Looking at CHEAP Land to Live In a Camper On (LEGALLY!)
In this video I explore a handful of super cheap properties in Arizona where you can legally live in a camper!
DATE FILMED: Late January 2024
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GPS COORDINATES, etc.
** All of the properties shown in this video have been sold in the month and a half since I filmed this video. To protect the privacy of the new owners, I'll give approximate locations of the properties and not the exact ones.
** General area of property 1 (Meadview): 35.91777, -114.07668
** General area of property 2 (Golden Valley): 35.07931, -114.16344
** General area of the wild card: 35.105333, -114.236974
** General area of property 3 (Terrible): 34.77245, -114.22107
** Campsite: 34.90890, -114.43835
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#adventure #travel #camping
Thanks for watching! I filmed this video in late January, and all of the properties were obviously for sale then. But as of posting this video, all of the properties are sold, pending sale, or otherwise off the market. (And yes, the even the terrible one sold!) Check the video description for GPS coordinates of the approximate locations if you want to browse those general areas on Zillow, Land and Farm, etc. And let me know which spot you'd choose! -Tristan
The wildcard land would have been the best choice, but all the Californians are flocking to AZ and snatching up all available land, driving up the cost of everything...
We live rurally in central AZ. My brother's family is in Henderson, 3.5 hrs away. We drive hwy 40 regularly & are quite familiar with the terrain. We also dry & wet camp all over these hills & valleys & lakes, all of which are less than 5 hours away from wherever we are. It's beautiful here, too. Not like the scrub land in Golden Valley. Just saying. Everyone has their own esthetic comfort level. LOL
That can only make it more attractive. Nobody really wants to live in the middle of nowhere.
Been RV ing this area for 20 years. It is much better to just snowbird in Lake Havasu/Parker/Quartzite than to own land. If you don't like neighbors just move a mile. I have never seen 2 week BLM rule enforced. As soon as you leave something on your property somebody will steal it. Thieves watch when you leave. Depends
Your such a good person...I'd just keep doing what your doing..no taxes, no worry about invasion of squatters...BLM is a gift
I spent more than two weeks in this area looking at property. There are a lot of hippies, outcasts, drug users, and people with mental health issues. Some people are friendly some are not. There are lots of guns. I was in a restaurant with a bar and some weirdo threatened me because he thought I looked like a narc. I asked a mailman where a certain road was and he got angry said "How the hell should I know." Be skeptical of anything your realtor tells you. You can spend $25,000 or more on a well and there's no guarantee you're going to get water. You're better off with a tank if the lot doesn't have piped in water. If you want power you should buy a lot that already has it. It can get up to 110 + degrees in summer. Don't expect your property to appreciate much. I was mostly around White Hills, Meadview, and Dolan Springs. If you want decent groceries you have to drive to Boulder City. You'll want to be well-informed before you make a purchase. For myself I decided to skip it. There is all kinds of BLM land and other public lands that you can camp on in the area. In addition, I want to give a big thanks to Tristan for the positive and uplifting content in all his videos. Also, I want to finish my perception of people in the area. I ran into a couple and their friend, they lived in a large house not far from the highway in White Hills. They were very warm, considerate and helpful people. They were fun to talk to, and told me to just stop by if I needed anything. They were the kind of people that you would like to invite over for a cook out. The owners and employees at Rosie's Den were also really nice. This was before the place burned down. The bartender was a well principled and super tough dude. You could sit at the bar and relax knowing he totally had your back. He demonstrated this when a troublemaker came in and started harassing a customer. He was on that guy before you could blink. I also talked to some very helpful people on the outskirts of Meadview. I rode my bike around and talked to people who were in their front yard. That's the best way to learn about these areas. The place isn't all bad it depends on what you're looking for. It's warm in the winter and some of it has a certain beauty, and that just might be enough.
I think you uncovered the reality of it.
Thank you for pointing it out, I have found these concerns in excess and real. Additionally, these realtors are mostly investment agents who, from my own search, do not live in the state and have never seen the properties. Also, most have no easement and if BLM land near, ATV and other recreation could be along or through your property. You purchase surface rights so anyone can come and drill or dig, legally. You must have a septic or can only stay on your own property for 30 days with a specific time range between. Ask, research and tap into the county seat. I found counties to be very kind resource.
@@wanderlust62 Yes, I forgot about the surface rights / mineral rights issue. That would be a good subject to dig into. I'm not sure if you can purchase the mineral rights with the property. The county offices can provide a wealth of information. In Utah I had to look into water rights that I would have needed for a well, and also other concerns with zoning.
Excellent issues to bring up. Buying unseen land can be a real issue. Another issue is security. I know some people that bought some land for temporary/recreational use in the Mojave and they ended up with squatters. It took them a while to get them off. If you do buy raw land for camping or recreation, be sure to get to know your neighbors so you can all look after each other's places. Install a fence and gate and maybe security cameras or alarms. Sadly, these things need to be considered...
I was a FedEx courier in the area out of Kingman 20 years ago. Meth was a big problem in Dolan Springs. A lot of "don't tread on me" folks.
I bought a cheap parcel in AZ that met my needs before I moved from Idaho in 2021. I needed good road access, electricity for my kilns and wheels and close to my job at the time. This year I moved on to a better job 60 miles away. My lot now has a prefab shed on it that is my weekend studio. Hopefully this summer I will get the power on and start a production pottery studio. Our county requires a permitted building before the power gets turned on. I am just waiting on my permit number. My original lot was really cheap and financed through the land company. When I had too many problems trying to get the power on, I bought the land across the street. That lot had the septic, community water and a power pedestal on it. I just found the owner's name through the assessors office. She was in Ohio and happy to sell it to me, even carrying a note on the balance. When I finally get "old" and retire I know I have a place to live.
Nice! That sounds like a great setup. Thanks for sharing!
Good luck. Selling it!
