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Quartzsite AZ: Visiting this Quirky Desert Town

Written by elizabeth rose, arizona | destinations | outdoor travel | road trips | travel, wander with wonder contains affiliate links and is a member of the amazon services llc associates program. if you make a purchase using one of these amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. see our disclosure policy for more information..

Out in the middle of nowhere—between Phoenix and the California border—you’ll find a quirky little desert town named Quartzsite. The town is filled with quirky:

• The population of 3,700 swells to two million each winter
• One of the main attractions in Quartzsite is a little cemetery with a monument to a Syrian camel driver
• People come from near and far to check out the annual swap meet full of rocks, minerals, and oddities
• Folks gladly put down $49.99 for a yacht club membership, even though there are no boats in the middle of the desert
• More recently, the little desert town figures prominently in the Academy-award-winning movie, Nomadland ?

Quartzsite, AZ is just off I-10 about two hours west of Phoenix, and it’s now famous. Here are some of my favorite things about the quirky desert town of Quartzsite, AZ.

Quartzsite, the crazy place in the middle of nowhere on the way to somewhere. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

What's in This Article:

Quartzsite AZ and Nomadland Sites

Quartzsite entrepreneurs are gearing up for the 2021-2022 winter season. They have crazy ideas for Nomadland souvenirs. Vendors are preparing for an influx of visitors who are interested in visiting places where Nomadland , the award-winning saga, was filmed.

Nomadland , starring Frances McDormand and based on the book by Jessica Bruder , chronicles the wanderings of Fern, a 61-year-old widow who loses everything during a recession. She decides to live in a van, hit the road, and eventually join with a group of like-minded nomads who camp in the Arizona desert. This is where Quartzsite plays an important part.

If you watched Nomadland, you’ll definitely want to stop for a visit to see the quirky little desert town that was featured in the film.

In the movie, Fern joins an annual gathering of nomads—the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous—in the Quartzsite area desert south of I-10. The tribal gathering is run by Bob Wells, who lives in a van, runs the blog Cheap RV Living , and plays himself in the film. The nomads learn techniques on how to “boondock (camp for free),” and dry camp including how to use a bucket for a bathroom. In the winter, you’ll encounter all types of campers out in the desert surrounding Quartzsite.

One evening, the group heads into town and whoops it up at the Quartzsite Yacht Club (Open seasonally at 1090 W. Main Street) enjoying an evening of line dancing, pool, and brews. After the gathering, Fern decides to stay awhile in Quartzsite and picks up a job working at one of the many gem and mineral shows that pop up during the winter.

The Quartzsite Yacht Club, scene of the nomad’s foray into local nightlife. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Nomadland Characters

In the film, Fern is seen listening to a piano performance by Paul Winer, the owner of Reader’s Oasis Books (Open year-round at 690 E. Main Street). Winer, who died in his sleep in 2019 after battling cancer, was notorious as he preferred to wear as little as possible (well, often just a pouch over his privates), and was dubbed the “naked bookseller.”

Quartzsite Cemetery and Hi Jolly Monument

Before Nomadland, one of the main year-round attractions in Quartzsite AZ was the local cemetery. But this is not your average cemetery. In the middle is a large pyramid constructed of layers of local rocks with an impressive plaque placed in 1935 by the Arizona Highway Department. And on top of the tomb is an iron camel. This is the tomb of “Hi Jolly,” a man so important that Quartzsite holds an annual Hi Jolly event to honor this man. But who was Hi Jolly?

What does a pyramid and a camel have to do with Arizona desert history? Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Hi Jolly wasn’t really this man’s name. In fact, he was born Philip Tedro in Syria and was part Greek. At one point he converted to Islam and took the name Hadji Ali after his pilgrimage to Mecca. Ali, a camel breeder and driver, emigrated to the United States as part of a U.S. Cavalry experiment in the 1850s using camels for transporting goods in the desert. The closest the Americans could get to pronouncing his name was “Hi Jolly” and that name stuck.

