Membership Program at Ka-Hoon Campground
We’ve received a lot of interest in our membership program, but some concerns have been raised about the fees. While we understand that not everyone agrees with paying for a space, we’ve implemented these fees based on experience and a commitment to maintaining the land and providing a safe, welcoming environment.
### **Why Membership Fees Matter**
Over time, we’ve tried to help people by allowing free stays, bartering, or offering cheaper arrangements. Unfortunately, this often led to disrespect for us and the land. We’ve dealt with broken tents, large amounts of trash, and damaged property. Because of these experiences, we’ve decided that free stays are no longer sustainable.
However, we **do still offer bartering opportunities** and have discounted weekly and monthly rates for members.
Membership fees go toward:
– Maintaining and protecting the land
– Building and adding compost toilets, shelters, and amenities
– Trash removal as needed
– Purchasing additional land for expansion
Our goal is to provide a beautiful space where members can park RVs, vans, or tents and feel at home. Membership ensures that you won’t be asked to move unless you break the minimal rules, and all members have a voice in shaping these rules.
### **Preventing Overcrowding**
To maintain the peace and quality of the campground, we are **limiting the number of membership spaces**. As spaces open up, we will update the availability:
– **5 Spaces Available (as of 12/17)**
### **Sponsored Memberships**
We understand that not everyone can afford a membership but may still need a safe, welcoming space. To help, we’ve introduced **Sponsored Memberships**.
– If you’d like to sponsor someone, you can use the links below. Please **note it’s for sponsorship** when submitting your payment.
– Sponsored memberships are only valid as long as the sponsor continues to pay.
**Current Sponsored Membership Availability:**
– Sponsored Memberships Available: **0**
If you’re interested in applying for a sponsored membership, please **contact us directly**.
### **Why Join Ka-Hoon Campground?**
We offer more than just a place to stay:
– A sense of community in a beautiful, off-grid desert environment
– Input on the rules and growth of the campground
– Affordable rates with flexible payment options
While there are free options, such as nearby BLM land, our space offers stability, a home-like feel, and the opportunity to be part of a community.
**Join us, sponsor someone in need, or explore your off-grid desert home today!**
https://plateauhamedecolquhoun.com/membership/
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#OffGridLiving #CampingCommunity #KaHoonCampground #RVLife #VanLife #TentCamping #SustainableLiving #MembershipProgram #DesertCamping #HomeOnWheels #EcoFriendlyCamping #CampgroundLife #SponsoredMembership #BarterOpportunities #NatureLiving
Tag: desert camping
How We Live Off-Grid in the Desert: Water, Showers, and Staying Warm Explained in 30 Seconds!
**Living Off-Grid: Answering Common Questions About Water, Showers, and Life in the Desert**
One of the most common questions we receive is, *”How do you get water?”* The answer is simple: we haul it. Typically, we fill up four 5-gallon water jugs at Twice the Ice in town. In the winter, this lasts us about four days; in the summer, we refill every other day, depending on usage and the season.
During summer, water usage increases due to higher temperatures and more outdoor activities. While we’ve hauled up to 300 gallons at a time before, it’s tough on our 1984 F250 truck. With its 7.0L diesel engine, the truck can handle the weight, but the wear and tear on suspension over rugged roads make it impractical. The cost of repairs would outweigh the convenience, especially since most of that water would go toward showers.
### Why Not Install a Well?
Drilling a well is far beyond our budget. Wells in this area are incredibly expensive due to the depth required. One neighbor drilled 1,000 feet, faced multiple priming issues, and spent a small fortune on the project.
### What About Water Catchment?
In theory, water catchment sounds great. In practice, living in the desert makes it less feasible. Rainfall here is sparse and unreliable. One of our neighbors installed a catchment system on their Earthship but eventually uninstalled and sold it because it wasn’t worth the effort.
Many in the area use cisterns to store hauled water, which is something we’ve considered. We currently have the capacity to store up to 1,000 gallons using IBC totes, which is sufficient for our needs for now.
### How Do We Handle Dishes?
We wash dishes much like anyone else: heating water on the stove, using dish soap, and scrubbing in the sink. Some people in off-grid setups use baking soda for “dry washing,” but that doesn’t feel effective to us. We’ve also tried products like Dawn’s dry wash soap, but it was expensive and didn’t leave the dishes feeling clean. We prefer the tried-and-true method of hot water and soap.
