REVIEWS*
Date of Stay: July 2018
Posted On: 6/10/20 by Carolyn H.
“We loved staying at Camp Brig O'Doon. Becky Richardson was a wonderful hostess, the facilities were fine and reasonably priced, and we want to return as soon as we can. The best part of staying here is that it feels so private and peaceful with our own dock and access to boats/lifejackets. We even had an incredible loon encounter while just out paddling on Osgood Pond. This area is beautiful, and we will definitely return.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, Carolyn! I always enjoy having your family here. Becky”
Date of Stay: June 2015
Posted On: 5/15/17 by JP K.
“These are very clean and comfy cabins in the great outdoors. The beds are very comfortable and I slept very well. Osgood pond is a pristine lake ideal for swimming and canoeing. The location is ideal with plenty of activities in the area. Overall, I was very satisfied with my stay and would recommend Camp Brig O Doon very highly. ”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, JP. I hope you can make it back to Brig O' Doon for a third visit. B”
Date of Stay: August 2016
Posted On: 5/5/17 by Sheila B.
“Oh, how we cant wait to return to Camp Brig ODoon and beautiful Osgood Pond! Its finally spring in the ADKs, which means its time for summer planning. Yep, here we come again. The charm and the draw of our forever summer visit to the northern Adirondacks and Brig can only be explained by our total love of all things there. Camping at Brig is both rustic and embracing. The lovely cabins are typical ADK style woodsy and comfortable. It is like camping indoors with all of the amenities of outdoors/indoors (fireplace stoves when the weather turns chilly, an outdoor grill per cabin for dinners, and a small kitchenette in each cabin for quick meals). There is everything there that makes an outdoor camping experience better by being indoors when you want. Now that our mountain hiking days are over, our favorite spot is perching by the lake or on the porch with the calls of the loons and all of the natural wonders that a quiet vacation can offer. There are lots of birds to watch, a chipmunk or two running around, and so many things to make us feel alive and good. A canoe paddle down the Osgood River or through the canal to Church Pond watching for the Bald Eagle and Paul Smiths makes any day great. Near-by Saranac Lake is a great town with a diversity of activities, and Lake Placid is only a fat half hour away. The owner has been an ADK summer transplant for over 50 years, and she does everything she can possibly do so that our vacation (and yours too) is all we can want and more. We have developed a great social structure at camp and try to return at the same time every year to be with our friends. For a wonderful relaxing vacation, check out Camp Brig O' Doon. We highly recommend it. __Sheila BD and Hank D ”
Owner's Response
“I'm looking forward to seeing you. Safe Travels, Becky”
Date of Stay: August 2016
Posted On: 8/30/16 by Rosemarie B.
“Once again, we have had a lovely two weeks at Camp Brig O' Doon! We've been returning since 2010. It was good to see the owner once again, always friendly and concerned about the needs of all of her guests. She makes us feel like family.
We enjoy the simplicity of "The Apartment", a small, rustic cabin, stocked with everything a person needs for sleeping and to cook simple meals. This is a perfect place for us: we love the beautiful Adirondack Mountains and being outdoors. A nice paddle, a good swim, and plenty of hiking opportunities are all just nearby, with sounds and sights of wildlife on the pond. This place is a gem, the value is excellent, and I am so glad we have found it. Thanks, once again, to the owner!”
Owner's Response
“Thank you! You are wonderful guests who really appreciate camp, the lake and the surrounding area. We always look forward to seeing you because of your awareness of the natural beauty here.”
Date of Stay: August 2016
Posted On: 8/19/16 by Larry L.
“Camp Brig O'Doon is one of those rare finds for a relaxing and quiet vacation. This is my 5th year returning to the same location. The cabins are rustic but the owner keeps them well stocked with essential supplies so you really don't need to bring much with you except for food! A simple thing such as free wood for the outdoor grill; plenty of that available. The cabin are very clean and comfortable. The owner takes pride in maintaining the cabins very well. As soon as we leave, we can't wait to return the following year!”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I enjoy seeing you and your son each year. You both stay busy with activities, year after year. it's nice to see guests enjoying themselves.”
