• Quartzsite, Arizona /

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

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Tasty fish & chips , cod and ribs will impress you at the first bite. Most likely, you'll come back to this bar later to order delicious beer or good liqueur . After a long working week, you can taste great ice tea .

Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. The high ratings of Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar wouldn't be possible without the creative staff. Cool service is something visitors like here. This place offers you food at democratic prices. The terrific decor and nice atmosphere let clients feel relaxed here. This spot is rated on Google 4.2 by its guests.

Best in the city This award is based on the analysis of multiple factors, including reviews, ratings, and user engagement trends on Restaurant Guru.

Restaurant menu, frequently mentioned in reviews, ratings of quartzsite yacht club restaurant bar, visitors' opinions on quartzsite yacht club restaurant bar.

Deb Bloch

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Photo of Quartzsite Yacht Club

Quartzsite Yacht Club

1090 W Main St, Quartzsite , Arizona 85346 USA

  • Independent
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Public Restrooms
  • Outdoor Seating

Learn more about this business on Yelp .

“Join the largest yacht club in the world!”

Come enjoy a night in the Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel, a nautically themed motel, adjacent to the restaurant and bar, the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

Photo of LD H.

Reviewed by LD H.

I had the calamari appetizer. The cocktail sauce was excellent tasting and had a nice little kick! I was pleased to see the XX sign out front because that's my favorite Mexican beer. The service... Read more

Photo of Dawn R.

Reviewed by Dawn R.

In all honesty this is more a bar with bar food. Not a bar and grill and not a restaurant with a bar. Just a bar with bar food. The prices are too high for what they offer. If you're looking to... Read more

Photo of Richard B.

Reviewed by Richard B.

An oasis in the desert, serving amazing fish and chips and ribs! Came with the least of expectations and thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. Rocking band my night, 4 stars all the way! Read more

View 98 reviews on

  • Sun: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Mon, Tue: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Wed - Sat: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm

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Quartzsite Yacht Club

I become a member of the Quartzsite Yacht Club — “Welcome Aboard – long time, no sea!” -the motto of the Quartzsite Yacht Club I joined a yacht club. I joined a yacht club in the middle of the Sonoran desert. There is no water, no sea access, no rivers in sight of this yacht [...]

I become a member of the Quartzsite Yacht Club —

“Welcome Aboard – long time, no sea!” -the motto of the Quartzsite Yacht Club

I joined a yacht club. I joined a yacht club in the middle of the Sonoran desert.

There is no water, no sea access, no rivers in sight of this yacht club, nor are there any boats — unless, of course, you count the ones that are being flatbedded behind rigs driving down the interstate running deliveries to the seaside ports of Los Angeles and San Diego hundreds of miles away.

——————— Phoenix, Arizona, Southwest USA, North America Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Wade’s Travel Gear | All Travelogue Entries ———————

Yes, it is true, the Quartzsite Yacht Club does not have any access to the sea — it never has and it never will unless California falls into the ocean and the Pacific rears up to meet its new coast line in Arizona — but these cold facts seemed to have done little to deter its founder, Al Madden, from founding a yacht club in the desert.

The fact that Quartzsite is as dry as a mouth full of saltine crackers  may even have encouraged the founding of the yacht club:

Americans possess nothing if not a love for a good twist of over obvious irony — and a yacht club in the middle of the Arizona desert is appropriately ironic.

Quartzsite Yacht Club

As you dust the grit of the desert off of your blue jeans and take one last breathe of air that cooks you from the inside out, you approach the Quartzsite Yacht Club, which sits right on the main thoroughfare of town. You may even caste one last glance out across a wide expanse of bare naked desert earth before you walk up to its door. The mere thought of water here is a mirage of the mind, and to even dream about the open sea seems ludicrous: you are in the land where fire combines with earth, and the water element seems to be a facade reserved for far away lands.

But as you reach for the handle you see a replica of ship’s helm hanging above the door — and you realize that you are about to enter a yacht club. Inside, the walls are covered in sea going paraphernalia — paintings of storms at sea, oars, shipping flags, stuffed marine animals, models of ships, ships in bottles, nautical charts, and a big galley bell hangs over the thick wooden bar.

The sign on the bell caught my attention:

“To he who rings this bell in jest, buys a round for all the rest.”

As I sat at the bar dreaming into the sea paintings and random assortment of ship parts and pieces that completely blanketed the walls of the club, I began to realize that this yacht club is no jest: it is for real. The people who duck into port and dock at Quartzsite may not be traveling by boat, they may not be traveling by sea, but they do have yachts: land yachts, a.k.a. Recreational Vehicles — RVs and campers.

Each year in Quartzsite 300,000 people from all over the USA and Canada sail across the continent in their land yachts for the cheap port fees and good docking facilities that are found in Quartzsite. These terrestrial sailors then stay for a few months drinking beer, worshiping the sun, and rejoicing that they possess the wisdom and gumption to follow the birds south and duck out of another winter . . .

And why not?

The yacht club serves as the main rendezvous point for these terrestrial sailors.

Terrestrial Yacht in the Desert

Terrestrial Yacht in the Desert

But as soon as spring breaks in again for its yearly round, Quartzsite is again left abandoned, and the sailors return home.

Though the yacht club still keeps its doors open for the few thousand sailors who have tied up to more permanent moorings and stay in the small desert town throughout the year.

“I pay $80 a month to keep my RV here,” spoke a year-rounder who pulled a stool up next to me at bar of the yacht club one night.

“Not bad,” I reply.

“Yeah, not bad,” he continued, “A lot of people say that they come here for the sun or for the weather, but no, they come here for another reason.”

People come to Quartzsite because it is cheap to live there.

$80 a month, apparently, claims a place for an RV, and a few more ten dollar bills on top of this covers rent with utilities. I must say here that, in my scant survey of inter continental sailing, this is a common tune of oceanic sailors as well: you go to where you can live the best on the least amount of money and effort.

For many RVers this place is Quartzsite, Arizona.

Yacht club in desert

Yacht club in desert

I ordered another $1.75 beer at the bar, and then inquired as to how I could become a member of the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

As for the benefits of membership I would get a t-shirt that had an image of a yacht sailing through the desert with cacti all around and a surprised jack rabbit watching the ship sail passed, a certificate confirming that I am a charter member of the club, a standard yacht club affiliation flag for the boat that I am soon to buy, and an official Quartzsite Yacht Club membership card.

People at the club even attests that the yacht club reciprocity statement that is printed on the card is in fact valid, and one man even told how he was permitted to gas up his boat at a club in California simply because he flashed his Quartzsite Yacht Club card.

I figure that if I am going to sail the world by sea I may as well be a member of a yacht club. And perhaps the only yacht club that is suitable for me is one out in the middle of the dry, dry desert.

I signed my name on the club membership ledger, and the bartender then saluted me and proclaimed me official charter member #7491 of the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

Quartzsite Yacht Club Card

Quartzsite Yacht Club Card

Arizona Desert Series

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About the Author: VBJ

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You’ve got to love a bit of irony! Nothing better that a yacht club without the sea or boats. But instead “land yachts” also known as RV’s and Caravans.

You can certainly see the similarity in the lifestyles. Just one on land and another at sea!

Thanks for sharing this post. Has certainly brought a smile to my face!

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This is a brilliant idea. I wouldn’t mind being a part of it just for the fact it’s a yacht club without any form of sea transport. It is a good idea to try to live the best you can on as little as possible because it means you can save money in the long run.

