FIELD PICKS — TRAIL CAMERAS & PROPERTY WATCH

How to Set Up a Cellular Trail Camera System on Your Property

If you own land — whether it's 5 acres or 500 — you should know what's happening on it when you're not there. Cellular trail cameras send photos and video directly to your phone over the cell network. No WiFi needed. No pulling SD cards every week. You get real-time eyes on your gates, food plots, outbuildings, and access roads.

Here's how to set up a system that actually works.

Step 1: Pick Your Camera

The two brands worth considering for cellular trail cameras right now are Moultrie and SPYPOINT. Both offer solar-powered models with integrated cell transmitters and cloud apps.

Moultrie Edge Solar 2-Pack — Our current pick. Solar panel keeps it running indefinitely. Moultrie's cloud platform is simple and the image quality is strong. Two cameras cover a front gate and a food plot or property line.

See the Moultrie Edge Solar 2-Pack on Amazon →

SPYPOINT Flex-M Twin Pack — The other strong option. SPYPOINT offers a generous free photo plan (100 photos/month per camera) that Moultrie doesn't match. If you want to test before committing to a paid data plan, SPYPOINT is the easier entry point.

See the SPYPOINT Flex-M Twin Pack on Amazon →

Step 2: Scout Your Mounting Locations

Walk your property and mark 3–5 spots where you'd want eyes. Prioritize entry points (gates, driveways), game trails or food plots, and outbuildings. South-facing mounts avoid lens flare at sunrise and sunset. Mount at 3–4 feet off the ground for deer, higher for vehicle identification.

Check cell signal at each spot. Both Moultrie and SPYPOINT apps can test signal strength before you commit a mount point.

Step 3: Secure Your Cameras

Theft is real, especially on rural property lines. Two essentials:

• Master Lock Python Cable — wraps around the tree and through the camera's security slot. Steel cable, pick-resistant lock.
• Browning Security Box — steel housing that mounts over the camera. Prevents theft and protects from bear/livestock damage.

Master Lock Python Cable → | Browning Security Box →

Step 4: Activate Your Data Plan

Both Moultrie and SPYPOINT use proprietary data plans — you're not adding the camera to your phone plan. Expect $5–15/month per camera depending on photo volume. SPYPOINT's free tier (100 photos/month) is enough for a low-traffic monitoring point. For high-traffic areas like feeders and gates, you'll want an unlimited plan.

The Full Property Watch Build

Our Trail Cameras & Property Watch editorial page has the complete gear list — cameras, cables, security boxes, and battery packs — everything you need for a 2–5 camera property monitoring system.

Related reads: The Fire Circle | Outdoor Recovery | All Field Picks

As an Amazon Associate, Young MacDonald's Farm earns from qualifying purchases. Full affiliate disclosure.