Quartzsite 2026 mostly unorganized rally

[PancakeBill]

I just read a post from BLM saying new rules in effect as of Oct 1.

 

[Ken & Sheila]

From what I read about the "new" rules is that it continues the same fee structure ($40 for 2 weeks, $180 for the season). I didn't see any other changes.

 

[PancakeBill]

This is what I found, granted it is generated by AI,

"Yes, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has implemented new fees for Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Quartzsite, Arizona, effective October 1, 2025.2 The new fee structure increases the cost for a seven-month permit from $180 to $420, and a one-month permit from $40 to $200.27 This change is part of a broader set of rule updates that also include stricter enforcement of camping regulations, such as a 14-day maximum stay followed by a 25-mile move requirement, and the requirement for portable toilets and grey water tanks in designated areas.2 The fee increase is intended to address budget deficits in the LTVAs, which have seen deferred maintenance and reduced staffing due to years without a fee adjustment.3 The new fees apply specifically to the La Posa and Imperial Dam LTVAs in Quartzsite and Yuma, Arizona, and are not applicable to California LTVAs."

 

[garyb1st]

If the Oct 1, 2025 date is correct I think it will have a significant negative affect on those that go to Q for the RV show and then leave. Even those that go to Q for the Forum get-to-gether, will think twice before spending $200 to dry camp in the dessert for a few days to a week. As much as I enjoy the Rally, it's unlikely I'll spend the $200 for a 2 or 3 day visit.

 

[garyb1st]

WTF. Found another AI generated overview that indicated the 2025-26 season fees will be remain the same.

Hopefully not a precursor to what we're about to get when AI becomes the be-all end-all source when looking for the answer. Unless of course you're not looking for the correct answer but just an answer that supports the argument.

 

[UTTransplant]

And this is why you don’t trust AI. WRONG! I have heard from people there now including camp host the fee is unchanged. Don’t rely on AI for your information. Check official government sites instead.

 

[LarsMac]

I'm on the Recreation.gov website, Yuma Field office BLM - looking at a long-term site pass for 180 (plus 10 buck service fee)
This What I want, right?

 

[ferfer]

It appears the AI fee information confusion comes from this Are You Breaking the New BLM Camping Rules? and even gets it wrong.

Ignore rest as Pam's post #26 clarified the fees have not changed! Lot less words too!

La Posa Long Term Visitor Area | Bureau of Land Management website shows fees not increased with big disclaimer related to shutdown:

Government Shutdown​

Due to the current lapse of federal appropriations:

• this website may not be up to date;
• transactions submitted via this website might not be processed until appropriations are enacted; and
• we may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

For more information, please visit the Department of the Interior shutdown page at www.doi.gov/shutdown​

Government Lapse in Funding​

October 1, 2025
The Recreation.gov website will remain operational during the Federal government lapse-in-funding period. Depending on agency operations, you may not be able to complete a reservation for any time in the future or complete a purchase for some passes during the lapse-in-funding period.
Depending on agency operations, if you have a reservation at a location that closes and your reservation is canceled, you‘ll receive an email with more information. Some locations will be closed and will not provide an email update. Please check the agency webpage or contact local offices directly for the latest information. You may log in to your Recreation.gov account to manage existing reservations.
Our customer service agents do not have information on the status of individual locations or the impact on upcoming travel plans. Please check the agency webpage or contact local offices directly for the latest information.

 

[UTTransplant]

I'm on the Recreation.gov website, Yuma Field office BLM - looking at a long-term site pass for 180 (plus 10 buck service fee)
This What I want, right?

If you want the long term pass you do this.

 

[PancakeBill]

OK, I trust but verify and was having trouble verifying.

