Quartzsite, Arizona Gem and RV show

Quartzsite Az. Gems, Minerals and RV show – Show Dates for 2026

History of Quartzsite AZ | RV Parks & Camping | Show Schedule

Where is Quartzsite, Arizona?

Each winter, the quiet desert town of Quartzsite, Arizona transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. What begins as a peaceful stretch of sand becomes, almost overnight, one of the world’s largest open-air markets. Over 2,000 vendors arrive with dazzling displays of gems, minerals, fossils, and handcrafted goods. Meanwhile, eight major gem and mineral shows take center stage, drawing collectors, snowbirds, and curious travelers alike.

In addition to the marketplace, Quartzsite offers an unmatched haven for RV enthusiasts. Not only does the area provide endless boondocking and camping opportunities, but it also hosts some of the largest RV expos in the country. As a result, thousands of RVers flock to the town each January and February, creating a pop-up desert metropolis fueled by adventure, discovery, and community.

Ultimately, whether you’re hunting for treasure, chasing the winter sun, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow explorers, Quartzsite is where the desert truly comes alive.

Quartzsite AZ walking down, aisles, visiting vendors displays
Quartzsite AZ Aerial view of quartzsite vendors area

History of Quartzsite, AZ

In 1856, settler Charles Tyson built a fort at the present site of Quartzsite to protect his water supply. Fort Tyson soon became a stopover on the Ehrenburg-to-Prescott stagecoach route, eventually becoming known as Tyson’s Wells. After the stage stopped running, it became a ghost town.

A small mining boom revitalized the town and it became known as Quartzsite in 1897. It remained a mining town until 1965, when the Pow Wow Rock, Gem & Mineral Show initiated the rockhound winter migration to Quartzsite each year. These days, the population can swell to almost a million during January and February as rockhounders, jewelers and vendors, mostly in thousands of RVs, attend the eight major gem and mineral shows.

Quartzsite AZ Shopping for quartz
Quartz points and much more

Population & Elevation

Quartzsite 3,714 people / 876 feet above sea level

Quartzsite AZ Crystals and gemstones available for purchase from DesertUSA store
https://desertusa-store.com/collections/rocks-minerals-1

Weather and Climate

Quartzsite has a classic low desert climate with extremely low relative humidity and very high summer temperatures. On the average, it receives less than 4 inches of precipitation a year. Stores, shops, restaurants, theaters and homes are air-conditioned year round in Quartzsite. June, July, August and September temperatures are in the 100 plus ranges.

Hotels/Motels

There are hotels and motels in nearby (about 20 miles) Blythe, CA 

Camping & RV Parks

There are camping and a plethora of RV accommodations in and around Quartzsite. For more information, contact:

  • Quartzsite Chamber & Tourism
    1240 W. Main
    Quartzsite, Arizona 85346
    928-927-5200
    http://www.quartzsitetourism.com
  • Arizona State Parks 602-542-4174
  • Arizona National Forests 800-280-CAMP
Quartzsite AZ shopping at Quartzsite vendors
Rock, gem, and mineral vendor booths in Quartzite, AZ.

Shows & Events for Winter 2025 – 2026

Bookmark this page to find out what’s happening.

Quartzsite Market Place Street Fair
Oct. 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Tyson Wells Market Center Swap Meet 
Oct 01, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Grease Wood Swap Meet
November 2025 – April, 2026

Desert Gardens – Gem & Mineral
January 01, 2026 – February 28, 2026

Prospectors Panorama 
January 02, 2026 to Feb 28, 2026

Tyson Wells Rock & Gem Show
January 02- January 11, 2026- 9:00am-5:00pm

Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama
January 16 – January 25, 2026 – 9:00am-5:00pm

Sports, Vacation & RV Show (The Big Tent)
January 17th – January 25th, 2026 – 9:00am-5:00pm (3pm closing day)

Arts and Crafts Fair
January 30-Feb 8 2026 – 10 days, 2.2 miles of aisle frontage

Quartzsite Gold Show 
February 6th to 8th 2026QIA building. Friday – Saturday 9-4 pm Sunday. 9-3pm

Quartzsite AZ - Geodes for sale at DesertUSA store buy them online now
https://desertusa-store.com/collections/geodes
Hidden within the rugged beauty of the California desert lies a treasure trove for rockhounds and geology enthusiasts – the Hauser Geode Beds. But this is more than just a place; it’s a story of discovery, legacy, and the enduring allure of nature’s hidden wonders.

Day Trips from Quartzsite, Arizona for Rockhounds

Bradshaw Trail also known as the Gold Road to La Paz, is located in California’s southeastern Riverside County. The trail was created in 1862 by William Bradshaw, and was the first trail that crossed the Riverside County desert all the way to the Colorado River. In 1863 it became a well-traveled overland stage route. Originating in San Bernardino, the trail was used to haul miners and other passengers to the gold fields at La Paz, Arizona (now Ehrenberg). More…

Hauser Geode Beds Take the Wiley’s Well Road exit from Interstate 10 and continue driving south to the graded dirt road just past the state prison. You will pass Wiley’s Well campground (9 miles south of I-10), and Coon Hollow campground (12 miles south of I-10). You will see a dirt road on the right with a marker indicating the route to the Hauser Geode Beds. (This is also the Imperial and Riverside county border.) Some areas, particularly in the canyon sections, transition into private property or California Conservancy Land, where collecting is prohibited—watch for “no rock collecting” signs. A 4×4 vehicle with high clearance is recommended for most areas, More…

Mines

Opal Hill Mine Opal Hill Mine has been producing fire agate for many years. The mine claim is privately owned and was open to collecting for a fee. In the current regulation environment this is proving very difficult, even though the mine has been a well known collecting site for over 60 years. Contact the new claim owner Chris Rose, if you’re interested in digging for opal in the area ; here is his email contact information: info@highdesertgemsandminerals.com Website http://highdesertgemsandminerals.com  More…

Tumco/Hedges Ghost Town Driving Interstate 8 east of El Centro, California, after you pass through the Imperial Sand Hills, you can see off to the left a small group of mountains that appear dark brown. These mountains are known as the Cargo Muchacho Mountains. More…

Resources & Nearby Attractions

Cities & Towns

Parks & Monuments

Resources

Related Books & Gifts – Trading Post

Gem Trails of Arizona

Recreation & Wilderness Areas

  • Kofa National Wildlife Refuge: 5 miles south.
  • Cibola National Wildlife Refuge: 40 miles south.
  • Imperial National Wildlife Refuge: 50 miles south.

Historic & Points of Interest

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