Date of Stay: August 2016
Posted On: 8/10/16 by Linda B.
“What a charming cottage! My husband and I rented Crannock for a week and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The rustic rough-sawn walls, pot-bellied stoves, hand-sewn quilts, throw rugs, and unusual touches gave this a delightful appeal. We ate all of our meals on the porch and kept windows open to hear the loon calls at night. The dock provided a great place to fish and swim. The owner was more than helpful and very friendly and gives an accurate write-up on amenities, so read it thoroughly!”
Owner's Response
“I am so glad that you liked Crannock and enjoyed your stay here at Brig O' Doon. Thank you!”
Date of Stay: July 2016
Posted On: 7/23/16 by Kate F.
“Spent a lovely week in the "Apartment" at Brig a Doon. Heard loons from the cabin !
I found the description Becky wrote up very accurate. If you're looking for a small, simple,
quiet place to stay I recommend this place. We were looking for an alternative to camping at a state park, and Brig a Doon was perfect. Becky was very friendly and helpful. Notes for next time: its going to be a little buggy down at the dock sometimes, just going to be that way at a lake in summer; would bring "indoor" shoes so as not to track sand into the cabin; would bring a gallon jug to fill and use in the kitchen.”
Owner's Response
“I have noted your request for a container to carry water and will supply a pitcher for that purpose. I am so glad you enjoyed your stay!”
Date of Stay: July 2016
Posted On: 7/15/16 by Eileen M.
“There were strong pros and cons to our stay at the Crannock cabin at Camp Brig O'Doon. As others have said, the lake is delightful for swimming and paddling, and the shore is just a one minute walk away with a few steps down. The area is peaceful, the woods lovely and filled with birds. From the porch you can see lots of trees and hints of the lake beyond. The cabin is spacious and the kitchen well equipped with just enough to allow cooking if you want to. The wood stove kept us cozy on a cold evening. However we found the cabin to be set up a bit awkwardly as the two bathrooms are arranged to allow little privacy - one is in an enclosure carved out of the kitchen, the other in a space you have to walk through if you want to get to the bedrooms or the sink needed for kitchen use. The kitchen bathroom had a moldy smell which leaked into the kitchen/sitting area. The most uncomfortable thing was that we found the cabin in need of cleaning. The refrigerator had food debris in it. The bathroom area had dust and dead bugs on most surfaces. The painted floor boards in the bathroom needed washing and the doors to the toilet in the bathroom area had muddy looking streaks. The paint on the bathroom walls is cracked and peeling so that it can't be cleaned. The bedroom walls are rough hewn lumber which gives a rustic feel but with no wall boards there is accumulated dust on the cross beams. We made the best of it and enjoyed our week but it was hard to totally relax because of the condition of the cabin.”
Owner's Response
“Ms. Linda Maxwell,
I appreciate that you took the time to write a review. I’m sorry that the cabin did not meet your expectations.
The day you arrived there was a lot of wind—wind strong enough to break twigs off of trees. Apparently the wind blew through the cabin after I had cleaned and right before you arrived. I was moving small branches from the paths when you pulled in. After the tour of cabin and grounds, I asked you to please inform me if any problem came up. I said that I would be happy to take care of you concern. I re-washed and dried a bathmat when you asked. I spoke with you daily until your guests arrived and then the four of you seemed busy having a great time. I was greatly taken aback when you left without saying goodbye.
The cabin is advertised as "a camping with a roof over your head” experience. July in the Adirondacks is usually buggy. The cabin is in the woods. The building is not air tight. Bugs are attracted to both water and light. They came inside.
There is a beautiful patina on the wood which is only created through 100 years of cabin life. I am sorry that you expected a more sterile environment.
