A perfect autumn day in North Country is what this property screams out to us, and honestly, the only noises to be heard are the rustling of the leaves beneath your feet and the far-off calling of the animals. It is a luxurious dream for such people who want to escape from the world and dive into nature to have a piece of land like this 13-acre retreat in Florence, NY. This jewel in the Lost Ridge Subdivision which was adjacent to the huge Big Brook State Forest offering complete privacy but not loneliness was recently sold for $119,900. Together with the comfortable 16×28-foot cabin constructed in 2002, it was a ready-to-go place of delight for the lovers of wilderness. The particular NY Outdoor Realty listing from which this offer has been taken is no longer available, but its features serve as a beacon of what can be achieved in the wilderness of Oneida County. So let’s figure out what factors of the Florence cabin made the property so engaging and how you could possibly find a similar one.

Property Overview: A Ready-to-Enjoy Wilderness Retreat
This Oneida County property covering 13.56 acres (mostly rounded to 13 acres) was exceptional due to its combination of privacy and usability. Lost Ridge Subdivision Lot 6 in Camden, NY 13316 was the location of the property that had the direct access to almost 20,000 acres of New York State land—Big Brook State Forest—right at its boundary. With a price of $119,900 and a property ID of NYOR927, it didn’t take long to change its status to “Sold”, which is a reflection of the hot market for off-grid cabins in this area.
The main attraction to the property was the cabin: it was a 448 sq ft building that was made and equipped in a way to provide a comfortable living in a self-sufficient manner. The cabin was powered by a generator or a bank of batteries and had a well and septic system giving the users all the necessary basics. The fireplace, water heater, and refrigerator were run from a non-leased propane tank together with the hot water and the rest were either electric or gas. Most of the furniture was included in the sale (except for the personal stuff), so it was really a turnkey operation—there was no need to bring the beds or kitchen stuff on the very first day.
In addition, a shed kept the tools and equipment handy while the seasonal Houlahan Road ensured easy access during the warmer days and was changed into a first-rate snowmobile trail in winter. The whole thing was not only about living off the land but also about having a good time, as there were trails linking with the larger North Country network at the well-known 46 Corners junction.

Inside the Cabin: Cozy Comforts Amid Rustic Charm
If you come to this Florence cabin, the open living room and kitchen area are going to be the first things that meet your eyes and they are both practicable and nice. A gas fireplace is the center of attraction, and it is quite suitable to get rid of the cold after a day of hiking or hunting, for instance. There is one bedroom in the main floor for sleeping comfortably and a full bathroom which also has the utilities, so everything stays compact yet efficient.
Moreover, there is a loft with two single beds upstairs which can be used as extra sleeping space – the loft can be the perfect place for the kids, guests or you can put your stuff there. The layout fully utilizes the 16×28 area while giving a rustic feel of wood combined with the modern side of the stuff in the cabin like it’s working on propane. The daylight is coming through windows and it makes the warm light that is typical for the out of the city kind of life and atmosphere is there.
What buyers loved most? The low-maintenance vibe. With systems already in place for water, waste, and power, new owners could focus on making memories rather than renovations. It’s the kind of space where you kick off your boots, brew a pot of coffee, and let the stresses of the week melt away.

The Land: Your Private Gateway to Adventure
The 13 acres themselves were a playground for nature lovers. Heavily wooded with signs of abundant wildlife—think deer trails and bird habitats—the property invited exploration. A short hike through the adjoining state forest led to a private pond, adding a serene touch for quiet reflection or wildlife spotting.
The terrain was gently varied, making it accessible for all ages while providing enough cover for hunting success. Bordering state land meant endless opportunities without leaving your backyard: forage for mushrooms in spring, track game in fall, or snowshoe in winter. The proximity to water bodies amplified the appeal—about half a mile to Johnny Smith Pond for bass fishing, kayaking, or canoeing.
A comfy porch looked over the land and was giving the chance to relax with a book or binoculars. For storage, the on-site shed took care of ATVs, fishing gear, or firewood, thus letting the ground free from stuff and ready for the next action.


Prime Location: Endless Outdoor Pursuits in Oneida County
Florence’s location in Oneida County makes it the center of North Country activities. Being only 10 minutes away from Redfield Reservoir and 15 minutes from the Salmon River—famous for its world-class fishing—this property was a dream come true for any angler. Oneida Lake that was an excellent spot for boating and walleye fishing was just one-half hour away.
Fans of the winter season had good reasons to be happy due to the snowmobile access; Houlahan Road’s seasonal maintenance made it a doorway for miles of groomed trails. Hiking and biking were some of the activities one could do in the summer and while the fall colors painted the landscape in vivid tones. The town’s tranquil neighborhood in Camden was giving you the chance to get the best of both worlds i.e. nearby amenities without the advantage of seclusion—a short drive was all that was required for grocery shopping or grabbing a quick meal.
Those who commute were also pleased with the trade-off: the place was about one hour away from Syracuse and thus, it was a possible weekend retreat. With thousands of acres of public land within your reach, the location was a perfect mix of both convenience and untamed wilderness.

Why This Property Represents a Wise Choice for Buyers
It was an example of a wise move in rural New York when this $119,900 cabin, although now sold, was put up for sale. Due to limited supply and high demand from outdoor hobbyists, properties bordering state land are gaining value gradually. The low taxes in Oneida County and self-sufficient utilities are keeping the ongoing expenses at a minimum level.
For parents, it turned into a legacy builder—kids would learn about nature through practical adventures. Access to immediate prime spots is what hunters and fishers would highly appreciate, meanwhile, off-grid potential is what eco-friendly folks would love the most. With the help of income generated from short-term stays, you can cover the costs and thus, turn the asset into passive one.
Affordable wilderness is knocking hard on the door of the market and deals like this is the reason why you need to be able to act quickly if you want to snap up a bargain. Similar offers usually come with almost the same benefits and so, they are worth keeping an eye on.

Ready to Discover Your North Country Escape?
This 13-acre Florence retreat may be off the market, but it inspires what’s out there for savvy buyers. If you are looking for a cabin next to state land, please contact Kirk Goodrow at NY Outdoor Realty (315.854.3144) to check the availability of the current listings. Whether it is a fishing heaven, a snowmobile base, or a quiet getaway, the right property is waiting for you. Get going with your adventure today—your portion of peace of mind is not far away.
Source: nyoutdoorrealty