Gold Nugget Road Dispersed Camping

I don't know what this place is like in mid-season, but at the end of March it is nearly deserted. Eight miles from town, there are maybe a half-dozen other rigs here. Just 1/4 mile from I-10, but the road noise isn't too noticeable during the day, and virtually non-existent at night. The main area is south of the interstate, but I did see one 5-er on the north side. No services, it is strictly primitive, dispersed camping. There are lots of trails around for hiking/biking, and there are a few ATV's every day, but it is really a peaceful, secluded area to hang out and shelter in place. Water and dump station are available in Quartzsite. Next time I am coming through town, I will stop here again.

We stopped here only briefly for the evening and we were the only people. Not sure if it’s because of the time (May 2020 during coronavirus lockdown) or if this area just isn’t used much! Beautiful location

If you have a dog DO NOT GO. Skip down for that reason. Otherwise read on.

I figured I would give Quartzsite Arizona a look and see why all the snow birds rave about it.

The weather.
The weather is all that is good about it. Day time highs up to 78. Nights around 45.

First contact with a snow bird.
I stopped at the entrance and was looking at a satellite view on my phone when an elderly couple stopped to check on me.
That was nice of them.
But when I asked if there was enough room to turn around further up the road. The man, let’s just call him Herald. Was in the passenger seat next to his wife holding a small poodle dog. He was quick to say, “NO! There is no room for a trailer like yours”.
(I have a 32 foot horse trailer)
He then said, “The only wide spot is right here and I should not go any further up”.
So straight from the start my first contact was with one of them types that think they own the place.
They were definitely not a Campendium user. Everyone I have met that use the app are normally super friendly.

The Drive in.
The roads are just fine and there is PLENTY of areas to turn around. No problem for a rig of any size.

PROBLEM FOR DOGS.
So after backing in and setting up. I took the dogs on the leash to let them make doggie Squeezin. In less then 10 minutes they were both stopped and shaking their paws and licking.
Now I have been dealing with Goat Head thorns through Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and up through New Mexico.
But this was something even worse. 1000 X worse.
The cactus in this area produce a bulb about 1.5 inches round by 2 inches long. They fall off and when dry the wind blows them around. They finally dry up leaving a carpet of 3/4” long spikes with barbs. Theses make a Star Thistle seem like nothing. The barb makes them almost impossible to remove. So your dogs first instinct is to try and lick their paws to get them out. Now your dog has them stuck in there tongue, lips, and gums. Not fun. I spent at least 1.5 hours removing the tire spikes from 2 dogs. Some were super deep. Lucky for me my dogs trust me and knew I was trying to help. You must use tweezers and give them a hard pull. Even with tweezers they are hard to grip. It’s almost better to use needle nose pliers. The only thing worse then these things is a Porcupine. (Knock On Wood)

Overall feeling.
I’m sure it would be worth staying if I didn’t have dogs and there was Creek or River near by to fetch water from. But I’ll never bring a dog here again. I’ll take a Bear, Mountain lion, Coyote, and the cold of the forest over this mess anytime. Perhaps in 8 years when the dogs die I’ll try again. But not while they are alive.

Not dog friendly due to cactus debris! Quite nasty, but that is nature.
Little bit of I-10 road noise.
Cell service is great 3-4 bars AT&T service.
Spectacular night skies.
Nice hiking, be careful and stay away from any abandoned mines.
Will definitely come back again on another trip.
22’ Sprinter with generator on the back, little issues with turned, though we did encounter some loose, small gravel which was a little slippery.
We could only see two other sites occupied in the distance.

Gold nugget mine area has many good spots and now at the end of February there are few campers here. Our favorite spots are just before the mine. Some ATV traffic, otherwise very peaceful and sunny. Good for solar. Also appreciate the cell tower at the hilltop above our site.