Why We Chose New Mexico Over Minnesota for Our Campground and Event Center
When most people think of camping, they picture short seasonal getaways. In Minnesota, that’s exactly what we faced—a very limited camping season thanks to the long, cold winters. After spending time in New Mexico for seasonal work, we realized this desert landscape could offer something completely different: **year-round camping, events, and off-grid living.**
We started searching for the right property. A few pieces of land didn’t quite fit, but then we found one that checked every box: close enough to a major city for convenience, yet far enough away to enjoy peace, privacy, and open skies. Even better, the cost of this New Mexico property allowed us to purchase land and still have enough left over to start setting up right away.
Had we chosen the Minnesota property, we would have only been able to put down a mortgage—leaving nothing left to build our dream. Instead, New Mexico gave us freedom: to build, to host events, and to welcome campers all year long.
That’s how **Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center** was born—a place where community, creativity, and camping come together under the desert stars.
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.
Nestled deep within the New Mexico desert, just 42 miles from Albuquerque, lies Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center—a family-operated, off-grid haven designed for those seeking freedom, community, and a safe space to be themselves. citeturn0search0
**Embrace Off-Grid Living**
At Ka-Hoon, we pride ourselves on offering an authentic off-grid experience. Our facilities are powered entirely by solar energy, and all water is responsibly hauled in, emphasizing our commitment to sustainability. With 16 groomed campsites, guests can choose between RV and tent camping, immersing themselves in the serene desert landscape. citeturn0search4
**A Community Like No Other**
Beyond just a campground, Ka-Hoon fosters a vibrant community. We host a variety of events, from festivals and concerts to weddings and family reunions, all set against the backdrop of the stunning New Mexico desert. Our venue includes a stage, green room, and a compost toilet, ensuring comfort while maintaining our eco-friendly ethos.
**Join Our Membership Program**
For those yearning for a deeper connection, our membership program offers exclusive benefits:
– **Priority Access**: Be the first to know about upcoming events and secure your spot in advance.
– **Community Workshops**: Participate in peer ran workshops focused on sustainable living, off-grid skills, and more.
– **Member Gatherings**: Attend exclusive member-only events and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals.
**A Safe Space to Be Yourself**
At Ka-Hoon, we celebrate individuality. Our goal is to try to ensure that all guests feel comfortable and free to express themselves. Whether you’re seeking solitude or social connection, our campground provides the perfect setting.
**Experience the Ka-Hoon Difference**
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the tranquility of off-grid living. Join our community at Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center, where freedom, safety, and authenticity are at the heart of everything we do.
**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.
Living Off-Grid: Day 1516 in New Mexico – The True Spirit of the Holiday Season
As we reach day 1516 of living off-grid in the New Mexico desert, the days grow shorter and the nights longer. The holiday season is upon us, and it’s a time to reflect on what truly matters. For many, the holidays evoke images of gifts and extravagant celebrations. But it’s important to remember that not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way—or even has the means to.
The holidays aren’t about the cost or popularity of a gift. They’re about giving, kindness, and helping those in need. However, giving doesn’t have to mean donating to charities where only a fraction of your contribution goes to the people who need it most. Nor does it mean putting yourself or your family at financial or personal risk.
### Simple Ways to Give
There are countless ways to embrace the spirit of giving this season: – **Be kind and respectful.** A small act of kindness can make a big difference. – **Give intentionally.** Instead of buying flashy gifts your children may never use, consider what they genuinely need or will enjoy long-term. – **Teach lessons of empathy.** Help your children understand that hardship can happen to anyone—regardless of wealth, job stability, or lifestyle. Life is unpredictable, and we are all just one accident, storm, illness, or conflict away from facing adversity.
### Think Beyond Materialism
This year, instead of rushing to buy the most sought-after items, consider giving in ways that truly matter: – Donate a blanket or warm clothing to someone in need. – Contribute to food drives that directly help local families. – Research and support charities that ensure your contributions go directly to those in need.
The holidays are about more than material gifts; they are about showing compassion, building community, and reminding each other of our shared humanity. Let’s make this season one of kindness, connection, and genuine care for those around us.
**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.
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
The last couple days have been windy out here on the mesa. We did have a couple campers come in during it all, very nice people and we enjoyed visiting and helping them to do few small repairs.
Last Saturday was the April Fool’s Open Mic, that morning Brent and I went out to put up signs, to help direct people out. Just about a mile from our place we found a tent set up on land owned by a neighbor we’ve become friends with, that lives in another state for now, but does come visit his land regularly.
Many people think the land up here is BLM land (This is what this person stated he thought it was). It’s not, it’s all privately owned. If you are looking for places to camp for a bit, come talk to us, we may figure something out. If you do plan to squat do some research first. Some land owners are very (rightfully) protective of their land. We did not run this tenter off, we just highly recommended that he move off that land, which he did.
Many towns people come up here to watch the sunset, see stars, catch the views or travel all the dirt roads. This is fine to do, but we have issues with a few 4wheeler operators going down private roads, cutting through private and marked property, dumping trash or household garbage and tossing beer bottles on the roads. This land isn’t a landfill, pack out your trash! Take your junk to be recycled or to a designated landfill! Come enjoy the views, drive your 4wheelers, picnic, but do it with respect. We don’t go riding through your yard and dumping our trash, or chase after your dogs (that’s rightfully on your property).
Well that’s my rant.. We might be a little quieter this week than normal. We are trying to take a few days off from projects, and events. We plan to enjoy Easter here and hang out with some friends and try not to think about events and projects. Next week we’ll be right back to getting ready for the Nomad Gathering in the Desert !
Until then make sure to visit our website, we still will be available to answer questions. We still have some availability for vendors..
We do have a slight schedule change/inclusion. Saturday May 20th, we may have BINGO. We are thinking of doing it at 1:30pm. Buy in per card is yet to be determined. Prizes to be determined by cards sold.
Let us know what you think a good cost per card is.
Also Saturday night the 20th will be live music by Jer Killinger Singer/Songwriter and J5th & the 77 Riders .
Now that the April Fool’s Open Mic is over we are sitting here out of the wind and relaxing a bit.
We thank everyone that came out, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed visiting, listening to music by JAFO Productions , Little Jasmine, Sam and Jannel, poetry, eating some good food thank you to Westland Meadows for cooking, we are happy that we were able to host an engagement party during the open mic, oh and seeing the calves, goats and Amigo getting loved up and playing with the children!!
We look forward to seeing everyone at the Nomad Gathering in the Desert in May!
Until then, enjoy the video of the April Fool’s Open Mic!!
We had a new addition to the April Fool’s Open Mic tomorrow; there will be goats and calves petting zoo! We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Make sure to follow the directions on the website!!
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 