Westward Land blog

Guides for rural land owners

Understanding Mineral and Timber Rights on Rural LandWhen you buy a piece of rural land, you might assume you’re getting everything—the soil, the trees, whatever lies beneath the surface.
Off-Grid Systems: Planning Your Cabin’s InfrastructureThere’s something deeply satisfying about standing on your own piece of rural land and imagining the cabin that will someday sit there.
Designing Your Rural Cabin: A No-Nonsense GuideThere’s something deeply satisfying about sketching out plans for your own cabin. Maybe you’ve been daydreaming about it for years—a cozy place tucked into…
Navigating Permits for Your Cabin BuildYou’ve found your perfect piece of rural land, and you’re ready to start building that cabin you’ve been dreaming about.
Finding Land for Your Cabin: A Practical GuideThere’s something deeply satisfying about the idea of having your own cabin on your own land.
How to Buy Land You've Never Seen: The Remote Buyer's ChecklistMost of what matters about rural land can be checked from home in an afternoon. The county call, the satellite walk, the road in, the paperwork, the real costs, and when to make the trip anyway.
Navigating Permitting and Zoning Laws for Your Off-Grid BuildIf you’re dreaming about building something on your rural land, you’ve probably heard whispers about permits, zoning laws, and county regulations. Maybe…
The Best Ways to Mark Your Property BoundariesWhen you finally get the keys to your own piece of rural land, one of the first things you’ll want to do is walk your…
The Hidden Costs of Owning Rural Land (And How to Plan for Them)When you’re dreaming about your own piece of rural land, it’s easy to focus on the purchase price and monthly payment. And honestly?
What Happens If Your Property Doesn’t Have Legal Access?Picture this: You’ve found the perfect piece of rural land. The price is right, the location feels ideal, and you’re already imagining your weekend camping…
How to Evaluate the True Value of a Vacant Land ParcelWhen you’re looking at a piece of vacant land, it’s easy to get caught up in the price tag.
Is It Legal to Camp on Your Own Land? A State-by-State GuideYou’ve just bought your own piece of rural land, and you can’t wait to get out there.
The Best Places to Buy Land Under $10,000If you’ve been dreaming about owning your own piece of land but thought it was out of reach, here’s some good news: affordable rural land…
Great States to Buy Off-Grid Land: Where Your Rural Dreams Can Take RootIf you’ve been dreaming about owning your own piece of land where you can camp under the stars, build a cabin someday, or just escape…
Stargazing on Your Own Property: What to Know!There’s something magical about lying back and watching the stars wheel overhead, knowing you’re doing it on your own piece of earth.
Understanding the Cost of Running Utilities to Rural LandWhen you’re looking at that perfect piece of rural property, one of the first questions that comes to mind is usually about utilities.
Understanding Your Land: Where Do I Build?So you’ve got your piece of land—congratulations! Now comes one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) questions: where exactly should you build?…
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying Remote LandYou’ve been dreaming about it for months—your own piece of land. Maybe you picture weekend camping trips with the kids, or finally having space to…
How to Check if Land is Buildable Before You BuyYou’ve found a piece of land that speaks to you. Maybe it’s those views, the privacy, or the price that finally makes land ownership feel possible.
How to Create a Sustainable Off-Grid CampsiteThere’s something special about having your own piece of land where you can camp under the stars whenever you want.
How to Drill a Well on Rural PropertyThere’s something special about having your own water source on your land.
How to Legally Live on Vacant LandYou’ve got your piece of land, and now you’re dreaming about actually living on it.
How to Set Up an Affordable Solar-Powered Water PumpGetting water to your rural land can feel like one of those big hurdles when you’re starting out.
Installing a Fence: Best Practices for Remote PropertiesSo you’ve got your piece of land, and now you’re thinking about putting up a fence.
The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping on Your Own PropertyThere’s something special about pulling your RV onto land that’s truly yours. No campground fees, no reservation hassles, no worrying about noisy neighbors…
How to Design a Self-Sustaining Off-Grid HomeThere’s something deeply satisfying about the idea of living independently on your own piece of land—growing your own food, generating your own power, and…
Best Portable Power Solutions for Off-Grid LivingWhen you own rural land without traditional hookups, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is: “How do I power my stuff?”
