2026 FAQs - Quartzsite Desert Dust Run
- Andy Meshel
- Feb 20
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 12
GENERAL INFO
What are the dates for the event?
January 10-18, 2026
What does it cost to camp?
FREE - We camp on the Roadrunner BLM which is a free 14 day permit.
When should we arrive?
You are welcome to come before the event officially starts or on the arrival date. However, whatever is your date of arrival, please be sure to arrive before dark. The desert is quite difficult to navigate at night, particularly on nights with limited moonlight. If you arrive after dark due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact Andy who will guide you in with a Polaris RZR side by side.
Can we arrive early?
Most attendees arrive on the Saturday prior to the event to help out with parking and putting up an army tent for the kitchen.
Do we need to register with BLM?
Maybe, depends on the camp host for that year. Permit is free. In previous years, we were given the permit book and you can register for BLM at our welcome booth. Otherwise, we can direct you to the BLM camp host for the permit. You will need the license plate of the motorhome and tow vehicle. Take photos of the plates to have this information on hand. It saves extra walking.
Are there assigned camping spots?
Only for the handicapped. There are no rules for parking and you can face any direction that meets your fancy. However, please be considerate to your neighbors. Only places that should be avoided are the washes which can fill with water quite quickly.
Can we camp with our friends?
Yes, in order to facilitate this option, please have the earlier arrival place chairs or other items to save the spot. Please make the parking crew aware that a spot is being held for another rig.
Can I run my generator 24 hours a day?
Yes but discuss with your neighbors. Be mindful of your neighbors and come to a mutual solution.
Is there a separate handicapped area?
Yes, there will be designated handicapped spots but please sign up as handicapped at registration in order to facilitate an adequate number of spots.
Can we stay after the rally?
Yes, historically 10-20 rigs stay around through the end of the big tent. The permit is good for 14 days of free camping from date of your arrival.
Are all type of rigs welcome?
Yes, all manufacturers and rig types have always been welcome.
What is the weather like?
There are all sorts of weather. The past year was cold, dry and windy. The previous year was warm with 1-2 days of rain. Prepare for all weather. Climate usually 60-70 during the day and 40 at night
How to register?
Link to Registration: Click here
How do I pay?
Please register first. Then,
If paying by check, please be sure to mail and postmark the check for $100 by 11/5/2025. Please make checks payable to Quartzsite Desert Dust Run. Mail checks to Andrew Meshel 4555 Lodebar Road Sumter, SC 29153.
If paying the $100 electronically with Zelle, deadline is 12/15/2025.
When using Zelle, put your full name in the memo field and not just your first name.
Zelle is usually available from your bank checking app or website. Send Zelle funds to Quartzsite Desert Dust Run at email address quartzsite.desert.dust.run@gmail.com.
Go to the Zelle option to send or receive money on the app or website.
Hit the send button then add quartzsite.desert.dust.run@gmail.com in the search field.
When it comes up with the phrase send money to quartzsite.desert.dust.run@gmail.com, hit the arrow.
On the next screen, input $100.00 to quartzsite.desert.dust.run@gmail.com from your desired bank account. This will text a link to accept the funds into the event bank account.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel and make us aware of the cancellation by 12/15/2025, we will issue a full refund.
What are the coordinates and directions to the site?
We will be camping in Quartzsite within the BLM - Road Runner Free 14 day area. Precise coordinates will be published on the schedule page of this website in +/- 10 day prior to event. We will include photos of landmarks and Minion knife flags to help direct you to the right spot.
Can we bring our pets?
Pets are welcome as long as self behaved but not during the meals. Keep pets on a leash at all times in order to avoid contact with cholla plants. Please use pooper scooper and clean up after your pets. Do not leave pet outside overnight due to coyotes and other dangerous fauna.
What is the cost of the event?
$100/rig to cover meals and entertainment.
What are we paying for?
Fee includes 3 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 3 pot luck dinners. Also includes entertainment for one night (sometimes two bands based on funds), 2 days of seminars, 3 days of off-roading/hiking or other activities, capital improvements and bonfires every night, weather permitting.
Are there any other costs?
Potentially only other cost would be a wheelbarrow’s worth of firewood at Woodstock firewood in Quartzsite.
OFF-ROADING
What type of equipment is necessary to participate in off-roading trails?
JEEPS
We have 3 levels of 4X4 capability.
Basic level is dusty trails to visit historic sites and almost any vehicle except a low clearance car should be able to participate.
Intermediate level is a basic stocked 4X4.
Extreme level is lift kits and certain sized tires.
SIDE BY SIDES
There will also be a separate excursion strictly for side by sides.
SXS are welcome and will run as a separate group from the Jeeps.
Most trails will be leaving from Camp
The train station adventure is an hour away from base camp and we will be trailering over to the starting point.
We are actively looking into trail links for Polaris and OnX More to come on that soon.