US Cavalry Camel Corps

Ultimately the “Camel Corps” was disbanded, partially because the smaller animals, like burros, were terrified of the large creatures and partially because funding dried up due to the impending Civil War. Hi Jolly kept some of the camels and remained in the area. He did some prospecting, hauled freight, and served as a scout.

Hi Jolly died in December of 1902 and remains the subject of folk tales to this day. Some of the camels were spotted in the desert as late as 1942. You can visit his tomb in the pioneer section of the town cemetery located just off Main Street on W Elsie Ln and Hi Jolly Lane. There is a sign at the turn-off. It’s a peaceful place with fascinating grave markers and a nice mountain view.

Originally from “somewhere in Syria,” Hi Jolly spent his golden years in the Quartzsite area. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

If you are in town in mid-January, check on the date for the Hi Jolly Daze Parade. It’s a big event and you may even see a real camel marching along.

Rock and Mineral Shows and Swap Meets

A major draw for visitors each winter is the huge sales events featuring rocks and minerals, flea market finds, antiques, and even an immense RV show and sale . In general, events and sales run October through March annually, which coincides with the influx of snowbirds and bargain hunters. Watch the Chamber of Commerce website for dates of special events . Or pick up a copy of the Desert Messenger newspaper when you get into town.

My friends from the Pacific Northwest forgot hats but fortunately, there was a vendor selling the perfect solution. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When the major swap meets and rock and mineral shows run, you will find that the traffic on I-10’s Quartzsite AZ exits back up.  So, it’s ideal to go early. Don a custom hat and wear sunscreen as much of the fun is outdoors. And wear comfortable walking shoes.

There will be steel drums overflowing with minerals from all over the world, fossils, arts and crafts, and quirky things like tipi’s, animal skins, garden sculptures, and more. There’s Navajo jewelry, petrified wood, hand-made items for your home, and, well…. just about anything you can imagine.

You never know what you’ll find when you walk the rows upon rows of vendors. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

While there are rock shops year-round in Quartzsite AZ, the winter shows attract vendors from all over the world. Right after the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows end, you’ll often find new vendors arriving in Quartzsite after they pack up their goods and leave Tucson.

There are both small and large specimens for sale at the Quartzsite shows. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Quartzsite Yacht Club

The Quartzsite Yacht Club has been a phenomenon for years. Now, this is really quirky. The Quartzsite Yacht Club has more members than any yacht club in the world and—there is no water nearby! Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more than 10,000 people representing every state and numerous countries around the world had become card-carrying members of the Quartzsite Yacht Club. And, some faraway yacht clubs have even offered free entry to their cushy amenities in reciprocity for the Quartzsite card-carrying members. After all, when you join for $49.99, you get a membership card, certificate, and snazzy sailing t-shirt.

After a long day of shopping, the beer and burgers at the Quartzsite Yacht Club provided a welcome break. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

RV Camping in Quartzsite AZ

There are well over 50 RV parks in Quartzsite. While they are not necessarily fancy, they offer amenities that the desert dry campers won’t have. Plus, many are within a walkable distance from shopping and restaurants.

Many people camp out in the desert at the BLM’s La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). To camp on the 11,400 acres, your vehicle must be 100% self-contained for waste and gray water. And, during the winter crush, it’s not free.

According to the Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce, LTVA requires a Special Recreation Permit between September 15 and April 15. The LTVA allows camping between April 16 and September 14 at no cost, but the standard 14-day limit applies. Fees are $180 for long-term permits valid for 7 months. They are $40 short-term permits valid for 1 to 14 consecutive days. The minimum fee for camping is the $40 permit which can be renewed by paying another $40.

During the off-season, the standard BLM camping regulations and 14-day limit with no fee rules apply. The permits are valid in any of the six LTVAs in California or two LTVAs in Arizona. You can purchase permits from the Bureau of Land Management Yuma Field Office or on-site from the LTVA host during the winter season.

There are also areas a bit further away from the four-corner intersection of Quartzsite.  You can get current information and driving directions at the BLM site.

There are many blogs and organization websites that give good advice and information to people new to RV camping in Quartzsite. Online you can find maps and information along with campground reviews and photos.