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Right on, the place is really interesting.

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I love the yacht club.

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10 Reasons This Oscar-Winning Arizona Town Is Perfect For RVers

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

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Last month at the Oscars, another Frances McDormand movie, Nomadland , won Best Picture. Having RVed across North America with my husband for eight years, we immediately identified with the storyline. Much of it was set in the small town of Quartzsite in Arizona where Fern (Frances) finally found her place in the sun.

Quartzsite was a usual stop for us along I-10, and this year, we decided to visit again. The sizzling 100-degree weather started at the end of April, so the winter visitors were all gone. We never stayed as long as they did, but we learned about Quartzite’s mystique for RVers and other travelers alike.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Fun, Almost Free Base Camp

Sign for the visitor area.

1. There Are Unbelievably Wide Open Spaces To Camp For A Song

Bureau of Land Management Long-Term Visitor Areas (La Posa and Midland) surround the town. Primarily established to help preserve the desert, these public lands provide minimal facilities (vault toilets, dump station, and water faucets, but not power) for itinerant migrants with self-contained vehicles who seek to shelter in the area’s mild climate during winter (when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s).

An annual pass costs $180 — or just $25 a month — and entitles van dwellers to stay from September 15 to April 15! As a matter of fact, stays of up to 14 days in any 28-day period are free at five designated campsites. The only caveat is that, after 14 days, campers must move to a new site outside of a 25-mile radius of their original site for at least 14 days before they can camp there again. Not a huge problem.

2. There Are Other Ways To Camp In Quartzsite, Too

There are also about 70 RV campgrounds in and around Quartzsite with full-service hookups. They are there for those who can afford them. These are for those who have opted to stay year-round. They may have found a permanent job, not just a seasonal post at an Amazon distribution center or the available winter posts at the shows (more on these below) like Fern did. And they may want to participate in the seasonal merry-making but do not like primitive camping. Still, some graduate into small mobile homes and end up staying forever.

Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show.

3. There’s Fun To Be Had With Like-Minded People

In the months of January and February, there are more than a dozen swap meets and a Prospectors’ Panorama plus nine gem and mineral shows, craft shows, and the largest gathering of RVers, the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show . Even in the 2021 COVID season, around 100,000 people came, meaning attendance was down by just a third.

The motel in town.

In Nomadland , Fern was gently assimilated into the community with the help of the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous sessions, which included lectures on topics like bucket toilets (4 gallon or 12 gallon?) and were introduced by Bob Wells, who plays himself in the movie. Or for nighttime fun, there are the Quartzsite Yacht Club , the quaint motel, restaurant, and bar with rooms outfitted as different boats/ships, and The Desert Bar in nearby Parker.

Geography around the Quartzsite area.

4. The Desert Has A Lot Of Outdoor Experiences To Offer

The rugged land around Quartzsite is ideal for many outdoor activities in winter. Land sports like biking, hiking, rollerblading, skateboarding, geocaching, target shooting, hunting, kiting, metal detecting, rockhounding, stargazing, photography, and the big craze of off-roading are all things to do. In fact, the largest off-road trail in the U.S., the Arizona Peace Trail , passes through Quartzsite. Water sports — fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, rafting, floating, sailing, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving — are also available at Alamo Lake and on the Colorado River. Enthusiasts of remote-controlled planes and cars have a lot of space. There are also wildlife refuges to visit.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Destination In Itself

From 1863 to the 1880s, when the Arizona Territory was still newly created, Quartzsite was the site of a waterhole and later a stage station called Tysons Well. There were many places worked by individual prospectors around the valley during the Colorado River Gold Rush from the 1860s to the 1950s. Large-scale operations did not succeed, but at one time, 39 mines were operating in the area served by two landing stations in the Colorado River. Today, there are still mines operating, and there are unique places in and around town with stories to tell.

A part of the Quartzsite Historical Museum.

5. Its History Is Preserved At The Quartzsite Historical Museum

Also known as the Tysons Well Stage Station Museum, unfortunately, the Quartzsite Historical Museum , which is housed in the Oasis Hotel of mining boom times, was closed when we were there. The outside exhibits were interesting, though. We got to see mining equipment, the Assay Office from the Margarita Mine, and Barrett’s Miniature Village, created to scale with small rocks painstakingly glued together. And I couldn’t get over the skeleton of the Giant Saguaro with 47 arms! How I wish I was there when it was still alive!

Jolly Cemetery in Quartzsite.

6. Hi Jolly Tomb And Cemetery Is The Most Visited Place In Quartzsite

Hi (Hadji) Ali was an Ottoman citizen of Greek-Syrian parentage who became one of the very first lead camel drivers in the U.S. Camel Corps, which had aimed to use camels as a major means of cargo transportation across the American Southwest. These efforts failed because the large animals caused the horses, burros, et cetera to panic, so Hi Jolly stayed and prospered in the town instead. When he died, he earned for himself a place in history, and the town erected a Hi Jolly Tomb, which is now surrounded by the Jolly Cemetery . 

Celia's Rainbow Garden in Quartzsite.

7. Celia’s Rainbow Garden Is The Largest Free Botanical Garden In The State, And It Was Built By Volunteers

Celia was a miracle baby, born 12 inches long weighing only 1.25 pounds, to a couple who was told they could not have a child. Celia grew to be a caring, positive, curious “old soul” in a tiny body, beloved by everyone in all age groups for her outlook on life. When she was eight and a half years old, however, she caught a viral infection that killed her. The whole town mourned and the city gave her parents a plot of land for a garden in her memory. Volunteers came and still continue to come to Celia’s Rainbow Garden , which everyone in Quartzsite can visit for free.

Tesla fill-up stations.

Quartzsite, AZ Is A Great Stop For The Weary Traveler

Quartzsite is at the crossroads of I-10 and I-95. It is midway between Phoenix and Palm Springs and is three and a half hours from Los Angeles and Las Vegas . We’ve made stops in Quartzsite numerous times. Perhaps the success of Nomadland will generate more curiosity, and people will stop not only to fill up or charge up at Tesla stations but also for food, shopping, and the quirkiness of Quartzsite.

The writer and her husband dining.

8. Stopping For A Bite Will Leave No One Disappointed

Silly Al’s Pizza is the town’s watering hole with a bar and three billiard tables. But it is their pizza, especially Al’s Special House Combo, that we are ready to go back for. It is better than the big-name pizzas in the cities. We also had lunch at the Mountain Quail Cafe , where Frances McDormand and the Nomadland crew had meals while on shoot. My husband delighted in the chili cheeseburger, the likes of which he hadn’t seen on a menu for a long time.

The writer in front of a shop.

9. Shopping Is A Must In This, The “Rock Capital Of The World”

The name Quartzsite comes from the quartz that abounds in the area, and other rocks and gems are common, too. During our most recent visit, rocks were on sale in a few smaller front yards that remained open despite it being the off-season, while some of the larger retailers had “See You in October!” signs out front.

The Main Trading Post and other shops with tons of jewelry and artwork remain open year-round. You will love the Trading Post’s “World’s Biggest Buckle,” which measures several feet in height and width. And they will surely be selling Nomadland T-shirts and other movie souvenirs come October when tourism picks up again. 