I can relate in some ways. About 20 years ago we bought 50 acres of land in NM for less than $40K (so way less than $1000 per acre). But then it was $10,000 for driveway, $10,000 for septic, $15,000 for electric, and $24,000 to have a well dug (they went down 1000 ft and never hit water). So now we have 2-3000 gallon water tanks and we truck in our our water from a little town 25 miles away. We now live here full time and have our sticks and bricks house and a little guest house. It not for everyone but we love our little corner of paradise
Sounds fantastic! Expensive to get started, sure, but now you've got a custom home on 50 acres. Nice!
I wish you would be able to use incinerator toilets instead of putting in septic
I also wondered what is the cost of trucking in water from 25 miles away. How much do you have delivered at a time?
I had been looking online for land in New Mexico for quite some time, but so many people were telling me that the crime rate is ridiculous there. I eventually caved in to the pressure and am now reluctantly looking for a place in Arizona. What is it like in your corner of the state? Are the fear mongers exaggerating the crime rate?
Crime is only high in large cities ( no different from anywhere else) or in some of the border areas. Out in the middle of nowhere there are no people and is no crime. Regarding water cost-we were paying someone to do it initially. They charged us $175 for 2200 gallons which lasted 4-6 weeks. Now we own a small trailer and tank to get our own. We can buy 1000 for $8.50 (which lasts a couple weeks). So our only really ongoing cost is our time. I
24 years ago we did something similar except it was raw land to use in the summer with our rv. It's about 6000 feet up in the mountains of north eastern California. Too much snow in the winter to drive into the property, unless you snowmobile in. Put in a septic and a big deck and a pole barn over our rv. Beautiful views, and very private. But....three summers ago one of the major forest fires that tore thru that part of California burned up our property and all of our improvements (except of course the septic system). We still have our views and privacy, but a forest of blackened pine trees is not what we were thinking of when we bought the property. Just one thing to keep in mind if someone is looking at mountain property for summer camping. We still plan on using our land, but it sure isn't the same after a forest fire tears through an area.
Fires are a natural way to rejuvenate the land. In 10 years, 20 years your land will be better than ever. If you can afford the taxes consider to keep it as your retirement nestegg.
On no, I'm sorry to hear that! I'm glad you were able to get use out of it before the fires, but that's terrible.
Yes, I was looking into some property in eastern Washington, but with forest fires becoming the norm, it’s a big risk. I’ve decided I don’t need to worry about property, pay taxes on the property, and not be able to camp on it more that 14-30 days a year. No thanks.
El Dorado fire did a lot of damage in the California mountains the back Highway has been closed off and on KZhead mudslides the past 3 to 4 years it's not like it used to be it's as if they're burning people out of their land I've been in mudslides and fires in California since the 60s it seems to be an ongoing thing and just keeps getting worse with the overload of people in California and Dad purchased property in Arizona Golden Valley area many decades ago however that area just flood out across the roads makes it difficult to get in and out so I thought no I'll pass on that I think it's now easier just to find a place to camp on BLM and move on meaning if you don't like the neighbors or a bad situation like a Mudslide of fire cuz you can just turn the key and move
Safer spot for the next big fire I guess. I've seen the rejuvenation w some colorado fires.. sorry u had to go through that, hope everyone came out safe.
I understand the appeal, but as a homeowner, having a second property for occasional use seems more trouble and expense than it's worth. I'll stick to tent camping at campgrounds when traveling. For me, that's less stressful and more fun.
Totally agree.
Try not to add unnecessary stress to your life.
Exactly!
Completely agree. I have friends who have a second property, and for the vast majority of their visits, they do nothing but DIY repair and gardening projects. There's lots of interesting stuff to see in the area, but they seldom get to see it, because they are too busy taking care of the property. However, they seem to enjoy their relationship with the place. Myself, I would rather get out in nature than do property maintenance, so I camp on public land for the most part.
Exactly
The main problem would be people breaking into any structure on the property while you are gone.
You mean stealing everything of value or resalable. Welcome to the wild west.
Yep. Happened to me several times. Thieves had my schedule down pat. I think they watch with binoculars.
Absolutely
Take America back
@@markeverson5849WTF are you talking about? Although I agree with your your comment, it has nothing to do with the topic being discussed. People have been breaking into vacation homes forever.
Golden Valley a few years ago like 3-5 years ago had an absolute meth and other drug infestation. People would break into your home, garage, shed, camper etc. rob you and some were even caught making drugs in said structures when owner arrived back. We looked at properties there and actually liked the area the few months we stayed until the locals opened up and told us what was really going on. I hope it was cleaned up because it was a very suitable area. Just wanted to share my personal experience.
I am very familiar with this area...GV and Dolan have had their drug issues, both cities have grown so much there really is quite a mix of all kinds of people. I would stick to Meadview or east of Kingman where there are more serious off gridders or seasonal snowbirds. Kingman has all the amenities and the people are pretty nice, too (some exceptions of course) and it's not a far drive to the lakes.
Sounds like concho az. Although. Drones have reduced crime by a lot.
If you want a cheap place to winter why not Quartzsite, AZ? Or Yuma area? In Quartzsite there are 4 LTVA's where you can camp (live) for $180 for a total of 7 months - Sept 15 - April 15, inc water, trash & dump stations. There are 6 other locations on the AZ/CA border (2 near Blyth or 4 near Yuma) you can move to under the one permit. There are an additional 5-14 day free areas to camp just outside Q. You can be somewhat close to other campers/snowbirds or further out with less people. The roads are easy to navigate with mostly hard pack small rock. Snowbirds have been camping/living there for over 50 years. There are hundreds of miles of fairly easy 4x4 trails & lots of old history, mining sites to explore. Quirky rock art abounds! It is 15 minutes from the Colorado River (Ehrenberg), 30 minutes to Parker, 1.5 hours to Havasu or Yuma. KOFA is just down the road from Q & you can camp there for 14 days free too! Imperial Dam near Yuma is a favorite with the view of Senator Wash (lake) if you get the right spot!
