Purchased Camp site

[rusty_tlc]

We have been bouncing around the idea of buying a few acres in the northern part of the state, maybe near the OR ID NV border, as a semi permanent camping destination.

On the plus side;
We could have a few improvements, fire pit, level site, etc.
Never worry about finding a spot to camp.
Possibly build a cabin at some point.
Share with family and friends.

On the negative side;
We might feel compelled to go there every time we have time off to justify the cost rather than going a variety of places.
It could turn into doing chores someplace else instead of at home.

Anybody have a camping property? How does it work out for you?

 

[e9999]

I enjoy travelling around and picking up new campsites on the way, but the princesses are not as keen, they'd rather stay put. I can see that. It's easier to relax.
So with your own spot you could enjoy nature but be more relaxed and more comfortable. And, best, be able to pick a spot that you truly enjoy and is beautiful to your particular liking. After all, some spots on the road are not so great. And we've done our share of driving through several campgrounds to finally find a good spot. Having a sure one, with no noise from neighboring sites is an appealing idea. Plus if you're really far from towns it could be pretty cheap. The main thing I'd be careful about is to be realistic about how much you will be willing to drive over the next few years. If too far, it could get to be drudgery or infrequent trips.

I like the idea!

 

[rusty_tlc]

We talked about how far we would realistically drive on a regular basis and access during different seasons. Much more than 1 or 2 hours would be daunting on a Friday after work. During mud season roads in remote areas of N Nevada can get treacherous, snow us usually less of a problem.

 

[Tapage]

I find my self that with less you are more happy ... if you see yourself with a piece of land and then a cabin and then another for kids and then another for friends or adding room, then water, then this and that .. every time you gong there will be to do something .. more work in weekends when you are suppose to be with family and relaxed with kids or friends ..

just my .0002 cents ..

 

[rusty_tlc]

I find my self that with less you are more happy ... if you see yourself with a piece of land and then a cabin and then another for kids and then another for friends or adding room, then water, then this and that .. every time you gong there will be to do something .. more work in weekends when you are suppose to be with family and relaxed with kids or friends ..

just my .0002 cents ..

Yeah I listed that on the down side, then after you add all that crap you have to take care of it so weekends turn into doing chores away from home. It would take a lot of restraint to keep improvements down to leveling a few camp sites and building some fire pits and an outhouse.

 

[Kofoed]

We have been bouncing around the idea of buying a few acres in the northern part of the state, maybe near the OR ID NV border, as a semi permanent camping destination.

On the plus side;
We could have a few improvements, fire pit, level site, etc.
Never worry about finding a spot to camp.
Possibly build a cabin at some point.
Share with family and friends.

On the negative side;
We might feel compelled to go there every time we have time off to justify the cost rather than going a variety of places.
It could turn into doing chores someplace else instead of at home.

Anybody have a camping property? How does it work out for you?

I go to a spot 150 miles from town, in the desert. A friend owns it (family homesteaded it), and lets other friends use it, even when he isn't there. We built a nice outdoor fireplace, BBQ, benches, a 10x20 three-sided and roofed shelter, and a 12x12 fully enclosed "kitchen" structure. The circle of friends and acquaintances that go out there keeps expanding. Some people don't come back, others come back with a new 4wd and guns lol.....

It is a good dry/car camping spot, with trailer access if necessary. If we made it any "nicer" the local trash, tweakers and scrappers would destroy it. We've been raided for metal twice, but now everything is securely anchored down.

The group of regulars is expected to kick in some $$$ to use it (which goes to improvements, taxes) and do a work party weekend (heavy on the party) every year or two.

Do it.

 

[spressomon]

Once upon a time I owned 40-acres of remote heavily hardwood forested Platte River bluff country in eastern Nebraska. Much like Kofoed mentioned we had very basic infrastructure...and kept it that way, again to dissuade the "riff-raff" from vandalizing it when we weren't camped out but also to minimize spending free time from turning into 'not so free' time.

We cut mtn bike trails...and often had groups of 30 or more friends and family camped together...circa the 80's. Even held pro mtn bike races...Ned Overend, Lisa Munich, et al raced over some of the trails.

