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GuidePlomosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area
It's Dispersed Camping 🤙🤟🔥 Got to cold in the mountains, had to get to the Desert 🤙
Dispersed Camping near Quartzsite, AZ
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Thousands of RVers and campers set up in the desert around Quartzsite each winter, taking advantage of the free dispersed camping on BLM land. Dome Rock Road camping area has plenty of space to spread out, with nothing but basic rock fire rings and no facilities whatsoever. You'll need to bring everything with you and follow Leave No Trace practices while staying here. Hi Jolly BLM area sits a few miles north of town on flat ground that works well for any camping setup. Like other dispersed sites near Quartzsite, there's no water or bathrooms, so come prepared with all supplies. BLM rules limit stays to 14 days, after which you must move at least 25 miles away. Many roads to camping spots require higher clearance vehicles, and some become difficult to navigate after rain. Watch for wildlife in the desert and store food properly to prevent unwanted visitors to your camp. During dry periods, fire bans often go into effect, so check current rules before planning to have a campfire. While camping feels remote, you're typically just 10-15 minutes from Quartzsite for ice, water, and other necessities. Keep your camp away from washes and main roads for both safety and to protect the desert. The night skies here are incredibly dark, perfect for stargazing after sunset. Since there are no marked sites, you can pick any spot that looks good as long as it's in the designated dispersed areas. From Quartzsite, you can make day trips to the Colorado River about 20 miles away or explore other parts of the desert. Make sure your vehicle and camping setup can handle off-grid conditions, and always leave your site better than you found it.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Quartzsite (56)
1. La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
"Dispersed camping for a nominal fee ($40 for 14 days; $180 for 7 months from Sept 15-April 15; free during the summer months) and just 4 miles outside of town."
"First time camping on BLM land and we like it. Plenty of wide open space, you can camp near the entrance or far back in the area depending on your preferences."
Check Availabilityfrom $2 / night
2. Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area
"Free dispersed camping, about 3 miles north of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."
"Stay up to 14 days on flat gravel. Some man made fire pits. Highway noise not to bad, just park further in. Plenty of space and cell tower nearby"
3. Plomosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area
"Free dispersed camping, about 4 miles north of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."
"This is my go-to spot when coming to Quartzsite each winter."
4. Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area
"Free dispersed camping, about 2 miles outside of Quartzsite, with no services available, but lots of space and beautiful views of surrounding mountains."
"It is a 14 day dispersed site. I found a nice level site with campfire pit not too far from the host site about halfway down Dome Rock road."
5. Quartzite - La Posa
"We stayed on this BLM land during the Quartzsite RV & Sports Show in January. The fee is $40 for 14 days."
"THIS was my first time here in Quartzsite,Az. I stayed at La Posa South. It has been awesome!"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $180 / night
6. Plomosa Road
"Driving out watch out for washes/dips. It’s very level solids ground with some rock fire pits scattered around. Very quiet, I have heard a few coyotes this morning."
"We boondocked for 10 nights in a large fifth wheel here in December. We wanted to explore the area, but the areas closer to Quartzite were a bit too crowded for our taste."
7. Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area
"During the day, there were several off road vehicles the drove by as where we camped was just off the dirt road so you may want to pull off the road as far as possible since it's very dusty."
"This camping area is one of 5 BLM free 14d dispersed camping areas in the Q area. Host on site to issue free permits but not sure why?"
8. Scaddan Wash
"Scaddan Wash is a 14 day camping area with NO amenities. Very close to town for everything you need though."
"We camped in Scaddan Wash area near Quartzsite AZ a couple times, once in late December 2020 and then again in late January into early February 2021. This is a HUGE BLM area."
9. Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area
"Out here there are gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, fabulous sunrise/sunset, and plenty of desert flora. Camping is free."
"Quartzsite is a Boondocker's dream. There are countless BLM camping options all around the area. The scaddan wash is located off mitchell mine road which is a dirt road."
10. La Posa West BLM Long Term Visitor Area
"Dispersed camping for a nominal fee ($40 for 14 days; $180 for 7 months from Sept 15-April 15; free during the summer months) and just 1 mile outside of town, though you cannot hear either Interstate 10"
"Dispersed camping for a nominal fee ($40 for 14 days; $180 for 7 months from Sept 15-April 15; free during the summer months) and just 2.5 miles out of town."