Watch event calendars for the big shows in Quartzsite. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Off-Road Vehicle Trails Near Quartzsite AZ

The Arizona Peace Trail , a 750-mile Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) approved trail, draws OHV enthusiasts who enjoy exploring out in the desert around Quartzsite and as far away as Yuma and Bullhead City.

In addition, the area has more than 1,000 miles of BLM OHV-approved trails. Jeep trails are shown on an interactive map at the Jeep USA site . Be sure to check out more of our road trips on Wander, along with ideas for more fun things to see and do when you visit the Southwestern USA.

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10 Reasons This Oscar-Winning Arizona Town Is Perfect For RVers

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Last month at the Oscars, another Frances McDormand movie, Nomadland , won Best Picture. Having RVed across North America with my husband for eight years, we immediately identified with the storyline. Much of it was set in the small town of Quartzsite in Arizona where Fern (Frances) finally found her place in the sun.

Quartzsite was a usual stop for us along I-10, and this year, we decided to visit again. The sizzling 100-degree weather started at the end of April, so the winter visitors were all gone. We never stayed as long as they did, but we learned about Quartzite’s mystique for RVers and other travelers alike.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Fun, Almost Free Base Camp

1. There Are Unbelievably Wide Open Spaces To Camp For A Song

Bureau of Land Management Long-Term Visitor Areas (La Posa and Midland) surround the town. Primarily established to help preserve the desert, these public lands provide minimal facilities (vault toilets, dump station, and water faucets, but not power) for itinerant migrants with self-contained vehicles who seek to shelter in the area’s mild climate during winter (when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s).

An annual pass costs $180 — or just $25 a month — and entitles van dwellers to stay from September 15 to April 15! As a matter of fact, stays of up to 14 days in any 28-day period are free at five designated campsites. The only caveat is that, after 14 days, campers must move to a new site outside of a 25-mile radius of their original site for at least 14 days before they can camp there again. Not a huge problem.

2. There Are Other Ways To Camp In Quartzsite, Too

There are also about 70 RV campgrounds in and around Quartzsite with full-service hookups. They are there for those who can afford them. These are for those who have opted to stay year-round. They may have found a permanent job, not just a seasonal post at an Amazon distribution center or the available winter posts at the shows (more on these below) like Fern did. And they may want to participate in the seasonal merry-making but do not like primitive camping. Still, some graduate into small mobile homes and end up staying forever.

3. There’s Fun To Be Had With Like-Minded People

In the months of January and February, there are more than a dozen swap meets and a Prospectors’ Panorama plus nine gem and mineral shows, craft shows, and the largest gathering of RVers, the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show . Even in the 2021 COVID season, around 100,000 people came, meaning attendance was down by just a third.

In Nomadland , Fern was gently assimilated into the community with the help of the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous sessions, which included lectures on topics like bucket toilets (4 gallon or 12 gallon?) and were introduced by Bob Wells, who plays himself in the movie. Or for nighttime fun, there are the Quartzsite Yacht Club , the quaint motel, restaurant, and bar with rooms outfitted as different boats/ships, and The Desert Bar in nearby Parker.

4. The Desert Has A Lot Of Outdoor Experiences To Offer

The rugged land around Quartzsite is ideal for many outdoor activities in winter. Land sports like biking, hiking, rollerblading, skateboarding, geocaching, target shooting, hunting, kiting, metal detecting, rockhounding, stargazing, photography, and the big craze of off-roading are all things to do. In fact, the largest off-road trail in the U.S., the Arizona Peace Trail , passes through Quartzsite. Water sports — fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, rafting, floating, sailing, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving — are also available at Alamo Lake and on the Colorado River. Enthusiasts of remote-controlled planes and cars have a lot of space. There are also wildlife refuges to visit.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Destination In Itself

From 1863 to the 1880s, when the Arizona Territory was still newly created, Quartzsite was the site of a waterhole and later a stage station called Tysons Well. There were many places worked by individual prospectors around the valley during the Colorado River Gold Rush from the 1860s to the 1950s. Large-scale operations did not succeed, but at one time, 39 mines were operating in the area served by two landing stations in the Colorado River. Today, there are still mines operating, and there are unique places in and around town with stories to tell.