### Why Don’t We Show More of Ourselves in Videos?
While these posts and videos share insights into our life, we try to keep certain aspects of our personal lives private. Our content focuses on the campground, the desert lifestyle, and our experiences. We’ve tried featuring ourselves more, but honestly, we lead a simple life. Like everyone else, we have ups and downs—fighting, laughing, getting sick, and loving. We find the beauty of nature around us to be far more captivating than our day-to-day routines.
### How Do We Shower?
We’ve shared a video about where we shower, which is usually every other day. While some people stretch it to once a week, we find that even every other day is pushing it. As soon as we figure out a better way to haul water, we plan to complete our off-grid shower setup.
### Staying Warm in the Desert Winter
Another frequent question is, *”How do you stay warm?”* We use a large Buddy Heater connected to a 20lb propane tank. For safety reasons, we don’t run it while we sleep. Instead, we use it in the evenings before bed and for a few hours in the morning to cut the chill. At night, we stay cozy under blankets, with the added warmth of our dogs. We’ve also installed smoke and CO2 detectors for safety.
### Have More Questions?
We hope this blog answers some of the most common questions about living off-grid in the desert. If you’re curious about something else, feel free to leave a comment or send us a message. We’re always happy to share more about our unique lifestyle.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #SustainableLiving, #SimpleLiving, #WaterConservation, #LivingOffGrid, #TinyHouseLiving, #NatureLovers, #SelfSufficient, #RuralLife, #EcoFriendlyLiving, #MinimalistLiving, #OffGridLifestyle, #SustainableChoices, #BackToBasics
From Victorian Home to Off-Grid Living: Our Journey to Building a Desert Dream in New Mexico!
Our Journey to New Mexico: From a Victorian Home to Building a New Life Off-Grid**
For many years, we lived in a charming but challenging 2,000-square-foot 1880s Victorian house on a large lot in a small town in Minnesota. Alongside our time there, we spent weekends, holidays, and summers at an 8×16 fish house we converted into a cozy cabin while managing the Environmental Education Center. It was a beautiful dual lifestyle, balancing the history of our home with the serenity of cabin life.
### The Turning Point
The Victorian house, though beautiful, required extensive renovations far beyond our budget: a new roof, windows, insulation, rewiring, and more. When the roof began leaking, we explored loans but quickly realized the house’s value wouldn’t support them. Faced with this reality, we made a family decision to let the house go. Instead, we planned to live in the cabin while saving to purchase land near the Environmental Education Center where we could build our dream life.
Then, an unexpected opportunity arose. A friend from a yearly event at the center invited us to stay at her ranch in New Mexico over the winter to help restore it for future events. Before committing, we asked our kids to try online school for one semester. If they didn’t like it, they could return to in-person school the following year. They were excited about the adventure and agreed to give it a try.
### Falling in Love with New Mexico
We closed down the center for winter and headed to Ruidoso, New Mexico. Our original plan was temporary: spend the winter working, save money, and return to Minnesota to purchase land. But New Mexico changed everything. The ranch’s rich history (I love history!), mild weather, and stunning landscapes captured our hearts. We started looking for our own piece of land nearby—something affordable, remote, and suitable for hosting events and camping.
Despite initial doubts, we found several options within our budget. One piece stood out: it was close to a major city, had breathtaking views, and offered privacy—perfect for our dreams. The only challenge? It was Christmas, and buying the land would leave us with no money for presents or even gas to return to Minnesota. After discussing it as a family, we decided to take the leap. The kids agreed to forgo Christmas gifts for the opportunity to build our future.
### A Christmas Miracle
Just as we finalized the purchase, a little magic happened. Brent and I decided to have a rare date night at Billy the Kid Casino, where they were offering free play. We registered and learned they were drawing one lucky person to play a giant game of blackjack for a chance to win 500 play credits. My name was called (much to my horror—I’m shy and terrible at blackjack). But to my surprise, I won!
Not knowing much about slots, I asked Brent to handle the winnings. After a few tries, we hit $400, then $500, and cashed out $900. The next day, we took the kids shopping in Ruidoso for Christmas presents and used the rest for gas money to return to Minnesota, knowing we’d come back to our land in the fall to start our new lives.