Check Availabilityfrom $2 / night
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Yuma, AZ
- 1 hr 20 min from Lake Havasu City, AZ
- 1 hr 49 min from Phoenix, AZ
- 1 hr 56 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Quartzsite, AZ
235 Photos of 56 Quartzsite Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Scaddan Wash
Tyson Street - North Quartzite
Boyer Rd Dispersed Camping
La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Areas
Quartzite - La Posa
La Posa West BLM Long Term Visitor Area
Hi Jolly dispersed campground
Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area
Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area
La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA)
Dome Rock Road Camp
Plomosa RoadM
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Quartzsite, AZ
259 Reviews of 56 Quartzsite Campgrounds
- DDoug W.
ScoutVicksburg Pit Rd BLM
It’s a great spot.
- RRichard M.Guide
Quartzite - La Posa
Ok everyone. I'm at Tyson Wash just across the hwy from Laposa South. Weather is perfect. No wind, no rain and it feels like about 75°f today. This is my first time at the "Q" and I'm liking it!. Not too crowded yet but you're not alone either. The rate is still $180 from Sept to April.
FiftysevenNine T.GuidePlomosa Road
Six miles from town
Anywhere along Plomosa probably won't ever be as crowded as LTVA, as I boondocked here in October and January.
It's decent, uneventful land for free use. Be autonomous.
- EErich T.Scout
La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Areas
Roads a bit rough after 2026 flooding.
Fa B.GuideKofa Queen Canyon
Best in the summer if you can manage the heat
It’s a ghost town in the summer because of the obvious but the evenings and nights here are worth it. No one was there when we were, but it gets packed off-season, of course.
I much prefer the summer.
- DDustin H.Scout
Patton's Pad
Free and quite spot
Dirt road access but worked with our 25ft RV
- JJohn R.
LegendHippie Hole Camping Area
Best boondocking.
They cleared the river side and created more sites. Can't get better boondocking. Vault toilets, did not use. Trash cans. Great beaches.
- RRon V.
TravelerVicksburg Pit Rd BLM
Lots of sites, very few campers, quiet and very dark nights
There were many sites, all unmarked except for fire rings, so you have to keep your eyes open as you drive around. We found a spot well away from the few other campers—no one within sight or earshot. The desert revealed a quiet, understated beauty, with jagged hills rising in the distance, wide-open views, and silent, pitch-black nights when the moon is not out. Would definitely come here again.
Guide to Quartzsite
Dispersed camping near Quartzsite, Arizona centers primarily around seven major Bureau of Land Management areas that accommodate thousands of winter visitors annually. Located in the Sonoran Desert at approximately 879 feet elevation, the area features rocky desert terrain with sparse vegetation dominated by creosote bush, ocotillo and scattered saguaro cacti. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F.
What to do
Explore Quinn Pass trail system: Access rugged 4WD trails from Plomosa Road camping area that lead to historic mining sites. "I've camped in the Polmosa Rd. BLM area several times during the past three years... We stayed between the nudist area and family... We spent a few days the first week of January 2021 in that area. I found several nice agates while hiking there," notes camper Dee S. at Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
Visit nearby mining ghost towns: Take day trips to the old mining communities outside Quartzsite. "Exploring the desert and rockhounding thru old mines is perfect from this road," recommends Jayne N. about camping at Plomosa Road. The area's rich mining history provides opportunities for rockhounding enthusiasts.
Attend seasonal events: January through March features gem shows, swap meets, and RV gatherings. "You GOTTA visit the annual Quartzite RV Show!!! Lots of Camping & RV stuff plus Hundreds of other vendors. We spend at least a week here in mid-late January every year. Meet old friends from around the country or make new ones," shares Bob & Ramona F. from La Posa West BLM Long Term Visitor Area.
What campers like
Dark night skies: Areas farther from highways offer exceptional stargazing conditions. "Plenty of room, easy to access with our 42' fifth wheel. Close enough to 95 to be convenient but far enough away to have nice star viewing and no noise from the freeway," reports Austin from Plomosa Road.
Community gatherings: Many BLM areas host informal social events during winter months. "We stay in the Magic Circle clothes optional area... Inside the Magic Circle, there is a group use tent that offers things such as dances, yoga, bingo, meetings and other things," explains Semi H. at La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area.
Winter climate: Mild temperatures attract snowbirds seeking relief from northern winters. "60's-70's during the day, high 30's to 50 at night. Can be windy. A lot of campers, but there's plenty of room," notes David Y. about Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area. Many winter visitors stay for weeks or months before heading north when temperatures rise.
What you should know
Variable cell service: Coverage differs between camping areas and providers. "I have T-mobile service and phone was good, but data was painfully slow," reports Larry B. about Plomosa Road. Another camper at Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area noted, "No facilities but good cell reception."