You seem pretty knowledgeable about this so my question to you in if I buy 2 acres can I live on my land in my RV full time
I've been hearing that things are changing and there may not be the same opportunities to camp on BLM land like there always has been. I was planning on being there this coming winter....Sure hope it doesn't change too much!
One thing you did not mention is the way of life that exists in these communities. People need to be prepared that each runs it's own way with little to no government, HOA, etc; BUT serious rules. They police themselves as the authorities can be over a hour away. Your neighbors will most likely well armed. This can be exactly what you are looking for or not. These places exist so that the land owner adjusts to the communities; not the other way around. I don't recall if you mentioned how far hospitals are from these places
Don’t bring your city politics (that you are fleeing) with you either. Be prepared to take care of yourself and respect those prepared to do the same.
I’m grateful to see this comment. I’m writing down a lot about this process and making sure I am well informed. This is real. 😂
ANY place with a HOA can rot ! Not sure what fools thought government is not in our face enough lets get some Karen's to tell us how every last stone and blade of grass has to be !
AGREE...I ended up in an HOA...,worst five year's if my life...sold my sweet two level town house...NO HOA,S... EVER AGAIN
@@forester057Not fleeing progressive politics. Fleeing expensive prices only. I’ll always be as rainbow and leftist as they come, no matter where I am.
Only being able to be there 14 days twice a year, guarantees that theft and vandalism will be a problem. So, the only choice becomes to spend $10K on septic, $10K on site work, and a minimum of $20K on utilities/tanks/security, and try to be there a lot to establish a presence and defend your place. At that point, it doesn't matter whether a lot is $4K or $8K, because that makes it really $44K vs $48K. Plus the cost of your camper, tiny home, sheds, storage container, etc. So you end up spending $50K or $100K and ending up in a remote, insecure location without the convenience of sticks and bricks, in a place without any guarantee of good neighbors or police forces watching after your place. Every one of the places looked too rough and tumble for my taste. In some cases due to the iffy mix of what neighbors are using their land for, but even more so by not knowing what other future neighbors will do, or who they are. There are some very remote places without riff-raff, where you get more property, the character of the neighborhood is already firmly established, and the area has more more local services, and fewer worries. I'd be happy to gamble $5K if my only plan was to leave the land empty and park on it 30 days per year. But once I start sinking money into a piece of land, and building stuff that can be stolen, vandalized, or even just devalued by what unknown future neighbors do, I look for better options. The land cost is barely the down payment on what money you'll sink into a second home site. Think very hard about how much you'd sink into it in the next 5, 10, or 20 years. If the answer is $50K, $100K, or $200K, then spend a good third or half of the total on getting better land in a better location, with fewer risks. Location, location, location. 90% of location-based value is how nicely your neighbors develop their properties. It's better to have the smallest house in the best neighborhood, than the best house in a bad neighborhood. For a getaway, there are many other options. A couple can spend 30 days per year on a cruise ship for $5K, and that includes unlimited gourmet food, someone changing your sheets and making your bed, unlimited hot showers, gym usage, deck chairs, incredible scenery changes every day or two, and nobody making meth next door to you. Just a bit of alcoholism as they try to get their money's worth out of a drinks package. As for the $27K place, I'd rather pay $12K for a better piece of raw land, and bring it up to $27K with making improvements myself. The chance that the buildings and infrastructure they put there, are exactly what I would have put there, is zip, zero, zilch, nada. Imagining how you'd use what someone else chose, is not even close to deciding what you want, and creating it. You get to choose what matters to you, what corners to cut to save money, what corners not to cut on things you care about the most. Also, just choosing exactly where to site this and that building, is priceless, compared to living with someone else's decisions about that.
Very well stated. 3rd option looked like someone's failed attempt that fled in a hurry... notice barred windows and security camera right corner. Would anyone trust leaving anything of value? then what's the point of structures. Septic and that's it for your rv or pull behind. if like you stated... it's in a good location location location but most likely more hassle than it's worth in actual return.
I would not buy any of those pieces of land. You can find much prettier public land to camp on all over the desert SW. move when you get tired of the view or have explored the area. You are an explorer like myself, don’t try to limit yourself to a couple acres for a couple months.
obviously you are not a camper and are not familiar with the lifestyle of those places. Half the fun is the unincorporated area and the feeling of pride and accomplishment when you turn a raw piece of land with a lovely view into a homesite that you crafted with your bare hands. People who live in these places are generally nice folk and the others just want to be left alone. You don't get it, buddy, but there's a whole lot of us who do. It's a great life of adventure and accomplishments.
There is nothing but common sense on that comment. People don't think about the expense taking garbage land and bring it up to some civil landscape. I would never buy land I cannot use whenever I want to like camping for three months and coming back in a few more. Some people can nitpick someone's comment. If you can't say something uplifting don't say anything. rds you made sense not like the comment after yours. 73
@@1jandavis - "...when you turn a raw piece of land with a lovely view into a homesite that you crafted with your bare hands..." only to have it vandalized or ransacked or squatted on while you spend the rest of the year absent simply makes no sense. The basic concept is a recipe for lost money, heartache and disillusionment.
I would get the camper and boondock. I would continue to save for land, but while you are boondocking you will have opportunities to get to know the areas and towns better. Thank you for taking video. It was a fun way to look around. Safe travels.
Yep. Been RVing this area 20 years. Highly recommend BLM boondock before buying. Lake Havasu/Parker/Quartzite for snowbirds. Warmer in winter. Hotter summer. Never seen 2 week blm stay limit enforced.
I am at the Imperial Dam Long Term Visitor Area as I type this. I'm on a site that is probably a sixth of an acre. I have road access, water and dump stations at the check-in area, and it's $180 for six months. That gets my vote.
I stayed at the one in Quartzite. Highly recommend this approach before buying land.
When an RVer purchases the 6-month LTVA deal, can that be used to go to other LTVAs in other areas?
@@SDSunriseryes, permit is good for all of the LTVAs
Where is this I need a place to park. Currently paying 60$ per night to park my trailer
@pikeyboyfoo it's BLM land, no hookups. There's a dump station and water.
