Understanding Quartzsite’s Long-term Visitor Areas

Above, camping in Quartzsite last April. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the past few years, I have camped in Quartzsite, Arizona three times. Each time it was with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. But those weren't BLM sites. The most recent time was last April.

RV Travel has posted an article on understanding Quartzsite's long-term visitor areas and what snowbirders can expect to pay for camping during the winter.

They begin it with:

If you’re thinking about an extended stay in the snowbirding capital of the world—Quartzsite, Arizona—the Bureau of Land Management’s Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) are not only a budget-friendly choice, they are, at least in my opinion, an essential part of the authentic Quartzsite RV experience.

To read the full article, go here. 

RV Snowbird Destinations In New Mexico

Above, a view from the Las Cruces KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It seems that most websites that discuss the best states for winter snowbirds to go to by-pass New Mexico.

However, there are some places in the state that are suited for snowbirds. RV Life has posted an article on three of the best snowbird destinations. I've been to two of them.

They begin with:

New Mexico’s beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mild winters makes it snowbird’s paradise. If you’re looking for an RV snowbird destination that lets you enjoy both outdoor activities and peaceful retreats without feeling too hot or too crowded, this southwestern state might be for you.

However, New Mexico hasn’t garnered a lot of attention as a destination for snowbirds. This is largely because its mountainous terrain tends to be cooler than Florida, Texas, or Southern California. With that being said, average daytime temperatures in January (southern New Mexico’s coldest month) hover in the mid 50s in most regions. Although this isn’t T-shirt weather, it’s still mild enough that there’s no need to retreat indoors because it’s too hot to do anything outside. And outside is where it’s at in New Mexico. In winter, you can enjoy a wealth of activities in the Southern region of this state. wealth of outdoor activities that include sight-seeing, hiking, golf, taking in art and culture, and a whole lot more.

By the way, New Mexico’s culture is rooted in its indigenous and Mexican heritages. As a result, the southern part of the state boasts a rich heritage that’s evident in its historical sites and unique art to check out. In addition, the Southern part of New Mexico boasts great restaurant and entertainment options. 

To read more, go here. 

Reasons To (and Not) Camp In Quartzsite

Above, camping in Quartzsite in 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Every winter, Quartzsite, Arizona draws many snowbirds to camp. I have camped there twice with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. I've had a good time each time I did.

RV Travel has posted an article giving seven reasons to RV in Quartzsite and three reasons not to. 

They start it with:

Every winter scores of RVers flock to Quartzsite, Arizona. In the video below, Bob Wells from Cheap RV Living gives seven reasons why he thinks it is a good idea to go to Quartzsite in the winter, and he does recommend it. Ever the realist, he does balance out the advice with three reasons why a visit to the RV mecca that is Quartzsite might not be right for you, as well.

To read more and see the video, go here. 

$600 To Boondock On BLM Land?

 

Summary:

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a large increase in fees for winter camping in Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Arizona. We have all the details. 

The BLM will host two virtual public information sessions about the proposals at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Yuma Field Office will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; an in-person public meeting in Quartzsite on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 1:00-3:00 p.m.; and two public information sessions on Nov. 6 at Imperial Dam LTVA and Nov. 20 in Quartzsite from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Public meetings are interactive where attendees are invited to ask questions and provide comments. Information sessions are presentations where attendees can learn about planned updates from BLM experts. 

Find the links for the virtual meetings here: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-...

You can provide comment on this draft business plan by emailing BLM_AZ_YFOWEB@blm.gov with the subject line "LTVA Fee Proposal Comment" or by delivering/mailing comments to:

BLM Yuma Field Office

7341 E 30th St, Suite A

Yuma, AZ 85365

30 Ridiculously Beautiful Places In Arizona

Above, Tucson district of Saguaro National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now is the time to visit Arizona. The temperatures during fall are moderating and by going now, you'll beat the influx of snowbirds (RVers from northern and colder climates) and get a campsite.

Travel Lens has posted an article on 30 "ridiculously" beautiful places to visit in Arizona.

They begin it with:

Arizona, often dubbed the Grand Canyon State, is a mosaic of contrasting landscapes and cultures. From its sprawling deserts to snow-capped peaks, the state offers a unique blend of natural wonders, historical significance, and cultural richness.

To see what they are, go here. 

RV Driving Routes of Snowbirds

Above, the Cedar City, Utah KOA off Interstate 15. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wintertime is fast approaching. In fact, even though it is mid-autumn here in New Mexico, it is forecast that we may get snow showers tomorrow night.

