Tucked down a silent, plow-cleared gravel road in Camden, NY are the premises that really deserve their name—”The Great Escape.” This 7.7-acre forest retreat at 196 Drought Road was sold at the speed of the flame of a “s’mores by the fire” and it is pretty clear why. A unique 20×40-foot post-and-beam cabin, almost like a park ground, and a location which makes accessible world-class fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling at just the doorstep were the reasons that made this stunning piece of land in Oneida County absolutely unresistible.
Though the “For Sale” sign has been taken down (Property ID: NYOR849), the narrative of the property is like a treasure for the folks that have a dream of a ready-to-use Adirondack-style shelter. We can see this Camden cabin turning into the owner’s forever happy place by going through every detail.
Property Snapshot: 7.7 Acres of Pure Serenity
Seven point seven acres may sound like a small amount of space but this is until you are standing in the open grass yard which is surrounded by mixed hardwoods and old fieldstone walls. The land goes up softly from Drought Road and then it levels off into a park-like clearing with the ground being absolutely even – just the right place for the 1,200-square-foot cabin which is the focal point of the scene. Since it is a dead-end road no through-traffic is there; the only things one can hear are the sound of the gravel under the tires and the occasional hoot of a barred owl.
There are small buildings that are spaced like the considerate afterthoughts: a shed made by the Amish people for the mower and the snowblower, a separate woodshed filled with seasoned hardwood, and a personally made lean-to that is nestled in the trees for the campfire nights that last till the morning. An outhouse is taking care of the basics when nature calls in the middle of stargazing. This is not raw land – it is a curated escape where every square foot is designed for the outdoor lifestyle.
Inside “The Great Escape”: Post-and-Beam Perfection
Entering the heavy timber door the cabin is embracing you in warmth. The custom post-and-beam construction is what makes high ceilings and an open floor plan which gives the impression that the area is twice its size. The floors are covered with Brazilian hardwood laminate that shines under the foot-because it is a combination of hardwearing (it can be walked on by muddy boots) and beautiful (one can walk barefoot by the woodstove).
The living room is based around a gigantic woodstove that is flanked with comfortable furniture (negotiable with the sale). A kitchen area is proud of the hand-crafted cabinetry, a deep sink, breakfast nook, and storage galore. The dining room has a cozy table and an antique hutch—which is perfect for a game night with chili or Thanksgiving for eight.
The basement of the house has a private bedroom that is equipped with an Adirondack log bed that is large enough for sweet dreams. So, what’s next? Upstairs, a 20×20 sleeping loft has two more log beds—just perfect for children, visitors, or if you want to lie down with a book. The full bathroom is equipped with on-demand hot water, a walk-in shower, a sink, and a toilet – no roughing it here.
Every single point of detail was an absolute pride of ownership: tongue-and-groove pine, exposed beams, and decor that was mixing the rustic charm with the modern comfort. Being approximately 1,200 square feet, it is small but still never cramped – as much as one thing is space, which like the talk round that woodstove on a January night, flows.
The Land: Park-Like Grounds & Fire-Pit Magic
The land that stretches beyond the cabin is like a private nature preserve that one has unfolded it from the acreage. There is a mowed lawn that leads to tall hardwoods, stone walls, and winding footpaths. The custom lean-to—simply a log pavilion with three sides— is located just far enough into the woods for privacy but at the same time, it is close enough to be able to smell the coffee brewing inside. String lights, Adirondack chairs, and a stone fire ring are turning it into an outdoor living room.
The fauna is the one who lives next to you: whitetail deer at dawn, turkeys strutting mid-morning, and besides that, there is only an occasional black bear that is lumbering through (put the trail cam). The plateaued homesite is staying high and dry, while the gentle slope is there to ensure runoff never pools. As for firewood? Just step into your very own forest and buck up a cord.
Location: Camden’s Outdoor Recreation Sweet Spot
There is no doubt that Camden deserves the nickname of “Queen Village” since it takes only 15 minutes to get groceries, hardware, or a diner breakfast. But the real magic starts off town limits:
- ¼ mile to C4 Snowmobile Trail – Take off on the sled and be away into 300+ miles of groomed trail works for you.
- 15 minutes to Oneida Lake North Shore – Summer walleye, winter ice-fishing derbies.
- 15 minutes to Altmar & Salmon River – The runs for salmon/steelhead that are world-famous.
- Hunting in the Northern Zone – Deer, turkey, grouse, and bear—all are legal and plentiful.
When winter comes one may do snowshoeing and cross-country skiing right out of the back door. Spring boasts morel mushrooms and trout streams. Summer stands for bass boats and bonfires. What about fall? Orange leaves, bow season, and apple crisp in the dining nook. This is four-season living turned up to eleven.
The Reason This Cabin Disappeared in a Flash
There was a talk about value. Just the custom 1,200 sq ft post-and-beam cabin would alone cost $150K+ if it were to be built today. What if it is added 7.7 acres, outbuildings, on-demand hot water, and trail access—$135,000 was almost like a present. The heating bills are lowered with the help of a woodstove which is great for Oneida County with taxes slightly increasing while the road is coming to an end and the insurance is feeling safe as well.
It was a sweet sorrow for the sellers—”We wish the next family will enjoy it as much as we did.” For the buyers? Immediate heritage. No renovations, no surprises—simply bring the cooler and leave.
Such properties like this one do not stay for a long time as they are ticking almost all the boxes: ready to live in, private yet accessible, and surrounded with recreation that is at the level of the Adirondacks.
Are You Ready to Discover Your Own “Great Escape”?
Though the sign is saying “Sold,” the plan is still there. Custom cabins on quiet acreage are still available when estates are settling or retirees are downsizing. The secret? Work with a broker who is also a trail snowmobiler, a river fisherman, and knows every gravel road from Camden to Canada.
NY Outdoor Realty’s Kirk Goodrow (315.854.3144) is all about these rare listings—post-and-beam beauties, trail-front camps, turnkey woodlands. Let him know your budget, your must-haves (loft? woodstove? snowmobile access?) and you will be on the short list for the next “pinch-me” property. The North Country is still full of gems for those who are quick to act. Give a call—your escape is waiting.
Source: nyoutdoorrealty