 

[Lou Schneider]

This is what I found, granted it is generated by AI,

"Yes, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has implemented new fees for Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in Quartzsite, Arizona, effective October 1, 2025.2 The new fee structure increases the cost for a seven-month permit from $180 to $420, and a one-month permit from $40 to $200.27 This change is part of a broader set of rule updates that also include stricter enforcement of camping regulations, such as a 14-day maximum stay followed by a 25-mile move requirement, and the requirement for portable toilets and grey water tanks in designated areas.2 The fee increase is intended to address budget deficits in the LTVAs, which have seen deferred maintenance and reduced staffing due to years without a fee adjustment.3 The new fees apply specifically to the La Posa and Imperial Dam LTVAs in Quartzsite and Yuma, Arizona, and are not applicable to California LTVAs."

420, eh? I guess there's one group that will be celebrating. Or maybe it's what the person who programmed the AI that wrote this was smoking.

 

[ferfer]

I'm on the Recreation.gov website, Yuma Field office BLM - looking at a long-term site pass for 180 (plus 10 buck service fee)
This What I want, right?

Which pass you buy depends on how long you plan to be there. The long term $180 pass will allow you stay at the BLM till April 15th. The short term pass, $40 for 14 days, can be renew at least once, or 28 days .

 

[LarsMac]

If you want the long term pass you do this.

Yes, Thanks. As I understand it, I can stay in one place for up to two weeks, and then relocate in the region accordingly, or take off to explore other areas, and come back to the region as desired.

 

[Larry N.]

As I understand it, I can stay in one place for up to two weeks,

Unless they've changed it, you can renew in place for two more weeks...

 

[ferfer]

Lars, if you if you buy the long-term pass you could stay at your location as long as you want up until the closing date. Or you can come and go as you please as your past will be displayed and you can come in and out.

 

[UTTransplant]

If you are in an LTVA, you can renew the $40/14 day pass as many times as you like without moving. There are also “free” areas, and those would require you move every 14 days. It is more of a way to get trashy campers out of the area than anything else, but the letter of the law says “move.” That is one of the many reasons the LTVAs are a good deal - find a place and stay put if you want. Of course, the LTVA pass is good at any of the LTVAs in Arizona or California, so you can move to any of them on the same permit. The free areas don’t have any services at all - no toilets, no dump stations, no water, no trash dumpsters. You get all those in the LTVAs.

 

[LarsMac]

So, is the Quartzite area y'all are discussing part of the LTVA plan, or a freebee area?

Margo was not really the outdoorsy type. In our younger days, she could humor me on the rare occasion, but, truly, her idea of camping out was a hotel with no room service.

Before Margo I was the tent and sleeping bag type. After we got together I had to trade the tent for a Station Wagon, then, over the years, a van, and then the RV.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

The area that we are in IS an LTVA..>>>Dan

 

[ferfer]

Margo was not really the outdoorsy type. In our younger days, she could humor me on the rare occasion, but, truly, her idea of camping out was a hotel with no room service.

Margo now has her mini home and she can stay or go as she choose. The rally site is parking in the desert near RVForum members. It is boondocking same as the free area. What the pass gives you is access to common water and dump station that you drive to.

The following video may give you a feel for the area. It is not the current rally site but close.

Quartzsite 2025 non-organized rally 18-26 January 2025

Nice videos- thanks for taking them in landscape mode and for keeping them nice and steady, with slow pans. It makes for a much nicer viewing experience.

www.rvforum.net

You might read the following just information.

Quartzsite Rally January 2024

Lots of conjecture about whether there will be a rally or not. I am here to announce that, yes, there will! It might be a lot smaller than before, but there will be one. “Official” dates will be Saturday, 20 January through Sunday, 28 January. Plans are loose at this point due to the...

www.rvforum.net

 

[Lou Schneider]

Which pass you buy depends on how long you plan to be there. The long term $180 pass will allow you stay at the BLM till April 15th. The short term pass, $40 for 14 days, can be renew at least once, or 28 days .

The $40 two week pass can be renewed as often as you want. The break-even point is 8 weeks (4 renewals) for a cost of $160 versus $180 for the season pass.