Great States for Off-Grid LivingIf you’ve been dreaming about living off the grid, you’re not alone. More people are discovering the freedom and independence that comes with owning rural…
How to Build a Private Driveway on Your LandThere’s something satisfying about driving onto your own property on a driveway you built yourself. Whether you’re planning to camp regularly, build a…
How to Install a Septic System on Remote LandSo you’ve got your piece of rural land, and now you’re thinking about the next step—maybe a cabin, a tiny home, or just a comfortable…
How to Set Up Solar Power on Your Rural LandThere’s something incredibly freeing about owning your own piece of rural land. No neighbors crowding in. No HOA telling you what color to paint your fence.
How to Set Up the Perfect Off-Grid CampsiteThere’s something special about that first night on your own piece of land. No neighbors, no campground rules, just you and the stars.
How to Store and Manage Food on Remote LandWhether you’re planning weekend camping trips on your property or working toward a more permanent setup, figuring out food storage on remote land takes some…
Is Owner Financing a Good Idea When Buying Land?If you’ve been dreaming about owning your own piece of rural land but feeling stuck because traditional bank loans seem out of reach, you’re not alone.
Land Preparation & Maintenance: Getting Your Property Ready and Keeping It That WaySo you’ve bought your piece of rural land—congratulations! Whether you’re planning to camp on it next weekend or thinking about building someday down the…
Off-Grid Water Solutions: Wells, Rainwater, and MoreWater. It’s one of the first things people ask about when they’re looking at rural land—and for good reason.
What You Need to Know About Zoning Before Buying Rural LandWhen you’re looking at that perfect piece of rural property, it’s easy to get swept up imagining your future there—maybe a cozy cabin, weekend camping…
Why Investing in Rural Land is a Smart Long-Term StrategyThere’s something fundamentally reassuring about owning a piece of land. While the stock market bounces around and housing prices seem to climb higher every…
Water Rights: What Every Landowner Should KnowWhen you’re looking at a piece of rural land, one of the most important questions you might not think to ask is: “What are my…
So You Want to Build a Cabin: What to Know Before You StartThere’s something magical about the idea of building your own cabin. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about a cozy weekend retreat tucked away on your own…
How to Finance Your Rural Land PurchaseIf you’ve been dreaming about owning a piece of rural land but thought it was out of reach financially, I’ve got some good news for you.
Understanding Property Easements and Access Rights: What Every Rural Land Owner Should KnowWhen you’re looking at that perfect piece of rural land—maybe it’s got a great view of the mountains, or it’s tucked away in the woods…
Campfire Cooking: Tips for Cooking Outdoors on Your Own PropertyThere’s something magical about preparing a meal over an open fire on your own piece of land.
How to Drill a Well on Rural Property: Your Guide to IndependenceThere’s something deeply satisfying about turning on a faucet and knowing the water flowing out comes from your own land. For many rural property owners,…
How to Build a Permanent Fire Pit on Your LandThere’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling fire on your own property. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with the grandkids or enjoying a…
Wind Power vs. Solar Power: Which is Better for Remote Land?You’ve got that perfect piece of remote land. Maybe it’s your weekend getaway, future retirement spot, or just a smart investment. Either way, you’re…
How to Choose the Best Land for an Off-Grid HomesteadPicture this: you wake up to the sound of birds instead of traffic. Your coffee tastes better when you brew it with water from your…
The Pros and Cons of Buying Land in an HOA-Free AreaWeighing your options for that perfect piece of property? Let’s explore both sides of the fence If you’re considering land ownership, you’ve probably…
The Best Camping Gear for Your Private LandWhen you own your own piece of land, camping becomes a special adventure. You don’t need to fight for a spot or deal with noisy neighbors.
The Best Tools for Managing Remote LandOwning land far away can be a challenge. But with the right tools, you can keep tabs on your property without being there every day.
The Best Emergency Supplies for Remote LandownersLiving on rural land brings freedom and space, but it also means being ready for anything.
Understanding Your Land: Where Do I Build?Walking onto your land for the first time as an owner is an exciting moment.