5. Its History Is Preserved At The Quartzsite Historical Museum

Also known as the Tysons Well Stage Station Museum, unfortunately, the Quartzsite Historical Museum , which is housed in the Oasis Hotel of mining boom times, was closed when we were there. The outside exhibits were interesting, though. We got to see mining equipment, the Assay Office from the Margarita Mine, and Barrett’s Miniature Village, created to scale with small rocks painstakingly glued together. And I couldn’t get over the skeleton of the Giant Saguaro with 47 arms! How I wish I was there when it was still alive!

6. Hi Jolly Tomb And Cemetery Is The Most Visited Place In Quartzsite

Hi (Hadji) Ali was an Ottoman citizen of Greek-Syrian parentage who became one of the very first lead camel drivers in the U.S. Camel Corps, which had aimed to use camels as a major means of cargo transportation across the American Southwest. These efforts failed because the large animals caused the horses, burros, et cetera to panic, so Hi Jolly stayed and prospered in the town instead. When he died, he earned for himself a place in history, and the town erected a Hi Jolly Tomb, which is now surrounded by the Jolly Cemetery . 

7. Celia’s Rainbow Garden Is The Largest Free Botanical Garden In The State, And It Was Built By Volunteers

Celia was a miracle baby, born 12 inches long weighing only 1.25 pounds, to a couple who was told they could not have a child. Celia grew to be a caring, positive, curious “old soul” in a tiny body, beloved by everyone in all age groups for her outlook on life. When she was eight and a half years old, however, she caught a viral infection that killed her. The whole town mourned and the city gave her parents a plot of land for a garden in her memory. Volunteers came and still continue to come to Celia’s Rainbow Garden , which everyone in Quartzsite can visit for free.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Great Stop For The Weary Traveler

Quartzsite is at the crossroads of I-10 and I-95. It is midway between Phoenix and Palm Springs and is three and a half hours from Los Angeles and Las Vegas . We’ve made stops in Quartzsite numerous times. Perhaps the success of Nomadland will generate more curiosity, and people will stop not only to fill up or charge up at Tesla stations but also for food, shopping, and the quirkiness of Quartzsite.

8. Stopping For A Bite Will Leave No One Disappointed

Silly Al’s Pizza is the town’s watering hole with a bar and three billiard tables. But it is their pizza, especially Al’s Special House Combo, that we are ready to go back for. It is better than the big-name pizzas in the cities. We also had lunch at the Mountain Quail Cafe , where Frances McDormand and the Nomadland crew had meals while on shoot. My husband delighted in the chili cheeseburger, the likes of which he hadn’t seen on a menu for a long time.

9. Shopping Is A Must In This, The “Rock Capital Of The World”

The name Quartzsite comes from the quartz that abounds in the area, and other rocks and gems are common, too. During our most recent visit, rocks were on sale in a few smaller front yards that remained open despite it being the off-season, while some of the larger retailers had “See You in October!” signs out front.

The Main Trading Post and other shops with tons of jewelry and artwork remain open year-round. You will love the Trading Post’s “World’s Biggest Buckle,” which measures several feet in height and width. And they will surely be selling Nomadland T-shirts and other movie souvenirs come October when tourism picks up again. 

10. Having A Talk With Town Legends Is A Thrill

A good day became great when we met Joanne Winer as she sat in front of the legendary Reader’s Oasis Books . Her husband, Paul, was the local celebrity called the Naked Bookseller (he wore just thongs) who performed his own composition “Next to the Track Blues” in the movie. It is now part of the soundtrack and is on the Nomandland CD. Sadly, Paul died after filming Nomadland , and Joanne received the $1,000 for his role. Their legendary bookstore also served as Paul’s Music Hall, and the piano that he played in the movie is still there. Joanne entertained us with many stories and gave me a copy of the Quartzsite Encyclopedia , which she cowrote.

The beauty of Dome Rock Mountain, which overlooks the town, always greets me as we drive from California. Granite Mountain is to the southwest, Old Man Mountain to the northwest, and the Plomosa Mountains to the east. It is a big valley that never quite made it to be the metropolis that Phoenix and Los Angeles have become. But Nomadland may yet bring more traffic to this small town of character. Even if you do not stay for the winter, get a whiff of this town built by freedom-loving nomads who are trying to eke out a life in the desert, just like the cowboys did before them.

Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. Curious about the world she missed while stressing out working, she migrated to the U.S., ended up an adjunct professor and small business counselor while babysitting her grandson during the day. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states.

They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Visits to their kids’ homes in Anchorage, Boise, and Denver (his) and in San Francisco, Calgary, and Melbourne (hers) allow for exploring the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Carol has been to 48 countries but their 3-month all-inclusive winter escapes to Mexico in Mazatlan, Cancun, or Cozumel are their best times.

Carol maintains a blog, Carolina: Cruising Past 70 , and has published two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream about her RVing years and Cruising Past Seventy: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys . It's Also about Inner Ones , is a collection of her most widely-read blog posts and articles. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA.

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Quirky Quartzsite, Arizona: What You Need to Know

A Guide to Visiting "The Rock Capital of the World"

Pass through the small hamlet of Quartzsite, Arizona, in the summer, and you may think nothing happens in this flat desert town. But come winter, the entire area bustles with activity—and not just from tumbleweeds.

During the two months, RVers come by the thousands to camp (called "boondocking" here) in the temperate if fairly primitive desert conditions. Yet, there's another reason people descend in droves during the winter: a love of geology.

Quartzsite, with its unusual concentration of collectible gems, minerals, and precious metals, has been a rock hound's paradise since the 1960s. It swells in population each winter thanks to more than 1 million visitors, most of whom converge on the small town in a wave of RVs during January and February. The Desert USA website explains the draw:

“Eight major gem and mineral shows as well as vendors of raw and handcrafted merchandise peddle their wares to snowbirds, collectors and enthusiasts.”

Located in the Sonoran Desert of western Arizona, Quartzsite sits just 18 miles east of the Colorado River on Interstate 10. The 125-mile trip takes about two hours from Phoenix; the town is also easy to reach from Los Angeles in under five hours by car.

The annual show season runs from October through April, though the main events take place in January and February. If you like gems and minerals, hit the sales during the big “rock hound” events when you can find collectible geodes, crystals, and even fossilized bones from around the globe. Antique hunters score at the swap meets, and you can find unusual handmade items and one-of-a-kind jewelry at the nearly constant craft shows. Add in a mix of classic car shows, chili cook-offs, and  RV shows and sales , and Crazy Quartzsite keeps your social calendar full.

Check the  Quartzsite calendar  so you can come during the events that most interest you. Grab a copy of  The Desert Star  newspaper when you get to town for more up-to-date news and ads.

How does a town in the Sonoran Desert, hundreds of miles from the nearest body of water, gain the largest yacht-club membership in the world? Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more than 10,000 people representing every state and numerous countries around the world had become card-carrying members of the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

What to Expect

Be prepared for traffic during the height of the season; I-10 frequently gets backed up in January and February.

It’s dusty out there in the desert, and most shopping takes place outdoors in makeshift tents along rows of RVs. The wind can pick up or a rainstorm can move in suddenly, so be prepared with a jacket, sturdy outdoor clothes, and walking shoes. 

If you're not prepared to bed down in an RV, a handful of chain hotels operate in Quartzsite. You can also stay on the west side of Phoenix and venture into Quartzsite as a day trip.

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Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

Tasty fish & chips , cod and ribs will impress you at the first bite. Most likely, you'll come back to this bar later to order delicious beer or good liqueur . After a long working week, you can taste great ice tea .

Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. The high ratings of Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar wouldn't be possible without the creative staff. Cool service is something visitors like here. This place offers you food at democratic prices. The terrific decor and nice atmosphere let clients feel relaxed here. This spot is rated on Google 4.2 by its guests.

Best in the city This award is based on the analysis of multiple factors, including reviews, ratings, and user engagement trends on Restaurant Guru.

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Quartzsite Yacht Club

1090 W Main St, Quartzsite , Arizona 85346 USA

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Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“Join the largest yacht club in the world!”

