Experience the Magic of the New Mexico Desert at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**
Looking for a unique camping adventure in the New Mexico desert? Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center offers more than just a place to pitch your tent — it’s an experience unlike any other. Nestled deep in the scenic West Mesa, our campground blends the peaceful beauty of the desert with creative, one-of-a-kind events you won’t find anywhere else.
**Upcoming Event – Rangoli Under the Stars**
Join us on **November 1st** for our *Rangoli* celebration — an evening of color, creativity, and community. This vibrant tradition is more than art; it’s a symbolic creation of intentions, goals, and positive changes. We’ll gather around a roaring bonfire, create beautiful designs, and dance under the desert sky.
🎟 **Suggested Donation:** \$3.00 per person
🏕 **Free for Campers:** Anyone camping with us gets in free! Camping is just \$12 per night.
🌟 **Members Attend Free:** All members are invited to join the Rangoli celebration at no cost.
📅 **How to Book:** Reserve your spot using one of the platforms listed on our website.
**Livestream Experience – Be Part of the Show**
When we host live music, talent shows, or studio sessions, our livestreams are played over the campground PA system. This means everyone staying here can sit outside under the stars or hang out by their campsite and enjoy the show in real time. On special invite-only nights, you can even sit inside the studio and be part of the live audience while music magic happens.
**Why Ka-Hoon is Different**
We believe camping should be more than a tent and a campfire. Our events bring the desert to life with music, laughter, and connection. From themed nights and karaoke to seasonal festivals, every visit feels like a getaway with a purpose.
**Limited Memberships Available**
We have a few memberships open that include perks like free camping nights, event discounts, and access to members-only gatherings.
📍 **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** – Where the desert meets creativity. Whether you’re here for a night or a season, you’ll leave with memories you can’t find anywhere else.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#ExploreOutdoors, #CampingVibes, #LiveMusicLovers, #DesertVibes, #FestivalSeason
Author: Ka-Hoon Campground
Living Off-Grid Without Water?! Shocking Truth About Public Showers & Off-Grid Struggles!
Living off-grid isn’t easy — especially when essential equipment like your truck breaks down. For us, hauling water is critical, and when the truck is out of commission, it means no water at home. Recently, that meant relying on Planet Fitness in Los Lunas for showers. At first, showering at the gym seemed like a convenient solution. But there’s a catch: to get a hot shower, the water system requires another shower to be running or at least someone to wash their hands in the bathroom. These systems often share the same hot water source, so one running helps maintain the temperature.
However, this creates an awkward dilemma. It’s common to see extra showers running even if only one person is actually showering. Personally, I’m uncomfortable turning on another shower while I’m using mine — I worry someone might want to use it and assume it’s occupied. Here’s the thing — when the bathroom is busy, you expect people to wash their hands after using the toilet. I always do. But one Thursday, while I was the only person showering, I kept hearing toilets flushing but no handwashing. It wasn’t until I was nearly done with my chilly shower that someone finally washed their hands, and only then did I get some hot water.
This experience was surprising — and honestly, a bit unsettling — because it made me realize just how many people skip washing their hands even in public spaces where hygiene is critical. Living off-grid means adapting to challenges, big and small. From truck repairs impacting water hauling to navigating the quirks of public showers, it’s all part of the journey. If you’re considering off-grid life or are already living it, these moments remind us that patience, creativity, and a bit of humor go a long way.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #WaterChallenges #ShowerStruggles #KaHoonCampground
Truck Brakes FAIL After Repair?! Could Be Costly Caliper! But We Got Water Delivered Anyway!
🚚 Truck Update: Brakes, Water Runs, and Salvage Yard Hopes
We finally got the parts in to repair the truck’s brakes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get any photos of the parts or the guys doing the work. After the repairs, they took it for a test drive into town, and everything seemed fine… at first.
Feeling confident, they decided to take it on a **water run** — that’s when the trouble started. The brakes began acting up again, sometimes locking up, sometimes not working at all. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want when you’re hauling water through rough desert roads.
Today, they’re planning to take another look. The biggest concern? The **caliper** might be bad. From what I’ve been told, that’s a pricey repair. More than likely, we’ll be searching local **salvage yards** for the part instead of buying new.
