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First Winter snowbirding & boondocking


aduecker

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I'm headed to Arizona in October to spend my first Winter away from Michigan. I'm setup for boondocking and have been living in my rig for the past several months in a local campground while I finish up work before I resign in October.

My question is about best location for a first timer. I don't mind neighbors, in fact would welcome some experienced folks not real far away while I'm learning the ropes. Been looking at Imperial dam area in Yuma or Quartzsite. Not looking to move around a lot and am fine with the LTVA's. Just don't wanna crowd anybody but don't need the miles of solitute some seem to want either.

 

Any recommendations for an area to start? Somewhere where green horns are welcome, (or at least tolerated) and reasonable distances to water and dump stations?

 

Thanks,

 

Andy

 

 

 

 

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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Welcome! Both places are good for 'beginners'. You can have neighbors as close or far as you want - in October. However, come January you might have closer ones because they'll start arriving. Folks are pretty considerate though and won't crowd you.

 

We've boondocked at both but not long-term so not familiar with the dump/water at Imperial Dam. We usually spend two weeks and move on, dumping at the next stop. At Quartzsite there's a nicely laid out facility right on Hwy 95 just north of I-10 called the Pit Stop - water, propane, dump. It can be very busy. There are a couple small nice groceries in town also and major ones not too far away.

 

Have a great winter!

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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The LTVA's in Quartzite all share the water and dump at La Posa South so I would start there. $180 for the season and they don't take credit cards so come with cash or check. The Pit Stop is fine for those boon docking free outside the LTVAs where they have to move every 14 days but I think if you do the math you will find that more expensive for the long term--not sure about that, though, so you do need to check the math based on how often you think you'll need to dump. My tanks were small enough that I could rarely make it 14 days anyway but I still preferred the convenience of La Posa South. We liked to park where we could see the dump line from camp to help decide when to go get in line.

 

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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I agree with Linda....I think you would like Quartzsite. Amazingly there is plenty to see and do there and you can be as close or far from people as you like. We have stayed on the east , south and north sectors and they are all pretty much the same. We prefer the free2 week stay areas as we move around frquently but the long term areas are nice.

 

Generally when we boondock we can get roughly 2 weeks out of our fresh water and holding tanks. Then we will move into an RV park for a night to dump, fill the water tank, do laundry and maybe go out to supper. Nect morning we go back out to the desert . Works pretty well for us.

 

We have a motorhome and pull a pickup with a RZR on the back. We love exploring the desert with the RZR and it gets us back to the canyons and such where we can rockhound to our hearts content. What a life! Got to love it. Maybe we will see you there this winter?

<p>....JIM and LINDA......2001 American Eagle 40 '.towing a GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 with RZR in the rear. 1999 JEEP Cherokee that we tow as well.

IT IS A CONTENTED MAN WHO CAN APPRECIATE THE SCENERY ALONG A DETOUR.

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We have spent a lot of time at Senator Wash at Imperial Dam. It is a wonderful place and easy to find a spot as near or as far from others as you would like. Water, dump and garbage area is top notch and easy to access. There are also plenty of activities, such as group hikes, bike riding, kayaking, Sunday jam sessions, Group Thanksgiving meals, aerobics, yoga and a great church nearby with choir and services. Not to mention the full moon dog burns. We missed it last year and can't wait to return this winter.

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Thanks everyone for all the replies and info. I'm thinking I'll start at Imperial Dam - Senator Wash -South Mesa areas as I'm an avid fisherman/kayaker. If I understand correctly, the $180 permit is good at all LTVA areas so moving between them is no additional cost. I plan on being in Quartzsite in January for the big show and a couple get-togethers. Then I'll decide where to spend the remaining time until I head up to Washington State in the Spring.

Such a great group of folks here. Thanks again any and all for your replies.

 

Andy

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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If I understand correctly, the $180 permit is good at all LTVA areas so moving between them is no additional cost.

That's correct. And you don't have to stop at the guard shack at Q if you already have your permit. They mostly only check it at the dump and sometimes the trash bins.

 

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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Spent this last winter at both Yuma and Quartzsite. It was wonderful both places. was at yuma from Oct. to Dec. then the Q from Jan to March. neither place was super crowded, although during the big tent deal , Q. filled up quite a bit. Once you get off the paved section at Yuma, the spaces open up considerably. Same at Quartzsite.