10. Having A Talk With Town Legends Is A Thrill

A good day became great when we met Joanne Winer as she sat in front of the legendary Reader’s Oasis Books . Her husband, Paul, was the local celebrity called the Naked Bookseller (he wore just thongs) who performed his own composition “Next to the Track Blues” in the movie. It is now part of the soundtrack and is on the Nomandland CD. Sadly, Paul died after filming Nomadland , and Joanne received the $1,000 for his role. Their legendary bookstore also served as Paul’s Music Hall, and the piano that he played in the movie is still there. Joanne entertained us with many stories and gave me a copy of the Quartzsite Encyclopedia , which she cowrote.

The beauty of Dome Rock Mountain, which overlooks the town, always greets me as we drive from California. Granite Mountain is to the southwest, Old Man Mountain to the northwest, and the Plomosa Mountains to the east. It is a big valley that never quite made it to be the metropolis that Phoenix and Los Angeles have become. But Nomadland may yet bring more traffic to this small town of character. Even if you do not stay for the winter, get a whiff of this town built by freedom-loving nomads who are trying to eke out a life in the desert, just like the cowboys did before them.

Image of Carol Colborn

Carol retired as a CEO for pioneering IT companies in the Philippines. Curious about the world she missed while stressing out working, she migrated to the U.S., ended up an adjunct professor and small business counselor while babysitting her grandson during the day. That is, until she met her travel partner on the internet! After the wedding ceremony, they honeymooned for eight years in an RV to 49 states, nine Canadian provinces, and six Mexican states.

They now call Mesa, Arizona, home. From this base, they embark on great road trips to meet family at reunions in picturesque resorts around the U.S. Visits to their kids’ homes in Anchorage, Boise, and Denver (his) and in San Francisco, Calgary, and Melbourne (hers) allow for exploring the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Carol has been to 48 countries but their 3-month all-inclusive winter escapes to Mexico in Mazatlan, Cancun, or Cozumel are their best times.

Carol maintains a blog, Carolina: Cruising Past 70 , and has published two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream about her RVing years and Cruising Past Seventy: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys . It's Also about Inner Ones , is a collection of her most widely-read blog posts and articles. She has a BS in math, MBA, and DPA.

Quirky Quartzsite, Arizona: What You Need to Know

A Guide to Visiting "The Rock Capital of the World"

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Pass through the small hamlet of Quartzsite, Arizona, in the summer, and you may think nothing happens in this flat desert town. But come winter, the entire area bustles with activity—and not just from tumbleweeds.

During the two months, RVers come by the thousands to camp (called "boondocking" here) in the temperate if fairly primitive desert conditions. Yet, there's another reason people descend in droves during the winter: a love of geology.

Quartzsite, with its unusual concentration of collectible gems, minerals, and precious metals, has been a rock hound's paradise since the 1960s. It swells in population each winter thanks to more than 1 million visitors, most of whom converge on the small town in a wave of RVs during January and February. The Desert USA website explains the draw:

“Eight major gem and mineral shows as well as vendors of raw and handcrafted merchandise peddle their wares to snowbirds, collectors and enthusiasts.”

Located in the Sonoran Desert of western Arizona, Quartzsite sits just 18 miles east of the Colorado River on Interstate 10. The 125-mile trip takes about two hours from Phoenix; the town is also easy to reach from Los Angeles in under five hours by car.

The annual show season runs from October through April, though the main events take place in January and February. If you like gems and minerals, hit the sales during the big “rock hound” events when you can find collectible geodes, crystals, and even fossilized bones from around the globe. Antique hunters score at the swap meets, and you can find unusual handmade items and one-of-a-kind jewelry at the nearly constant craft shows. Add in a mix of classic car shows, chili cook-offs, and  RV shows and sales , and Crazy Quartzsite keeps your social calendar full.

Check the  Quartzsite calendar  so you can come during the events that most interest you. Grab a copy of  The Desert Star  newspaper when you get to town for more up-to-date news and ads.

How does a town in the Sonoran Desert, hundreds of miles from the nearest body of water, gain the largest yacht-club membership in the world? Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more than 10,000 people representing every state and numerous countries around the world had become card-carrying members of the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

What to Expect

Be prepared for traffic during the height of the season; I-10 frequently gets backed up in January and February.

It’s dusty out there in the desert, and most shopping takes place outdoors in makeshift tents along rows of RVs. The wind can pick up or a rainstorm can move in suddenly, so be prepared with a jacket, sturdy outdoor clothes, and walking shoes. 

If you're not prepared to bed down in an RV, a handful of chain hotels operate in Quartzsite. You can also stay on the west side of Phoenix and venture into Quartzsite as a day trip.

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The true story of Quartzsite, Arizona, the tiny, desert town from 'Nomadland' that's much quirkier in real life

  • Warning: Spoilers ahead for Academy Award best picture "Nomadland."
  • The tiny desert town of Quartzsite, Arizona, is one of the main locations featured in "Nomadland."
  • Quartzsite is a real-life RVers' stomping ground that attracts 2 million visitors each year.
  • Director Chloe Zhao called Quartzsite " one of the wildest towns " she's been to.
  • From the purported largest RV gathering in the world to a man known as the naked bookseller, here is the real-life story of Quartzsite.

Quartzsite, Arizona, is one of the main filming locations for Academy Award best picture "Nomadland" and a real-life nomads' stomping ground.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Based on a 2017 book by Jessica Bruder , the film follows the journey of Fern, a 61-year-old woman who turns to van life after she loses everything in the wake of the 2008 recession.

While Fern is a fictional character played by actress Frances McDormand, the places she visits, and many of the people she meets, exist in real life.

The tiny town is located in the Sonoran Desert 129 miles west of Phoenix with a permanent population of roughly 3,700 people.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Zhao called Quartzsite, Arizona, a main filming location for the film, "one of the wildest towns" she's ever been to in a recent interview with Conde Nast Traveler.

It's "the place that nomads gather once a year — you really want to see what it's like. It's special," Zhao said.

Each year, Quartzsite attracts an estimated 2 million visitors. It's particularly popular with van dwellers, who flock to its trade shows, 70-plus RV parks, and federal campgrounds during the winter months.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

In an article for camping website The Dyrt, nomadic couple David Hutchison and Shari Galiardi call Quartzsite "a shrine to modern transportation."

"Every kind of mobile home and driver is welcome and celebrated in some corner of this open-air cathedral," they wrote.

Traveler Thomas Farley describes Quartzsite as both a "town and a meeting place."

"In winter it is a gathering of the clan for recreational vehicle snowbirds, flea market enthusiasts, ham radio operators, off-road motorists, geo-cachers, and rockhounds," he wrote in a 2017 article for Rock & Gem magazine.

Source: The Town of Quartzsite

In "Nomadland," Fern decides to make the pilgrimage to Quartzsite to join her friend Linda May at a real-life event called Rubber Tramp Rendevous, also known as RTR.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

The RTR is an annual gathering of nomads run by Bob Wells, a van dweller since 1995 and founder of the blog Cheap RV Living, who plays himself in the film. The event is free to attend and takes place over two weeks in January.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Source: Homes on Wheels Alliance

The goal of RTR is to provide van dwellers with essential survival skills and a sense of community. Seminars cover topics like how to go to the bathroom while on the road and how to stealth park.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

"I love this lifestyle," one RTR instuctor says in the film as she teaches attendees how to defecate into a bucket. "It is a lifestyle of freedom and beauty, and connection to the Earth. Yet there is a trade‐off. You gotta learn how to take care of your own shit.