Come enjoy a night in the Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel, a nautically themed motel, adjacent to the restaurant and bar, the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

Reviewed by Bernie W.

Servers are great, owners are great, drinks are decent, food is good, prices are ok for Quartzsite in high season. My only complaint is that the speakers and amplifiers are WAY too loud. I'd... Read more

Reviewed by Richard S.

This business is no longer open. So no point in going if you're reading this. But it was truly a fun place. Read more

Reviewed by Dawn R.

In all honesty this is more a bar with bar food. Not a bar and grill and not a restaurant with a bar. Just a bar with bar food. The prices are too high for what they offer. If you're looking to... Read more

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Menu for Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar in Quartzsite, AZ

• Contact: (928) 927-6331

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Quick bite , beer , cocktails , coffee , cozy , happy hour drinks , historic , happy hour food , late-night food , kids menu , dancing , small plates , wine , karaoke , live music , good for watching sport , live performances , popular with tourists , alcohol , dessert , dine-in , staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits , dinner , mask required , food , staff wear masks , food at bar , bar games , bar onsite , hard liquor , lunch , curbside pickup , popular lunch , fast service , fireplace , good for groups , solo dining , restroom , seating , outdoor seating , wheelchair accessible entrance , wheelchair accessible parking lot , wheelchair accessible restroom , wheelchair accessible seating , credit card payments , debit cards , read more friendly staff quick service -->.

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar in Quartzsite, AZ, is a well-established American restaurant that boasts an average rating of 4.3 stars. Learn more about other diner's experiences at Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar. This week Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar will be operating from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Whether you’re curious about how busy the restaurant is or want to reserve a table, call ahead at (928) 927-6331 . Other attributes include: kids menu. For a similar meal experience, check out Subway and The Horney Toade Saloon & Grille as an alternative. Enjoyed your meal here? Leave a review!

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1090 W Main St, Quartzsite AZ 85346, USA

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Cozy bar with a little dance floor, couple of Pool Tables... and a great menu. BEST PULLED PORK SANDWICH I'VE EVER HAD... and ... I don't say that lightly. Great spot to stop in for a break from The Road. Read more

I think me and my family were one of their 1st sets of customers but this place was absolutely phenomenal. The owners came and ... greeted us and gave a little book to my niece it made her very happy and they were very nice Read more

We?ve been here twice because the first time was so enjoyable! The burgers were large and full of flavor! The fried chicken ... wings were a treat too! We lived the food but also love the atmosphere with karaoke and the servers aka mermaids that workthere are great! Definitely recommended! Read more

Live music on Fri-Sat, bring an instrument!! 6-10pm There was plently of dancing and percussion instruments available to join ... in with the band, which was a good time! Simply a GREAT pub with authentic people, well prepared American-Style menu, andAMAZING care and attention to detail on the strong cocktails. Featured in the 2020 movie Nomadland, this bar is hands-downgood time. Oh, karaoke on Thur. Read more

We randomly wandered in while we were using the nearby Tesla supercharger. Sometimes you find a little small town gem. That was ... the case on our visit to this charming local bar and restaurant. We met Omar the owner who had a beaming personality and asolidly made pulled pork sandwich. He smokes the meat with hardwoods like pecan and mesquite. On our way home we will bestopping back by for the ribs. Definite hometown appeal with a number of pool tables, occasional live music and exceptionalservice. This place was a cool little surprise for us and we will be stopping by when we are traveling between California andArizona. Read more

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When is quartzsite yacht club restaurant bar open.

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar is open on the following days: Monday: 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM - 08:00 PM

What forms of payment are accepted at Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar?

They accept Credit and Debit at Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar.

Does Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar offer delivery?

Yes, Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar offers delivery.

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Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel

Review Highlights

“ Honestly, you can't ask for much in Quartzite , Arizona... ” in 2 reviews

“ Had a little glitch with my order and Omar was immediately attentive to fixing it. ” in 2 reviews

“ It's easy and human nature nearly guarantees it so it's truly a delight to find yourself vulnerable and not getting hosed. ” in 2 reviews

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1070 W Main

Quartzsite, AZ 85346

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Motel servicing Quartzsite. …

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This place is Permanently closed!!! What more can a person say?! That's all folks! Yelp won't post unless it's 85 characters!