Pay fees where required: LTVA areas charge for extended stays while 14-day areas are free. "Pay your fees. They have to pay to truck in the water and dump the gray water and trash... If you steal from the place, they most likely will arrest you," warns Rick M. about La Posa South. Fees are typically $40 for 14 days or $180 for the entire 7-month winter season.
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from paved to rough dirt tracks. "To get there you have to drive on a Dome Rock Rd (terrible) that hasn't been maintained in a very long time. Most people actually drive on the shoulder which is smoother," advises Berton M. about Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Choose locations with easy access to town: Areas closest to Quartzsite provide quicker trips for supplies. "Not a bad area and very convenient for a stop over... Stayed the night between Joshua Tree and Phoenix. Road is fairly decent, a little rocky," mentions Greg C. about Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
Watch for desert hazards: Pets and children need protection from cacti and thorns. "Great place to walk and explore but if you have a dog, please keep them close as there are a LOT of cactus and big thorns everywhere. Our dog got wrapped up in some and it was quite the moment but he's OK," warns Pinkie K. about Road Runner BLM.
Bring bikes for kids: The flat terrain offers safe riding opportunities. "We brought our son's bike and we were glad we did. Lots of places to ride and gave him something to do," shares the same reviewer about their experience at Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Register with camp hosts: Many areas require check-in even when free. "The sign at the entrance that list a few of the rules of the area. There's a time limit on how many days you can stay; I think its 14 but not sure," explains Berton M. about Scaddan Wash.
Pack extra water: Even areas with water access may experience outages. "While water is potable, it's salinated, so I don't drink it. Fill my tank to use for dishes, flushing, etc," advises Kathy B. about La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area. Most campers bring drinking water from town.
Respect spacing norms: Different areas have different density patterns. "This desert BLM is awesome! Affordable. Trash and water available and lots of space to camp and roam the desert," reports Nathan K. about La Posa South. Areas further from town typically provide more space between campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boondocking free in Quartzsite, AZ and what are the rules?
Is boondocking free in Quartzsite, AZ and what are the rules?
Boondocking options in Quartzsite vary by location and season. The Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area offers 14 days of free camping with a simple sign-in process with the camp host. For longer stays, La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) charges $40 for 14 days or $180 for 7 months (September 15-April 15), but becomes free during summer months. Common rules include a 14-day maximum stay at free sites, proper waste disposal (pack it in, pack it out), maintaining reasonable distances between campsites, and restrictions on resource collection. Fire regulations vary seasonally, and campers must sign in with hosts who enforce these guidelines.
Where are the BLM dispersed camping areas in Quartzsite, Arizona?
Where are the BLM dispersed camping areas in Quartzsite, Arizona?
Quartzsite offers several BLM dispersed camping areas. The Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area and Plomosa Road are two of the five 14-day Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in the vicinity. Additional options include Hi Jolly, La Posa areas (North, South, West), and Dome Rock. Most sites are accessible via maintained dirt roads and offer flat, open spaces ideal for all types of camping setups. These areas are typically located within a few miles of town, making them convenient bases for exploring the region while maintaining the peaceful desert experience that draws so many to Quartzsite.
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Quartzsite?
What is the best time of year for dispersed camping in Quartzsite?
Winter (November through March) is prime time for dispersed camping in Quartzsite, with pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 65-75°F and cool nights. January and February are particularly popular when Quartzite - La Posa and other areas fill with RVers attending the famous Quartzsite RV Show and gem shows. The Hippie Hole Camping Area and other sites offer stunning desert views and clear stargazing during this season. Summer months (May through September) bring extreme temperatures often exceeding 100°F, making camping challenging though possible for well-prepared visitors. This off-season period offers maximum solitude and free camping at LTVAs, but requires serious heat management strategies and ample water supplies.
What amenities are available at Quartzsite dispersed camping areas?
What amenities are available at Quartzsite dispersed camping areas?
Quartzsite dispersed camping areas offer minimal amenities, which is typical of boondocking. At La Posa North BLM Long Term Visitor Areas, you'll find basic services including pit toilets, water fill stations, and dump stations. Most areas have camp hosts on site who can provide information about local events and rules. The Kofa National Wildlife Refuge - Crystal Hill Free Campsites and other free 14-day areas typically have no amenities—no water, trash service, or toilets. Cell signal ranges from fair to good across most sites. Campers should arrive self-contained with all necessary supplies, including water, food, and waste management solutions. Quartzsite town is nearby for resupplying.
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