I have a theory and I may risk insulting some Adirondack campers, but I wonder if a lot of folks who choose to live in such a remote location would be sympathetic to the escapees. The residents mind their own business, they seem to be used to people breaking into their cabins, they may have a mindset that would "root for the underdogs." They may be, or have been, in a similar situation at some time in their lives. They may not be strict, law-abiding types themselves.
Yep they be backward up there in the north country. If you be a revenuer don't come calling' but if you be a raping, murdering, cop killing, dismembering good 'ol escapee we gots biscuits an gravy waiting on ya we'll leave the light on boys.