A Personal Journey
As campgrounds and public hiking and camping areas become increasingly unsafe, I've been contemplating the idea of purchasing land near a river for recreational use. My love for nature and respect for the earth have driven this decision. I enjoy hiking and camping, and I believe that owning personal land for my family and I to use a few times a year could be the perfect solution. This will be our approach until the political climate stabilizes, and the rules and regulations of federal, state, and local governments are upheld, protecting public land and ensuring safe and educational environments in public parks, trails, and camping locations.
Here are the key criteria I've used to narrow down my search for the ideal land:
Land Size and Location
Minimum of 5 Acres: While I'm currently looking at 40 and 80-acre lots, 5 acres is the minimum for personal space and enjoyment.
Wooded and Beachfront Areas (Not Ocean/Sand) Open desert areas are cheaper and offer large plots, but they lack privacy, are often far from local stores and cities, and have extreme weather changes. Managing drastic temperatures with little shade is challenging, especially if you're running electrical systems off a gas generator by day and a power bank like Goal Zero or Jackery by night.
Water Features
Running Water (Not Ocean) A creek is preferable to a river for privacy. A river runoff suitable for kayaking and water play is ideal but hard to find. Main river stretches can attract boaters in the summer, no matter how remote the location seems.
Budget and Financing
Price Under $100k USD Recreational land often comes with owner financing. I'm looking for monthly payments of no more than $200 for up to 10 acres and $400 for more than 10 acres.
Land Classification
Recreational Land Avoid agricultural land, which requires numerous permits for camping, and residential land, which is better suited for investment and comes with many regulations, like restrictions on campfires.
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Recreational Land
In this article, I aim to share tips and tricks to stay comfortable and safe while using your recreational land for weekends and summer trips. These are based on my personal experiences and the best options I've found after many product reviews.
Importance of Family and Trusted Friends
Having family and trusted friends join you on these trips is crucial. As it becomes harder to buy cabins and as campgrounds become crowded and restrictive, finding your own oasis free of unwanted people is more valuable. My land is a playground for both adults and children. It's a safe place for us to gather on weekends, play with water toys, jam out on our guitars around a fire at night, and sleep within sight of each other without being too close. The sense of community and peace this brings is huge and important for everyone's mental health.
Personal Setup and Activities
On my land, we have kayaks and a paddle boat by the water, a badminton net, and bocce ball. We also have mountain bikes for easy transportation. Each year, we walk our trails with gloves and clippers to clear any fallen debris, making the paths accessible without using power tools.
In contrast, my best friend, who owns land nearby, has a similar setup but with more toys like ATVs, chainsaws, and jet skis. While I prefer not to invest in these items due to their limited use and maintenance needs, we often spend weekends together, enjoying each other's properties. The key is to find a reasonable balance of fun, peace, and toys that suit your personal preferences.
Conclusion
Purchasing recreational land offers a unique opportunity to create a personal oasis for your family and friends. It provides a safe and enjoyable environment away from the crowds and restrictions of public campgrounds. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach like mine or a more toy-filled setup like my friend's, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and your loved ones.
Stay tuned for part two, where I'll discuss the layout of actual structures and products I've purchased after many trials and errors.