2018 Quartzsite Gathering

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Greg A
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2018 Quartzsite Gathering

2018 Quartzsite Gathering Hosts: Scamp Owners International

This gathering is for all brands of Molded Fiberglass Trailers! Like Salmon returning home all brands of Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailers make the annual pilgrimage to the AZ Desert. 

Dates: Feb 5-11

  • February 5th to 8th  - Early bird Quartzsite Pre-Gathering (Mon thru Thurs)
  • February 9th to 11th - Main Event (Friday thru Sunday)

If you can attend the Main Gathering, the Pre-Gathering, or the entire Quartzsite Gathering we’d love to have you come and enjoy the good times. Some even stay for a Post-Gathering for a few days if you’re so inclined.

Where: Same location as always, Dome Rock area, Quartzsite Arizona. Approx. 5 miles west of Quartzsite on I-10, south side of highway next to the frontage road.

MAP OF QUARTZSITEGATHERING LOCATION(link is external)

GPS: 33.643617,-114.304752

Who Can Attend:  Owners of all Molded Fiberglass Trailers brands - Casita, Scamp, Escape, Burro, U-haul, Bigfoot, Lil’ Snoozy, Compact Jr., Trillium, Boler, Parkliner, Eggcamper, Perris Pacer, etc. This gathering has always been, and will continue to be, a melting pot of all molded fiberglass trailer brands.

Registration: There is no pre-registration, as this is free BLM land. We will have a registration/signup table at the Host Trailer in the main loop. This is just first name(s), town, state and trailer type. Make sure you stop by the Host Trailer because not only do we want to meet you, the first 300 registrations will receive a FREE 2018 Quartzsite Gathering 11th year button! (Our Canadian friends called this a Pin)

Camping: Free BLM 14-day dry camping (no facilities) on hard packed dirt. Market, water and dump station are all located in Quartzsite, 5 miles to the east. This is “Boondocking” with no hookups. If you are unfamiliar with how to setup your trailer for Boondocking you can read theses excellent resources on Boondocking.

  • What to Bring: Full Water Tank, Extra Water in Tow Vehicle, Empty Gray and Black Tanks, Generator or Solar Charging options, flashlight to see as you walk at night, can of non-cream based soup for the soup event, a dessert for the dessert event, and firewood (optional).
  • BLM Permit: A BLM permit must be obtained and displayed on your trailer. These are available free of charge from the BLM host trailer located a mile or two from town on the frontage road.
  • Campfires: Campfires are allowed. Please bring some firewood if you can help out. We will have central fire pit activities/concerts on Friday and Saturday night.
  • Generators: Generators are OK, however quiet ones are even better. Please try not to run them too early or late. Respect your fellow campers.
  • Check-in Check-out times – None. Come in and leave when you want to. Maximum stay in this area is 14 days. Best of all there is no bill and nothing owed when you leave!
  • Pets: All pets must be kept on a leash while within the camp area. You are responsible for cleanup and sanitary disposal of your pet’s waste.
  • Trash: You are responsible for your trash. We only leave footprints when we depart. Trash may be dropped off at the landfill for free Sunday through Wednesday at this location: Quartzsite Transfer Station Location: 2 1/2 miles N of Quartzsite on Hwy 95, West Side, Quartzsite, AZ 85346

 

Greg A
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Quartzsite Update

Howdy from the Wagonmaster,

We had the largest Scamp turnout in the history of Quartzsite gathering last year. SOI members need to be making plans to attend the gathering this year in droves. No reservations needed, plenty of space, no checkout, no bill when you leave.

Schedule and activities for the 11th Annual Quartzsite gathering will be posted shortly just waiting on a couple of confirmations.

 

Stay tuned and a Merry Christmas to all!

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Greg A
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Quartzsite Gathering - Feb 5th to 11th

Activities: The Quartzsite Gathering is traditionally not highly scheduled with activities. The few activities we have are on Friday and Saturday. During the week folks get together in small groups, enjoy the desert, head to the flea markets, or out to lunch or dinner. Check the activity whiteboard at the host trailer for updated times and activities. All activities are subject to last minute changes. Make sure to register at the host trailer and pick up your 2018 Quartzsite Commemorative Button/Pin (quantities limited).