### Building Our Dream
This January 3rd marks five years since we bought the land. Looking back, taking that risk was one of the best decisions we ever made. We’ve worked hard to build a life off-grid, creating a space where nature, community, and individuality thrive. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
### A Note on Education
One of the biggest surprises was how much our kids loved online schooling during this transition. They thrived in the flexible environment, improving from occasional Ds and Fs to consistent As and Bs. Both graduated at the top of their classes, proving that sometimes, stepping outside the norm leads to incredible results.
### Lessons Learned
As we approach this milestone, we’re reminded of the importance of taking risks and trusting in the journey. Whether you call it faith, fate, or the power of nature, sometimes you just have to leap and let life guide you. We’re excited to see what the future holds and grateful for how far we’ve come.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #NewMexicoLife #FamilyAdventure #HomesteadingJourney
#TinyHouseLiving #SimplifyYourLife
#VictorianHomeStory #LifeInTheDesert
#SustainableLiving #RuidosoNewMexico
#EducationSuccess #DreamChasers
#BuildingCommunity #RiskAndReward #NatureInspiredLiving
Experience Thanksgiving Off-Grid: Ka-Hoon Campground’s Unique Celebration in the New Mexico Desert!
Happy Thanksgiving from Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center!
Greetings from the beautiful New Mexico desert! All of us here at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
As the holiday season begins, we reflect on the joys and challenges of living off-grid in this unique landscape. From hosting events like the Halloween Hootenanny to preparing for our upcoming HORRORDAZE Extravaganza on December 21st, it’s been a year filled with community, creativity, and hard work.
This Thanksgiving, we’re especially grateful for the support and enthusiasm of our members, guests, and friends. Whether you’ve joined us for camping, events, or just stopped by to enjoy the desert views, your presence has made Ka-Hoon a truly special place.
Today, we’ll celebrate with a turkey dinner shared among neighbors, embracing the spirit of togetherness that defines our off-grid lifestyle. Even as we navigate the quirks of desert living—like setting up new solar systems or braving chilly nights—we’re reminded that the connections we forge with others make it all worthwhile.
From all of us at Ka-Hoon, we hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, good food, and cherished moments with loved ones. If you’re planning your next adventure, don’t forget to check out our unique camping experiences and exciting events.
Happy Thanksgiving!
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #KaHoonCampground, #OffGridLiving, #DesertLife, #NewMexicoEvents, #SustainableLiving, #HolidaysInTheDesert, #HORRORDAZE2024, #CommunityCelebration, #ThanksgivingInTheDesert, #UniqueCampingExperience, #DesertCampingAdventures, #OffGridCommunity
Experience Ka-Hoon Campground: Off-Grid Desert Living, Starry Skies & Unique Membership Perks
**Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center Membership Program: Your Desert Oasis**
At **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**, we’re more than just a campground—we’re a community. Our newly launched membership program was created after hearing requests for long-term stays. It’s designed to provide a space where individuals can live freely without the commitment of purchasing land, while still enjoying the beauty of the New Mexico desert.
### **What Makes Membership Unique?**
By becoming a member, you gain:
– **A Voice in the Community**: Help shape the rules, regulations, and events at Ka-Hoon.
– **Event Perks**: Enjoy Ka-Hoon-hosted events free or for a minimal charge, depending on the event.
– **Your Own Space**: Designate a small area for your camp, garden, and personal projects.
– **Freedom to Be You**: Live your lifestyle authentically and legally in a welcoming, judgment-free zone.
### **Our Simple Guidelines**
We aim to keep rules minimal while maintaining safety and harmony for everyone:
– No illegal drugs or underage drinking.
– **420-friendly** for adults of legal age.
– If it’s legal, you’re welcome to do it.
This program allows you to experience the freedom of the desert while fostering a supportive and respectful community. Together, we work to protect the land, respect one another, and create a safe haven for all.
### **Why Join?**
Life at Ka-Hoon is about embracing individuality and connecting with others. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a place to garden, or a community to call home, we offer a unique opportunity to live authentically in the stunning New Mexico desert.
**Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center**: A safe place to call home, even if only for a little while.