The other issues that you mentioned, could have easily been solved by me shortly after your arrival, and were resolved the day you left.
I am sad that you chose to not give me the opportunity to make you happier. I cannot fix a problem about which I do not know.”
Date of Stay: August 2015
Posted On: 1/30/16 by Rosemarie B.
“Camp Brig-O-Doon has become our home away from home. We discovered it in 2010 and we just keep coming back! The owner is pleasant and thoughtful, very considerate of the needs of the guests. The rustic cabin is perfect, containing just what one needs for sleeping and preparing meals. Excellent value! All of the above, plus plenty of hiking trails nearby, fresh scent of pine, and beautiful lake for swimming and rowing make Camp Brig-O-Doon a place that we hope to always return to. The owner has become family. It is a joy to be there! ”
Owner's Response
“I love having guests return to Brig O' Doon. Returning guests know the pond and truly enjoy being here. Can't wait for your visit. B”
Date of Stay: August 2015
Posted On: 8/17/15 by Julie M.
“"You know what I like better than our house? This cabin!" That was my 4-year-old's review of Camp Brig O'Doon, and I have to say that the rest of the family agreed with him! The cabin was very spacious, and we spent many, many hours enjoying Osgood Pond; lots of canoeing, some fishing, and tons of bird watching--the loons were unbelievable! Also saw hummingbirds, a peregrine falcon, and early morning bald eagles. We enjoyed the proximity to Saranac Lake, Paul Smith's Visitor Interpretive Center, lots of good hiking, and many other ADK areas of interest. Very fairly priced for the week. Can't wait to return!”
Owner's Response
“I am so glad you had wonderful family experience at Brig O' Doon. I am looking forward to your next visit. Becky”
Date of Stay: July 2015
Posted On: 8/15/15 by Carolyn H.
“Our stay at Brigodoon was exactly what we hoped. The cabin was as described - rustic but very well equipped with everything needed. The best part was access to canoes and a rowboat, with a dock right on Osgood Pond. We were treated to a rare close-up loons sighting, canoed through the canals to Church Pond and even caught a fish. It was the perfect location for Paul Smith's, Lake Placid, and climbing Mt. Marcy. We would like to return in the near future.”
Date of Stay: August 2015
Posted On: 8/15/15 by Barbara R.
“A delightful cabin in the woods with easy access to the pond for swimming and boating.
Enjoyed the porch facing the pond, accessible from both bedrooms. The bedrooms are large with extra seating areas. Fully equipped kitchen made it easy to reheat or prepare meals. Electric teapot came in handy for fast water heating for cooking and beverages. Kitchen did not have a sink. It was awkward washing dishes in one of the bathroom sinks.
Enjoyed the fire pit in the evenings while listening to the call of the loons and reminiscing about our day's excursions. Each cabin had their own fire pit with bountiful wood supply.
A perfect cabin to share with another couple. The only negative would be the layout of the shower which was in-between the bedrooms and the kitchen offering little privacy.
A wonderfully hospitable proprietor topped off a fantastic vacation. A great value. We will be back!
”
Owner's Response
“There is one stainless steel bar sink for kitchen use in the bathroom, and could be designated as only kitchen use. There is a second sink for hand washing, etc. Both toilets are enclosed for privacy. There are 4 closable doors so privacy can be maintained in the bathroom.
It is rented as a one family cabin.”
Date of Stay: July 2015
Posted On: 8/13/15 by Janet B.
“Our stay at Osgood Pond was wonderful. The cabin was spacious and equipped with everything we needed for a comfortable and relaxing time. We were greeted by the sound of the loons in the morning and a short walk brought us to the water's edge where we were able to use the owner's row boat and canoe for exploring the peaceful and scenic lake. We especially enjoyed having the grill and fire pit that accompanied our cabin. Nothing better than veggie burgers over the grill followed by s'mores!”