  • BYOB Happy Hour to kick off the Quartzsite Gathering for early arrivals. Monday night Feb 5th. We will have an informal BYOB happy hour at the host trailer to get acquainted and start the week. Bring your chairs, favorite beverage and snacks. We'll provide a table and fire pit.
  • Concerts with Pete, Jackie and our Quartzsite Musicians: Several days during the week we will be having an evening campfire at the host trailer with music by our good friends and musicians Pete and Jackie. Any aspiring musicians can join in to play along. Check the activity board for times and bring your chairs over. 
  • Saturday Ladder ball Tournament: At 10:00 a.m., right before the Soup Thing. Great fun to be had at the Quartzsite Gathering Ladder ball Tournament. Never played? Not a problem. It is quick and easy to pick up the game and compete for great prizes. Last year’s tournament was quite an event and drew as many spectators as players. Join the fun and sign up your team at registration.
  • Saturday Soup Thing: Everyone please bring a can of soup (Not cream style) and leave in the soup boxes at the registration table when checking-in. These are carefully mixed by our expert Soup Chefs in large pots of Chicken base, Beef base, and Mystery surprise. The soup line will start following the Ladderball tournament at approximately 12:30. Snacks to share with others are also welcome. After a nap come back at 4 pm for the Dessert.
  • Dessert  in the Desert at the Saturday Night Campfire: Second year for this popular  Dessert Pot Luck at the central campfire. Starting at 4pm everyone bring a favorite dessert to the tables, along with your chairs, for a taste of dessert while enjoying the central campfire.
  • Quartzsite Flea Markets: Throughout the town of Quartzsite, the Flea Markets run in the winter months during the influx of RV winter visitors and are quite interesting to spend a day or two rummaging around and finding treasures. Check the heading for current vendor information. 

White Board: Check the white board at registration for all activities and approximate times.

VendorsNo outside vendors will be allowed without prior approval from the hosts. We are on BLM Land and their regulations do not allow vendors to sell goods on BLM Lands, so we have to be very careful on what is allowed.

Currently approved vendors:

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Dome Rock Swap Meet Quartzsite Gathering Saturday, Feb 11, 2017 8am - 10am:

This is your opportunity to recycle those camping items you no longer use!

SELLERS:
Items must be camping-related...basically anything having to do with RVing. This can also include books, CDs, electronics, etc. -- stuff you'd use when traveling. No clothing items, please.

  • Purchase a box of small envelopes at the Dollar Store (I'll also have some on hand). 
  • On the front of the envelope, write: 1) Your name, 2) the item name, 3) the price, 4) your cell phone number
  • Affix the envelope to the item you wish to sell and leave your item(s) on one of the tables at the Swap Meet.
  • You must be willing to accept either cash or check.
  • Buyers will place their payment into the envelope and then deposit it into a box designated as PAYMENTS.
  • At 12 noon, sellers will be expected to come back to the tent to claim their payment(s) and/or item(s).
  • There will be a table for FREE STUFF. No envelopes necessary; however, the items must be camping-related and reclaimed by noon. 
  • DO NOT LEAVE THOSE ITEMS FOR OTHERS TO DISPOSE OF!
  • If you have a table or ground cover we can use for a few hours to display items, please bring it along.
  • No need to stick around if you don't want to since someone will be there keeping an eye on things.

BUYERS:

  • Acceptable payments will be by cash (correct change appreciated) or check.
  • Buyers may write their name and cell number on the envelope before depositing it into the box if they have questions for the Seller.

MISCELLANEOUS
No outside vendors are permitted without permission from Greg A., the rally host.

A-Z Casita Owners Guide CDs and the following decals on hand: Jack Frame under Here, Battery Charge, and Fresh Water Tank Gauges.

Swap Meet Questions or suggestions? Email Eileen at lovemycasita17@gmail.com

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From the Hosts:

Post any questions you have on this thread or to just say “Hello, we’ll be there”! We look forward to meeting many new friends and visiting with many old friends at one of the best gatherings of Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailers (All brands are welcome) in the country.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Greg A
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The Quartzsite Gathering Button

The Quartzsite 2018 Button has been designed and will be available when you check-in at the host trailer. There are limited quantities and are first come, first serve until we run out.

This years Quartzsite Gathering commemorative button features a Quartzsite Landmark and legend; The grave site and marker of Hi Jolly. If you've never been to see this landmark then you'll need to put on your buttons and head over to check out a piece of Quartzsite and Arizona history. Some say descendants of the camels can still be stumbled upon roaming the Arizona Desert.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

SallytheScamp
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BYOB when?

Is the BYOB Monday 2/5 or Tuesday 2/6? Planning when to arrive and don't want to miss it.

Jim and Theresa
Heading out West

Greg A
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Quartzsite Early Bird

Good catch Sally. Early bird BYOB is Monday the 5th. Keep an eye on the whiteboards at our Host trailer during the week as sometimes things get adjusted.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

vermilye
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For anyone interested, I've

For anyone interested, I've started a page of photographs of the rally. I'll add to it as the rally progresses.

mk evenson
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pics

Thanks for posting the pics, nice to see some familiar faces!

 

Mark

Thanks for making us feel so welcome.
If you have a choice, Please buy, "Made in America"

MikeC
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Thanks

Thanks to you and everyone that helped put together an excellent rally. Maybe be next year we can get more Scampers to attend.