*Join us and discover what it means to live free.
https://plateauhamedecolquhoun.com/membership/
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampgroundAndEventCenter, #OffGridLiving, #DesertCamping, #UniqueCampingExperience, #CommunityLiving, #SustainableLiving, #CampingLife, #NewMexicoCamping, #EcoFriendlyTravel, #StarryNights, #CampgroundMembership, #AdventureAwaits, #LiveFree, #DesertVibes
Desert Life Updates: Solar Challenges, Studio Progress & Campground Membership Launch
Desert Life: Short Days, Chilly Nights, and New Beginnings
Life in the desert this time of year moves at a slower pace, but it’s anything but dull. The days are short, the nights chilly, and the winds relentless. Yesterday brought a little rain and overcast skies, which meant our solar setup didn’t hold out through the night. Fortunately, this hardly impacts us—we just wait for the solar to recharge before diving back into work at the studio.
The last few days have been productive, though. We’ve been in the studio preparing some fresh holiday songs for *Advocatus Diaboli and the Grim Leafer Band*. While we currently don’t have gigs lined up, that’s okay. It’s given us time to focus on perfecting new material and launching our new membership program for the campground.
The response to the membership program has been incredible! We’ve received lots of interest and are actively fine-tuning the system to make it seamless. With a few long-term campers here, we’re hopeful they’ll take the leap and join as members once they’ve settled in.
The desert may seem quiet on the surface, but beneath its stillness lies a hum of activity, growth, and preparation for the adventures to come. Life here isn’t just about adapting to the environment—it’s about thriving within its challenges.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun, #KaHoonCampground, #DesertLiving, #OffGridLife, #CampgroundCommunity, #AdvocatusDiaboli, #GrimLeaferBand, #DesertAdventures, #CampingLife, #SolarPower, #StarryNights, #HolidaySongs, #MembershipProgram, #CampgroundLife, #EscapeToTheDesert
Living on a New Mexico Mesa: Off-Grid Life, Nature, and Freedom in the Desert
**Embracing Life on the Mesa: A Journey Back in Time**
Living on top of the mesa, where time seems to have forgotten, brings a certain magic to everyday life. Imagine sitting by the window with a warm cup of coffee, gazing out over the vast desert landscape. It’s easy to envision scenes from an old Western—perhaps a cowboy gathering cattle in the distance or a native hunter silently moving through the brush. Out here, imagination feels closer to reality, and the echoes of the past blend seamlessly into the present.
Some people might think our way of life is unusual; others might commend us for following our vision. But ultimately, this way of life is deeply personal and meaningful for us.
When we first settled on our land, we felt a profound need to honor the land’s history and those who came before us. So, we sought the ancestors’ approval, asking them to protect and guide us as we embarked on this journey. Our promise to them—and to ourselves—was to care for the land, respecting its natural beauty and spirit.
In creating our off-grid campground and event center, we wanted to offer more than a simple place to stay. We envisioned a haven where people could truly be themselves, free from the judgments and confines of conventional life. A place where like-minded individuals could gather, form connections, and build a small, supportive community.
Life on the mesa isn’t without its challenges. But every gust of wind and every grain of sand carries with it a story, a reminder that we’re part of something larger. Our goal is to share that experience with others, offering a place of belonging and freedom, rooted in respect for the land and each other.
So, whether you’re a traveler seeking solitude or a soul in search of community, we invite you to come and experience the mesa—a place where history, nature, and freedom unite.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving, #MesaLife, #DesertCampground, #NewMexicoLife, #DesertLiving, #NatureCommunity, #HistoricMesa, #LiveFree, #OutdoorLife, #UniqueGetaway, #SoulOfTheSouthwest, #MesaSunset, #BackToNature, #FreedomLifestyle, #Unplugged
Ka-Hoon Campground: Embracing Desert Life in New Mexico’s Rugged Winds
Life in the Desert: Facing the Winds at Ka-Hoon Campground
Today’s desert winds are picking up at nearly 30 mph gusts, reminding us how intense the weather can be in this unique landscape. Here at Ka-Hoon Campground, we’re well-acquainted with the challenges the desert throws our way. One of the harshest aspects of desert living is coping with these relentless winds, especially since we have few natural windbreakers like trees.
