Whitehouse Camping Area

Sunny and I were invited to join Jay and John for a last-minute Winter camping adventure in the Whitehouse camping area along the West Branch Sacandaga River. The place is located in the Sacandaga Primitive area which is within the Silver Lake Wilderness. 

The weather was proving to be reasonable and since Deer hunting was done in the Northern zone, we would likely have our pick of campsites. 

We were lucky enough to find a place with $5-per-box wood just outside of Northville across the street from Edinburg Common School. I bought three boxes worth. Sunny was somewhat annoyed by this. Earlier that day I finally bought a decent hatchet to use for splitting wood for kindling and I was grateful for it.

Site #4 is a great spot. In different seasons, I think it's great for larger groups. There are lots of places for tents and hammocks, though deeper into the site there are quite a few widowmakers waiting to finish their collapse.

The Southern side of the site provides an obstructed view of the river in the Winter.

There was a large rectangular area which the guys suspected had recently been used for a temporary wood structure which had been burned on the last night of a hunting trip. There were a lot of screws in the firepit and piles of shell casings by the parking area. I set up my tent in the cleared area.

Sunny and Korra got into it right off the rip. Sunny was wearing his jacket for sitting around the fire.

We went for an impromptu walk with Korra.

My new Warhammer blankie-hoodie was comfy as hell.  In the late afternoon and early evening, it was 12 degrees Farenheit with a breeze. 

John smoked some delicious burnt ends, though he said the little smoker was not happy about the cold.

Sunny did his rounds, getting pets and begging for meats.

Then decided to warm up in the tent. I brought a down comforter for him to snuggle up in.

Jay put a stew on the fire.

I have so many pictures of Sunny expecting the impossible from John.

Weirdoes barking up the wrong Jay.

Jay had the idea to grill Oatmeal Cream Pies.  I highly recommend.

As the sun set, the breeze died down and it started to gently snow. I believe the temperature actually rose a bit. Fire time was comfy and relaxing. After dessert, a few beers, and conversation, I fell asleep in my chair, and was sent off to bed. Sunny Days was grateful for this; he snuggled up on the comforter and I draped the Squig hoodie over him.

3am potty visit.

Bacon for croissantwiches on the grill! Frozen butter on the grill!

Eggs! The butane stove was not having it. Hot coals did nicely.

Sunny was ready for more activity.

I toasted another Oatmeal Cream Pie.

Sunny and I decided to explore down the road and document the campsites West of #4.

It was a lovely morning for dashing through the fresh coat of ankle-deep snow.

There's a little cluster of mountains to the North. 

It might be neat to explore this area someday, especially the little peak with "Buck Pond" on it.

Site #5 across from our site.

At the bottom of the hill, there's a big site with plenty of room for a huge camper by the river.

The Whitehouse ghost town's cemetery only has a few headstones, but it's interesting to visit. I researched some of the headstones online, but I suspect a proper Wells historian would have better information.

Site #7, I believe.

Most of the sites are set up with a well-maintained privy except this one.

Some sites say there are two old chimenys, but this is the only one we found. No camping allowed here.

There's a site nearby, though, #8 I believe.

There are a couple of huge sites by the river down the road a bit. This would be a great spot for large groups or folks who want water access.

Site #11

Site #12

Site #13

The road ends at a spur to the Northville-Placid trail. If I'd gone a bit further, I'd have seen the longest suspension bridge in the state. I didn't realize this at the time and I wish I'd checked it out.

Shortly after our walk, we packed up and headed out. The RAV-4 did a hell of a job in the snow. I kept her in 2nd gear uphill and 1st gear downhill.

Apparently the last .75 mile of West River Rd. violates law regarding motor vehicle use in wilderness areas because some of the private land holdings nearby have recently been acquired by the State. I dunno. There are rare places in the Adirondacks where citizens can drive up and primitive camp and I think that's nice. This place in particular is probably very popular for sportsmen. It would be a shame for this and other areas like it to disappear. The Adirondack Park is 2 million square acres large with loads of places where the growl of motor vehicles is never heard. 

I do believe the problem of long-term squatters does need some addressing, but in general I see no harm in having a few free places to car camp throughout the park. Places like this improve accessibility to people with disabilities or folks who need low-cost options for camping. This is especially true in the Winter when many private campgrounds are closed.

Perhaps a special designation is necessary.

At any rate, Sunny and I had a lovely time. We're looking forward to our hike to Fishbrook Pond next weekend.