Keeping up with the property tax and insurance payments was challenging as it was near zero tillable; but I regret selling it...

Keep it simple to keep the fun factor pegged...and resist turning your plot into another spare time work project.

 

[rusty_tlc]

@spressomon that sounds like a little slice of heaven considering how populated that area is and how little public lands there are back there.
My vision is a piece of land around the Massacre lake area, on one of the low ridges, just high enough to get into the junipers. A few flat spots for tents or trailers, a decent fire ring, and a 20' cargo container to store stuff. It's not to hard to find 40 acre parcels in that area. We'll see, still not sure I want to be tied to one spot.

 

[Squidly]

About 5 years ago we purchased some land on a creek about an hour north of us to use as a camp spot. We wanted some land where we could put up a cabin later on if we wanted to and something that would appreciate in value. We used it quite a bit the first couple of years and tapered off after that mostly due to the demands of work and changes at home. My kids use it quite a bit with their families and friends and we have great neighbors (somewhat distant) that keep an eye on it for us. We'd like to use it more often but it is what it is. The property value has gone up due to our neighbors building weekend cabins and getting power to the property so as an investment its done well. One guy moved up there lock, stock, and barrel. A long ride to work!

The long and short of it is that that for us it is worth the investment. As the saying goes "they ain't makin' no more of it".

 

[pondjumpr]

I have 4 male cousins and we all head to the mountains at least once a year (same spot) for primitive camping. It's about 2 hours from our homes. In the last 20 years, we have been camping on one of two sites every time. It is National Forest Land. With that said, every trip, we fear that we will get there and both sites will be taken. The best site is the junture of two nice streams and we are less than 2 miles from a major stocked trout river. There are more people on the river every year.

We started going every year when we were in our early 20's. Now that we are all in our 40s (I'm the youngest at 41) we have been talking about buying a small piece of land up there and building small cabins. We want to keep it simple but my fear is that we will have to deal with vandalism, upkeep, expenses, etc. On one hand, making it nicer would alow our families (kids, too) to enjoy it but that would totally change the dynamic of the trip. On the other hand, we could keep it basic and build simple storage building style cabins but it would not be much nicer than primitive camping that we do now. Creature comforts such as running water, power, etc. are nice but again, there is something to be said about primitive camping, too.

The other thing is that we will never be able to duplicate the property that we camp on now. It simply doesn't exist.

We may buy a small piece eventually and build some structures and additional infrastructure on it but I am not sold on the idea yet. So, I have the same dilemna and am not sure what to do. I am also concerned that we would feel obligated to go there instead of other places we might travel on vacation because it needs work or because it's cheaper.

I know many people that have had the same issues with 2nd homes, beach houses, lake mouses, etc. The homeowner does yard work and maintenence while everyone else enjoys the place. it's definitely worth thinking about.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Another consideration... no need for paranoia here... but, always be sure you can protect yourselves on any property you buy and inhabit, be it full time or 'once in a while'.

There have been instances where whole families have been wiped out while simply celebrating the holidays in their remote mountain cabin... there seems to be more and more two-legged predators every year. And they only understand taking advantage of the unprepared...

Again, I'm not trying to throw a scare into anyone... I'm merely saying, "always be sure you can protect yourself and your loved ones, wherever you decide to 'camp'.

 

[sggoat]

@spressomon that sounds like a little slice of heaven considering how populated that area is and how little public lands there are back there.
My vision is a piece of land around the Massacre lake area, on one of the low ridges, just high enough to get into the junipers. A few flat spots for tents or trailers, a decent fire ring, and a 20' cargo container to store stuff. It's not to hard to find 40 acre parcels in that area. We'll see, still not sure I want to be tied to one spot.

Did you ever find a suitable place?
I'm one that would be the fixer, If I ever visited-call ahead for sure-find out what needed repair, and bring the stuff to do it.--just need a day or two lodging and time to do the fix-fair trade-

 

[rusty_tlc]

No. We got side tracked by life.

FWIW get a trust set up so you don't burden some unsuspecting family member with a s*** tonne of legal and moral responsibilities when you get to old to take care of yourself.