Simply Schricks- Destination Unknown Again

There’s something about Quartzsite, Arizona, that keeps drawing us back. Our first visit was last New Year’s, where we met up with the Xscapers group for a fantastic time in the desert. This time, we arrived in mid-January with no scheduled meetups, just the desire to relax, soak in the quiet, and enjoy a few weeks of true boondocking in the desert.

Settling In: Finding Our Spot and Getting Off-Grid

As we rolled into Quartzsite, we immediately noticed the contrast from the usual chaos of the RV show season. While there were plenty of RVs around, it wasn’t overcrowded. After a quick search, we found the perfect spot—peaceful and expansive, surrounded by open desert.

This was our longest stretch of off-grid living yet. We were fully prepared to manage everything using our solar power system with an inverter, though we did have to fire up the generator a few times to supplement our energy needs. Living this way requires some planning, especially since Kristie works full-time from our RV. She depends on Starlink for reliable internet, which allows her to spend hours on conference calls. Keeping everything running smoothly was important, but the reward was the freedom to camp wherever we wanted.

Boondocking Bliss: A Desert Oasis of Quiet

After the RV show ended, Quartzsite felt like a different place. The mass exodus left us almost entirely alone. It was just us, the vast desert, and a sense of serenity that we hadn’t felt in a long time. As far as the eye could see, there were no other RVs—just miles of untouched landscape. It felt like we had the entire desert to ourselves, a rare and special experience.

The sunsets were unforgettable, turning the sky into a stunning canvas of colors. We watched the sun dip below the horizon every evening, with the desert air cooling around us. As the darkness settled in, the stillness of the night was profound.

Desert Days: Simple Pleasures and New Adventures

During our stay, we embraced the simple joys of off-grid living:

• Long walks through the desert, where we let the dogs roam freely. It was a peaceful and private place for them to stretch their legs.
• Campfires every night, where we gathered around the fire pit, cooking over an open flame. There’s something about food cooked on a campfire that makes it taste even better.
• Target practice with our pellet gun—a fun way to relax and enjoy the desert surroundings.
• Bobby also spent time writing songs and practicing his guitar letting the melodies flow with the desert breeze.
• Kristie spent time creating watercolor paintings inspired by the colors and textures of the desert landscape. It was the perfect way to slow down and connect with the surroundings.

The best part? The quiet. We never saw any wildlife during our walks, but the silence was its own reward.

Water, Waste, and Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Managing our resources was a crucial part of our off-grid stay. Bobby took trips into town every few days to fill up our water jugs, which he used to top off the RV’s water tank. With the cooler temperatures, we didn’t need the AC at all, so that made it easier to conserve energy.

A Few Days of Exploration and Connection

Although we spent much of our time soaking in the solitude, we also enjoyed some adventures in and around Quartzsite. Kristie flew to Cheyenne during our stay to visit friends, while Bobby stayed behind to keep the camp running smoothly. Kristie also flew to Philadelphia for work during out stay.

We visited the Quartzsite RV Show and had a fantastic time checking out all the new RV models and gadgets. It was a great chance to meet up with friends, share experiences, and indulge in some much-needed BBQ for lunch.

We also made a trip to Oatman, Arizona, where we spent the day seeing the famous wild burros that roam freely through the town. The quaint old mining town provided a perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon, followed by a delicious lunch at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant and Bar.

Reflecting on Our Longest Boondocking Experience Yet

Quartzsite gave us more than just a place to park our RV—it provided a rare opportunity to experience true solitude in nature. Our time off-grid was a test of our ability to manage resources, but it was also a chance to reconnect with the beauty of the desert. The sunsets, the quiet, and the simplicity of life in Quartzsite made this one of our most memorable stays yet.

Follow Our Journey!

If you’re enjoying hearing about our adventures, make sure to follow Simply Schricks for more stories from the road. From boondocking in the desert to exploring new towns, we’ve got plenty of travel tales to share.