Why Do People Go to Quartzsite, AZ? - Nomad Life 

“Once you’ve experienced a higher level of freedom, it’s hard to go back to a lower level of freedom”. -- That’s is GOLD.

I am not there this year, but I always post a sign that says if I can hear your dog bark or hear your generator your to close.

I arrived for my first Quartzite season in early November 2023. Every week it got exponentially more crowded and the white tents area filled in. Some friends invited me to camp with them at the Lit Cactus area and I bought the pass, it’s $180 for the season and includes all LTVAs. I was told by a volunteer that it will be at least $300 in 2024. We had a banging Thanksgiving! But I overloaded on people, congested campground area and a lack of privacy. I have a van and though I do generally camp with leave no trace practices vans like mine that have not got a 10 gallon black tank have to be by the pit toilets, not out in the deeper less crowded areas. So I left and am boondocking around. Waste of $180 but I will try some of the other LTVAs in CA and near Yuma as I have it. I do plan on being back in Q for the WRTR and Gem show, maybe in the LTVA. I spend less money doing 14 days out boondocking , resupply do laundry etc and back out for 14 days. I’m doing the Q because I want to but I doubt I will ever buy another LTVA pass again. I’m an introvert and get exhausted from people. Others love the family clans they develop year after year. I have my people but I’m better in small 2-4 person groups without daily potlucks and partying. I love to dance and that’s what I liked best about the Lit Cactus camp in La Posa South. A little goes a long way though!

We are all alone, together ❤

Dude! I think you did a great job explaining why people go to quartzite for some time in the winter months to reconnect with people and opportunities! Thank you for your honest interpretation

As soon as I saw the red sky I had to jump in and say wow.

If your shower container doesn't warm up enough you could always use some reflectix material to focus the suns heat on the other side of the container. I used this trick a few times and also used it around the campfire with some good results. Great videos and thanks!

Thanks Brian, please continue exploring the country and bringing us along. ✌🏻

Great video, how cool that your parents joined you! I love that camping spot, that's exactly what I would choose. Some trees, no one else around and ringed by the mountains in the distance. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Take care.

Awesome video. Completely agree with everything.

I agree. I tried doing some nomad living out east and while doable it's just way more work. You have to move around more often, you have to pay for things your normally wouldn't, and people out east look down on nomaders more than out west. The western US is a whole new world when it comes to nomad living. The level of freedom is night and day compared to the eastern US.

The statement regarding levels of freedom hit home as I cherish the high level of freedom attained as a van lifer. I have been living and traveling in my van for almost two years and I absolutely love it. I love the idea of the weed sprayer for showering.

RTR seems to be a big event. I am naturally weary about crowd and people because I am not good at small talk and very shy in front of people I don’t know. I think Brian you have developed a good way to meeting strangers on the road over the years 👍

One thing I like out west is that you can see FOREVER!

What a great surprise for you to have your parents make the trek there.✌️

As someone who hopefully will be converting a box truck and coming out there in the future the last few minutes of this video were really the dream im looking for. so peaceful

I had wanted to live the life for years. My husband even started to fix a vehicle up for me, he died. Health issues then got in my way. You answered so many questions. Thank you.

That is one of the best burger and fries I’ve seen in a while. That’s one great thing about technology, you can live on the road and still cook with solar, amazing! I watched a guy earlier that had an Instant Pot and a microwave and lived in a Prius!

Amazing... I remember Adventure Land. Thanks for the YEARS of entertainment... sharing your life with all of us. Glad you have a companion after all these years Brian. You guys are good together. I was great seeing the photo of the two of you with your parents. Life is good.

Hey Brian. Have followed you off & on most of the time you've been living this "free life". A life you make the choices on your life on all levels. It's been awesome seeing you evolve thru the years. Glad you have a partner who lives & understands your life & can blend it together. Nice surprise of you parents on their visit Thanks for taking us on your journeys. I do remember the amusement park job & your Alaska adventure & sugar beet jobs Take care my friend. Keep enjoying out there

Nothing wrong with finding a spot where you're all alone, especially being around people all day at The Big Tent. Spectacular scenery. To see Arizona desert sunsets if on my bucket list. I'll get there someday!