This year, seminars were virtual . 

The inaugural RTR in 2010 started with 45 people and has grown over the years, according to the New York Times. In 2018, an estimated 3,000 nomads attended.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

"The RTR is full of kindred spirits, like a non-blood family," Jessica Bruder, author of "Nomadland," told the New York Times in 2018. "People there feel heard and understood and valuable. There can be a sense of isolation out there in the world. When they get to the RTR, it melts away."

While in Quartzsite attending RTR, Fern heads to the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show, an annual event that bills itself as the largest RV gathering in the world.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

The event is over 40 years old and takes place from mid to late January. In 2021, it featured 400-plus exhibitors selling products catered to nomads and those who live outdoor lifestyles.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Source: Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show

One night, Fern goes line dancing at the Quartzsite Yacht Club, a real-life, boat-themed motel made up of a bar, restaurant, and hotel rooms housed in mobile homes.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

"It doesn't get delighfully quirkier" than the Quartzsite Yacht Club, one Yelp reviewer wrote . "Even in Quartzsite, which is about the quirkiest place south of bizarre."

The Quartzsite Yacht Club is one of two lodging accomodations in town. Each motel room has a ship name like SS Minnow, and karaoke was a frequent occurence before the pandemic.

The motel is temporarily closed, with plans to reopen in October .

At the conclusion of RTR, Fern watches attendees place a large cardboard van cutout into a fire. This tradition, among others, led the New York Times to dub the event the real 'Burning Man' in 2018.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Source: The New York Times

Fern decides to stay in Quartzsite after RTR, finding work at a gem and mineral show.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartzsite is known as a rock collectors' heaven and hosts multiple gem shows and swap-meets throughout January and February. The town even made its slogan "the rock capital of the world."

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartzsite was home to 39 mines in its heyday, Thomas Farley wrote in a 2017 article for Rock & Gem magazine. By the mid 1960s, many had been shut down, and rockhounders came calling, he said.

Source: Desert USA , Town of Quartzsite

Fern also attends a piano performance performed by famous Quartzsite resident Paul Winer. Winer, who passed away in 2019, was the owner of Reader's Oasis Books, and was known as the "naked bookseller" for walking around mostly nude.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartzsite is "a tiny town by most standards, but most decidedly colorful," Russ and Tiña De Maris  wrote  in a post on RVtravel.com. "A big share of that color was courtesy of Paul Winer, the (in)famous 'Naked Bookseller.'"

"The attire on his scrawny frame usually consisted of a single strategically placed sock covering his naughty bits, maybe a straw hat, a necklace and sandals," M.V. Moorhead  recalled  in a tribute to Winer published in Phoenix Magazine.

Before Winer passed,  a sign outside Reader's Oasis Books  read "Public Notice - Store-owner wears only a 'thong' ... in other words - nudist on premises." 

When he wasn't selling books and  posing for photos with visitors , Winer performed as " boogie woogie pianist " under the name Sweet Pie. 

Winer is survived by his wife Joanne, who now runs Reader's Oasis.

Throughout Fern's time in Quartzsite, caravans of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) can be seen in the background. OHVs are a common sight in Quartzsite since it is the gateway to the Arizona Peace Trail, a 675-mile network of OHV trails.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Over 1,000 miles of designated OHV trails surround Quartzsite, and visitors can access trails from almost any road in town, Shanana Rain Golden-Bear, president of the Quartzite Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, told Insider.

"Quartzsite is like an island, but instead of being surrounded by water, we are totally surrounded by [Bureau of Land Management] lands," Golden-Bear said.

Source: Quartzsite Tourism

Quartzside hosts an annual parade every January for OHvs called the Hi Jolly Daze Parade. Motorcyclists and classic car owners join in, and some participants build parade floats.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Source: Hi Jolly Daze Parade

The parade honors a Syrian camel trainer nicknamed "Hi Jolly" who came to the US in 1856 at the request of the government to help transport freight and people across the desert. He died in Quartzsite, and residents erected a tomb in his memory.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Source: Roadside America

In recent years, Quartzsite's chamber of commerce and tourism has found sponsors to pay for at least one camel and handler to walk in the parade, chamber president Shanana Rain Golden-Bear told Insider.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Fern eventually leaves Quartzsite to travel to various RV sites across the US in "Nomadland," but returns to the desert town the following winter, like many real-life nomads do year after year.

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

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the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartzsite Yacht Club

Started as a joke back in the 70s (a yacht club in the middle of a desert?), the club is a social gathering place with music, a bar&grill, and a motel.

Cost to join is $30 per person. Any visitors to the club have the option of joining, and with their membership they receive a t-shirt, a flag, signed certificates for framing, and official membership cards. There is one particular perk, though, that ends up being the best of the bunch: reciprocity, which MAY (not guaranteed) allow entry into other real yacht clubs.

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the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Hours 7am – 11pm

Daily, monthly, yearly rates

Pull Through Sites, 50 AMP Available, Clean Restrooms, Dog Run, WiFi, Security Cameras

Hours 6am -7pm

Hours 6am – 8pm Tues – Sunday

Free Wi-FI and electrical outlets.

Subway and Dairy Queen available inside for your dining pleasure. Wireless Internet and ATMs also available.

West of McDonald’s. Open 7 days a week 6am-8pm.

There is a charge for dump and water service if you are not staying at this RV park.

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Wander With Wonder

Quartzsite AZ: Visiting this Quirky Desert Town

Written by elizabeth rose, arizona | destinations | outdoor travel | road trips | travel.

Out in the middle of nowhere—between Phoenix and the California border—you’ll find a quirky little desert town named Quartzsite. The town is filled with quirky:

  • The population of 3,700 swells to two million each winter
  • One of the main attractions in Quartzsite is a little cemetery with a monument to a Syrian camel driver
  • People come from near and far to check out the annual swap meet full of rocks, minerals, and oddities
  • Folks gladly put down $49.99 for a yacht club membership, even though there are no boats in the middle of the desert
  • More recently, the little desert town figures prominently in the Academy-award-winning movie, Nomadland ?

Quartzsite, AZ is just off I-10 about two hours west of Phoenix, and it’s now famous. Here are some of my favorite things about the quirky desert town of Quartzsite, AZ.

Quartzsite Arizona

Quartzsite, the crazy place in the middle of nowhere on the way to somewhere. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

What's in This Article:

Quartzsite AZ and Nomadland Sites

Quartzsite entrepreneurs are gearing up for the 2021-2022 winter season. They have crazy ideas for Nomadland souvenirs. Vendors are preparing for an influx of visitors who are interested in visiting places where Nomadland , the award-winning saga, was filmed.

Nomadland , starring Frances McDormand and based on the book by Jessica Bruder , chronicles the wanderings of Fern, a 61-year-old widow who loses everything during a recession. She decides to live in a van, hit the road, and eventually join with a group of like-minded nomads who camp in the Arizona desert. This is where Quartzsite plays an important part.

Nomadland Quartzsite

If you watched Nomadland, you’ll definitely want to stop for a visit to see the quirky little desert town that was featured in the film.

In the movie, Fern joins an annual gathering of nomads—the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous—in the Quartzsite area desert south of I-10. The tribal gathering is run by Bob Wells, who lives in a van, runs the blog Cheap RV Living , and plays himself in the film. The nomads learn techniques on how to “boondock (camp for free),” and dry camp including how to use a bucket for a bathroom. In the winter, you’ll encounter all types of campers out in the desert surrounding Quartzsite.

