Camping during shoulder season in the Adirondacks on the East Branch Sacandaga River that’s something I frequently debate about. This time, like many I checked out both sites before settling on Campsite 5 close to the old Fox Lair Camp.

Campsite 5 Pros

• More protected from the wind with higher trees
• More screening from the road
• Driveway to the road is downhill, so less likely to get stuck in deep snow
• Near Fox Lair and East Branch Trail
• Outhouse
• Nice swimming hole across the way
• Good firewood supply, especially if hunters leave left over wood

Campsite 5 Cons

• Trees tend to shade out solar power
• No cell service

Campsite 7 Pros

• Good solar exposure for camp solar power
• Limited cell service at times
• Near Cod Pond and the trail back along Stewart Creek

Campsite 7 Cons

• Driveway is flat, winding, greater chance of trees coming down blocking it
• Not as private as campsite 5
• More road noise