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Thanks again everyone for the info and 4905 doc for the pics. I actually did a one day trip to Quartzsite during the RV show in 2012. I just flew into Phoenix and dorove a rental car out for the day. That's my only time there so I've never stayed... yet.

 

Like I said earlier, I just don't want to step on anyone's toes. The word is try to use a spot that's "already been used". My fear is that I'll pick a spot only to find out it's a spot that some regular annual visitor uses every year and I'll have to move. Obviously, I won't park where someone has "stuff" and is obviously camped there, and are just away on a water or grocery run.

 

Jimalberta, I'll definately be at thr Q during the big show & hoping to attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous as well. Would welcome the opportunity to meet other Escapees while I'm there.

 

Andy

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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I spent two weeks during February, 2014 at Senator Wash (Imperial Dam). A log of the stay starts here, with photos of the campground on day 13. I had a great time, and highly recommend the location. You can be as close (or as far) from your neighbors (as well as from the fresh water & dump stations) as you want.

150150.jpg.30f49e1e712c4af11a1e8f523a24f5d1.jpg

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Thanks vermile. great photos and I'll definetly read up on your posts. Thanks also 4905 doc, glad to know I'm not gonna be in trouble with the locals over turf. :D

Can't wait. Over 6 years of planning and only about 40 days until I end one longtime lifestyle to begin a brand new one.

 

Andy

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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Yes, keep in mind that as you're looking for that best parking spot and you see a 'boundary' marked with stones, that was a to-do project from the previous occupant but it definitely does not mean 'it's taken' the following year by the same occupant. There are no assigned spaces and you'll definitely not have to move. Have a good winter!

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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hoping to attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous as well. Would welcome the opportunity to meet other Escapees while I'm there.

If you go to the RTR be sure to attend their 10 am classes. Lots of good information there.

 

SKPs have a gathering two afternoons the week before the tent show (I think) where you can learn where other SKP groups are camped if you want to meet more of them. Drive east on Kuehn Road until you see the big SKP sign. Easy to find as they are right alongside the road. And you'll be going down that road anyway to the RTR if the timing is right for that.

 

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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Thank you 2gypsies and Linda. More helpful information. I was hoping someone would point me to the SKP camps. I'll plan on going to the 10 am classes at RTR also.

 

Thanks a bunch.

 

Andy

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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I think you will find SKP's just about everywhere around Quartzsite :)

 

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I was watching some youtube videos about camping at Senator's Wash and it shows rigs right near the waters edge. Is that open LTVA camping or are those restricted in some way? Looking to launch my kayak without having to pay the day use fees at the boat launch if possible. Also, I've heard they accept both California & Arizona fishing licenses. Does anyone know it that's true? The non-resident of Arizona is about half the price of the non-resident California license. (I'm not cheap, I'm just needing to be frugal).

 

Thanks so much for any and all comments and advice.

 

Andy

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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The magazine and escapees site (chapters and BoF sections) should both have rally info for the winter season and any Q get-togethers.

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Boomers will be at Scadden Wash in Q the for two weeks at the start of the RV Show. Drive to the end of the paved south frontage road, turn right on the gravel road and go about 2 miles to the big bend in the road. About 100 + rigs will be parked on the right at the curve a little ways off the road. You don't have to be a certain age to join the Boomers. It's a fun-loving group and they have a lot of neat activities each gathering. Happy hour is at 4pm daily. You'd be welcomed.

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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Thanks so much everyone for all the great information. My kayak is inflatable and therefore lightweight so I'll find some way to get it to the water!

1996 Jayco Designer 3310 RL SS 5th Wheel. 1996 Ford F350 Crew Cab DRW.

Blog: rvadventurebound.com

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There's a yacht club in Quartzsite. No lake or river but exchange privileges with other yacht clubs I'm told. Might be a good deal if you want to camp at other yacht clubs. I have no personal knowledge of this, only rumors, but i do see the Q yacht club hats around.

 

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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We, too, hope to boondock in this area---maybe not this winter, but next for sure. The info given so far is wonderfully informative. Like Andy, we were hesitant to just "show up" and try to fit in-----not knowing the routine, the protocal or the etiquette of boondocking here.

 

Thanks for the tips and keep 'em coming!

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