Popped in after being in Q so Many times. Walking in our first impressions were is is so big inside and relatively clean. Omar the bartender is crazy friendly and welcoming! BTW- They we're packed and every employee in there was busting their asses. Great to see. Great drink selections for specialty' cocktails. We Loved it! Thank you a Omar and Mimi Cold beer and the food was really good. Our food was taking long so they brought our chips and salsa which was super nice to do! Once we got our food it was delicious. Great experience at the QYC!!

When you've found yourself enough in places where your options are limited you just begin to assume you're going to be taken advantage of. It's easy and human nature nearly guarantees it so it's truly a delight to find yourself vulnerable and not getting hosed. The Yacht Club is giant, goofy joke. The rooms are NOT fancy or elegant but they're clean and safe and offered at a reasonable price. I'm not a "club" kind of guy so I don't expect I'll ever splurge for the membership or try to work any reciprocity deals but the Yacht Club was a welcome sight to this weary traveler.

It may get better than the Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel - OK, yeah, MOST accommodations are better - but it doesn't get delighfully quirkier. Even in Quartzsite, which is about the quirkiest place south of bizarre. For the uninitated (such as I was a mere week ago), Quartzsite is a combination rock collector's heaven, beading delight, and RV mecca surrounded by 13 gigazillion "swap meet" booths, plus a few other places. Yes, I guess there ARE over 100,000 visitors during the Gem Show to this town of 1,800, and yes, there are swap meet booths for every kind of antique (yes, you can get a restored John Deere 'dozer; who knew?), junk (8 track tapes galore), and food (great Oklahoma fry bread...in Arizona?). So there must be a gazillion rooms in motels great and small, right? Wrongo, Jerky Face: There's two. A sorry ass looking Super 8 on the wrong side of I-10, and then there is the Yacht Club complex, including the Clubhouse, the Hi Jolly (yeah, look it up) Internet Cafe and, of course, the Land Yachts. Them are the "motel." And other than Mountain Moma's (no typo!) in the Smoky Mountains, this is the only lodging I've ever seen made out of 80' trailers. But before you sneer, for $89, where else (especially in Quartzsite!) can you get two bedrooms, comfortable beds (with ancient, but clean, bed spreads), full shower bath, a rocker lounger, a full kitchen (no utensils) with dining table (right out of the 50s, but no dings!), air conditioning (you'll need it in the summer) and a space heater as well as the "furnace" which keep you pretty warm in the winter, once they get going. You get free coffee (actually darn good!), a huge cup of orange juice, free WiFi in the Cafe (about 50 feet from your "room") and access to the Quartzsite Yacht Club (a great bar/grill!). And you're staying in the "Queen Mary" Suite in one of the "land yacht" trailers. Totally cool. Not every room may be as good as the "Mary", but these trailers are all old, well maintained, painted, with a cute nautical theme that is part of the fun of staying there. There's no handicapped access to the room, but they'll find a way to help if you need it. But it is totally fun, dog friendly, and the staff are helpful and glad to talk about what to see and where to buy things. If you're into quirky towns, go to Quartzsite; if you're into quirky but nice places to stay, go to the Yacht Club. And when you do, ask who "Hi Jolly" is. A real person and a wonderful piece of American history. Even Jefferson Davis would agree! And you can join the Yacht Club, even!

We ended up stopping in Quartzsite on our way back from Sedona when it was too late to make it all the way home. We always look for places with character, so we figured we'd give the Yacht Club a try. Each motel room was a famous "ship" located in a "slip" that was actually a portion of a mobile home. We stayed in the SS Minnow. It was fun to walk into a Gilligan's Island themed room, and we enjoyed all the posters and reading fun facts about the boat and the show. The room wasn't fancy, but it was clean and had all we needed. It was also great to be able to walk over to the Yacht Club restaurant and watch some karaoke. There sure are some characters over there! For the price and the experience, it was a good choice for us.

