I debated myself on this before I started full timing. I decided to keep my 12 inch electric chain saw with the 12 ft pole. I almost decided not to knowing about the state and federal campground regulations.
The first park I used it in was a county park in Hollywood, FL. It was a pull through site with an oak tree branch hanging too low for my AC. I talked to the ranger and she understood but said they were short staffed. To make a long story short I was able to use my pole and saw to cut that branch.
The second park I used it in, I was parked next to a large hammock with invasive pepper trees. I knew I was going to be there a couple of years. Park management told me to cut all I wanted as they did not have the man power. I did and it made for a much more comfortable site.
The next time I pulled into a park south of Orlando with oak tree branches hanging way to close to the top of the 5'er. I talked to park management and they told me the owners were gone due to family illness and to feel free to cut what I needed. This was right before Charley came through. I stood in the bed of my truck with the pole and got the job done.
Unusual circumstances for sure. But I was glad I had it. I store it retracted across the bottom of my front storage bay. I keep a plastic back and towel bungee corded around it to prevent oil leaking and protect the blades and my fiver. I don't find it to be in the way as I consider it part of my cargo.
I think, for me, it's having it on the pole that makes me keep it. If it was just a chain saw without the pole I probably would not bother. I would not carry gas.
I may never need it again. But my father gave it to me and I helped out many a neighbor when I lived in a brick and mortar. I may have the opportunity again.
So my vote goes for a chain saw as long it's on 12 ft pole.