Quartzsite is located in Western Arizona only 20 miles east of the Colorado River. It is the Gem of La Paz County and a favorite oasis in the southeastern part of the Mojave Desert.
In 1856 a settler named Charles Tyson discovered a water source at the current location of Quartzsite. He built a small fort to protect his water from attacks by local Native Americans and the fort eventually immerged into a stagecoach rest-stop for the Ehrenburg-to-Prescott line. The location was called Tyson’s Wells and continued to operate until the stagecoach ceased its service through the area. A small mining boom brought miners to the area in 1897 and the town was reestablished as Quartzsite.
The small town
Quartzsite is located in Western Arizona only 20 miles east of the Colorado River. It is the Gem of La Paz County and a favorite oasis in the southeastern part of the Mojave Desert.
In 1856 a settler named Charles Tyson discovered a water source at the current location of Quartzsite. He built a small fort to protect his water from attacks by local Native Americans and the fort eventually immerged into a stagecoach rest-stop for the Ehrenburg-to-Prescott line. The location was called Tyson’s Wells and continued to operate until the stagecoach ceased its service through the area. A small mining boom brought miners to the area in 1897 and the town was reestablished as Quartzsite.
The small town now plays host to over a million visitors each year and most of them flock to Quartzsite in January and February in search of that coveted mineral sample to add to their ever-growing collections. Most visitors come via their RV and the area features a host of Quartzsite RV Parks and Campgrounds to choose from.
Quartzsite is host to nine annual major gem shows and there are 15 general swap meets scattered throughout the calendar year. The first event took place in 1965 when the Pow Wow Rock, Gem and Mineral Show selected Quartzsite as its home. Word spread quickly about the amazing mineral samples one could acquire in Quartzsite and soon it was known throughout the world as “The” place to go for fantastic rocks, gems and minerals at very reasonable prices.
The annual gem shows and the frequent flea markets feature over 2,000 vendors selling everything imaginable in a single location while snowbirds, collectors and mineral enthusiasts including highly regarded members of the scientific community flock to the area. This makes a Quartzsite RV Camping experience one of the most unique adventures one could conceive.
Though not known for its cuisine, the town does have some very good eateries that cater to travelers to and through the area all year long. With the Colorado River only 20 miles away, the town will often host visitors looking for a break from the exhilarating yet tiring experience of river recreation.
Space can become a premium during January and February, so make you reservation early at a Quartzsite RV Park and enjoy your search for that exquisite or unusual rock or gem you’ve been looking for.
Show More