Date of Stay: July 2013
Posted On: 10/29/13 by Chris J.
“The owner has a couple of canoes and a rowboatle, but I brought along my own kayak. Osgood Pond was a very pretty place to paddle. Paddling up the Jones Pond outlet and into Little Osgood Pond and Church Pond were super! We had cool mornings, and so lit a fire in the wood stove. Plenty of firewood available.The best features of this place were the paddling and the nearby hiking trails. The kitchen facilities were somewhat minimal, but the beauty of the lake more than makes up for this. We'll go again to this very pretty place.”
Owner's Response
“Most people find that they can make do with the provided eating area because they plan simple, camping type meals or eat out. I look forward to your return to Brig O' Doon.
2014 summer it was warm enough that this family did not have to use the wood stove.”
Date of Stay: August 2012
Posted On: 9/4/12 by emily l.
“You would likely enjoy a stay at Brig O'Doon if you appreciate out of the way spaces whose rustic, accommodations offer the essential amenities for comfort after a day of taking in the natural beauty of Osgood or the greater Adirondack Park. We took the advice of other reviewer and reserved Crannoch for our stay. A simple kitchen here; the auto-drip pot waits for you to brew coffee and maybe some toast up some breakfast before you fix sandwiches to pack for your days excursion. Cleanup of pots/pans (there is a selection available if needed) in the RV size sink would have been awkward- no matter since on vacation we want to minimize labor and ate mostly off the gas grill on paper plates, taking advantage of the utensils and coffee cups of the camp If you like to use a lot of towels, bring your own; but the bath towel &wash cloth per person provided was just right, with hand /dish towels also.
The owner kindly put off her own excursion by canoe to allow us to use it, and Osgood is the ideal size for canoe or kayak, with it's convoluted shoreline and secret coves to explore. Shallow water was clean and warm; many aquatic and unusual bog plant species at the margins, as well as numerous bird species to watch. Portions of the shore are park land and so the overall footprint of man on site is diminutive, with private camps that are well spaced, traditional, modest and appropriate to the size of the Osgood. The water is primarily used by other paddlers, or the rare small motor boat. We spent a day mostly at camp and found plenty to do. The cabins are also a nice launch point for hiking nearby trails, a short drive to mountain trails, or town excursion to Saranac (or Lake Placid if you miss crowds and shopping). The experience was thoroughly renewing and affordable on a small family budget. The best way to experience the Adirondacks without giving up indoor plumbing, or a cell signal. We would return and recommend heartily.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, Emily, I am glad you had a good time. It was great to see your family become so engrossed in Osgood wildlife and appreciate the natural habitat. Camp Brig O' Doon is sleeping cabins with a few amenities. Camping with a roof over your head is the best way to describe it. It was nice to meet you, and hope you'll return. Thank you taking the time to write such a thorough review. Becky”
Date of Stay: August 2012
Posted On: 8/9/12 by Laura P.
“Camp Brig O Doon is a quiet little oasis amongst the pine trees. We spent 5 nights in the Apartment and it was perfect for us. It was clean and comfortable and great shelter from the thunderstorms. Becky our host was wonderful providing fans for us to cool down in the evenings. The canoe was wonderful for us to explore Osgood Pond. The water was so cold and refreshing. Everything was great! Thank you!”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, Laura. I am glad you found Brig O' Doon. I hope to see you next summer. Becky”
Date of Stay: August 2012
Posted On: 8/2/12 by Jeff S.
“Quiet. Peaceful. Rustic.
It's called Osgood Pond but it's really a small lake. Just the right size for hearty swims and good canoe rides.
Nothing fancy. Just a little piece of beauty, and a wonderfully helpful owner who showed us to the canoes, told us the best routes to canoe, and pointed us to the best ice cream shop in the area.