I watched your sprayer video years ago and made my own for camping. It is so simple and works great. I went full nomad 6 months ago and still using it. Thank you.

Brian, thank you dearly for this fabulous video (and many of your other vids.) which are so full of awesome facts and advice and sharing your experiences. As one of your other commenters said: Pure Gold. You and Kelly are inspirations to the rest of us who long for the level of freedom you dare to claim for yourselves. Your videos make my day. :)

Hey Brian, I have recently found you and your videos are addictive. That translates into I am binge watching. Love your lifestyle, cinematography, sense of adventure, cooking style and your voice. Thanks for taking me along! At this time I can not be there in person but watching you is the next best thing. Perhaps one day I can take off too. ☮️

Great topic! I asked about this in a FB group and was shocked by the amount of responses. I’ve never been because I’m usually into seeking solitude but might check it out this year.

Thanks for answering the question about East Coast nomading. I understand the benefits of living out west, and why so many nomads choose that area of the country. I'm not a nomad, but I think I would enjoy that lifestyle. Maybe someday. I appreciate all your videos, especially your honesty in dealing with the joys and challenges of your life on the road.

I find that introverts have some of the best channels. Very personable in the way an introvert enjoys it. 👍👍

I really appreciate your videos and how you live your life's adventure! I watch some van life videos that only show them walking around filming the same thing. Then they do meet and greet only to complain the next day about to many people around them! Your videos are of a journey and adventure! Happy travels my friend!

Hi Brian and Kelly. I tend to agree with you Brian, when it comes to choosing a site. I also would like a spot away a bit, but be close enough to visit for a bit and then be able to go back to a more secluded area. Brian, your food always looks fit for a King and Queen. Hugs, Louise

I prefer serenity to crowds any day and then if you wish to be around people, you can take a short drive to that area and do that. Also, camping close to people can sometimes bring on unexpected visitors or noise which can be an inconvenience, infringe on your privacy. Take care and enjoy your stay in the southwest !!

The ending says it all- burgers on the campfire, peace and quiet, Beautiful sunset, good company- heaven. ✌️🙏🏻👵

Heck of a Burger and Fries for out in the middle of nowhere! Good vid!

How wonderful you are still using the spray bottle. I remember you made a "how to" video to make those, I've wanted to make one ever since. And I will one day. Loved the video and your editing is beautiful.

Brian good morning. It was nice to meet you and Kelly, although only briefly, before your talk at RTR which BTW I enjoyed primarily because it was heartfelt and beneficial for us. I have enjoyed the RTR meetup over the years just because you can meet nomads with real life knowledge of living the life. Those of us who only part time really never get the OTJ experiences those who are totally immersed in the life get. I have moved on now but usually stay out off dome rock road these days when in the area as my van does not like that scadden wash road. Take care and like I said anytime in the Albuquerque area give me a holler as my back yard is big enough to park your rig

Wow! I would love to experience Quartzite! I really appreciated your information. How cool that your parents surprised you! They must be proud of you and the life you have created. The burgers and the fire looked so appealing! We are getting more snow here in Massachusetts tomorrow.

Was my grandmother's stop before going to cali.

The smile on your face when you talked of your parents put a smile on my face, be well and happy travels!

As always you rock with your videos. It’s definitely been colder than normal. It was great seeing you at the big tent event. Lot of people also go to Costa Rica for the winter. Safe travels.

🌵 Brian, I appreciate you sharing your genuine nomadic life. 🚐

Experience of freedom... priceless! Blessings! +Brian

Thank you for sharing. And you are so right. Once you have experienced the freedom of being a Nomad, nothing like it. Be safe, Be happy.

I learnt every time i watch you....Thanks ...and ride safe.

We had a two room shower tent when we camped in our teardrop. Loved that tent! It's our first year here at Quartzsite and it is quite relaxing!

Great picture of you, Kelly and your parents. Cool that they surprised you with a visit!

I've not made it as far as Quartzite. I come from Michigan and once I hit enough warmth, usually around Tucson, I find my spot and enjoy the desert. It really is beautiful in a completely different way from the woods of Michigan.