The winds can be particularly daunting for newcomers and campers visiting our community. With our wide-open spaces, the wind picks up speed easily, creating conditions that can feel downright fierce. For RV campers and tent campers alike, a strong gust is enough to test the stability of everything, from stakes in the ground to tents and pop-ups.
We’re preparing to welcome some campers today and are hopeful they won’t face too much difficulty setting up. We always recommend our campers to double-check their setup, secure anything loose, and prepare for gusty days. With a little planning and respect for nature, even the wildest weather can become part of the adventure.
Life here in the desert is a blend of beauty and resilience. From the breathtaking views to the raw power of the wind, every day is a reminder of why we choose this minimalist lifestyle. As we continue to adapt and welcome others into our off-grid desert community, each windy day is just another part of the journey at Ka-Hoon Campground.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #DesertLife, #WindyDays, #DesertCamping, #NewMexicoAdventures, #CampgroundLife, #RuggedLiving, #OutdoorAdventure, #WindyWeather, #RVCamping, #OffGridLiving, #ExploreNewMexico, #NatureChallenges, #CampingCommunity, #EmbraceTheElements
Ka-Hoon Campground: A Unique Desert Escape for Solo Travelers, Campfire Nights, and Adventure
At Ka-Hoon Campground, we’re often asked why we don’t offer free stays or create a long-term living community for individuals seeking a place to settle. While we respect the concept, it’s not what we envision for our space. Ka-Hoon is designed to be a place where you can enjoy short-term stays, feel valued for your individuality, and engage with the natural surroundings while respecting and protecting the land.
Our campground offers a unique experience where you make your stay your own. Whether you’re looking to socialize around the campfire, listen to music, share a potluck, or simply relax in your campsite, we offer the flexibility for you to enjoy your time how you wish. You can also take a peaceful hike, soak in the desert atmosphere, or join in our scheduled events.
Throughout our journey, we’ve lived in various places and often felt isolated, even when surrounded by other campers or RVers. At Ka-Hoon, we aim to foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of community, even if it’s just for a night. Come stay with us and experience a place where individuality is celebrated, and connections are made.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #NewMexicoCamping, #DesertRetreat, #CampLife, #OffGridLiving, #OutdoorAdventure, #CommunityCamping, #CampfireNights, #UniqueCamping, #NatureGetaway, #NomadLife, #RVLife, #SoloCamping, #CampingCommunity, #HikingAdventures
4 Years Off-Grid: Our Journey to Plateau Hame de Colquhoun & Ka-Hoon Campground Begins
Four years ago today, our journey to a new way of life began as we arrived in Belen, New Mexico. That first night, we stayed at Walmart, our trailer loaded with everything we could fit for the next chapter. Early the next morning, we unloaded at a storage unit before making our way to the land that would become our home.
Living off-grid has always been our dream, and settling here felt like the start of something truly special. It’s not just about surviving but thriving in an environment that encourages connection with nature and self-sufficiency. Those first days were a whirlwind of setting up camp, exploring the terrain, and figuring out how to make the desert our home.
Since then, we’ve grown in ways we never imagined. Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center has become more than just a place for us—it’s a place where others can come to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with themselves and nature. We’ve hosted countless events and provided a safe, judgment-free space for people to enjoy the beauty of the desert.
Our philosophy is simple: life is too short to fit into someone else’s box. We’ve built a community where people can embrace who they truly are, free from judgment. Here at Ka-Hoon, you’re welcome to be yourself, no matter what that looks like.
We’ve also experienced our fair share of trial and error along the way, learning that not everything works out as planned—but that’s okay. We’ve adapted, tried different approaches, and ultimately created a space where others can also step back, breathe, and try again. Whether it’s through themed camping nights or unique events, Ka-Hoon is a place to reset and find a new path forward.
As we look back on the past four years, we’re grateful for the challenges, the growth, and the community we’ve built. We invite you to be a part of it and experience the peace, freedom, and adventure that come with living off-grid in the heart of New Mexico.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#PlateauHameDeColquhoun
#OffGridLiving #KaHoonCampground #NewMexicoDesert #ReconnectWithNature #BeYourself #InclusiveCommunity #NatureLovers #CampgroundEvents #SelfSufficiency #OffGridJourney #DesertCamping #SafeSpace #FreedomToBeYou #CampingAdventures #ExploreNewMexico #OutdoorLiving
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 