FWIW, any time you see Joshua Trees, you're at elevation, they usually don't grow below about 2000', and really take off around 3000+. This means it's going to be colder in the winter, but also cooler in the summer usually. Of what you looked at, I would get the property with the hill, you could put your water system at the top, cut a pad half way up, and have a septic with a leech on the down-side.
I was thinking about doing that too but decided to spend winters in Baja on the beach and summers in the mountains of Colorado in my RV.
After watching this, I really appreciate how great a deal I found for 10 mostly wooded acres in Pennsylvania for just under $2K/ac. Heck, I didn't even get a permit when I put an RV on it. They just started taxing the property as including a mobile home on it. 😅
I live in Pa as well and I'm fulltime van life in Lackawanna county. If I could find a cheap acre or pay someone to park at night I would sleep a lot better not being in fear of the dreaded knock or worse. Can you please tell me how you found your land and guide me where to begin a search? Thank you
I bought a little cabin "shack" about 10 miles from pavement, it cost a lot of fuel to get to a small town and back. The local scavengers liked it more than I did, there was not much left upon my returning after a few weeks...
If you mean that people stole things from the shack, then that would be one of my concerns, if I were to buy some cheap land where I might store items like an RV for a period of time (3 to 6 months). If the chance of theft or damage is high enough, then it negates any saving from not paying for long term storage. Is this what happen to you? If so, where was the "shack" located?
@@MusicByJCif you don't want theft in remote AZ, then you must have nice vigilant neighbors or really expensive alarm system. Don't buy something you cannot protect.
@@MusicByJC An acquaintance had a similar thing happen. In his case the entire shack was stolen. The thieves took most of the lumber that it was made of and the corrugated metal roof too. Storing anything of value in a remote place, without good neighbors or a caretaker on the property, is just asking to have it stolen.
Shipping containers are NOT secure either. They cut through our lock boxes lickety-split with a cordless grinder. Don't leave anyrhing is my advice.
Blocked from staying more then2 weeks lol .@@f42un84u Good thing a trailer can be towed back out to a decent camp ground !
I'm an old Grammy but I've had a vacation property. Beside liking the land you buy, the town you're land is close to will become important. I loved the view and I loved the village where it was located. Because you'll not want to be cabin bound all the time, close by activities are also important. Interesting show today.
Agreed! Thanks for watching, Grammy 😁
Thanks for the perspective, Grammy
Showing us the towns near those properties was valuable information for me. I've noodleled cheap Arizona property occasionally over the years. I've always wondered what the surrounding towns / services were like.
Yes , Take too, Good
Lots of tarantulas in that area, they love going indoors for winter lol
Same here! Thanks for watching.
Very interesting. Thank you Tristan. My husband and I have thought about buying land in AZ for an investment if nothing else. We live in western CO and have managed to boondock and travel around AZ for a month at a time the last 2 years. We also love UT. We thought you were crazy for buying in Rock Springs because we had only been there one time and passed through the part of town that was just industrial. Last Sept we got to see the other part of town and it's beautiful. We also had a fantastic meal at a restaurant on the north edge of town. Now we understand why you bought there and the politics are much better than CO. Anyway, thank you for what you do. We are heading to the backside of Arches soon, per one of your videos.
I'd take #3. Plenty or rock on the ground to use for building material. You can always rent a dozer to make a road as smooth as you want.
You wish a lot of laws against doing anything to change the land even on your propertyto close to californicators for me theywill regulate it to death just like they did to ruin Calihell prying into every aspect of yourlife
First time on your channel. Not particularly interested in Arizona, but I won't rule it out. I live in Kentucky, where thousands of people live in very beautiful hillside homes. That's what I want to build. That being said, if I chose Arizona to move to, the Meadview property would be my land of choice. Not only is the view breathtaking over the lake and hills, but a deck and homemade swimming pool would be a natural addition to the house. And as a retired carpenter, very affordable. Yep, Meadview.
At 13:11; straight back in the middle is a plateau that looks very interesting. We bought a piece of land with 2 1/2 acres, no water or power, and lived off-grid. We made our power and stored water in 50 gallon drums. It got too rough in winter. I don't think you will have that problem there. We were 2 miles outsideof "Little Valley CA. I loved it there, but chopping wood and hauling water gets to be too much. I lucked out and bought a nice home for $25,000, in Westwood N. CA. We just got too old and disabled to work a property. Best to you and yours. Love your videos. If I have company and you are on, everyone says: "Who is this? And I tell them about your site. I've been watching you for a few years now. Always a good watch. Thank You for taking us along.
Thank you for the kind words and for spreading the word! And wow, can't beat $25,000 for a house!
Westwood is such a sweet town! I live down the hill in Chico, but we had a place on Rush Creek near Twain, on Highway 70, for years. I hope to get back up there this year to kayak Walker Lake. It will be the fist time visiting the area since the devastating 2021 Dixie Fire.
@GrandmaBev64 How long ago did you buy the house for $25,000?
In 1960? 😂 lol Wow cheap for CA
Cheap in that region. Head a short distance into Nevada and price is higher but the state has advantages such as no income or inheritance tax etc.
We were considering options years ago whether we might want a cabin or a camper. We chose the camper, small travel trailer, because we could go wherever we want and are not tied to one spot.
I'm very familiar with such areas in both California (throughout the Mojave desert) and the Big Island of Hawaii (particularly the Puna and Kau areas) where you can get land for $5-10K per acre and where "communities" have grown up. While there can be lots of good people living there, these low-cost and relatively remote places also attract a significant number of unsavory (i.e. dangerous and/or crazy) people. And even if you do find a property with only nice people or few people in the vicinity, at any time some not-very-nice people can show up nearby. And then it can be hell. So I would never buy such properties, and instead would make use of public land.
This video came out only 15 minutes ago and I've only watched the first 2 minutes. I predict this will be one of Tristan's most watched videos within a relatively short period of time. 😊
I was thinking the same thing. Lots of people are interested in buying an affordable lot to live on, especially retirees.
