Camping near Quartzsite
Scavenge for natural crystals and discover rustic campgrounds while camping near Quartzsite.
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Camping near Quartzsite guide
Overview
Situated in southwest Arizona, Quartzsite offers remote beauty that’s still easily accessible by highway. Although the local population is relatively small, the area hosts over a million snowbirders every year—particularly those traveling by RV—so it has plenty of RV campground options available. Set up at a pet-friendly RV park that can host big rigs near the Arizona Peace Trail. Or find a more primitive campsite with fewer amenities near the iconic landmarks in Joshua Tree National Park. Take a drive in an ATV at Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area, or search for crystals or bighorn sheep in Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. There’s no shortage of epic activities to take part in, but prepare for desert adventure with lots of water and sunblock, since the dry climate makes for a more rugged camping experience.
Where to go
Joshua Tree National Park
From annual music festivals to stargazing in the desert wilderness, Joshua Tree National Park features a variety of activities to enjoy and nearly 500 campsites to choose from. Only a 1.5 hour drive from Quartzville, Joshua Tree is a hot spot for rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding. Head to Jumbo Rocks to view iconic landmarks like Arch Rock and Skull Rock, while savoring the sweeping views of the cacti-filled desert landscape. Campgrounds found within the park have a range of amenities—some offer simple basics like pit toilets, while others have more features like water hookups, dump stations, and fire rings with grill tops.
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area
Drive 1.5 hours south to race around in an OHV, hike, and go horseback riding within the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area. Permits are required from October to April to enter. There’s a mixture of designated campgrounds as well as dispersed camping in the area. Campers won’t find many amenities other than pit toilets near the entrance, but there are plenty of private RV campgrounds just outside of the park boundary with full hookups and wifi access.
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
Discover free campsites and incredible scenery within Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. The gravel roads are generally well maintained and wide enough to accommodate larger-than-average motorhomes. There are no designated campsites, so be prepared to pack everything in and out—remember to leave no trace when it’s time to head home. Spend the day on an ATV or scour the rocky terrain in the Crystal Hill area for natural quartz crystals. Watch for bighorn sheep and rare California fan palms.
When to go
With only five inches of rain and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Quartzsite’s desert climate promises warm weather camping, year-round. Summers are incredibly hot and dry. Winter sees more mild temperatures, making it the better choice for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and off-roading. January and February are usually regarded as the best months to visit; however, they also draw the most crowds since many annual festivals are hosted at this time.