Tonight I am leaving a review for this sweetheart little spot in Quartzsite Arizona. Quartzsite is Quartzsite if you've ever been there. There's not much in the way of fancy around but I really enjoyed staying here. The staff we're kind and very friendly. Our what we called a boat in the sand was very clean and quaint. The five stars are because of the staff and the only thing I think would have made it better would be warmer blankets and more pillows. I appreciate the comfortable conversation with the kind lady behind the desk and I would like to think that her name is Daisy. And there was another lady who kept me up-to-date through text messages. We were checking in very late and there were special circumstances and I didn't want to bother her on Thanksgiving Eve at 1 in the morning. So we made arrangements for my check in. I can't help it that my mother lives there LOL but when I go back to visit and the house is pretty full we will stay here again. Thanks guys.

We were a little dubious of staying here when we first saw it. But we stopped in to the bar / restaurant had a couple drinks and got a real good vibe off the place. We're really glad that we took the chance it's a bit strange but man we had a great time. We ended up staying a couple nights. And we will be back.

I was right! The manager/owner doesn't care! I've waited a day and a half and still no return call! But I've said my side and they don't seem to care!! We won't attempt to give them our meal or motel business!

So far I'd only give this place 1/4 of a star! I had been working with this woman who works there - starting about 2 months ago. Asked for a reservation, but was told the dates I wanted were already booked. She offered to put me on a cancellation list. I checked with her a couple of weeks ago to find I was at the top of the list. I was told the captains quarters were under renovation and if they would be ready, we would be given that room, a discussion she had with someone else in the office while we were on the phone. I called today to find out that the woman I had been working with was no longer there, the new woman had no idea what I was talking about regarding the cancellation list, and the room had already been given to someone else. She also told me the owner or manager (a man I've never dealt with) gave that open room to the manager of the bar/grill! I will never attempt to stay here again nor will I be patronizing the bar/grill. I had already been told the food wasn't good, so this has saved me $$!! To be fair, I did ask that the owner or manager, who released that room, call me. I'd like to know just what happened. I was told he was still on the premises and would probably call me before going home - that was 4 hours ago.

After reading the comments on this place and tired after hours of driving, we decided to pull into this town and stay overnight. What a mistake! Overpriced for staying in a old run down trailer. Our beds were made up with sheets that had cigarette burns on them. We walked over and got something to eat. I got a raw burger when I asked for well done and it was served with uncooked french fries. My wife had uncooked cold chicken wings. To top all of this off we then had a encounter with a employee named "Jamie" that kept going outside to smoke and then would come back inside and immediately start back serving food to her customers without washing her hands. ( Hummm...wonder what the health dept. would say about that? ) then she would complain to the other workers about her lousy tips. I wonder why? The best thing about this whole place is meeting "Miss Helen". She and her husband started the Yacht Club. This little lady at 90 years old had more energy than ANY of the younger employees. As much as we enjoyed Miss Helen, please keep going to the next town or go to McDonalds.

Honestly, you can't ask for much in Quartzite, Arizona... But it was cheap, it was decently sized, and the people that run it are nice. You'll get the service you need, and you can't ask for much more than that.

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Commodore’s Message

“On behalf the membership, I am pleased to welcome you to the web site of the Quartzsite Yacht Club. As it was with our founding Commodore, Al Madden, the club is founded on humor, wit and an active imagination. This legacy is still very much alive. In addition to the pool games, music, and dancing of the early days, the Yacht Club now includes a restaurant, horse race betting and always lots of fun.

Quartzsite Yacht Club proudly claims to be famous for having the world’s largest yacht club membership. Our members often find membership is worth it.

You see, apparently it didnt take long for our members to find that a good majority of Yacht Clubs around the country offer reciprocal memberships, which means that those belonging to another club can present their card and gain access without a fee. Some members have even used their wallet cards to be admitted to exclusive yacht clubs all over the world.

We hope you come visit u, become a member and enjoy all that the Quartzsite Yacht Club offers.”

Quartsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Business and mailing address:.

1090 W. Main Street Quartzsite, AZ 85346

(928) 927-6331

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill 1090 W Main St Quartzsite, AZ, 85346 (928) 927-6331