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### The Silver Lining
On the bright side, they *were* able to haul out **one load of water** before the brakes started misbehaving again. We never run full loads — usually around **100–120 gallons at a time** — to protect the trailer on these bumpy roads. It usually takes two loads to fill up the IBC tote completely.
Since they managed to get that first load home, it means one very important thing… **the shower is functional again!**
Life off-grid is full of challenges, but every small win — even something as simple as a working shower — feels like a big victory out here.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #DesertLiving #TruckRepair #WaterHaul #KeepItMoving
West Mesa Ancestral Magic
We’ve been told the mesa holds ancient magic — a power that predates us all. Where it came from, I don’t know. But I believe it’s real. There’s something about this place that feels alive, almost sentient.
When I was a child, I visited my favorite museum on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. It was there I met an old Sioux woman. She told me something that stayed with me my entire life — that where two rivers meet is sacred. Protected. Watched over by unseen forces.
Here on the West Mesa, we are flanked by rivers on both sides. And not far to the south, they meet. That energy — sacred and powerful — is in the land.
A very wise local man, someone we deeply respect and who’s lived here longer than anyone else we know, once told us something even more curious. He said the mesa itself has a will. It can approve of you… or reject you. And even if it approves, it still makes you work for your place here. You must prove yourself worthy to stay.
If the mesa doesn’t approve? Well, we’ve seen what happens.
Some people go mad — slowly at first, hanging on for years before their grip slips. As I like to say, their cheese finally slides off their cracker. Others unravel much faster. This place doesn’t just test you — it chooses you.
There is magic here. Ancestral magic. Whether it comes from the land, the rivers, the spirits, or something older — I may never truly know. But I respect it. And I know better than to ignore it.
Percolator Coffee Hits Different 🌄 | Morning Off-Grid Life with Dogs, Crafts & Peaceful Desert Vibes
Morning Coffee, Quiet Moments, and a Craft I Don’t Even Like**
Mornings are my time. Whoever wakes up first—usually me—gets to enjoy the quiet calm of the desert before the day begins. With a cup of coffee in hand and the dogs lounging nearby, I get a few moments of peace to myself before the campground starts to stir.
This is when I do a bit of everything—update the website, edit a video, jot down a blog post, or chip away at whatever project I’ve got going. Right now, it’s a diamond painting someone gave me. Honestly, it’s not really my style, but I promised myself I’d finish it before moving on to one I actually like. Sometimes, finishing something you’re not in love with feels like a little win—especially with a hot cup of coffee and some tail-wagging company at your feet.
These little rituals keep things grounded, even when everything else is chaos.
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#PercolatorCoffee, #MorningRoutine, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #TinyLiving
$2,500 Brake Job FAIL! Truck Down, No Water, and Car Warning Lights — Off-Grid Struggles Exposed!
Update on the Truck Repairs — Parts Ordered, But Life Throws More Curves
Update on the truck repairs: after two days digging under the truck, we found the culprit—the **Dual Piston Front Caliper Mounting Bracket had fallen off while driving**. This part is critical for the front brakes, and its disappearance explains the brake problems we’ve been having.
We paid **\$2,500 for a full brake job**, and the truck has barely been driven—only about **1,000 miles** since then. Unfortunately, none of the local parts stores had this rare bracket in stock. After searching high and low, we ended up ordering the part from **Bronco Graveyard**. However, **there’s still no ETA on its arrival**, so the truck remains out of commission.
With the truck down, we can’t haul water anymore, which means the shower is effectively out of service—right now, we have just enough water left for maybe one shower.
Meanwhile, the car threw a curveball too. The **check engine light came on**, and a scan revealed it’s related to the **evaporative emissions solenoid**, a relatively cheap fix. But after investing everything into the truck, we don’t have funds to fix it immediately. Luckily, the mechanic assured us the car is safe to drive.
Adding to the fun, the car’s **check headlight warning lit up last night** while heading out to pick up Anne from work. So, while the car is still running fine, the warnings keep coming.