Hi Tristan, we really enjoyed this video. Looking at land and the towns nearby, very interesting. We love all your videos and then you throw in a land hunting video we loved it. Thanks Tristan for all your hard work it's appreciated.
I have an RV and I live in it full time and I love to boondock and I boondock mostly in BLM land outside Quartzite and yuma. I do boondock in wildlife refuge areas and in Dept of fish and wildlife.
I was born and raised near the golden valley area , keep in mind the wind just HOWLS all winter long !
At this stage of my life I'll take boondocking over a property. I have acreage and it is an albatross around my neck in so many ways as I'm 78 and no longer want the responsibility of caring for it. Maybe in a few years when I've got the traveling bug out of my system I'll be interested in settling down again. After all, I do enjoy gardening and having a few chickens.
I think this will be me as well a few yrs from now. So great to hear it's still working well for you!
Carole Gallagher wrote a book called "American Ground Zero" about the effects of living near to the Nevada Test Site.
We are also from Wyoming, Casper area. Back in the late 1970's I bought three acres up in Yavappi County north of Seligman off of I-40 a few miles for about $3000. High desert, scrub pines and juniper; no utilities but very well graded wide roads overlooking Rt 66 and the Grand Canyon Byway. Still have it today btw because property taxes are way less than $100/year. In 2017, we bought a nice patio home on a foundation and abt a quarter acre lot in the Yuma Foothills area. That is our base camp now for winter travels (snowbirds). That place is 15 miles east of Yuma but offers everything for shopping and is close to Algodones Mexico for meds and shopping. Great for off road activities, we have a RZR there and plenty of BLM land too for getting away and boon docking. Also, it is a hop and skip to the Colorado River. San Diego is only 175 miles west. EDIT. Forgot to mention we have a teardrop if we are not tent camping :) Be safe and travel on. Enjoy your videos.
I liked the first property. I think you could have a roundabout circle put in on the flat area and be able to turn around a (small-ish) camper trailer. But more than that, I liked the verticality of the property. Your reaction was that the hillside was unusable. But imagine putting a little wooden gazebo up there and putting in a little switchback trail leading up to it. Imagine having your camper down at the bottom but then hiking up the hill to your gazebo to have a beer and watch the sun set. Plus you could plant more desert trees and beautify the property further. I think you'd just have more fun on the first property. Two of the other properties were just a flat field. That would be fine if you only used them as a base camp to sleep and spent the whole rest of the day out and about. If you had to spend a week straight there you'd lose your mind. I think the first property at least theoretically could become a place you really enjoyed staying at. Your own little relaxation oasis.
Also keep in mind possible drainage issues from the higher steep parts into the lower areas during downpours. Although it doesn't rain much year round, at certain times of the year it can rain a great deal.
During summer monsoon rains & occasional flash floods you would be happy to have some elevation, a hill or ridge on your desert property after experiencin your first monsoon and the possibility of everything washing away, you would surely consider having your camp, tiny shed, house or Rv at the top of that hill well, above the arroyo & flat camp spot at bottom of the hill/ Flat desert property with "dry washes" can be a wet nightmare for those flat landers who do not know or understand the desert or lay of the cheap land they seek.
That was fun! I'd love to see more of this type vids in the future...showing land options. Always love your hiking adventure videos but this subject is interesting and worthwhile. Thanks so much! 🙂
I really love your channel and completely understand why it has grown so quickly. Congrats on that. This particular video is really compelling.
Thank you!
@@SUVRVing Yes I would love to see more of these types of videos because you are so honest and so interesting.
I bought an acreage outside of Yucca, Mojave County, AZ, about 3 months ago. I plan to develop and use it as a getaway. It's at the base of a mountain with road access, but very much off the grid. I bought it online, sight unseen. I spent two weeks at the property and surrounding areas. I am absolutely thrilled. Much better than I expected. I had a Perc ground test done for a septic system while I was in town, and passed. I expect septic to be 7 to 10k all said and done. Now, this is the wild west still. There's no law out there. The locals look out for each other. Not a place for the weary. But an absolutely world Class natural environment that I can't seem to get enough of.
What’s the GPS location ?
@bbustin1747 Outside of Yucca, AZ in the desert at the base of the Hualapais.
We chose Meadview. We're full-time, and I work in Kingman anan hour away. Close knit is the key. I past you on Pierce Ferry road as I was going fishing to the spot you started the video. Great fishing! Big fish 20 mins from my front door. If your interested in any of these properties, do it soon because it's not going to last with interest in the area on the rise and prices rising. Meadview is the most temperate because of higher elevation. Good video Tristan. Neat idea!!
We live in Golden Valley, and are pretty satisfied here. Meadview is nice, a lot of retired law enforcement and military there, so it's a pretty safe community. Dolan Springs has a pretty rough reputation, though, not sure if the reputation is deserved, but it is real. We've been here 15 years, lots of interesting hikes and places to see around this area.
This is what I`d look at like Law & Order . Not Loud Crazyees Thank YOU for your Comments add a lot to Great Video's. Of the area.. for This Great America
S@we are😅😅😅😅
My mother in law lives in golden valley and loves it. She has city water and electricity.on little over 1 acre.
A lot of people here are saying that if you leave your land for any extended amount of time stuff gets stolen. So is my idea of putting up a shed with stuff inside and then going overseas for a few months a stupid idea?
The best thing is to put a sea cargo container on your lot. They are pretty hard to break into without a cutting torch. I have one in that area to keep my stuff in and I spend most of my time in the Philippines.
Great video, I've been wanting to do exactly what you did in this video. Super important to go check out these properties before buying. I couldn't imagine the last one you looked at...that would be a major bummer for someone. Thanks, T, and have a great rest of your hunt!