Thank you for being a voice behind such a great event 💯✌️Hi Kelly and Bryan's Family ❤️

Cost of living is getting insane. If you have the means, please donate to a food pantry. A few cans of beans or dried rice might save someone's life. Be the kindness that others need.

Thank you for being There! You inspire ...

Peace and quiet. Dry and warmth. Sun. Sky. Stars. Wind. Rain. No time change. Lots of reasons.

I was there from November 2019 to March 2020. I camped at Dome Rock, and other boondocking spots most spots you have 15 days and have to leave for two weeks and can come back. I stayed at Plamosa South for two weeks for $40.00. I enjoyed my stay and went to the RTR at the fairgrounds in Parker 2020. Enjoyed my stay there. Went to the Big Tent and walked around. Ok, well take care Brian, and as always "Enjoy The Adventure." 🤠👍✌Oh, be aware of the traffic during the Big Tent event it's crazy!!

How nice to have a less windy Q visit! Your week sprayer shower set up is so creative and resourceful. Thanks for the thoughts on Quartzite. I have honestly always wondered by people want to go there, but it makes a lot more sense now.

Glad to see y'all together for a while. Dinner looked great. Kelly looks good after snake episode. She had me worried with that one. ❤️❤️👍😊☕🍔🍔🍟🍟

Burgers looked awesome, great looking camp. And away we go

Went to the Tent in Q today and blessed with a wonderful meet up with Brian and Kelly... had a great talk... this also is why you go to Q. Meeting up with friends from past RV volunteer positions, meeting past boondocking neighbors. I've followed Brian since 2015 when I started this nomadic life... finally meeting in person... what a joyful couple they are. Thanks Brian for the warm welcome and we'll see you on the road. Hugs Carlene aka Waianaegal

I have a small two-man Walmart tent I've been using for twenty years. I go camping five or six times a year and have been through several bad storms in it. It cost me about $20.

I absolutely will be back. I came out for just a short week and did not have a chance to do any meet ups, but I was adopted into a community and camp that accepted me even though I am going through a rough patch in my life. The RTR was a great place to learn and meet people. I liked your budget talk. Thank you again for taking the time to create your videos. Safe travels.

Good 👍 job, guys. I definitely love ❤️ Quartzsite Arizona Community. It is awesome Aloha from Hawaii

Hi Adventure Van Man - Liked both of your videos about Quartzite. My late brother lived in Nevada for many years after first moving to California from 🇨🇦 Appreciate the hints. Take care

Love that shower idea!!!!! Genius

You showed up on my sidebar this evening and I decided to click on it...I am glad I did. Thank you for the explanation of why people go to Quartzsite. I am going to forward the link to my uncle who thinks I am crazy for wanting to go there. You have a very comforting voice.

That was nice mom&dad showed up.

Nice to meet you at the RTR!

Great vid, dude. One of your best, thanx.

What a fantastic run down of as near free life as possible these days! I’m from the uk and could only dream of the space you guys have.So well narrated thank you for your insight 👍

Thank you for taking me along Brother! I live and work in Phoenix and can be in Quartste in about 2-1/2 hours. Rode motorcycles all over the KOFA and Barry Goldwater range. You are living my dream Sir!! Great job!!

Hello Brian l really enjoy Quartzsite during snow bird season. Thank you for sharing your awesome video.

When you stay in the desert like this guy and when you go home and you hit all the traffic and people you realize how lucky you were

Your living the life. Thanks for sharing the info on those frequently asked questions. You explained them very well👍✌

The still of you and Kelly with your folks is the best. Your whole face is lit up. Everyone but Dad in puffies, and Dad in the quintessential plaid shirt.

Thank you for once again sharing your day with us. So fascinating each video. Nice of your parents to surprise you with a visit. Have fun on your stay outside Quartzite.

Great video. It's so true about freedom....Once you experience it, it is hard to go back. In 2021, I started my nomad life and when I tried to return to one place, I found myself missing the quite desert sky.