One evening, the group heads into town and whoops it up at the Quartzsite Yacht Club (Open seasonally at 1090 W. Main Street) enjoying an evening of line dancing, pool, and brews. After the gathering, Fern decides to stay awhile in Quartzsite and picks up a job working at one of the many gem and mineral shows that pop up during the winter.

Quartzsite Yacht Club

The Quartzsite Yacht Club, scene of the nomad’s foray into local nightlife. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Nomadland Characters

In the film, Fern is seen listening to a piano performance by Paul Winer, the owner of Reader’s Oasis Books (Open year-round at 690 E. Main Street). Winer, who died in his sleep in 2019 after battling cancer, was notorious as he preferred to wear as little as possible (well, often just a pouch over his privates), and was dubbed the “naked bookseller.”

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartzsite Cemetery and Hi Jolly Monument

Before Nomadland, one of the main year-round attractions in Quartzsite AZ was the local cemetery. But this is not your average cemetery. In the middle is a large pyramid constructed of layers of local rocks with an impressive plaque placed in 1935 by the Arizona Highway Department. And on top of the tomb is an iron camel. This is the tomb of “Hi Jolly,” a man so important that Quartzsite holds an annual Hi Jolly event to honor this man. But who was Hi Jolly?

Quartzsite Cemetery and Hi Jolly Monument

What does a pyramid and a camel have to do with Arizona desert history? Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Hi Jolly wasn’t really this man’s name. In fact, he was born Philip Tedro in Syria and was part Greek. At one point he converted to Islam and took the name Hadji Ali after his pilgrimage to Mecca. Ali, a camel breeder and driver, emigrated to the United States as part of a U.S. Cavalry experiment in the 1850s using camels for transporting goods in the desert. The closest the Americans could get to pronouncing his name was “Hi Jolly” and that name stuck.

US Cavalry Camel Corps

Ultimately the “Camel Corps” was disbanded, partially because the smaller animals, like burros, were terrified of the large creatures and partially because funding dried up due to the impending Civil War. Hi Jolly kept some of the camels and remained in the area. He did some prospecting, hauled freight, and served as a scout.

Hi Jolly died in December of 1902 and remains the subject of folk tales to this day. Some of the camels were spotted in the desert as late as 1942. You can visit his tomb in the pioneer section of the town cemetery located just off Main Street on W Elsie Ln and Hi Jolly Lane. There is a sign at the turn-off. It’s a peaceful place with fascinating grave markers and a nice mountain view.

Hi Jolly Tomb

Originally from “somewhere in Syria,” Hi Jolly spent his golden years in the Quartzsite area. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

If you are in town in mid-January, check on the date for the Hi Jolly Daze Parade. It’s a big event and you may even see a real camel marching along.

Rock and Mineral Shows and Swap Meets

A major draw for visitors each winter is the huge sales events featuring rocks and minerals, flea market finds, antiques, and even an immense RV show and sale . In general, events and sales run October through March annually, which coincides with the influx of snowbirds and bargain hunters. Watch the Chamber of Commerce website for dates of special events . Or pick up a copy of the Desert Messenger newspaper when you get into town.

Quartzsite AZ

My friends from the Pacific Northwest forgot hats but fortunately, there was a vendor selling the perfect solution. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

When the major swap meets and rock and mineral shows run, you will find that the traffic on I-10’s Quartzsite AZ exits back up.  So, it’s ideal to go early. Don a custom hat and wear sunscreen as much of the fun is outdoors. And wear comfortable walking shoes.

There will be steel drums overflowing with minerals from all over the world, fossils, arts and crafts, and quirky things like tipi’s, animal skins, garden sculptures, and more. There’s Navajo jewelry, petrified wood, hand-made items for your home, and, well…. just about anything you can imagine.

Swap Meet Quartzsite

You never know what you’ll find when you walk the rows upon rows of vendors. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

While there are rock shops year-round in Quartzsite AZ, the winter shows attract vendors from all over the world. Right after the Tucson Gem and Mineral Shows end, you’ll often find new vendors arriving in Quartzsite after they pack up their goods and leave Tucson.

Quartzsite Gems and Minerals

There are both small and large specimens for sale at the Quartzsite shows. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Quartzsite Yacht Club

The Quartzsite Yacht Club has been a phenomenon for years. Now, this is really quirky. The Quartzsite Yacht Club has more members than any yacht club in the world and—there is no water nearby! Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more than 10,000 people representing every state and numerous countries around the world had become card-carrying members of the Quartzsite Yacht Club. And, some faraway yacht clubs have even offered free entry to their cushy amenities in reciprocity for the Quartzsite card-carrying members. After all, when you join for $49.99, you get a membership card, certificate, and snazzy sailing t-shirt.

Quartzsite Yacht Club

After a long day of shopping, the beer and burgers at the Quartzsite Yacht Club provided a welcome break. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

RV Camping in Quartzsite AZ

There are well over 50 RV parks in Quartzsite. While they are not necessarily fancy, they offer amenities that the desert dry campers won’t have. Plus, many are within a walkable distance from shopping and restaurants.

Many people camp out in the desert at the BLM’s La Posa Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA). To camp on the 11,400 acres, your vehicle must be 100% self-contained for waste and gray water. And, during the winter crush, it’s not free.

According to the Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce, LTVA requires a Special Recreation Permit between September 15 and April 15. The LTVA allows camping between April 16 and September 14 at no cost, but the standard 14-day limit applies. Fees are $180 for long-term permits valid for 7 months. They are $40 short-term permits valid for 1 to 14 consecutive days. The minimum fee for camping is the $40 permit which can be renewed by paying another $40.

During the off-season, the standard BLM camping regulations and 14-day limit with no fee rules apply. The permits are valid in any of the six LTVAs in California or two LTVAs in Arizona. You can purchase permits from the Bureau of Land Management Yuma Field Office or on-site from the LTVA host during the winter season.

There are also areas a bit further away from the four-corner intersection of Quartzsite.  You can get current information and driving directions at the BLM site.

There are many blogs and organization websites that give good advice and information to people new to RV camping in Quartzsite. Online you can find maps and information along with campground reviews and photos.

Outdoor Rock Shop Quartzsite

Watch event calendars for the big shows in Quartzsite. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose

Off-Road Vehicle Trails Near Quartzsite AZ

The Arizona Peace Trail , a 750-mile Off-Road Vehicle (OHV) approved trail, draws OHV enthusiasts who enjoy exploring out in the desert around Quartzsite and as far away as Yuma and Bullhead City.

In addition, the area has more than 1,000 miles of BLM OHV-approved trails. Jeep trails are shown on an interactive map at the Jeep USA site . Be sure to check out more of our road trips on Wander, along with ideas for more fun things to see and do when you visit the Southwestern USA.

Out in the middle of nowhere—between Phoenix and the California border—you’ll find a quirky little desert town named Quartzsite, AZ. The little desert town figures prominently in the Academy-award-winning movie, Nomadland.

Boomer Travel | Camping | Copper | History | Phoenix | Quirky Travel | Retirement | Shopping

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Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel

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the yacht club quartzsite arizona

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Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Commodore’s Message

“On behalf the membership, I am pleased to welcome you to the web site of the Quartzsite Yacht Club. As it was with our founding Commodore, Al Madden, the club is founded on humor, wit and an active imagination. This legacy is still very much alive. In addition to the pool games, music, and dancing of the early days, the Yacht Club now includes a restaurant, horse race betting and always lots of fun.