SIDE by SIDE SPECIAL NOTE:
Attendees with side by sides or strictly off road vehicles(not street legal) AZ now requires watching an “educational” video prior to obtaining or renewing the off road license and decal. Residents and non-residents of Arizona will need to create an account to access the customer portal. Once on the portal, complete the free online course for OHV decal requirement. This should take 10-15 minutes. Then pay $25-$30 for the decal. The link to the Arizona game and fishing department is:
We recommend taking it now since it might take the state a certain amount of time to mail the decal. It is good for one year.
What is the level of difficulty of trails?
Varies as described above.
What should we bring for the excursions?
Bring lunch, snacks, chairs and plenty of drinks for hydration.
Do we use any special communications gear?
GRMS radios (include Amazon link)
Can I download routes for the trails prior to the trip?
We will research whether Polaris or OnX will allow routes to be shared and revise this answer when the information is available.
Can we bring our pets?
Pets are welcome as long as self behaved but not during the meals. Keep pets on a leash at all times in order to avoid contact with cholla plants. Use pooper scooper and clean up after pets.
Can I rent an off-road vehicle?
Moab Jeep Rental at Tyson Wells brings out 5-6 off road vehicles.
How long are the average trails?
We try to keep the trail rides at 4 hours. We recommend that you head out with a full tank of fuel.
HIKING
Can I download hiking trails before hand?
We will research if AllTrails will allow routes to be shared and revise this answer when the information is available. The two trails we intend to hike on separate days are: Palm Canyon Trail in KOFA Wildlife Refuge and Q Mountain
What hiking items to bring?
Please bring a walking stick, consider gloves, lunch, snacks, plenty of drinks for hydration and chairs.
Are there bugs?
No significant insect activity in last several years.
Can we bring our pets?
Pets are welcome as long as self behaved but not during the meals. Keep pets on a leash at all times in order to avoid contact with cholla plants. Use pooper scooper and clean up after your pets.
What terrain and any change in altitude?
Will communicate this information prior to the hike.
Is it accessible to physically disabled attendees?
There is accessibility at the Swansea Ghost Town.
Can the trails be downloaded prior to the hike?
Most likely using AllTrails and download offline trail maps
THINGS TO DO
When is the RV SHOW big tent open?
January 17-25, 2026
Are there any costs for the big tent RV and Outdoor show?
The event is free.
What is the Desert Bar?
The Desert Bar is a unique facility near Parker AZ that is fully run by solar. It is 8 miles off the highway in a canyon. It is only open 3 months of the year on Saturday and Sunday only from 12p-6p. We usually take interested groups on the first day of the big tent, when it is quite crowded inside the tent. One group takes the beer truck route to the canyon and is accessible to all but low clearance vehicles. The other group takes the “back way” which is a sketchy 4X4 trail. Bring $150-$200 in cash since no credit cards or checks accepted. Great food and bands with some hiking, if interested. The lower dining room is handicap accessible.
What other historical sites?
Hi Jolly monument
Celia’s Garden,
RC aircraft runway
Quartzsite museum
Desert golf club
Local mines
Any restaurants in region to go out to eat?
Outback Pizza, Taco Mio, Silly Al’s Pizza, Family Diner, Robin’s Roost
LOCAL SERVICES
Where to dump tanks?
Tumbleweed RV Park - 600 E Kuehn St. Quartzsite, AZ
4 dump stations ($20-30 for dump and fill in 2025) or Pit Stop
Where to fill water?
Tumbleweed RV Park - 600 E Kuehn St. Quartzsite, AZ
8 water stations or Pit Stop
Where to dump garbage?
Tumbleweed RV Park - 600 E Kuehn St. Quartzsite, AZ
charges $1.50/bag at 2025 pricesor
Transfer Station - only open certain days of week but free
Where to fill propane?
Pit Stop
76 fuel station
We will add additional locations as they become known to us
Where to get fuel?
Love’s
Pilot
Where to grocery shop?
Roadrunner, Coyote Fresh, Dollar General Market and tent market at Tyson Wells
Where to get firewood?
Woodstock $35 for 1 bag hardwood and 1 box Aspen for 2025
BOONDOCKING
I’ve never boon-docked before and I’m afraid to run out of resources, what are tips to prolong these resources?
Please see dry camping handout for tips on boon-docking. Tumbleweed is only 8 miles away with a dump station and water.
MEALS
Will there be meals provided?
3 breakfasts, 4 dinners and 3 potlucks dinner
Will the hosts need assistance with meal prep, serving and clean-up?
There will be sign up sheets for volunteers for each meal. The event is dependent on everyone lending a helping hand.
What do I need to bring for meals?
Please bring plates, utensils and your drink of choice to each meal
ENTERTAINMENT
Will there be any entertainment?
One night with Rocky who has been entertaining the group for the last several years. He usually performs on Thursday night during the event. If funds allow, there has been a second band in certain years. Keep an eye on our Events page for more information.
Will there be bonfires?
There will be nightly bonfires, weather permitting. Feel free to keep your chairs out but move them away from the fire-pit.
SEMINARS
Will there be any educational/informational seminars?
Our events page will be updated with speakers and topics as they are confirmed.
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