And a good afternoon! Gosh, I cannot wait to see you 2 get back on the road again, I miss so many of my covid era youtubers! This year has shaped up to be so difficult economically, these food and gas prices are off the chain! I hope both you 2 are doing well and we look forward to your next adventures! Stay safe and happy y'all!

That’s a lovely camp spot, I should have looked a little farther outside town. Cool shower setup!

I can't give it another thumbs up cuz I gave it one last time. But I can sure comment on how I love your videos. Brian. First time the court site coming up this year. Looking forward to it

You know Brian, I seem to always watch your videos around dinner time. Darn good looking burgers and fries. Enjoy your channel.

Hey Brian, been following you now for a couple of years at least, and have always been able to relate to where your coming from. My wife and I had a VW bus in the mid sixties and did a lot of traveling across this big old country during the dawning of the “Age of Aquarius “. We’ve always respected your view of nature and your surroundings. Freedom is everything in this modern uptight world and your videos from the road remind us of the freedom we sought and inspire us for the future. Best wishes for your continued success! Peace☮️

For a non-nomad, I really enjoyed and found your presentation very informative! Thanks!

Thank you for sharing your journey! I really enjoy your channel, I've been watching I think since 2017. Very peaceful, and gentleness about you and the way you present stuff. Someday I hope to explore more of our county. You take care! God bless! AL from CT

You're living the good life Brian.

Thanks for showing your shower set up. Simple and functional=perfect!! That burger looks amazing!!

Thank you for the video

Keep the videos coming! I'm box trucking and I look forward to seeing your videos man 👍🙂👍

Ann Arbor, MI here... We are expecting 6 to 8 inches of snow tonight... Yep, at 66, I can see me going somewhere South in the next couple of years, if I'm still on the planet. I love being on the Ocean in Florida but Key West would be my preferred destination, always a breeze and few bugs. There's just nowhere to affordably camp or boon dock there. Inland FL has the humidity & lots of bugs, which is just atrocious, much like Michigan in the Summer months.

I made a shower following your tips. I love it, it works GREAT! Great video as always!

I was at Quartsite this year, 1st time, & you explained very well my same observations of the wonderful people/vibe. I’ll be back!

Another great one Brian, so enjoy your post. Have a great time in quartziite.

Another nice video and yummy food. See you tomorrow again. 😁👍

Thank Bryan and Kelly for sharing your adventure

Brian you's hook up with your old traveling pal. Look around CAMPERVAN KEVIN 🥰👍🏻 AND THE WOOFPACK 🙏🏻😍🥰👍🏻

I love how many practical tips we can pick up just in seeing your day to day routine. Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your adventures. Hopefully this will be my year to get some traveling in. I have your videos as a roadmap. Can't wait to explore

Hello Brian and thumbs UP to you and Kelly!

The weather has been really off this year but, we have to realize it's a cycle that could change at anytime. It's up to God. Really enjoyed seeing you again, hope you're feeling better. I could tell you had the sniffles. 💕

Thank you for the lesson on putting up the shower tent, drying it,& packing it down. Also how you used your frying pan as an oven. Little things you don’t think about,when preparing to go camping. Safe travels,Elaine from Queensland, Australia.

They have a really nice asbestos landfill there. Most of the asbestos comes from California. I used to haul loads to there and it was the only reason I went to Quartzsite.

Wow Brian I just found your channel!!! Thanks so much for this video … I will be watching more of them!!! Safe safe travels!!!

Hi Brian Im still in Maine This is so helpful Thank you Can you still meet folks if you Miss the big events but come later like early Feb? I was feeling daunted by the thought of the crowds Love your video Definately clarifying:)

My kinda camping spot if I were in that area. I’m pretty much an introvert myself and really have a tough time with loud noise. There was a time in my life where I heated with wood and hauled water. A bucket, a gallon or two of water and a margarine container was my method to shower. I think the spray bottle is a better method.👍 Another great calming video. Thanks and stay healthy and safe😊

WOW! Yes that was an awesome surprise for you with your parents visiting!

Very well done! Spent last year in the desert and the 2022 RTR. Back east in North Conway doing a van build in between snow storms… It’s funny, I am home but you made me home sick… Eager to get 😊back on the road. Stay well.