I was driving through Tennessee to the Jack Daniels distillery. I saw a few lots that people cleared and put trailers on not manufactured homes, but actual fifth wheel trailers. They completely groomed, a large area right next to the road. They poured a concrete pad for their RV. And it look like a great set up. It had a couple small outbuildings, which I believe were the pump for the well and a tool shed. The person that owned the property also had a RV and a truck. He was living a very cheap life. He kept all the grass around his house groomed, and it didn’t look bad. There were many houses in that area ranging from tiny to mansions. Tennessee has plenty of water cooler in the summer. I’m sure there are some very cold winters but to me Tennessee looks like Ireland green green green a lot better looking than in the desert which by the way I am from, I live in California. But will I move to Tennessee no to red for me.
Red doesn't want blue there, believe me.
@@wallstreettrader1 I totally understand. Red states have more gun deaths than blue states. Red states have had over 20,000 more gun deaths in the last 20 years versus blue states.
@@wallstreettrader1 over the past 20 years red states have had more than 20,000 gun death versus blue states. That’s a fact.
Many, many years ago (like 1997) we drove from LA to Meadview & stayed in a container that was converted to 4 tiny motel rooms. Its still located at the RV Park there in town! We launched our boat & Jet Ski's at Pierce Ferry where the Grand Canyon meets Lake Mead (as you described) & drove about 20-25 miles into the Grand Canyon on the Colorado. A once in a life experience for us! There was pretty much nothing out there except the tiny motel/RV Park back then.
I've got a buddy who move to Golden Valley about a decade ago. He's north of the highway on a multi-acre property on which they've got power (just recently), have water delivered (and have a cistern for rainwater) and he loves it out there. He's far enough away that, though you can see other homes, they're not near enough to see *into* your property without binoculars but, I can hear the highway. As for me, if I'm going to be buying property to put a camper on, I don't want neighbors I can see or hear.
What a great idea of an episode! I’ve often thought of finding an obscure plot just to escape to. Thanks for your creativity!
Love this video. Hope you can make more like it. I think a lot of people are looking to buy cheap land for various use cases.
Thanks for the video! Pet peeve: I find it strange when people tell others unequivocably "Don't buy this - it's horrible" simply because it doesn't meet one particular person's needs. Why not leave it at "it's totally unsuitable for my needs"?" It might meet someone else's needs perfectly. As the owner of a 4x4 offroad camper van, I might even prefer a challenging access road to achieve a much more private location to site my offroad RV temporarily.
Yes! This guys immature, rude and cries like a teen girl when he gets mad at un-level property and bad roads...
We have been looking at land in Arizona. It is one of the few places that you can legally live in an RV long term depending on the county. We have mostly been looking around the Concho area in Apache county. Arizona is a beautiful state!!! Great video Tristan have a wonderful day!!!😊
I think someone misled him about permanent living in an RV in Mohave county. It's zoned Residencial and Agricultural in most areas.
@@rogermiller5215 I noticed most of the Counties have limitations on how long you can stay. I have mostly been looking in Apache county myself. They require a septic system installed to live full time which makes sense. Have a great day!!! 😊
Yep. I bought a piece near property two a few years back and was told I I needed to build a residence to code or leave the property. I' earn under 1k monthly social security so couldn't afford to build to code or get septic etc. So now I'm homeless, pitching a tent in the city where I keep getting tickets and told to move every day. Where is someplace somebody can actually live in a trailer that's near grocery stores and hospitals without codes? I don't see why I need septic if I can take my trailer and empty it every few weeks at a dump station or build an outhouse since it's nowhere near anything. Sometimes I wonder if we don't actually live in a somewhat communist country. It's certainly restrictive. You can barely breathe and be poor or homeless without getting hassled at every day.
@galacticdebris Yes the way I understood it, you can only get a temporary permit to stay in an RV during the construction of your permanent dwelling.
I myself would be interested in the property with the little cabin. Thanks for showing us these spots. Keep up the great videos. I love watching them
I have lived in Vegas since the late 70's, I know the area very well. Golden Valley has a private run Prison on the side closer to Kingman, there was an escape I want to say 10 years ago. Meadview is mostly retired and close to Lake Mead. The reason Dolan is expensive is due to alot of the residences commute to Vegas for work and the ability to have city water and electric on the property. The 4k property in Golden Valley looks to be the best property of them all in my opinion due to how close you would be for major shopping. IE: Major grocery stores, Smiths, Albertsons, WalMart, Home Depot, Hospital and restaurants located in Kingman. Nice size and affordable, just check how far away electric is to the property. Best of luck in your search
I lived in a campervan for 6 months, much of that in Arizona. I would probably not buy land. I would boondock. It’s fun to explore that way.
For me, I would just boondock. Not stuck in one place and no property tax to pay.
This was great! You did a fantastic job of showing what the properties are like. Perfect for people like myself looking online for properties, which dont go into much detail about the property or surrounding area. It would be nice to find an area with less rules. I liked the spot with the cabin too. Personally, I'd like to find a spot with some trees, etc., which would of course be a little more expensive. Kudos, Tristan 👍.
Yeah, the online listings do a terrible job of showing what a property is like. Most of them don't even have photos of properties like this 🤷♂
That is where Google Earth comes in handy. @@SUVRVing
This video is full of unanswered questions we’ve had about purchasing land! Thank you! We are looking for summer property at a higher location & then boondock at LTVA during the colder months! I like Nevada for taxes but I’m unsure of the camping long term restrictions! Thank you Tristan this video came at the perfect time!
The first property you looked at was the most interesting. Nothing like a elevation change on property to make it feel like home. Could build a little cabin on the elevated portion with a piling foundation to handle the incline. No need for a well, just use rain collection and a 1500 gallon tank -- filter and treat water for drinking. Rain collection actually works in that climate if you have enough storage to get through the dry season.
a couple years ago, i bought some land between kingman and seligman. i had dreams of building a legal tiny home on it. because of the soil, the active-septic cost kind of ruined it for me. now i just go there and hang out in my van from time to time. i love having it, and still no regrets.
