Quartzite, Arizona.

After enjoying a great time with friends in Apache Junction for 3 nights it was time for us to move on.

Quartzite, Arizona.

This little place is located west of Phoenix right by the I-10 freeway and is in the middle of no-where almost at the California border. Once in Quartzite we decided to try a new location from other years. When we come out here we like to camp out in the free areas and live off the land. As you may recall from past posts this is called Boondocking. No hookups, no campsite or RV Park just parking and living in the middle of no-where in this case the desert.

R&R in the desert.

For those reading this wondering why we do such a thing I suggest you give it a try. It is quiet, peaceful, fun and free! Just make sure to register with the Camp Host if there is one. This time we found a nice spot a few miles south of Quartzite along the west side of Highway 95. Someone who had camped here before had marked off a nice little driveway with rocks and left us a nicely built campfire ring.

We spent three great nights here. I think it is safe to say I like this location more than Barb does. We both really enjoyed the peacefulness though and oh… did I mention it’s free so it sure helps the budget!

As usual when we are here I went into town and wandered around the many booths and businesses. The booths are leftovers from Quartzite’s annual event where thousands upon thousands of RV’s come each January. During this event they come to go out and camp in the desert. Some do as we do and just relax enjoying nature and others bring their 4x4’s, Jeeps and ATV’s to explore all the desert has to offer out here.

This year seemed a lot quieter than usual knowing we weren’t there for the big annual January extravaganza.  I would like to see that event, maybe next year? This event has one of the biggest Flea Market areas you have likely ever seen. Add to that RV Dealers and parts are everywhere. Lots to see and lots to do. I like looking for good deals.

I heard from a couple of sources this time that some in the town are a little less than excited about this event and are not so RV or Camper friendly making it hard for the Exhibitors and Booths. I would think it’s the biggest thing to hit their town every year and good for all the businesses. I’ve also heard and read that some Exhibitors won’t be coming back so it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

Quartzite is a bit of a quirky little town. I’m sure the recent downturn in the economy hasn’t helped them either. Reading the local paper is always fun to see what some are saying in their letters to the Editor. It seems they are still having problems with their Town Council, the Police and others. Whether their complaints are factual and to be believed is another story. Who knows? Time will tell.

After our three nights we headed south down Highway 95 towards Yuma. Barb had found a place to stop and do some more Boondocking. It’s a bit north of Yuma and called Mittry Lake. Once we turned west along another roadway at the Military Proving Grounds we were able to actually see these Yuma Military Proving Grounds this time. 

This is a great place to test military vehicles equipment and even rockets. I’m sure there are lots of other things being tested here that we don’t know about. They have been located here for several decades. In fact in the same general area has proving grounds for General Motors and I think Ford is down here too. The desert’s terrain, temperatures and everything that goes with all that is sure to test even the best equipment to their limits!

Note the moon in the sky, a beautiful night!

Time Lapse photo taken in total darkness with the light of the moon.