Off-grid life is beautiful but full of challenges—and right now, everything seems to be happening at once. We’re taking it day by day, hoping to get the truck back soon and the shower flowing again.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife, #TruckRepair, #DIYFixes, #RuralLiving, #KeepGoing
Brakes Failed While Hauling Water — What We Discovered Was Shocking!
🚚 When Repairs Aren’t What They Seem: Life With an Old Workhorse on the Desert Roads**
Living off-grid means you rely on your gear more than most people ever will — and when that gear fails, it’s not just inconvenient… it’s survival. About a month ago, while hauling water in our 1984 Ford F-250 diesel, we lost the brakes. Thankfully, it happened out here on the desert roads and not in traffic. We originally believed it was the master cylinder — especially since we were told that was never replaced when we previously had the brake system worked on.
But today, with the help of a neighbor who’s a mechanic, we discovered it was actually the **brake booster** that had failed. Turns out, the master cylinder *had* been replaced a few years ago when we paid a shop to redo the brakes, calipers, rotors, and wheel bearings. They charged us \$2,500 — then wanted another \$500–\$600 to replace the booster. That part was skipped, and we drove it as-is until the system failed entirely.
We ordered a new brake booster from O’Reilly’s (after learning there are two types depending on weight — our truck needs the over 8,000 lb version). Once we got it installed, we thought we were in the clear.
But of course, the plot thickened.
After installing the new booster, we discovered brake fluid leaking from the front passenger side. Upon further inspection, we found **the brake hardware kit had been improperly installed** years ago, which caused the part to fail and the fluid to leak. So now, we’re waiting (again) on parts — this time from AutoZone — to repair something that should have been done right the first time.
And while we’d planned this week to finally address the **mystery leak** from our transmission (which doesn’t leak at home over a tarp, only in random parking lots), we’re instead fixing problems we thought had already been taken care of in good faith.
We’re not made of money. If we were, we might still drive this old 6.9L diesel beast, but we’d have had it completely rewired, flushed, and rebuilt by someone we trust. Because let’s be real — this truck *wants* to work. It may not be pretty, but it runs strong and drives like an old Ford should. If you’ve driven one, you know exactly what we mean.
Sometimes, you wish you could grow a money tree and make everything the way you want it. But that’s not the reality — especially out here, living simply and off-grid. So we keep turning wrenches, learning lessons, and hoping the next part shows up on time.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLife #TruckRepairs #DesertLiving #DieselTruckLife #F250Woes
BEWARE of ‘Free’ Off-Grid Living Offers 😳 What They’re NOT Telling You!
Free or Low-Cost Stays Are on the Rise—But Are They Safe or Sustainable?**
In recent months, there’s been a noticeable rise in communities and landowners offering **free or low-cost places to live**—from RV spots and tent camping, to off-grid setups, tiny home villages, and communal land projects. This trend is gaining momentum, especially as the national conversation around homelessness has shifted dramatically. With recent legislation signed into law making aspects of **homelessness illegal** in certain jurisdictions (such as Trump’s support of bills that criminalize encampments in public spaces), more people are seeking alternatives before they’re pushed into crisis.
But with this wave of new options, comes a critical reminder: **not all opportunities are created with your best interest in mind.**
### Free Isn’t Always Free
Some of these places offer stays in tents, vehicles, or campers for little to no cost. Others promise a safe, off-grid lifestyle in exchange for a bit of labor or financial contribution. But here’s the truth: **just because it’s free or cheap doesn’t mean it’s the right fit—or even safe.** In some cases, people arrive with high hopes only to find poor living conditions, unclear rules, or outright scams.
### Research Is Your Best Friend
Before committing to any place offering low-cost or free accommodations, **do your homework**:
* **Google them.** Look up the name of the place and add “reviews” or “scam” to see what comes up.
* **Check social media.** Most reputable places have a public presence. See how active and transparent they are.
* **Visit if possible.** If they offer short stays on platforms like **Airbnb, Hipcamp, or The Dyrt**, consider trying a night or weekend before committing long-term.
* **Ask questions.** Email or call. You should never have to pay or “subscribe” just to get basic information.
