QUARTZSITE DESERT
Every winter, over a million RVers descend on this dusty town. It's the "Snowbird Capital," but for those in the know, it's also surrounded by vast tracts of gold-bearing BLM land perfect for metal detecting and dry washing.
Claim Status Warning
Rule of Thumb: If you see corner posts or cairns, STAY OFF unless you have permission. Always use the LR2000 / MLRS database to verify open ground before digging.
Dry Washing
Water is gold here. Since you can't use wet sluices, the Electro-Static Dry Washer is the tool of choice. It uses air and vibration to separate gold from the dry desert soil.
LTVA Passes
For $180 (approx), you can buy a Long Term Visitor Area (LTVA) pass that lets you camp on BLM land for the entire winter season (Sept-April).
The Heat
Do not attempt to prospect here in Summer (June-Aug). Temperatures exceed 120°F (49°C). This is strictly a winter playground.
Tactical Intel: The "Q" Patch
The Middle Camp and Plomosa placers are famous. The gold here is coarse and nuggety. Look for "caliche" layers (hard, cemented calcium carbonate). Gold often sits *on top* of this false bedrock.
Intelligence Request
Is Quartzsite good for gold prospecting?
Yes, specifically for dry washing and metal detecting. The area has extensive dry placer deposits. The Plomosa Mountains and Middle Camp areas are historically productive.
Can you camp on BLM land in Quartzsite?
Yes. The BLM manages massive Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) where you can camp for the entire winter season (Sept-Apr) for a small fee (approx $180). There are also free 14-day camping areas.
What equipment do I need for Quartzsite?
You cannot use water-based equipment efficiently here. A 'dry washer' (which uses air to separate gold) is standard. For detecting, a VLF machine sensitive to small gold or a Pulse Induction machine for mineralized soil is best.
Are there club claims in Quartzsite?
Yes, major prospecting clubs like the GPAA and Roadrunners Prospecting Club have large claims in the area available to members.
The "Pow Wow"
"You come for the weather, you stay for the rocks. The Quartzsite Gem & Mineral Show is legendary. Even if you don't find gold in the ground, you can find plenty for sale in the tent city."
— The Desert Prospector
Club Claims
Because open ground is hard to verify, the safest bet is to join a group like GPAA or Roadrunners. They hold valid claims in the area where members can dig without fear of claim jumping.
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TECHNICAL BRIEFING REQUIRED?
Advanced analysis regarding PI vs VLF sensor integration available in the Wiki.
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The Digger's Code
- Backfill all holes before you leave.
- Pack out all your trash.
- Respect fence lines and gates.
Legal Disclaimer
Land access rights, safety conditions, and public fossicking zones change. You are solely responsible for verifying regulations with local authorities (DOC/Council/BLM) and assessing river safety before visiting. Paystreak.io accepts no liability for injury, fines, or trespassing. Never dig on private land without explicit permission.
✓ Information last verified: January 2026