking and camping, particularly in the winter months.
Nearly one million visitors descend onto Quartzsite for this annual event, when over 400 gem and mineral vendors offer their wares for sale.
Another gem show running concurrently or between Jan and Feb, to be precise.
Offers classes, field trips, and lapidary and jewelry-making facilities.
Call ahead to check on hours, as they close for months at a time.
Free wi-fi. Has a bar and restaurant onsite.
Free wi-fi and breakfast, pet-friendly.
Located on a dirt road with 16-29 campsites available. RVs permitted, no maximum. No water, 14-day limit. Visitors are permitted to collect any quartz crystals they may find in the area without the aid of tools - no digging!
This site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There are no designated campsites, no water, 14-day limit.
Located south of Quartzsite and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this area has no designated campsites and no water. There is a 14-day limit.
Just south of Quartzsite and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There are no designated campsites, no water, 14-day limit.
La Posa LTVA
Four long-term camping locations operated by the US Bureau of Land Management (La Posa North, La Posa West, La Posa South, and Tyson Wash LTVAs). All provide open space for long-term RV camping under primitive conditions (no hookups for power or water, limited refuse removal or sanitary dump facilities).
By car
Interstate 10 (I-10)/Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Fwy passes through Quartzite in an east/west direction.
By bus
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Lake Havasu City · Regional · HII
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Quartzsite and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
7 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.