Finding the right bug out location isn’t much different than working in real estate; it’s all about location, location, location.
Do you find something already fortified and prepared for an extended stay? Or do you find something temporary and live as a nomad.
In this article we will explore 7 unusual bug out locations you should know about.
Treehouse
In a bug out situation, treehouses become more than just a child’s getaway. They allow for increased security by allowing a unique vantage point.
This becomes even more important in a dense forest, especially if you’re able to conceal the treehouse above the tree line.
Being this far off the ground allows for protection not just from potential enemies but from wildlife and natural disasters such as flooding. It’s not a perfect solution, though.
The height makes you vulnerable to high winds, thunderstorms, and fire. Also, providing easy accessibility can be difficult, especially when considering any disabilities.
They are easily camouflaged and concealed. If the bug out situation requires stealth and privacy, a treehouse may be the best option. Also, if you can prepare ahead of time, having a treehouse as a bug out location will allow ample amount of storage.
Water Tower
Finding a water tower you’re able to access may sound unusual but it also checks several top location priority boxes off the list.
It gives you access to a near endless supply of water that has already been treated, which is a given, but there are other benefits.
Water towers are anywhere from 130-165ft tall, making them perfect for gaining a high lookout vantage point. They are also often on the tallest point around a town which, when coupled with the fact that they already have fortified fences, makes them easier to defend.
For even more safety, you can build these DIY traps and alarms against looters and intruders, which are great for your own property as well.
A water tower would be idea for most emergency situations but most useful in instances where infrastructure has failed and access to clean water is scarce. They can also prove beneficial when defensibility is important, such as during civil unrest and small conflicts.
Empty Grain Silo
You’ll be able to find these scattered across the country. Their strong, cylindrical shape make them perfect for withstanding severe weather and, though it may be difficult, they can be renovated to make a complete living and homesteading structure.
If defensibility is a key priority in your bug out scenario, the height of a grain silo gives you a perfect spotter’s nest and, since they are on farmland which is often flat and expansive, you’ll be able to see enemies long before they are a threat. And, the nearby farmland gives the benefit of being able to sustain life through crops.
Related: 10 Survival Crops You Can Grow Without Irrigation
Some potential downfalls include the challenge of regulating temperature inside. Because they are made of this metal with no insulation, you’ll have to take the necessary steps yourself to insulate. Also, because they are often in rural and isolated areas, access to needed medical care and supplies could be difficult for long-term use.
Isolated Cave
The benefits of bugging out to a cave may seem obvious.
Because of their isolation, they can be great when needing to leave a fallen civilization or civil unrest. They offer natural protection from the elements as well, making them idea for those needing to escape natural disasters.
In a short to mid-term basis, is an excellent location. However, there are some things to consider.
Caves are usually home to dangerous wildlife, depending on the region you are in. In addition to wildlife, caves can be susceptible to flooding during heavy rains and can lack sufficient ventilation, especially in deeper caverns.
However, with this helpful guide, you can learn how to survive long-term in the wild. It also teaches you how to recognize animal marks and footprints and how to defend yourself.
Catacombs and Mausoleums
This would likely top the list of most unusual or bizarre locations for bugging out, but it could also prove to be the best idea yet.
First, if you find a catacomb or mausoleum that is underground, you’ll gain access to natural cooling and privacy, making your task of surviving a tab easier. These would be ideal in a case of needing to bug out in an urban area for a temporary basis, such as society turning to chaos or unnecessary government shutdown and marshal law. They are, however, not without their drawbacks.
The major issue would be the psychological impact of staying among the dead places, not to mention the ethical considerations. And, though this isn’t much of a thought during a bug out scenario, there could be potential legal issues if you are caught.
Sustaining life could prove to be difficult, as well, without natural light and ventilation, making this type of location only suitable on a temporary basis. Despite these challenges, the stealth and protection afforded from catacombs or mausoleums may outweigh the negatives, if only temporarily.
Abandoned Factory
Sadly, every community across America has an abandoned factory, but when defensibility and fortification is needed for a large group, they make an excellent choice for a bug out location.
Most abandoned factories are going to be a simple concrete building, meaning they can withstand the elements.
They also contain open spaces making for large storage possibility. Plus, the repurposing of industrial materials will greatly enhance survival probabilities.