Quartzsite Yacht Club proudly claims to be famous for having the world’s largest yacht club membership. Our members often find membership is worth it.

You see, apparently it didnt take long for our members to find that a good majority of Yacht Clubs around the country offer reciprocal memberships, which means that those belonging to another club can present their card and gain access without a fee. Some members have even used their wallet cards to be admitted to exclusive yacht clubs all over the world.

We hope you come visit u, become a member and enjoy all that the Quartzsite Yacht Club offers.”

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

Quartsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill

Business and mailing address:.

1090 W. Main Street Quartzsite, AZ 85346

(928) 927-6331

Email Us

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill 1090 W Main St Quartzsite, AZ, 85346 (928) 927-6331

the yacht club quartzsite arizona

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Things To Do in Quartzsite, AZ

Things to do in Quartzsite, AZ

Things To Do in Quartzsite, Arizona

Quartzite’s hidden gems lie in the vast expanse of Arizona’s picturesque landscapes, each offering distinct ATV tours and experiences. Quail Run RV Park, Holiday Palms RV Resort, Castle Dome Mine Museum, Quartzsite Yacht Club, and Quartzsite Museum stand as vibrant testimonials to history, adventure, and the enduring spirit of the region. From the serene comforts of Quartzite’s RV parks to the intriguing narratives woven within museums, these destinations beckon travelers to immerse themselves in the essence of Quartzite, Arizona’s past and present.

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Things to do in Quartzsite, AZ

Quail Run RV Park

Quail Run RV Park is dedicated to providing a refreshing and relaxing experience for all travelers—whether you’re an overnighter, extended traveler, or full-time. Recognizing the need for a home away from home, the park aims to be a fun and rejuvenating destination.

Whether staying for a night or an extended period, Quail Run RV Park prioritizes your comfort without breaking the bank. Good Sam approved, the park offers large, level sites, clean restrooms, and laundry facilities, ensuring a convenient and pleasant stay. With a clubhouse hosting various engaging activities, easy access for off-roaders, and a pet-friendly atmosphere, Quail Run RV Park becomes more than just a place to park your RV—it’s a community where you can make new friends and feel like family.

Say goodbye to unfriendly parks with challenging spaces and uncertainties about your home away from home; choose Quail Run RV Park for a clean, organized environment with spacious sites and a welcoming staff eager to cater to your needs.

Holiday Palms RV Park

Nestled in Quartzsite, Arizona, Holiday Palms RV Resort beckons snowbirds, locals, travelers, and nature enthusiasts seeking an idyllic getaway. Positioned amidst breathtaking nature trails, the resort invites guests to embark on guided sightseeing tours or venture out on their own to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Just a short drive away, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge awaits, providing a natural haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

This well-maintained Long-Term RV Resort Campground offers many amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. With proximity to scenic nature trails and a range of local attractions, including restaurants and shops, Holiday Palms RV Resort is the perfect destination for families and individuals alike, embracing the spirit of adventure and relaxation in the heart of Arizona.

Castle Dome Mine Museum

The Castle Dome Mine Museum, located in Castle Dome City, stands out among ghost towns, historic districts, and traditional museums by offering a genuine glimpse into the daily life of an old Arizona mining town.

Comprising over 60 salvaged buildings from the desert, meticulously collected artifacts, and donations from various sources, the museum immerses visitors in the rich history of this enduring mining area, active from the 1860s through 1979.

As you tour the museum, you’ll traverse sections representing the 50s and 70s, exploring structures like the schoolhouse, mercantile, barber shop, bank, and more.

The journey continues through the saw shop, leading to the 70s section and the newest additions, including a cemetery, the location of the first cabin, a doctor’s office, and a post office.

Enclosed for exploration, the museum offers rest stops, intriguing writings along the way, thousands of artifacts, and perhaps even a sighting of a Jack Rabbit, ensuring a captivating and educational experience for all.

Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

The Quartzsite Yacht Club, born out of Al Madden’s whimsical vision and entrepreneurial spirit, began as an unassuming beer bar called “The Jigsaw” in Quartzite, Arizona. Despite its humble appearance, Al saw potential in the establishment and, with the help of his sons and family, transformed it into “The Yacht Club” during the 1970s.

Embracing humor and creativity, Al coined the motto “Welcome aboard – long time no sea!” and started selling memberships to qualified visitors.

The Yacht Club quickly gained popularity, attracting members from every U.S. state and various countries worldwide.

With continuous improvements and additions, the club’s membership soared to almost 10,000, with some members using their wallet cards to enter exclusive yacht clubs globally. The Quartzsite Yacht Club is a testament to Al Madden’s vision, offering a unique and lighthearted experience in the heart of Arizona.

Quartzsite Museum (Tysons Well Stage Station Museum)

The Quartzsite Museum, also known as the Tysons Well Stage Station Museum, stands as a captivating window into the pioneer and mining history of Quartzsite, Arizona. Housed in the original adobe stage station constructed in 1866 by Charley Tyson, the museum showcases an array of historical artifacts, mining equipment, and the Assay Office from the Margarita Mine, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s past.

After meticulous restoration work, opened in February 1980 by the Quartzsite Historical Society, the museum preserves the original adobe walls, supplementing them with a protective shell and featuring saguaro rib ceilings and an original fireplace. Outside exhibits include larger mining equipment and the original assay shack from the Mariquita Mine, offering insights into miners’ daily lives.

The museum’s commitment to historical preservation extends to ongoing restoration projects, such as the Oasis Hotel ruins. As a 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Quartzsite Museum welcomes specific historical item donations and financial contributions, encouraging support to ensure the continued preservation of the area’s rich heritage.

As the Arizona sunsets over these unique destinations, the stories etched within Quail Run RV Park, Holiday Palms RV Resort, Castle Dome Mine Museum, Quartzsite Yacht Club, and Quartzsite Museum continue to resonate. They offer a glimpse into history, relaxation, and a vibrant invitation to partake in Arizona’s diverse tapestry of experiences. Whether you seek the tranquility of nature or the allure of storied pasts, these destinations stand as beacons, welcoming all to indulge in the beauty, history, and community nestled within the heart of Arizona.

For more things to do in Arizona, check out these great places.

  • Things to do in Tucson, AZ
  • Things to do in Yuma, AZ
  • Things to do in Sierra Vista, AZ
  • Things to do in Bisbee, AZ
  • Things to do in Arizona
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Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel

Photo of Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel - Quartzsite, AZ, US. Menu

Review Highlights

Alex K.

“ Honestly, you can't ask for much in Quartzite , Arizona... ” in 2 reviews

Kim L.

“ Had a little glitch with my order and Omar was immediately attentive to fixing it. ” in 2 reviews

John B.

“ It's easy and human nature nearly guarantees it so it's truly a delight to find yourself vulnerable and not getting hosed. ” in 2 reviews

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1070 W Main

Quartzsite, AZ 85346

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Photo of Rick L.