* **Make a list.** Ask about water access, power, rules, communication, transportation, visitors, pets, and exit plans.
### Know What You’re Signing Up For
It’s important to know if you’ll be expected to work in exchange for your stay, and what that means. Some people are okay with trading a few hours of work for a space to park their RV—others may feel uncomfortable if the workload isn’t clearly defined or becomes excessive.
For example, **at our own location**, we offer **limited long-term stays through a membership program**. Members must be **fully self-contained**, meaning they need to bring their own water, have their own vehicle, and manage their own waste systems. We don’t offer work exchange, but we’re upfront about the expectations—because transparency matters.
### Final Thoughts
These types of communities can be beautiful, healing places—but **you have to make sure they align with your needs and values**. What might feel like freedom at first glance can become frustrating if the structure, expectations, or environment don’t suit your lifestyle.
**Free or cheap isn’t always better.** Ask questions, get details, and make sure the space is one where you can truly thrive—not just survive.
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#OffGridLiving, #VanlifeCommunity, #AlternativeLiving, #FreeCampingTips, #NomadAdvice
Off-Grid Desert Living for–Could THIS Be the Best Long-Term Camp Spot in New Mexico?
🌵 Ka-Hoon Campground Membership Program 🌵**
📍Deep in the New Mexico Desert | 🏕️ Respect. Freedom. Community.
At the end of last year, we quietly launched our **Ka-Hoon Campground Membership Program**—a long-term stay option requested by some of our amazing campers. Since then, we’ve welcomed a few dedicated members who stayed for nearly six months before heading off to chase their dreams in California.
This program was never about packing people in—it’s about building an intentional, respectful desert community. Let’s be honest: as much as we’d love to offer free stays, we do have expenses. And while this isn’t a get-rich venture for us, it is our home *and* our livelihood. Like anyone else, we just want to live simply and comfortably while protecting the land.
**What’s included in the membership?**
✅ Long-term stay opportunities
✅ Come and go as you please
✅ Set up your space your way
✅ No work exchange required
✅ Just one rule: **Respect**—for the land, yourself, and others
✅ No illegal substances, no chaos—just desert calm
We keep our numbers small on purpose, hoping to attract folks who share our values. If you’re someone looking for a safe, peaceful place to be yourself, you just might find your spot here on the mesa.
**Interested in joining or learning more? Message us today.**
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#KaHoonCampground #OffGridCommunity #LongTermCamping #NewMexicoDesert #IntentionalLiving
Vanlifers & RV Dwellers: This Desert Campground Might Be the Safe Haven You’ve Been Looking For!
🏕️ Ka‑Hoon Campground Membership – A Safe Spot for RVers, Vanlifers & More
With the new federal homelessness bill now signed into law (July 24, 2025), many vehicle dwellers—RV lifers, vanlifers, schoolies—are wondering what’s next. The rules about camping in public areas are changing, and enforcement is expected to increase.
**If you’re looking for a legal, respectful place to stay**, Ka‑Hoon Campground & Event Center offers a solution.
### ✅ What We Offer:
* Safe, off-grid space in the NM desert
* Nightly stays via **Airbnb** or **Hipcamp**
* **Weekly & annual memberships** with added perks
* Discounts on music events & performances
### 🚫 What We Don’t Provide:
* No water hookups
* No trash pickup
Each guest is self-responsible and off-grid capable.
### 🛑 Our One Rule: Respect.
* Respect yourself, others, the land, and local laws
* No illegal drugs
* No underage drinking or 420 use
* No drama
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Whether you’re just passing through or looking for longer-term peace of mind, **Ka-Hoon is a legal, supportive space to park your home on wheels**.
🗓 Book a night on **Airbnb or Hipcamp**
📩 Message us for longer stays or membership options
Your lifestyle matters. So does where you park it.
Deep in the New Mexico desert 🏜
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#Vanlife, #RVDwelling, #OffGridLiving, #NomadLife, #SkoolieLife, #DesertCamping, #FullTimeRVer, #AlternativeLiving, #FreedomLifestyle, #Boondocking, #TinyLiving, #LiveDifferent, #RVCommunity, #SafeCamping, #VanLifeCommunity
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 