⇒ The Only Thing You Should Do When the Biggest Civil Unrest of Our Time Hits Your Town
One major problem, however, is many factories will have been exposed to hazardous materials and large machinery left behind. This can make for unsafe conditions and possible usability issues. This means scouting the factory before bugging out is important. If you’re looking to house a large number of people safely during an emergency, though, it would definitely be worth it.
If you’re facing infrastructure breakdowns or biological concerns, a factory isn’t the right place. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place to stay on a permanent basis, it could be suitable with the right modifications.
Aircraft Hangar
Even small municipalities have airports, so gaining access to an aircraft hangar during a bug out situation shouldn’t be too difficult.
This is another type of structure ideal for housing an entire family with enough open space for storage of both supplies and vehicles out of the elements. And, seeing as though airports are often outside of city limits, there should be access to farmable land.
One major downfall to an aircraft hangar is also one of the benefits, the large open spaces. During seasons of extreme cold, it will be difficult to heat the entire space without proper modifications, with the same being true in extremely hot seasons for cooling.
Additionally, because of their size and location, aircraft hangars are sure to attract unwanted attention. That would make using these in a matter of civil unrest or societal breakdown undesirable.
Yet, if you’re facing total loss of infrastructure and need to establish a permanent location for your family or small community, finding an aircraft hangar could prove to be beneficial.
Bugging out versus Bugging In
The choice between bugging out and bugging in is a critical one not to be taken lightly. In many cases, bugging in is considered safer, especially if you’ve taken the necessary steps to prepare your home/property and in gathering supplies.
However, there may come a time when bugging out is the only option. Even then, however, the experienced prepper has contingency plans in place to ensure the safety of those looking to you.
Each of these locations offer their one unique set of pros and cons. Yet, regardless of where you choose to bug out, one thing remains constant: the need for proper preparation and survival knowledge.
That’s why I rely on the Wilderness Long Term Survival Guide. This isn’t your typical survival manual; it’s a practical tool that teaches you the forgotten wisdom of our ancestors who not only survived but thrived in the wild. So, whether you find yourself in a remote cave or a hidden forest retreat, make sure this handbook is in your backpack; it could be your only means of survival in a crisis.
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These are some interesting ideas, with the underlying theme that you must be versatile, adaptable, and willing to hole up where others would not think of. I personally intend to stay put, but plan B is a location about one tank of gas away from here.
Caves, catacombs and mausoleums sound great hides. They have at tomes bacteria ans virus build up, those susceptible to respiratory infections should be extra careful in these areas.
A temporary one day hide, a permanent hide would need adequate ventilation for healthy lungs.
If there are bats, mice, rats in these areas, there are health concerns to consider.
Sorry about my spelling, as Bud has mentioned we do need an edit button to edit the spelling.
I do not have an ounce of compassion for people who do not like cats! I don’t have a mouse/rat problem!!! I love my cats and they love me!
Republican Speaker of the House gave up, Sad, Sad, Sad!
Mike Johnson Surrenders: Democrats Seize Control of House Floor
The Demoncrats are in charge now!
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is a messenger in the minority no longer. He has taken over.
There is no place to hide anymore.
We have 24/7 cameras pointed all over America, home security cameras, smartphones even off the NSA can still watch.
A National Climate change emergency will give this evil presidency more control for the UN world power, WAR POWERS ACT against America.
We have the dirty terrorists of Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi Houthi in Gaza and mixed in the protestors now in America, thank you Biden. For the open borders and the taxpayer midnight plane flights to the parts of America.
To preppers your bugout locations are compromised since Biden and Obama have bastardized AMERICA THAT WE LIVE IN.
Hope our American and Israeli hostages of the October attack are dead an in haven instead of being tortured.
80% of Gaza Palestine people are part of the acceptance of evil letting Hamas control the population.
Those same people are here in America from the open southern border. They are mixed into American cities particular in Dearborn Michigan, we re not safe in America.
There were radio messages intercepted of Hamas leaders telling their troops to kill the Israelis, hostages and cut their heads off. Let the kids an people play soccer with the heads.
Thank you Biden for the Afghan Withdrawal arming terrorist with abandoned American weapons in the billions of dollars. Leaving Americans and Afghans behind the wire as hostages.
Thank you Biden for depleting our strategic oil reserves selling oil to China and begging for oil from our enemies.