Popped in after being in Q so Many times. Walking in our first impressions were is is so big inside and relatively clean. Omar the bartender is crazy friendly and welcoming! BTW- They we're packed and every employee in there was busting their asses. Great to see. Great drink selections for specialty' cocktails. We Loved it! Thank you a Omar and Mimi Cold beer and the food was really good. Our food was taking long so they brought our chips and salsa which was super nice to do! Once we got our food it was delicious. Great experience at the QYC!!

Photo of John B.

When you've found yourself enough in places where your options are limited you just begin to assume you're going to be taken advantage of. It's easy and human nature nearly guarantees it so it's truly a delight to find yourself vulnerable and not getting hosed. The Yacht Club is giant, goofy joke. The rooms are NOT fancy or elegant but they're clean and safe and offered at a reasonable price. I'm not a "club" kind of guy so I don't expect I'll ever splurge for the membership or try to work any reciprocity deals but the Yacht Club was a welcome sight to this weary traveler.

Photo of Eric B.

We ended up stopping in Quartzsite on our way back from Sedona when it was too late to make it all the way home. We always look for places with character, so we figured we'd give the Yacht Club a try. Each motel room was a famous "ship" located in a "slip" that was actually a portion of a mobile home. We stayed in the SS Minnow. It was fun to walk into a Gilligan's Island themed room, and we enjoyed all the posters and reading fun facts about the boat and the show. The room wasn't fancy, but it was clean and had all we needed. It was also great to be able to walk over to the Yacht Club restaurant and watch some karaoke. There sure are some characters over there! For the price and the experience, it was a good choice for us.

Photo of Jenny B.

Tonight I am leaving a review for this sweetheart little spot in Quartzsite Arizona. Quartzsite is Quartzsite if you've ever been there. There's not much in the way of fancy around but I really enjoyed staying here. The staff we're kind and very friendly. Our what we called a boat in the sand was very clean and quaint. The five stars are because of the staff and the only thing I think would have made it better would be warmer blankets and more pillows. I appreciate the comfortable conversation with the kind lady behind the desk and I would like to think that her name is Daisy. And there was another lady who kept me up-to-date through text messages. We were checking in very late and there were special circumstances and I didn't want to bother her on Thanksgiving Eve at 1 in the morning. So we made arrangements for my check in. I can't help it that my mother lives there LOL but when I go back to visit and the house is pretty full we will stay here again. Thanks guys.

Photo of Russ W.

We were a little dubious of staying here when we first saw it. But we stopped in to the bar / restaurant had a couple drinks and got a real good vibe off the place. We're really glad that we took the chance it's a bit strange but man we had a great time. We ended up staying a couple nights. And we will be back.

Photo of Russ B.

It may get better than the Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel - OK, yeah, MOST accommodations are better - but it doesn't get delighfully quirkier. Even in Quartzsite, which is about the quirkiest place south of bizarre. For the uninitated (such as I was a mere week ago), Quartzsite is a combination rock collector's heaven, beading delight, and RV mecca surrounded by 13 gigazillion "swap meet" booths, plus a few other places. Yes, I guess there ARE over 100,000 visitors during the Gem Show to this town of 1,800, and yes, there are swap meet booths for every kind of antique (yes, you can get a restored John Deere 'dozer; who knew?), junk (8 track tapes galore), and food (great Oklahoma fry bread...in Arizona?). So there must be a gazillion rooms in motels great and small, right? Wrongo, Jerky Face: There's two. A sorry ass looking Super 8 on the wrong side of I-10, and then there is the Yacht Club complex, including the Clubhouse, the Hi Jolly (yeah, look it up) Internet Cafe and, of course, the Land Yachts. Them are the "motel." And other than Mountain Moma's (no typo!) in the Smoky Mountains, this is the only lodging I've ever seen made out of 80' trailers. But before you sneer, for $89, where else (especially in Quartzsite!) can you get two bedrooms, comfortable beds (with ancient, but clean, bed spreads), full shower bath, a rocker lounger, a full kitchen (no utensils) with dining table (right out of the 50s, but no dings!), air conditioning (you'll need it in the summer) and a space heater as well as the "furnace" which keep you pretty warm in the winter, once they get going. You get free coffee (actually darn good!), a huge cup of orange juice, free WiFi in the Cafe (about 50 feet from your "room") and access to the Quartzsite Yacht Club (a great bar/grill!). And you're staying in the "Queen Mary" Suite in one of the "land yacht" trailers. Totally cool. Not every room may be as good as the "Mary", but these trailers are all old, well maintained, painted, with a cute nautical theme that is part of the fun of staying there. There's no handicapped access to the room, but they'll find a way to help if you need it. But it is totally fun, dog friendly, and the staff are helpful and glad to talk about what to see and where to buy things. If you're into quirky towns, go to Quartzsite; if you're into quirky but nice places to stay, go to the Yacht Club. And when you do, ask who "Hi Jolly" is. A real person and a wonderful piece of American history. Even Jefferson Davis would agree! And you can join the Yacht Club, even!

Photo of Karen V.

I was right! The manager/owner doesn't care! I've waited a day and a half and still no return call! But I've said my side and they don't seem to care!! We won't attempt to give them our meal or motel business!

So far I'd only give this place 1/4 of a star! I had been working with this woman who works there - starting about 2 months ago. Asked for a reservation, but was told the dates I wanted were already booked. She offered to put me on a cancellation list. I checked with her a couple of weeks ago to find I was at the top of the list. I was told the captains quarters were under renovation and if they would be ready, we would be given that room, a discussion she had with someone else in the office while we were on the phone. I called today to find out that the woman I had been working with was no longer there, the new woman had no idea what I was talking about regarding the cancellation list, and the room had already been given to someone else. She also told me the owner or manager (a man I've never dealt with) gave that open room to the manager of the bar/grill! I will never attempt to stay here again nor will I be patronizing the bar/grill. I had already been told the food wasn't good, so this has saved me $$!! To be fair, I did ask that the owner or manager, who released that room, call me. I'd like to know just what happened. I was told he was still on the premises and would probably call me before going home - that was 4 hours ago.

Photo of Diana S.

After reading the comments on this place and tired after hours of driving, we decided to pull into this town and stay overnight. What a mistake! Overpriced for staying in a old run down trailer. Our beds were made up with sheets that had cigarette burns on them. We walked over and got something to eat. I got a raw burger when I asked for well done and it was served with uncooked french fries. My wife had uncooked cold chicken wings. To top all of this off we then had a encounter with a employee named "Jamie" that kept going outside to smoke and then would come back inside and immediately start back serving food to her customers without washing her hands. ( Hummm...wonder what the health dept. would say about that? ) then she would complain to the other workers about her lousy tips. I wonder why? The best thing about this whole place is meeting "Miss Helen". She and her husband started the Yacht Club. This little lady at 90 years old had more energy than ANY of the younger employees. As much as we enjoyed Miss Helen, please keep going to the next town or go to McDonalds.

Photo of Alex K.

Honestly, you can't ask for much in Quartzite, Arizona... But it was cheap, it was decently sized, and the people that run it are nice. You'll get the service you need, and you can't ask for much more than that.

Photo of Kim L.

Fabulous place! Omar & Mimi are the coolest, most attentive folks! Had a little glitch with my order and Omar was immediately attentive to fixing it. Had a fabulous cheese burger! Played some pool and had a great time. If you're in Quartzsite, be sure to stop in and have a bite, play some pool, & do a little dancing!

