Quick answer
Many vanlifers spend winter in the desert Southwest, especially around Quartzsite and Yuma in Arizona. BLM’s Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) there allow camping from September 15 to April 15 with a season permit (listed by BLM at $180) or a 14-day short-visit permit (listed at $40). Outside the LTVAs, BLM allows free camping for up to 14 days in any 28-day period. January is the busiest month, with the Quartzsite RV show and several vanlife gatherings.
Key points
- La Posa (Quartzsite) and Imperial Dam (near Yuma) are BLM Long-Term Visitor Areas, open to permit holders September 15 to April 15.
- BLM lists the season permit at $180 and the 14-day short-visit permit at $40; check before you buy.
- Free BLM camping outside the LTVAs is limited to 14 days in any 28-day period.
- The 2027 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show runs January 15–23, 2027.
- Winter gatherings near Quartzsite are the easiest way to meet other vanlifers all year.
Why do vanlifers winter in the desert Southwest?
Mild days, lots of public land and a big seasonal community. When the mountains and the north freeze, many RVers, vanlifers and skoolie owners head for southern Arizona and southeastern California. Nights can still drop near freezing, so plan heat and insulation, but days are usually good for solar and for being outside.
What is a BLM Long-Term Visitor Area?
An LTVA is BLM land set aside for winter camping with a season permit, so you don’t have to move every 14 days. BLM’s page for La Posa, south of Quartzsite, says camping is allowed “between September 15 and April 15”; Imperial Dam, near Yuma, offers the same season (BLM La Posa (opens in a new tab), BLM Imperial Dam (opens in a new tab)).
| Permit | Price listed by BLM | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term permit | $180 | Use of BLM’s designated LTVAs continuously from September 15 to April 15 |
| Short-visit permit | $40 | Any 14 consecutive days in the season; can be renewed |
| No permit (outside LTVAs) | Free | Up to 14 days in any 28-day period on general BLM land |
LTVA rules include quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and not leaving your camp unoccupied for more than five days, per BLM’s LTVA brochure. There are designated short-term camping areas around Quartzsite too; BLM’s long-term camping sheet says there are five.
What happens in Quartzsite in winter?
Quartzsite is a small Arizona town that fills with winter visitors. The 2027 Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show runs January 15–23, 2027, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 700 S. Central Blvd (Quartzsite RV Show (opens in a new tab)). Around it are gatherings for vanlifers, skoolie owners, ham radio operators and truck campers. We keep a dated list in Vanlife gatherings for winter 2026–2027.
What should I bring for a desert winter?
- Heat that is safe while you sleep. Federal safety agencies warn never to use fuel-burning portable heaters or lanterns while sleeping in a vehicle. Use a vented heater and a working CO alarm.
- Water and a plan to refill it. Desert camps have no taps; know where the nearest water and dump station are.
- Solar or a way to charge. Short winter days mean less sun; budget your power.
- Wind protection. Desert winds can be strong. Park nose-into the wind and stow awnings.
- Self-contained waste. Most desert camps and gatherings require you to be fully self-contained.
More on this in Vanlife safety tips.
How does RME help in winter?
Winter is when vanlifers are closest together, which makes it the best time to meet people. On RME you can see who is around, join an event or caravan, and save water, dump and propane stops with notes.
Events on the Roam map can be filtered by Public, Friends, Attending and Mine, with Going, a waitlist and an event chat. Organizers can keep the exact pin hidden until a set time or share it only with people going, and can ask guests to agree to event rules before they join.
Friends Map shares your location only with mutual friends, at the level you pick: Ghost (hidden), Town (your general town), Approximate (a random point within 20 miles) or Precise. Precise can go to all mutual friends or only the friends you choose, for 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours or until you turn it off.
Roam spots, Trailprint, Events and Friends Map are included with a free RME account. The app shows the current plan details, so check there for anything that is still optional. Available on the App Store for iPhone and on Google Play for Android.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a BLM LTVA permit?
BLM’s La Posa and Imperial Dam pages list the long-term permit at $180 for September 15 to April 15, and the short-visit permit at $40 for any 14 consecutive days. The pages don’t name a season year, so confirm when you buy.
Can I camp for free near Quartzsite?
Yes, on general BLM land outside the LTVAs, for up to 14 days in any 28-day period. BLM says short-term camping near Quartzsite is limited to designated areas.
When is the Quartzsite RV show in 2027?
January 15–23, 2027, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 700 S. Central Blvd in Quartzsite, per the show’s website.
When is the busiest time in Quartzsite?
January, when the RV show and several vanlife and skoolie gatherings take place. Expect busy roads and campsites.
Sources
Sources and further reading are listed below. Research dates and any illustrative assumptions are identified in the article. Tell us at support@roammeetexplore.com if something has changed.
- BLM: La Posa Long-Term Visitor Area (opens in a new tab)
- BLM: Imperial Dam Long-Term Visitor Area (opens in a new tab)
- BLM: Long-term camping in Arizona and California (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- BLM: LTVA brochure (opens in a new tab)
- BLM: Camping on public lands (opens in a new tab)
- Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show (opens in a new tab)
- CPSC: Portable heaters and camping equipment (opens in a new tab)
Disclosure: RME publishes this page. We make RME. Other apps, events and tours mentioned are run by their respective organizations. Check their current details before making plans.