Buying Recreational Acreage Near Memphis: What to Look For

The rural lands surrounding Memphis offer compelling opportunities for land buyers who want more than a house on a lot. Whether your goal involves weekend cabins, private trails, hunting grounds, timber income, or wide-open space, buying acreage near Memphis demands careful consideration of features often overlooked in standard home purchases. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed checklist of factors to weigh, with examples and tips tailored to the Mid-South region.

First, clarify how you plan to use the land. Do you intend to hunt, ride ATVs, build a weekend getaway cabin, plant timber, or hold land for future development? That purpose will shape every other decision, from location to improvements.

If you want easy weekend access, parcels within Shelby, Tipton, or Fayette counties may be ideal. If your plan is more remote recreation, you may stretch into neighboring Tennessee counties or northern Mississippi. Having your goal in mind helps you avoid sites that look appealing but won’t serve your intended use.

Ease of access is critical. You’ll want public road frontage or legal easements that guarantee you can reach interior parts of the land. Avoid parcels with confusing or poorly documented access rights.

Evaluate the condition of the road leading to the property. If access roads are gravel, unimproved, or flood-prone, you may face high maintenance costs. Also, check whether neighboring landowners share access or cross through your property (because these rights must be clearly defined in the deed or survey).

The land’s physical shape matters for recreation. Rolling hills, ridges, draws, and bench areas create hunting vantage points and trail variation. Low, poorly drained hollows or flood plains might limit use during wet seasons.

Soil matters if you plan to plant food plots, gardens, or a cabin foundation. A geotechnical or soil survey can alert you to rock, clay layers, or poor load-bearing zones. Understanding how water flows across your acreage helps avoid erosion, standing water, or damage during heavy rains.

Most recreational acreage is rural, and many tracts lack connections to power, water, or sewer. You’ll need to determine proximity to electric lines, the possibility of well drilling, septic system requirements, and broadband or cellular access.

If you plan to add cabins or structures, run the costs of bringing infrastructure in or building off-grid systems. Don’t assume remote acreage will have utilities nearby; verify with utility providers or local planning offices.

Timber value can contribute to the property’s worth. Mature hardwood or pine stands may allow selective harvesting, which can help offset costs. Check whether the property carries merchantable timber or is mostly scrub or regenerating land.

Consider the mix of trees, open space, and habitat edges. Wildlife corridors, backbone ridges, creek lines, and broken terrain increase the recreational appeal. If hunting is a goal, check for deer trails, food plots, and water sources.

Understand the zoning and land use regulations. Some parcels may be zoned agricultural, recreation, or heavy rural, each carrying different rights and restrictions. Some areas may prohibit or restrict cabins, commercial operations, or subdivisions.

Also check for conservation easements, mineral rights, or deed restrictions. You may find that portions of the property are encumbered (e.g., by utility easements or right-of-way). You need full clarity on what can and cannot be built or altered.

Much of the land around Memphis lies near rivers, creeks, and low-lying floodplains. Check flood maps and historical flood records. Certain uses may be limited or require mitigation if a tract is within a flood zone or drainage basin.

Additionally, confirm soil contamination history, wetlands, endangered species habitat, or conservation overlays. Environmental surveys may be needed to ensure your intended use isn’t hindered.

Even if recreation is your primary aim, you should consider future resale or alternate use. Land closer to suburban growth corridors or with good access might appreciate more. Parcels near expanding counties such as Shelby, Fayette, or Tipton could gain value as development edges expand.

Watch neighboring land use. If the surrounding acreage is being subdivided, your privacy or experience might shift over time. On the flip side, proximity to amenities (like lakes, major roads, and parks) can boost demand.

If you’re considering buying acreage near Memphis, Myers Cobb Realtors®  offers deep local insight in rural, recreational, and luxury land markets. Their team specializes in land and recreational property representation, helping buyers and sellers navigate lease rights, surveys, timber value, and rural zoning.

Interested in Memphis real estate? Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you find acreage in Memphis or your dream Memphis home!