1 other review that is not currently recommended

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IMAGES

  1. Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel, Quartzsite

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

  2. Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

  3. Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

  4. Menu

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

  5. Quartzsite AZ: Visiting this Quirky Desert Town

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

  6. Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

    the yacht club quartzsite arizona

VIDEO

  1. QUARTZSITE RV SHOW DAY TWO

  2. ATV Adventure: Exploring Quartzsite, Arizona & Skooliepalooza @rvertv

  3. Top 4 places you hope never go out of business

  4. Arizona Yacht Club Birthday Regatta 🌵⛵️

  5. Quartzsite Halloween

  6. scenes from the arizona yacht club's birthday regatta

COMMENTS

  1. Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill

    Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill 1090 W Main St, Quartzsite, AZ, 85346, Ph: ( 928) 927-6331

  2. Menu

    BACON QUARTZSITE ROLL ‡. $12.00. POTSTICKERS (6 pieces) $10.50. CHICKEN WINGS (6 pieces) - choice of Buffalo, BBQ, Peanut, Sweet Chili, Teriyaki, Naked, Garlic & Parmesan. $10.50. Add. CHEESE, SOUR CREAM or SALSA. ‡ indicates (When Available)

  3. Quartzsite Yacht Club Bar and Grill

    Quartzsite Yacht Club Bar and Grill. Review. Save. Share. 81 reviews #1 of 1 Bars & Pubs in Quartzsite $$ - $$$ American Bar. 1070 W Main, Quartzsite, AZ +1 928-927-6331 Website Menu. Open now : 08:00 AM - 12:00 AM.

  4. Our Story

    for the Quartzsite Yacht Club, Restaurant, Bar & Grill …. It all began with 'Commodore' Al Madden (1919-1996) Al Madden, who had an investment company in California, worked on a gold mine venture for clients in Quartzite, Arizona during the 1970's. Although this business venture was not successful, Al spent a lot of time in Quartzite ...

  5. Quartzsite Yacht Club

    Quartzsite Yacht Club, Quartzsite, Arizona. 2,594 likes · 148 talking about this · 5,404 were here. Quartzsite Yacht Club - Quartzsite, Arizona. Long time No sea!!

  6. Quartzsite Yacht Club Bar and Grill

    Quartzsite Yacht Club Bar and Grill, Quartzsite: See 81 unbiased reviews of Quartzsite Yacht Club Bar and Grill, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #5 of 25 restaurants in Quartzsite.

  7. Quartzsite Yacht Club

    View the Menu of Quartzsite Yacht Club in 1070 W Main St, Quartzsite, AZ. Share it with friends or find your next meal. Quartzsite Yacht Club - Quartzsite, Arizona. Long time No sea!!

  8. Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar

    All info on Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar in Quartzsite - Call to book a table. View the menu, check prices, find on the map, see photos and ratings. ... 1090 W Main St, Quartzsite, Arizona, USA . Opening hours. Sunday Sun: 12PM-8PM: Monday Mon: 12PM-9PM: Tuesday Tue: 12PM-9PM: Wednesday Wed: 12PM-11PM: Thursday Thu: 12PM-11PM: Friday ...

  9. Quartzsite Yacht Club, Quartzsite

    An oasis in the desert, serving amazing fish and chips and ribs! Came with the least of expectations and thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. Rocking band my night, 4 stars all the way! Read more. View 98 reviews on. Quartzsite Yacht Club is a Bar in Quartzsite. Plan your road trip to Quartzsite Yacht Club in AZ with Roadtrippers.

  10. Quartzsite Yacht Club

    Phoenix, Arizona, Southwest USA, North America. Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Wade's Travel Gear | All Travelogue Entries. ———————. Yes, it is true, the Quartzsite Yacht Club does not have any access to the sea — it never has and it never will unless California falls into the ocean and the Pacific rears up to meet its new coast ...

  11. Inside Quartzsite, Arizona, a Popular Town for Snowbirds

    The Quartzsite Yacht Club also makes an appearance in the movie. I popped into the bar and grill at 3:30 p.m. on a Monday, expecting the place to be deserted. Instead, about a dozen people lined ...

  12. 10 Reasons This Oscar-Winning Arizona Town Is Perfect For RVers

    Or for nighttime fun, there are the Quartzsite Yacht Club, the quaint motel, restaurant, and bar with rooms outfitted as different boats/ships, and The Desert Bar in nearby Parker. Carol Colborn 4. The Desert Has A Lot Of Outdoor Experiences To Offer. The rugged land around Quartzsite is ideal for many outdoor activities in winter.

  13. Membership

    Sizes: Membership fee is $49.99 plus tax. Online price will have a $15 S&H charge added during order. International shipping please contact the restaurant for shipping fees. Any visitor to the club has the option of joining; and with their membership they receive a signed membership certificate and an official membership card.

  14. Quartzsite, Arizona: How to Visit this Desert Town

    Quartzsite, Arizona, has been a rock hound's paradise since the 1960s. It also offers plenty of flea markets and free camping. Quartzsite, Arizona, has been a rock hound's paradise since the 1960s. ... Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more ...

  15. Inside the Real Quartzsite, Arizona, RVers' Playground in 'Nomadland'

    The Quartzsite Yacht Club is one of two lodging accomodations in town. Each motel room has a ship name like SS Minnow, and karaoke was a frequent occurence before the pandemic.

  16. Quartzsite Yacht Club

    Quartzsite Yacht Club, Quartzsite, Arizona. 2,444 likes · 138 talking about this · 5,114 were here. Quartzsite Yacht Club - Quartzsite, Arizona. Long time No sea!!

  17. Quartzsite Yacht Club

    Started as a joke back in the 70s (a yacht club in the middle of a desert?), the club is a social gathering place with music, a bar&grill, and a motel. Cost to join is $30 per person. ... Weather forecast Quartzsite, Arizona ...

  18. Quartzsite AZ: Visiting this Quirky Desert Town

    Back in the 1970s, Al Madden opened the Quartzsite Yacht Club Restaurant Bar & Grill and started selling memberships as a joke. By 2010, more than 10,000 people representing every state and numerous countries around the world had become card-carrying members of the Quartzsite Yacht Club.

  19. The Quartzsite Report: Quartzsite's own yacht club; and ...

    Quartzsite, Arizona, could hardly be described as "highbrow." With the exception of winter visitors from Canada, the uniform of the day is most likely sneakers and blue jeans. For those who punctuate sentences with "eh," the winter temps generally bring out the shorts. But say what you may, Quartzsite does have its own yacht club.

  20. QUARTZSITE YACHT CLUB MOTEL

    Long Beach, CA 141 contributions 91 helpful votes. The Quartzsite Yacht Club Motel is a collection of nautically themed trailers in the middle of the desert. The accommodations are basic--no telephones in the rooms, limited cable tv, refrigerator and microwave. The air conditioner is noisy, but the staff is friendly and helpful and the rooms ...

  21. Contact Us

    Quartsite Yacht Club Restaurant, Bar & Grill . Business and Mailing Address: 1090 W. Main Street Quartzsite, AZ 85346. Phone: (928) 927-6331. Email: Click to email

  22. Things To Do in Quartzsite, AZ

    The Quartzsite Yacht Club, born out of Al Madden's whimsical vision and entrepreneurial spirit, began as an unassuming beer bar called "The Jigsaw" in Quartzite, Arizona. Despite its humble appearance, Al saw potential in the establishment and, with the help of his sons and family, transformed it into "The Yacht Club" during the 1970s.

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