Experience Colorful Quartzsite at 88 Shades RV Park
For most of the year, the roughly 3,000 residents of Quartzsite bask in the laid-back atmosphere of this desert paradise on Interstate 10 close to the California border. But in the winter, the vibe changes significantly: the cold weather brings nearly a quarter of a million travelers to the Arizona town for a legendary array of retail shows, arts & crafts events, and flea markets.
Make the most out of your Quartzsite adventure by staying at 88 Shades RV Park in the heart of town on Arizona State Route 95. Stay during the significant Quartzsite events — including the Desert Gardens Annual International Rock, Gem & Mineral Show and Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show — or enjoy the off months of tranquility.
Silica glassware on display. Photo: Chris English.
Big, Big Shows
If you’re shopping for an RV accessory or simply want to peruse new RV innovations, the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show has you covered. Under a long tent, the show features rows of RV vendors showcasing their wares, from solar panel makers to insurance providers.
The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show. Photo: Quartzsite Productions.
Beyond the RV event, the desert terrain buzzes with exhibitors displaying glittering gems and exotic rocks. Desert Gardens Annual International Rock, Gem &Mineral Show has more than 150 purveyors of precious minerals on exhibit for sale. Broaden your horizons at Tyson Wells, where a Sell-A-Rama and Arts and Crafts Fair may tempt you to empty your wallet.
A classic car show, along with live entertainment, will round out the event.
Surrounding Fun
Winter isn’t the only time of year to visit Quartzsite. The surrounding Sonoran landscape is a giant playground for outdoor recreation, with scores of dedicated hiking, biking, and ATV trails.
Prickly pear blossoms in the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Spirituscanis
The town is also near Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Cibola National Wildlife Refuge, Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, and Palm Canyon.
To the north of Quartzsite, hikers can explore an area that General George S. Patton once used as a training ground for his U.S. Army troops during World War II.
Just 35 miles to the north, the town of Parker sits right on the Colorado River and is a great launching point for boating and jet skiing adventures. Navigate the Parker Strip along the river and find an outfitter for renting a watercraft. To the north, Buckskin Mountain State Park is a paradise for fishing and boating.
An ATV trail near 88 Shades RV Park. Photo courtesy of 88 Shades RV Park.
Cool Camping
Studded with palm and fruit trees and fostering a welcoming spirit, 88 Shades RV Park offers all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. Each of the park’s 270 spaces has full hookups powered by 30—and 50-amp electricity. The roomy sites accommodate slideouts, and several pull-through sites are offered. Cable TV and internet are available at each site.
The park’s rec hall features a library and activities for guests. Play shuffleboard or let your dog loose in the “off-leash area.” Top-notch lapidary (stone cutting and polishing) equipment is available for guests, and weekly classes help aspiring stone workers hone their skills.
Tend to your RV at the oil changing station or RV wash. Most importantly, relax in a “family” atmosphere that makes guests feel at home — even when the area’s population swells to 250,000.
Make reservations at 88 Shades RV Park, 928-927-6336.
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