Dry Camping in Quartzite, Arizona

We really wanted to try our hand at dry camping - some people call it boondocking - in the deserts around Arizona and on BLM land. We're not exactly pros at it, but we did find out some very good information because we tried it this year. We did some driving around first and checking out areas. There are camp hosts at all the designated camping areas, and they are a wealth of information.

There are long-term and short-term visitor-use programs. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as the BLM hosts welcome you with warmth and open arms They love their beautiful desert areas in the Southwest. Every year we've been down in the Quartzsite,A Z area we've seen thousands of RVers enjoying the BLM land on a daily basis. Of couse, we've only been in the Southwest in the winter time and that's when you're going to see them descend upon Quartzite in droves; starting in January.

We drove around and found the perfect spot, we could see the road coming in and there was a constant parade of RVers every morning coming in to stay.

And there's lots to do, too. There's always hiking, boating, and rock hunting. The winters are mild and the lifestyle unique and there's plenty of people if you're looking to make some lifelong friends. Many meet back here year after year. AND many clubs meet out on BLM land and have their annual get-togethers. BLM only asks that you take care of our public lands for all to enjoy. Don't leave trash; pack it in and pack it out.

There are short-term and long-term programs. Your camp hosts will fill you in with that information. I know we stayed for a week for free. Every area may be different and have a little different type of facilities. After our 14 day stay, which is the short-term program, we had to move to a new site outside of the 25 mile radius of our original campsite. Short-term camping in the Quartzite area is limited, but there are five designated camping areas around Quartzite; Imperial Dam LTVA, Pilot Knob LTVA, Tamarisk LTVA, Hot spring LTVA and La Posa LTVA.

Permits and all questions can be directed to Yuma Field Office at 928-317-3200, the Palm Springs South Coast Field Office at 760-251-4800 or the El Centro Field Office at 760-337-4400. The web site for Arizona is www.blm.gov/az. The web site for California is www.blm.gov/caso.

If you're into RVing and traveling whether it's winter or summer, check out the other RV park and campground reviews I've made on Associated Content.