Thank you Biden for turning America into a yellow monkey mess of China taking over American farmlands next to military bases, buying up our meat processing companies. China controls our food chain to starve us and base drugs made in China for big pharma with fentanyl from the open border.
Americans might as well stay asleep and woke to our demise believing government is their god then praying to GOD for help.
Your tax dollars by Bidenomics are funding money sent to the Gaza radical Muslim groups family’s dead freedom fighters against Christians and Jews.
You Americans will get what you deserve as FISA Court can wiretap your smartphones to be spied on.
Not a good message to read, but, unfortunately, you speak truth at so many levels.
The Jewish – Arab Problem. I thought Israel was established for the Jews. So they would have a safe place to live/survive. After Hitler tried to murder all of them. He did murder some 6 million – horribly. Now the Arabs want to kill all of them. Seems they need a place away from the Arabs so they will not be massacred again. I thought Israel was established for that reason. And why they went there. Now the Arabs have them surrounded and are trying to kill them. Hmmm.
Most people do not know the Jews of ill report are not Jews. The Khazarians blame their criminal conduct on the Jews, SCAPEGOAT style. I wish people would learn the difference. The Khazarians are the ones causing the problems. The Palestinians know the difference. I have watched as Jews and Palestinians have rallied together for peace, arm in arm together, in friendship. It is the corrupt leaders causing the problems.
The WAR POWERS ACT was enacted in Great Britain not the U.S.
Years ago, as a scout master, we toured the local sewage treatment plant, which was surprisingly interesting. One thing that stuck with me was that this modern facility had extensive underground tunnels that were large, made of heavy concrete, and had heavy steel doors.
It would, of course, lose power in any grid-down situation, but in a situation where bugging in or fleeing wasn’t tenable, it might be a worthwhile place to keep in mind. Meteor strike? Zombie apocalypse? Deadly plague? You might be surprised at facilities similar to this hiding in plain sight near you.
We need an edit button to fix the spelling mistakes made, other sites offer an edit button, please.
Thanks for reading this.
Get rid of the higher ups that caused the “dummied down” education in the first place, replace dummied people with REAL TEACHERS, that will be the start of the end of ‘bad spelling’. and hopefully a population that gets rid of stinkin’ thinkin’ and continues to reform America and bring it back to God!!
We have Dearborn Michigan the big radical Muslim stronghold, Colony Ridge in Texas community run by the Mexican drug cartels. There are Biden’s illegals and radical Muslims wrecking havoc on our streets, cities, university campuses. And a large percentage of Demoncrats and RINO’s will vote Biden back into office.
Most of the articles shelter ideas are already being used by the Bidenomics open border invasion.
What will it take to bring America back on track?
Brian, Trump can bring us back…as long as the election is not stolen, again.
Right now the leading group of illegals are military aged male chicom nationals. Tens of thousands have entered the USA. The same group of progressives that are enabling this invasion are leading the push to disarm US citizens, how will anybody defend the USA if they get their way? Have a contingency plan for never going home and leave nothing that can be used.
What is funny, sort of in San Diego, California on local TV news channel the law enforcement are gearing up for another gun buy back program.
Yes California is the land of fruits and nuts.
Either police or the sheriffs have a regular buy back about $200USD credit cards for the guns turned in. They politely ask people who have not wanted guns, rifles, pistols to bring them to large parking lot area, no questions.
I am sure this happens in most sanctuary blue states run by Demoncrats and RINO’s, give your guns voluntary.
On average these gun buy backs gyp of guns worth more than the $50 to $200USD traded, what a shame.
This border invasion reminds me of the “Invasion USA” I think Chuck Norris was in it. But this invasion we have of military age males, females will that movie scenes a pick nick of tremendous horror not seen since Pearl Harbor, 911, the Oklahoma bombing in multiple proportions not seen in a long time.
I my area, we have several old chicken houses. Yes, they are privately owned, but given the right circumstances, a farmer may be willing to let you “hide out” there. The curtains, while maybe in disrepair, could be fashioned in a way to reduce the size of the house, and also provide added protection from the weather. The houses are built on pads, so are not as prone to flooding as other options. Also, they are generally not close to trees, so you have a good line of site which makes approaching by stealth more difficult. If you are lucky enough to have the farmer’s OK for occupancy, he may also allow you access to his stock tank for water, and possibly even fishing.