 

vermilye
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For those that are looking

For those that are looking for something to do after the Quartzsite rally, one suggestion is the Annual Western Winter Blast at the SARA Rodeo Grounds in Lake Havasu City, about 80 miles north of Dome Rock. You can make reservations for the 30th which takes place February 11 - 18th, 2019.

The week of dry camping is a $150.00 donation to the rodeo for the 7 nights, more expensive than Quartzsite, & essentially a small slot in a parking lot. That said, there are 4 nights (Thursday through Sunday) of fireworks for 4 hours per night with demos of manufacturer's new products as well as shows. I was really impressed with the shows, which can be seen from the campground & some campsites.

They sell out the campground by November, start taking reservations today, and, if you want the spot you are currently in, you must reserve by July 31. I made a page with links to hundreds of photos of the show: 29th Western Winter Blast 2018, Lake Havasu City, AZ.

Greg A
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Quartzsite Gathering 2018 Recap

Wow, what a Quartzsite Gathering! We set another record with 202 trailers in attendance, our previous record was 187 in 2016. (Approximate Trailer and State/Province Breakdowns at the end of the post) The good news.. We have room for at least 500+ more trailers! We were able to get the 2018 buttons to most of the attendees, but we weren't expecting a record turnout so apologies to those who did not receive a button. We are looking at a possible system to make addl buttons at the event next year if we guess wrong.

Monday through Thursday the Quartzsite Band played sunset happy hour concerts led by Pete n Jackie and some regular and some new players. A big thanks to all of our Quartzsite Musicians!

   

For those regular Quartzsite attendees who know Leroy, there was a bit of a Kerfuffle regarding Leroy. The story is still not totally clear but involves surgery and a change. Anyway, here is the Leroy that attended in 2018 with his master Lance and to the bottom is the Leroy that has attended the past Quartzsite gatherings. We have appointed a committee to look into what has happened to the real Leroy.....

  

Ladderball tournament set a new record with 29 teams starting the first round of the tournament vying for a chance at the Great Prizes. After a heated tournament our top three teams getting the loot were:

1st Prize: Jerry & Wanda - Casita chose a Quartzsite Trailer Trash T-shirt and Desert Hat

2nd Prize: Jim & Theresa - "Sally the Scamp"- Chose a Walking stick and Quartzsite Trailer Trash Shirt

3rd Prize: Frank & Barbara - Bigfoot - Chose a walking stick and AZ tourist cap

Congratulations to all our prize winners and tournament players for 2018!

After the Ladderball tournament everyone headed to the great Quartzsite Soup Thing. Pots of Chicken based, Beef Based and Mystery Soup were diligently prepared by our soup chefs all morning.

A great big Thank You to our soup chefs this year, Ron, Michele, and Pat and everyone else who pitched in and made this another great Soup Thing. Everyone was so generous that for the first year we had about 20 extra cans of soup at the end. Your Wagonmaster and Co-Wagonmaster took the extra soup down and donated it to the Quartzsite Food Bank to support those in need.

After the Afternoon Nap, recovering from Ladderball, and the Great Soup Thing the Dessert Pot Luck and campfire was under way. John and Ronan from CA camped out hours before to be the first in line and set an alarm for the official start of the Dessert table and we were off.

After dessert in the desert there is nothing better than a campfire and a Quartzsite Sunset!

Thanks to all who pitched in to help from the many volunteers that manned the registration table, scored and helped with the Ladderball, soup, firewood and dessert offerings that were brought by all. Everyone made 2018 a year to remember in Quartzsite, where Molded Fiberglass Trailers come home to roost.

Now to the serious numbers. Some trailer names and states were omitted or not legible on the registration sheets or did not register, but the breakdown is as follows:

Top Brand in attendance: Casita's approx 102

Second Brand: Escape approx 39

Third Brand: Scamp approx 20 (New Quartzsite attendance record)

Fourth Brand: Bigfoot approx 8

Fifth Brand: Oliver approx 7

Other Brands: Approx 10

States and Provinces:

CA-53; AZ-30; TX-13; WA-11; NV-7; MO-6; UT-6; NC-5; NM-5; BC-4; SD-4; OR-4; NY-4; MN-4; FL-3; IL-3; CO-3; KS-3; MI-3; MS-3; ON-2; ID-2; NJ-2; LA-2; AB-1; TN-1; VA-1; PA-1; IN-1; WI-1

We look forward to seeing everyone next year and probably many first time attendees at the 2019 Quartzsite Gathering!

For more in-depth photographs of the 2018 Quartzsite Gathering you can go to Jon Vermilye's Lakeshore Images. A great big thanks to Jon for documenting the goings on!

Your Wagonmaster (Greg) and Co-Wagonmaster (Earl)

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale