TRAVEL AWAITS: 10 Reasons this Oscar-Winning Town is Perfect for RVers

This article, with complete narrative, links, and photos, was published in Travel Awaits on May 19, 2021

Last year at the Oscars, another Frances McDormand movie, Nomadland, won Best Picture. Having RVed across North America with my husband for eight years, we both identified with the story set in the small town of Quartzsite in Arizona. Here are ten reasons why the town is perfect for RVers and more.

Quartzsite Has that Mystique for RVers

1. There Are Unbelievably Wide Open Spaces to Camp for a Song

"The Bureau of Land Management Long-Term Visitor Areas (La Posa and Midland) surround the town. Primarily established to help preserve the desert, these public lands provide minimal facilities—vault toilets, dump station, and water faucets, but not power— for itinerant migrants with self-contained vehicles who seek to shelter in the area’s winter temperatures in the 70s and 80s." An annual pass costs $180 or just $25 a month from September 15 to April 15. Stays of up to 14 days in any 28-day period are free at five designated campsites but campers must move to a new site outside of a 25-mile radius after 14 days before returning after 14 days for another stay.

2. There Are Other Ways to Camp in Quartzsite

There are about 70 RV campgrounds with full-service hookups. They are there for those who can afford them or who have opted to stay year-round. 

3. There’s Fun to Be Had with Fellow RVers

"In the months of January and February, there are more than a dozen swap meets and a Prospectors’ Panorama plus nine gem and mineral shows, craft shows, and the largest gathering of RVers, the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show...The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous sessions assimilate newcomers to the community, For nighttime fun, there are the Quartzsite Yacht Club and the very popular Desert Bar in nearby Parker."

4. The Desert Has a Lot of Outdoor Experiences to Offer

The rugged land around Quartzsite is ideal for outdoor activities and land sports in winter. Water sports are also available at Alamo Lake and on the Colorado River. 

Quartzsite Is a Destination in Itself

From 1863 to the 1880s, when the Arizona Territory was still newly created, Quartzsite was the site of a waterhole and later a stage station called Tysons Well. At one time, 39 mines were operating served by two landing stations on the Colorado River. 

5. This History Is Preserved at the Quartzsite Historical Museum

"Unfortunately, the Quartzsite Historical Museum, also known as the Tysons Well Stage Station Museum and housed in the Oasis Hotel of mining boom times, was closed when we were there. It was great that the outside exhibits were also interesting. We got to see mining equipment, the Assay Office from the Margarita Mine, and Barrett’s Miniature Village, created to scale with small rocks painstakingly glued together, and the skeleton of the Giant Saguaro with 47 arms."

6. Hi Jolly Tomb and Cemetery Is the Most Visited Place in Quartzsite

"Hi (Hadji) Ali was an Ottoman citizen of Greek-Syrian parentage who became one of the very first lead camel drivers in the U.S. Camel Corps when it aimed to use camels as a major means of cargo transportation across the American Southwest." The efforts failed because they panicked the horses, burros, etc. But Hi Jolly stayed and prospered and, when he died, the town erected a Hi Jolly Tomb around which the Jolly Cemetery grew.

7. Celia’s Rainbow Garden Is the Largest Free Botanical Garden in the State

"Celia was a miracle baby, born 12 inches long weighing only 1.25 pounds, to a couple who was told they could not have a child." Celia grew to be loved by everyone for her ultra-positive outlook on life. But she caught a viral infection at eight and a half. She died, the whole town mourned, and the city gave a plot of land for a garden in her memory. Volunteers built and maintain the garden for everyone to enjoy.

Quartzsite Is a Great Stop for the Weary Traveler

Quartzsite is at the crossroads of I-10 and I-95, midway between Phoenix and Palm Springs. It is also three and a half hours from either Los Angeles or Las Vegas. 

8. Stopping for a Bite Will Leave No One Disappointed

"Silly Al’s Pizza is the town’s watering hole. Be sure to order Al’s Special House Combo. Try lunch at the Mountain Quail Cafe, where Frances McDormand and the "Nomadland" crew had meals while on the shoot. 

9. Shopping Is a Must in this, the “Rock Capital Of The World”

"The name Quartzsite comes from the quartz that abounds in the area. Other rocks and gems are common, too...The Main Trading Post and other shops with tons of jewelry and artwork remain open year-round. You will love the Trading Post’s “World’s Biggest Buckle,” which measures several feet in height and width."

10. Having a Talk with Town Legends Is a Thrill

We met Joanne Winer, wife of Paul, the Naked Bookseller (he wore just thongs). He performed his own composition “Next to the Track Blues” in the movie, now part of the soundtrack and the Nomandland CD. Sadly, he died after filming 'Nomadland.' Joanne received the $1,000 for his role. Their Reader’s Oasis Books also serves as Paul’s Music Hall, and the piano that he played in the movie is still there.

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