When you reach a certain age, you realize you may have to make difficult choices. I’ve decided if the world turns into such a horrible, lawless place I’m bugging in and defending what I have. That is the hill I will die on. I’m going out on my own terms, surrounded by hot brass. Scorched earth if necessary.
JR, My sister has a huge box of fireworks and a boat flare in the middle of her preps. She says “If I can’t have it, neither can they” 🙂
I live in MT and know where the fire lookout towers are, deep in the wilderness and high up! People on the coasts could possibly make use of lighthouses!
Please stop pimping for sales of your book! Last paragraph in latest blog posts have been to sell this book…This is NOT the place to do that.
Blah. The books are good information, and the sales thereof facilitate this site.
Some of the places mentioned might be eyed by others as a potential place to stay so you need to decide if you’re prepared for having to fight for the chance to stay there, even just for a night or two.
I expected to see boats listed as a potential place. Granted, you often are cramped for space, and if it’s a weather event like a tsunami then not at all a good choice, but it can offer shelter and a way to keep moving, especially if she uses sails.
But having a way to move away from a place for a bit while still having a shelter that’s also a vehicle is a boon.
It’s like bugging out is a childhood phantasy ….. only to feel lucky you can still come back home to mom and dad when life has dealt you a bad hand . Then try again….until you get it right …don’t mess with mom and dad ….kids. Even if they are a couple of dicks . But i bet they will be happy to see you…and love to here you admit how stupid you were . or are….Don’t get me wrong…survival skills are fun to learn….nothing wrong with that….survive long enough to to figure out why you’re here on Earth. Then keep surviving….hopefully in a compassionate way.
Interesting ideas in the article, thanks for sharing! Howe, I wish comments were kept on subject! I read the comments for additional thoughts about the subject discussed in the article and it’s aggravating to have to weed through them to avoid the ones where the authors of those comments are just using this platform to vent and share views on political issues. I actually agree with most of the thoughts shared, but this is not the place to voice them.
GBoyles, I have to disagree with you. The reason there is a site like this is because of politics. There is no getting away from that fact. There are times when a comment is spot on and I and others did not know the event happened. I am not griping at you at all. Just saying, the reason for this site is because of politics.
I thought the reason for this site is to teach new people like me how to prep,
Another BO idea – house boats.
I’m thinking some of these ‘recreational boats’ can be renovated for survival shelter and set up in remote waterways – back waters where finding them would be a stroke of luck. Nearby islands can be foraged for foods, maybe with some plantings by people to become natural gardens. Fish and water loving animals can be trapped with silent traps. Several of these homes could be placed to make a village. No roads leading to them and thick cover can help conceal them.
abandoned factories are generally a terrible idea, most times they are filled with junkies/drug addicts/thieves who are looking for a place to hide out and get high in between stealing and robbing people. if you don’t believe me, look for yourself, but don’t be surprised when you are attacked or arrested by police who think you’re a dope head
A water tower can be good for a supply of water OR a place to hide, NOT BOTH at once,,,,,, unless you are Kevin Costner (as in the old movie Waterworld). 😉
Yes, politics HAS to play at least a small part in the conversation here, as it’s the PRIMARY REASON we would be needing bug out plans in the first place. Weather isn’t going to be as serious an impact on society, and science (aka Zombies) will only be a minor likelihood of causing us to need it.
The article is best summed up as “think outside the box” regarding survival shelter.
I recommend a place that has as many of these positive qualities as possible:
-size – too big, too small, just right. Storage is good.
-construction- resistant to people using firearms, tools, fire, etcetera.
-location relative to populated areas. People = problems, but harder to restock/scavenge some things.
-access to water AND food. Both must be replenished.
-camouflage – on several layers – limit sights, sounds, smells. Kudzu is optional.
-defensible – able to be defended easily by fewer people.
-egress – hidden or concealed emergency exits from the shelter.
-ventilation – natural ventilation for heat, fumes.
-sanitation – 300′ away from water source, composting, not smelly.
Ideas? What am I leaving out?
Watched your video offering your book and 3 bonus books for $37. You said just click on link below. There was no link to click on t take advantage of your offer ?? Mike W. Kamiah Idaho