How to Buy Off-Grid Land in Arizona: A Hunter's Complete Guide By James Gardner ("Rockford") | AZ Land Off Grid | Home on the Range Properties

​If you've been dreaming about owning your own piece of Arizona wilderness — a place to hunt elk, chase mule deer, or set up a base camp that's truly yours — you're not alone. More hunters than ever are buying off-grid land in Arizona, and for good reason: private land means no crowds, no permit lotteries for access, and a hunting camp you can customize exactly the way you want. But buying raw, off-grid land is different from buying a house in the suburbs. There are things you need to know before you sign anything. This guide walks you through the entire process — from picking the right county to closing the deal — so you can find the perfect Arizona hunting property with confidence.
Why Arizona Is One of the Best States for Off-Grid Hunting Land Arizona has over 72,000 square miles of land, much of it remote, rugged, and teeming with wildlife. Mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, javelina, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, and turkey all call Arizona home. The state's varied terrain — from high-elevation ponderosa pine forests to desert grasslands and canyon country — means there's a habitat for nearly every type of hunt. What makes Arizona especially attractive for land buyers right now is affordability. Compared to Colorado, Montana, or New Mexico, you can still find raw, off-grid parcels in Arizona at prices that won't break the bank — especially with owner financing options that eliminate the need for a traditional bank loan.
Step 1: Know What "Off-Grid" Really Means "Off-grid" land typically means the parcel has no utilities connected — no city water, no power lines, no sewer hookup. For hunters, this is often a feature, not a bug. But it does mean you need to plan for: Water: Will you haul water in, collect rainwater, or drill a well? Check if the property has any existing water sources like a stock tank, seasonal creek, or spring. Power: Solar panels, a generator, or simply going without are your options. Many hunters prefer a generator for a weekend camp setup. Access: Is there a deeded road easement to the property? Can you get a truck, ATV, or trailer in? This is critical — especially in remote areas. Structures: Can you legally place a cabin, yurt, shed, or RV on the property? Check county zoning regulations before you buy.
Step 2: Choose the Right Arizona County Not all Arizona counties are created equal for hunting land. Here's a quick breakdown of what to consider: Mohave County — In northwestern Arizona, Mohave County offers wide-open desert and plateau country. Desert mule deer, javelina, and small game are common. Land prices tend to be very accessible here. Yavapai County — Central Arizona's largest county by area. Elevation ranges from desert scrub to pine forest, making it a versatile option for hunters who want year-round use. Mule deer and elk are present in the higher elevations. Coconino County — Home to the Kaibab Plateau and some of Arizona's most legendary elk hunting country. Land here tends to be pricier, but the hunting opportunities are exceptional. Apache & Navajo Counties — Eastern Arizona's high country, with ponderosa pines, meadows, and strong elk and mule deer populations. Often overlooked by buyers, which means more value per acre. Greenlee & Graham Counties — Southeast Arizona's rugged mountain ranges attract hunters after Coues whitetail, a unique desert subspecies that draws hunters from across the country. When evaluating a county, also look at proximity to Arizona Game & Fish Management Units. Your private land sits within a unit, and that unit determines what tags are available and how competitive they are. Owning land in your target unit makes it far easier to hunt consistently.
Step 3: Understand Access and Road Rights This is one of the most overlooked issues in raw land purchases, and it can make or break a property's usefulness for hunting. Ask these questions before you buy: Is there legal, deeded access to the property? Verbal assurances from a neighbor aren't enough. You need a recorded easement or your parcel must front a public road. What is the road condition? A dirt road that's passable in summer may be completely washed out after monsoon season. Ask about the road in July and August. Can you get your rig in? Think about your heaviest vehicle — a truck pulling a trailer with ATVs, or a horse trailer. Will that fit? If a property is described as "landlocked" or if access is through a neighbor's land without a recorded easement, walk away unless you're willing to deal with a lengthy legal process.
Step 4: Check Water Rights and Sources Water is everything in Arizona. When evaluating hunting land, look for: Stock tanks or earthen ponds — common on rural Arizona properties, these attract wildlife year-round and are a massive bonus for hunters Seasonal washes or drainages — won't provide drinking water, but attract game during wet periods Existing wells — some off-grid parcels have a well already drilled; verify it's functional and get the well log Haul water access — if no well exists, how far is the nearest place you can fill tanks? Arizona has complex water law. If a property claims water rights, have an attorney verify those rights are properly adjudicated and transferable before you close.
Step 5: Verify Zoning and Land Use Regulations Each county in Arizona has its own rules about what you can do with raw land. Before buying, confirm: Can you place a structure? Cabins, manufactured homes, yurts, and RVs each have different requirements depending on the county and zoning designation. Is the land zoned for recreational or residential use? This affects what permits you'll need. Are there any deed restrictions or CC&Rs? Some parcels — even remote ones — come with restrictions from a prior subdivision. Call the county planning and zoning department directly. It takes 10 minutes and can save you a massive headache down the road.
Step 6: Consider Owner Financing One of the biggest advantages of buying land through a smaller brokerage like AZ Land Off Grid is the availability of owner financing — also called seller financing or contract for deed. With owner financing: No bank required — you work directly with the seller Lower credit requirements — approval is based on a reasonable down payment and your ability to pay, not a credit score algorithm Faster closing — deals can close in days instead of months More flexibility — terms like interest rate, down payment, and payment schedule are negotiable For hunters who want to get on a piece of land quickly and start enjoying it while they pay it off, owner financing is often the most practical route. Ask about current financing options when you contact us.
Step 7: Visit the Property Before You Buy This sounds obvious, but it bears saying: always walk a piece of land before you buy it. Maps and photos don't tell the whole story. When you visit, pay attention to: Sign — look for tracks, scat, rubs, scrapes, wallows, and trails. Is wildlife actively using this land? Water evidence — even if there's no permanent water, look for muddy areas, green vegetation in drainages, or evidence of a seasonal tank Terrain — is it huntable? Dense brush with no visibility is very different from open park-like forest Neighbors and nearby land — is it bordered by BLM or National Forest? That can dramatically extend your effective hunting range Cell service and access — drive the route yourself at the time of year you plan to hunt most We offer showings on all our properties. Give us a call and we'll take you out personally.
Step 8: Close the Deal and Get on the Land Once you've found the right property, the closing process on a cash or owner-financed land deal is relatively straightforward: Sign a purchase agreement outlining price, terms, and any contingencies Conduct due diligence — title search, boundary survey if needed, any inspections you want Close escrow — a title company handles the transfer of funds and records the deed Get your deed recorded at the county recorder's office From there, it's your land. Post it, build your camp, start scouting — it belongs to you.
Ready to Find Your Arizona Hunting Property? At AZ Land Off Grid / Home on the Range Properties, we specialize in off-grid parcels across Arizona — recreational land, hunting properties, cabin sites, and homestead acreage. We know this state, we know the hunting, and we work directly with buyers to make the process as simple as possible. Owner financing is available on many properties. No bank needed. 📞 Call or text James Gardner ("Rockford") at 623-734-4588 🌐 Browse current listings at azlandoffgrid.com
Home on the Range Properties is brokered by Superlative Realty. Licensed in Arizona.