Why do so many RVers flock to Quartzite, Arizona, in January each year? Because of the Quartzite Annual Sports, Vacation and RV Show, the biggest gathering of motor home enthusiasts in the world. For about a week, this sleepy little desert burg becomes a thriving metropolis of motor home aficionados and other folks who want to get away from the cold. It's a huge social event with activities and all sorts of fun. Anybody who's been will tell you that it's paradise for RV lovers!



This event was started 25 years ago, and it just grows bigger every year. At the 2008 show this past January, there were more than 150,000 folks enjoying the festivities.

The event is held on 20 acres of Quartzite, with a 70,000 square foot indoor area where you can get some shade. Inside, you'll find booths with all kinds of goods for sale and food, as well as live entertainment every day of the week.

Although it gets bigger each year, last year there were about 300 motor home sites available for show-goers. They are fully equipped with electricity, water and sewerage services. In addition to these sites, there are over 100 locations available outside of the main exhibition area, as well as lots of good RV parks, campsites and motels in the general area.

Still, it's always best to stay right in the middle of this "RV city" if you can. Parking your motor home there is absolutely free, you just need to apply beforehand and reserve your spot.

Aside from all the goods and live entertainment, the show is known for its craft show and car show. The craft show is in a special space inside the main tent with handmade crafts from all over the country, including the Rock And Gem Show, where you can see metals from all over the country. The craft shows include unique, do-it-yourself crafts, so you can learn something while you enjoy the show! Participants are invited to contribute their own crafts to the show, and you can get an application by contacting the promoters.

Held each year on the last few days of the show, the Rock And Roll Classic Car Show is another of Quartzite's major events. Folks bring their hot vintage cars from all over the country to show off, and there's quite a lot to see. You'll see custom cars, classics, hot rods, muscle cars and other beauties from the past. There is a fee to get in to the car show, but it's well worth it, and group and family rates are available.

Quartzite is located in southwestern Arizona right up against the California border, putting it right in the middle of America's best motor home country. It is on Highway 10 west of Phoenix, and just south of Lake Havasu. To reserve a spot at next year's show, download and print the application form found at Quartzite's RV show website. Be sure to follow all the directions they give and you're sure to have a good time.