The Crannock and the Apartment are two of four cabins that, long ago, comprised a boys camp. Now the owner keeps two cabins for herself and rents out the other two. My wife and I stayed at the Crannock, which has a lovely little porch facing the water. (The Apartment, on the other hand, is about 50 or 100 yards from the water and, though it has access to the water, it has no water view. If you love to look at the water, go for the Crannock, if you can.)
Don't forget to take a canoe out onto the water at twilight, so you can look back and see the moon reflecting off the gentle water.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you, Jeff! You both were charming guests, who really enjoyed being on or in Osgood Pond. I enjoyed the cello music that radiated from your cabin. I hope to see you both another summer. You make a delightful couple and I wish you the happiest of marriages. Becky”
Date of Stay: July 2012
Posted On: 7/28/12 by Bayard K.
“Osgood Pond is a beautiful location. Perfect for swimming and canoeing. We were initially worried that Brigo'doon would be too far from good hiking, but we were wrong; it was a great location. We stayed in the apartment. It was a modest but comfortable place to stay. We cooked all our dinners in the cabin and ate outside at the picnic table. Very restful.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you! I am delighted that your family had a good time. There is a lot to do here. It was great to have you stay at Brig O' Doon. Becky”
Date of Stay: July 2012
Posted On: 7/10/12 by Sue S.
“This is a great place to spent a vacation. The cabin was clean and had everything I needed for cooking and sleeping. The surroundings are beautiful, cool, quiet, and dark at night. The lake is perfect for canoeing in the early morning. Nearby events and attractions kept me busy when I wanted to be. No doubt about it, I will be booking my reservation again for next year.”
Owner's Response
“We love to have returning guests. Some guests even get together for pot luck suppers. The lake offers lots of destinations to paddle---the creek, the river or the canal to Church Pond.”
Date of Stay: July 2012
Posted On: 7/9/12 by Glenn B.
“I suppose most folks heading to the Adirondacks are not looking to stay in a Marriott - if you are, stay in Placid. We wanted a rustic cabin with nothing more to offer than a clean place to sleep and access to Osgood. Our goal was to fish. The camp offered two canoes and a row boat, which were all we needed to get onto the water each day - all day. Brig O'Doon fit the bill perfectly. The cabin we stayed in had everything we needed to be comfortable in a rustic setting. The thoughtfulness of the owner was apparent throughout the cabin. Owner was on site and was ready to attend to any 'need' we came up with. She was friendly, yet yielded to our privacy. There are no neighbors with the exception of one other cabin and the owner's cabin. We awoke to the perfect silence of an Adirondack lake each morning. The fishing was really satisfying and the local history of Paul Smiths is as interesting as of any village in the northern Adirondacks. Bookmarking this camp for future short get-away trips with my family.”
Owner's Response
“I am glad you found Brig O' Doon!”
Date of Stay: July 2012
Posted On: 7/9/12 by heidi c.
“what a wonderful hide away. The apartment was clean , cozy and perfect for a family of 4. The owner was very friendly ensured your comfort during your stay. The description of this cabin was exact. We look forward to returning next year.”
Owner's Response
“I am delighted that you enjoyed camp and look forward to your next visit.”
Date of Stay: August 2010
Posted On: 1/2/12 by Rosemarie B.
“We first visited Camp Brig O' Doon in 2010. Access to Osgood Pond and nearby hiking trails is important to us. The rustic accommodations are homey and comfortable, and the owner is pleasant and thoughtful. Camp Brig O' Doon is a happy find and a perfect fit for our family, and we hope to return every year.”
Owner's Response
“How wonderful it is to have this terrific family return to Camp Brig O' Doon each year. They hike, canoe, and swim everyday and truly enjoy their visit as much as we enjoy having them stay with us. Thanks so much!”
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*Reviews and owner responses are the subjective opinions of the reviewers and owners. They are not the opinions of Adirondack "By Owner", LLC and are not endorsed by us. We do not investigate the accuracy of property listings, reviews, or owner responses. Please see our Important Notice & Disclaimer for more details.
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