It'll pro ably come very handy soon
Golden valley is where we bought our manufactured home from Mohave homes, they were awesome in getting everything done,we went further south to Topock on the colorado river, its warmer here at 550 ft and the wind doesn't blow as much as golden valley and we are only 25 miles from lake havasu and we have really good artesian well water,paved roads and utilities to the property,lots to consider for a winter home,we are still in our RV for summers up north when the fires of hell in July arrive,love your video s and adventures ❤😊😊
A lot of people here are saying their stuff gets stolen when they are away from their land for extended periods of time. How do you prevent this when you're gone in the summer?
@Ryan_Boundless we don't live in golden valley, we are in a community called Topock which is 50 miles south on the colorado river,we have a tight knit group of people here and a block watch,we also heard there were druggie and break ins up in golden valley 😉the properties there also are further apart and easier targets for squaters.
If I had $25 - $30 bucks to blow on an escape from Wyoming winters, I'd boon dock with a nice truck/overland camper rig. You are young still, and it would be a nice adventure that would change each year. Plus, you'd not have to deal with varmints at the homestead who will certainly move in while you are gone unless you could get someone to stay at your place.
Probably one of the most start forward videos ive seen on purchasing land for a rv or trailer thanks for the upload
Fun video! If I were younger I'd have taken that property that was hard to get to. Unhampered views of the desert. No neighbors to create loud noises. A little hard work (and money) to clear a drive to where I would park an RV or build a tiny home. One thing I would check though would be the washes and how the water runs when it rains . AZ s known for it's flash flooding which could cause more damage than it's worth.😊⛈
A little hard work (and money) to clear a drive to where I would park an RV or build a tiny home.
Wait... I think he declared that NOBODY SHOULD BUY THAT PROPERTY!! This guys a clown.
I think I would just boondock, I am terrified of lousy neighbors. I have them now and it really affects me when I am home. Boondocking allows you to be able to move whenever you want. That being said, I LOVED the last spot that made you so mad, I would drive the crap outta that road, lol. I would buy the whole development and become a hermit!😆
If snowbirding for a couple of months in the winter is the main goal then I think your observation about the flexibility (and cost) of BLM camping is spot on. Buying land ties you to the limitations associated with it. You'd have to spend significantly more on the improvements in order to actually use it as you intend. And even if you found a great spot with scenic views and few neighbors there are no guarantees you wouldn't have more neighbors obstructing those great views in a few weeks, months, or years.
27' lifted travel trailer and a 4x4 truck. Did 10 day trips to Oregon outback for years. Over time we found several really nice places to camp that nobody else seemed to use. It's amazing where you can get with a lifted TT. We took along some 4x4 posts to get us through ditches and washes.Also spent time in Nevada. If you buy you only have one place to go. I liked the adventure and exploration we could do around wherever we parked the trailer. Thanks for your videos, been watching for years. Love the dessert.
If I only had 30 days of use, I'd pick #1 and install a concrete pad at the base of the hill and some type of pergola at the top.
Be mindful that those lower areas are in or near a wash and get flash floods thru there frequently.
I loved this video. Very creative, unexpected and useful. We have 2, 5 acre properties in New Mexico and in Arizona which were willed to us by my Dad, both near towns and lakes and are flat with road access. We have never stayed at these properties. We have a custom built van, and stay at blm's across the country. Maybe someday we'll stay there for a couple weeks, but not anytime soon. There are too many other places to see.
That's exactly how I feel!
This was a fun video! Thank you for showing us around and giving an idea of pricing in Arizona. I think a lot of people who live in RVs full time are wanting some land to call their own.
Love all your content (including your Tenkara channel) but I really enjoyed this episode in particular. Safe travels and keep up the great content!
Living half my life in southern CA and half in UT, there are lots of deserts I really love. The Mojave isn't one of them. Plus there are too many very scary people out there. Just not a region I would choose for 2 months a year. I hope you have good luck finding the perfect spot if you do this in the future!
Thanks, Tristan, excellent presentation of the properties, the local requirements, and nearby communities. It made Quartzsite look really good, and convinced me that, especially if you are snowbirding but even if you're just looking for a cheap way to live, your best bet is BLM's LTVAs -- everything but electric power for $180 for seven months. Kind of surprising that all of the properties you showed us are no longer available. I wonder how many have been sold multiple times?
Interesting topic! We had a cabin in Northern Arizona for 13 years and found we would always go there instead of exploring other parts of our beautiful state. Sold it and travel in our converted van. We absolutely love being so carefree. 🎉 thanks again for such a thought provoking video❤
This was very informative and needed for the stage that I’m in. Just started learning about what to look for and what I want to do on the land. Thanks for sharing. New subbie.
This episode was super interesting Tristan! Many of us who spend most of the year traveling would like a more permanent stopping place, if even for a few months a year. As some have pointed out though, there can be very dark characters in these areas, and lots of drugs. leaving your property vacant for any length of time would probably result in it being burglarized and/or vandalized.
I visited the Terlingua, Tx area in January, and it has similar vibe, with more spectacular visage, albeit let flora as well.
staying on BML land you’ll run into one of the same problems most allow you to stay 15 days and then you have to move some places 30 miles away. I would like the 2nd place and while the main road is a bit of a problem you arraign your day going shopping on one side and on the return you do the other side. I also like that you have easier access to a couple of larger places. You never mentioned about internet or cell access which would be mandatory so I can watch your videos.
I just got back from down there. I did the same thing you did. I looked at numerous properties. Some are a little tough to get to. I really like the Meadview area. The people there seemed friendly & welcoming. Great vid!
I've never seen your videos before but I really have enjoyed this one thank you so much
Thank you for watching!
Basically, you be repairing a vandalized property every arrival.
Nice job! I love your varied content. Thank you.
I just discovered you and subscribed immediately. I like your format and your channel. You do a nice job of showing the locations. All good wishes.
Better off just buying a couple plots and not installing the septic and moving between them.
I've been thinking that. Even more convenient it is across the street😮
Good video !! ... You should do more of these types ... Inexpensive land ... Off grid ... Home base like ... 😊 People are looking for this type of living ... Tyfs ...