Many people who live in the northern half of the U.S. head south for the winter, just like birds. There's several north-south routes they take to head into the sunbelt. These folks are referred to as snowbirds.

RV Life has an article on the primary north-south routes snowbirds take to warmer winter climates. I have traveled on some of them, such as Interstates 5, 15, 25 and others.

They begin it with:

Snowbirds migrate from the northern reaches of the continent to the Sun Belt when the weather starts to get cold and snowy, just like millions of actual birds that migrate back and forth ever year. And just like the flocks of birds that follow familiar routes, RV snowbirds tend to make this journey on a few well-traveled arterials.

To read more, go here. 

8 Southwest Towns You Need To Visit

Above, a view of Las Cruces, New Mexico from the hilltop KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Winter is here and if one has an RV to escape the cold northern climates, the Southwest is ideal.

There are plenty of places to see and things to do in the Southwest and Do It Yourself RV has an article describing 8 Southwest towns to visit during winter. Of those eight towns, I've been to several of them, with two of them in recent months.

They begin with:

One of the best parts about having a home-on-wheels is the freedom to head south for year-round sunshine. The southwest draws in thousands of snowbirds every year for good reason: the daytime temperatures stay pleasantly warm all winter and there is tons to see and do.

So instead of driving on the dangerous icy roads this winter, take your RV south for the season. These towns in Arizona and New Mexico have some amazing attractions as well as RV parks and campgrounds nearby.

To read more, go here. 

Dispersed Camping In Arizona

Above, The Beast at Ashurst Lake dispersed campground last July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, about 40 of us of the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus did some dry camping the the dispersed campground of Ashurst Lake in Arizona near Flagstaff. 

Do It Yourself RV has an article on "snowbirding" in Arizona's dispersed campgrounds and how to find them.

They wrote:

Fall is the time of year when snowbirds begin to flock south in their RVs in search of warmer weather. Dispersed camping in Arizona is the choice for many that make the annual pilgrimage. With nearly 42% of the state being public land, dispersed camping in Arizona is easy.

Dispersed camping, known as boondocking to RVers, is permitted across the state and not limited to the desert area many visualize when they think of dispersed camping in Arizona.

While most associate the town of Quartzsite, located in the Sonoran Desert, when someone mentions dispersed camping in Arizona, dispersed camping opportunities also exist along the lofty north rim of the Grand Canyon, the forested flanks of 12,637-foot Humphreys Peak, and the Chiricahua Mountains just north of the US-Mexico border. The reality is, dispersed camping in Arizona is a year-round opportunity as there are many climates and ecosystems to enjoy among the thousands of dispersed campsites available.

Above, Ashurst Lake dispersed campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

RVing In The Desert Southwest

Above, The Beast dry camping at the Chiriaco Summit Campground behind the Gen. Patton Memorial Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many people from the northern parts of the country head down into the Southwest during the winter months in their RVs. These people are known as "snowbirds".

While the climate in the southwestern deserts is warmer, there are some things that people should be aware of.

A couple experienced wintering in the deserts of the Southwest and have learned a few things and Do It Yourself RV has their story.

It begins with:

This is my third winter living full-time with my husband in our RV. Like most full-timers, we choose to spend the colder months in a warm climate. For the first two years, that meant wintering in the Desert Southwest. 

As native New Englanders, we didn’t have experience living in this part of the United States.

Our expectations included blowing sand and scorching temperatures. We also thought of all the rattlesnakes and giant scorpions that would surely be around every corner.

Thankfully, those expectations turned out to be mostly wrong (well…there was that one rattlesnake). Instead, we found a comfortable climate, perfect for our RVing adventures. 

Since our first winter there, we’ve learned a lot about RVing in the desert. Here are the top five most surprising things we figured out along the way.

To read more, go here. 

Popular Snowbird Winter Destinations

Above, Crazy Horse Campground at Lake Havasu, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who live in northern latitudes and colder climates and who have RVs will head to southern and warmer climates during the winter are called "snowbirds".

Do It Yourself RV has an article on eight places that are favorites of snowbirds.

They begin with:

Every winter, many full timers avoid the cold weather by heading to areas like the southwest and sandy beaches of Florida.  Being able to follow the sun is one of the best advantages of having a home on wheels—you can stay at the perfect temperature all year and not have to deal with winter camping problems. 

If you’re driving south for the season, check out these popular destinations for snowbirds.  You’ll find plenty of RV parks, things to do, and sunshine all the way until next spring.

 To see what they are, go here.