Escapees March-April 2024

camping chair chat

Quartzsite, Arizona—A Special Place

Quartzsite, Arizona, may be one of the most unique places in the country. It is a winter destination for thousands of nomads and travelers every year, and it only takes a visit there to understand why. People are spread out for miles, but yet they are still connected through this special lifestyle that is life on the road. Boondocking in the middle of a desert town may be unrelatable to most people, but there we are connect ed in understanding this di ff erence. The sunrises in Quartszite are the most special to me. I’d be lying if I said they didn’t bring tears to my eyes most mornings. The way the clouds hover over the mountains like they’re wrapping each one in a little blanket beautifully compliment the cactus that grow brighter as the pinks and purples break through the sky. The sky opens up soon after and the day is born, the smell of camp fi res grow stronger, as well as the faint sounds of ATVs cruising through the man-made paths of travelers before them. There’s a positive energy there. It’s an excitement to be there with people reuniting with their friends that have become family from all over. The sounds of laughter coming from each little group gathered in the various BLM sites is comforting and unmistakable. There’s a lack of judgement; everyone is there for the same reason, to connect with others, attend events, and stay warm during the otherwise harsh winters elsewhere. Quartzsite holds an annual RV show, a gem and mineral show and a gun show that attracts people there, too. There are also a few businesses designed solely for RVers. There’s an “RV pit stop” where people can fi ll water and propane, empty their waste tanks and share stories with the employees. Everyone is friendly and ready to help. That seems to be the main theme here, a friendly atmosphere. There are a few shops in town, a dollar store that seems to always stay busy, a couple of gas stations packed with travelers meeting and hanging out or just passing through, laundromats and even a beauty salon. There is one grocery store that

carries a small selection of meats, snacks and baked goods prepared by the locals. Despite there being a few options, it’s understood that you arrive stocked with supplies. At night the sky is endless and the moon and stars truly show off. It’s easy to fi nd constellations and shooting stars are not uncommon there. It’s just part of the experience, if you can remember to look up. Despite there being an upwards of a million visitors there, it’s easy to feel secluded at the same time. You can walk for miles through the desert without seeing anyone but jack rabbits and a few coyotes in the distance. There’s also little trash. It’s an unspoken law to truly pack it in and pack it out so we can continue to enjoy this place for years to come. Quartszite is a really special place, the kind of place I feel content knowing exists if the world turns bad. I know this would be a place of banding together in love and support. The overall vibe there is love. There really is no place quite like it. Article and photo by Kelley Welch #173656

Opinions contained in “Camping Chair Chat” are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. This column is for Escapees magazine readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting. Submissions that are sent by e-mail can be directed to departmentseditor@escapees.com.

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ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2024