You have such a positive take on these desolate, dumpy little towns in these desert areas. I find it all very uncomfortable without any water or trees. I applaud you for seeing the beauty!
Interesting video. I've lived in Arizona since 1981 without knowing anything about buying the type of land you're showing. Might have done something had I know earlier. Thanks for the video.
I was having PTSD while watching this video. We moved from Monterey to Carson City in the early 70s and left in 2017 upon retirement. Carson City had under 10k people when we moved to it. I think it's about 60k now. It was a great place to raise kids since we lived outside of the city and they had freedom to roam through the sagebrush. All around us in NV was the same topography as where this video was shot. We sold everything in 2017 and roamed around the country for a few years. We bought a place in an area with pine trees , year round green foliage, never too hot or cold, and the Pacific Ocean is across the street. We had lots of cold, freezing weather and hot summers and I enjoy temperate weather. I ask my husband what we would have been doing in NV now. He says we'd be sitting in the sagebrush watching the jack rabbits run around. 😂 And, we didn't pay a ton of money for our cute little house with all utilities already here. Paradise for us after 45 years of desolate views. Kathleen
Excellent. Where did you end up??
Why the big secret of where it is ?
@@bonniejeannetucker6992 It's no secret at all. I don't look at social media every day. Didn't see the request. It's Seal Rock, Oregon Kathleen
@@bonniejeannetucker6992 Your comment sounds unkind. Kathleen
Boon-dock . . . More mobility with less legal and local strings attached. Interesting and fun hypothetical " what if " presentation. Thanks for the diversion, Tristan! ( Respectfully, but personally, you have made me so happy that my current residence is where it is. I cannot imagine investing even 59 Cents for one of those hell-holes! ) 😆🤣😂
awesome as always.thanks for sharing and taking us along
thanks for the video.....reminds me of Palmdale Calif. in the 60's.......best time of my life....... running free in the high desert.
Hello thanks for the show after living in the high desert for 30 years and now in the Ozarks I find it easier to live where there's woods lots of water, rain , springs, Creeks, shade, wood to burn towns are everywhere take your pic okay bye
I have to agree with you.
Been living here in the high desert for 27+ years and I would have to agree with you as well. However, it does have its trade offs. Mosquitoes, mold and mud comes to mind. But the lack off water is the deciding fact of life. We love to visit family in Up State NY.
Tristan, just want to mention, Summer heat could get to 115° (June, July, August and September only), Monsoon season dirt roads become mud, and wind are factors to consider. All other months would be great. Beautiful sunrise, sunset and freedom. 😊 Great video.
I would just like to mention,, you are all WRONG.. it was 128F for over a week or two last summer here
we basically get two Michigan summers here in the fall and spring. and a hell season and a froze month... also the summer temp's, that in the daylight, NIGHT is Freezing cold most of the year hehe even at night, and seems to drop drastically every morning for the last hour and half of dark every morning... can literally feel it get bitter just before sunrise....
@@LordPapp Holy Cow! My friend lives West of Bullhead, he was 117° I thoughts. 😊
one thing about here, you can have totally different weather than your neighbor 2 miles away as the bird fly's.. I can sit in my yard and look in 4 different directions and see 4 different types of weather and not experience any of it.. @@sacredstonecards9051
@@sacredstonecards9051 today as I dove over my buddies house for coffee, it was nice at my house, and freezing at his when I got there,, my friends in Meadview all complained about the rain today.. I had rain a few days ago, they are the closest community to here and you can experience weather so intense and such while others a mile away will call you a liar cuz they don't get it... a couple years ago.. we had a storm in Dolan take out a dozen or more power poles at one time in a mile or 2 stretch of road.. no power for almost a whole week.. had one of these cluster storms once at my house, was so intense the trees in my yard were bent down, extremely violent, meanwhile my boss 3 miles away when I called and said it wasn't safe to leave my house, basically called me a liar and then drove past my place 30 mins later and all was calm.. life is EXTREAME here
Really enjoyed this, thanks for posting 👍
Great video! New subscriber, would love to see more about the small tracts of land for sale. Cheers👍
I heard that Kingman is getting a world class state of the art mosque!
If you choose Golden Valley, you will also be close to Bullhead City, where they have a Wal-Mart, a Sams Club, a Smart and Final, and Grocery Stores.
Yep. Laughlin and Colorado river area is a hoot. GV is only 20-30 minutes. Much better area than MV or DS.
Lots of wear on the car driving down the mountain.those cars over heat there all the time. Not mine fortunately
You are incorrect, we live here and love it. What you called the Chamber of Commerce is actually our Waffle Cone and Meadview market, the Chamber of Commerce is across the street. Great place to live.
I'm so glad I found you. This is what i've been wanting to see
Interesting video 😮 I would choose boondocking as opposed to buying ANY property that states when I can use it during the year. Would rather have expensive property nearer the actual mountains with water & beautiful trees on it. For example some of the fantastic campsites you have stayed at during your travels, Tristan. 😊🌲🌵
How ironic, the "Land of the Free" and you have limitations to camp on your own land. 🤦
Boondocks seems the way to go if you don’t plan to live there Funtime. You’ve shown us some pretty great boon docking spots. Though if you found a cheap piece of land near a town you like, why not buy just to have as a back up in case the world goes haywire😂
I just came across your video, I liked the one with the shed, & cleared property... I think that was a bang for your buck! 😊 I live here in Glendale Arizona.
if you wanted to park a camper for a month or even two months, why would you put it in these places. There's nothing there, it's ugly, hot scrub land no water no amenities. If I had two months to get out of Wyoming, I would not go to any of those places. Heck, I'd just stay in Wyoming.
You people set up yourself for failure. These properties have no shelter from weather, no water, no soil. And you think you are going to homestead that ? Ridiculous. Guaranteed to fail. Guaranteed.
Water at my property is 700 ft down. Hadn't priced it yet
I enjoyed this tour, thank you!
Thank You ,for all your hard work I planning on Retiring in July ! I was looking into moving out of California and moving to Arizona but something little more greener