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Best Dispersed Camping near Acadia National Park

9 Reviews

Several boat-access islands in Maine's Deer Isle Archipelago offer free dispersed camping near Acadia National Park through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Marshall Island features two camping areas with tent platforms and picnic tables at Sand Cove, known for exceptional stargazing and beach fires. Buckle Island provides two sites—one in the woods and another along the granite shore—with an accessible sandy beach making it suitable for novice sea kayakers. Wheat Island and Doliver Island offer additional primitive sites with varying capacities. All island sites require campers to bring fresh water and waste bags, as no facilities exist.

For mainland options, Machias Rips Campsite provides free primitive camping approximately an hour from Ellsworth. Located off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley, this site offers multiple tent areas, RV spaces, and a lean-to shelter along the Machias River. A camper noted, "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME, this is a nature lover's dream!" Facilities include pit toilets but no other amenities. The dirt access road can be easily missed but is marked with a blue sign. Most sites feature river access with fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout.

Map showing campgrounds near Acadia National Park, MaineExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Acadia National Park (6)

    1. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the"

    2. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but"

    3. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the"

    4. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    5. Machias Rips Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Beddington, ME
    45 miles
    Website

    "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands."

    "Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground."

    6. Machias River Camp off Route 9

    1 Review
    Beddington, ME
    45 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Acadia National Park

9 Photos of 6 Acadia National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Acadia National Park

9 Reviews of 6 Acadia National Park Campgrounds

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Not bad for free camping!

    Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands. At this particular location, there are 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river.

    We spent one night here in the lean-to on our way to the Cutler Coast. The lean-to was in decent shape but it's definitely been marked by its visitors and has quite the slope to it. It was large enough for us to pitch our 3 person tent in and it was pretty great to fall asleep to the sounds of the Machias River a stone's throw from our tent. 

    There was a massive fire pit at the lean-to that we didn't utilize. There was also a fair amount of trash in the site, and oddly enough a lot of chewed bubble gum. The sites are spaced out nicely and there's a fair amount of shade to be had. There is also a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use. 

    All in all, it was a great stopping point that set us up well for our early morning departure to get to the Cutler Coast. I would certainly stay here again if I were in the area.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    River in Maine

    Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground. The only exception is that we had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice. Camp sites today are very buggy- bring your repellent and/or netting.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Amazing FREE Camp Site for All Types of Campers!

    This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream!

    The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road. Your GPS might not give you an “exact” location but i promise I found the place with no problem!

    The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn’t handle, There is about 4 Sites with river front views and trails leading to the water from each camp. There are also bigger sites for campers and RV’s. There is a site with a wooden protection shelter for tent campers as well!

    New style out houses are on site but other than that it’s completely off grid!

    Most Cell phone carriers won’t have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal, A cell signal booster may work here. Radio signal is fine tho.

    Great spot to fish and swim! I’ve caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! (Black and silver Jerk baits work great) The mosquitoes can get bad in the area but fire pits and fires are permitted in the camp and they helped keep me comfortable from bugs!

    There is also a marked trail in the camp that leads deep into the woods, I followed it for about a mile before it got too thick for my interest. Could be the trail that connects to the large pools of water up the river with ADDITIONAL camping there as well.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Wheat Island

    Gorgeous Views of the Gulf

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising. 

    Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. 

    Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). 

    Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Buckle Island

    Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting. 

    This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day, is easy to land on and a short walk to a trail into the woods. 

    Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Marshall Island

    The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the island. We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen! 

    Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Doliver Island

    Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey and a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day.   Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.

    This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long. 

    Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Site is first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Jillian B.
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Clean but popular

    Beautiful place. Clean sites. Easy to find and right off rt 9. Seems to be a bathroom pit-stop for travelers on rt 9 due to having the maintained bathroom. So lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out.

Guide to Acadia National Park

Dispersed camping near Acadia National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Maine's stunning natural beauty while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some top spots to consider for your next adventure.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Acadia National Park

  • Enjoy breathtaking sunsets and stargazing at Marshall Island, where the wooded areas and beach fires create a magical atmosphere.
  • Experience the sandy shores and easy access to trails at Buckle Island, making it an ideal spot for those new to sea kayak camping.
  • Explore the gorgeous views of the Gulf from Wheat Island, perfect for larger groups looking to enjoy the beauty of nature together.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Acadia National Park in Maine

  • Always come prepared with fresh water, as sites like Doliver Island do not offer any fresh water sources for filtering.
  • Be ready for mosquitoes, especially during sunset hours at places like Wheat Island, where they can be quite bothersome even in early September.
  • Bring wag bags for waste disposal, as many areas, including Buckle Island, do not have toilet facilities.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The Machias River offers a serene backdrop for camping at Machias Rips Campsite, where you can fish and swim right from your site.
  • For those looking to explore further, Machias River Camp off Route 9 provides access to the Machias River Corridor Public Lands, perfect for hiking and nature walks.
  • The stunning views of Isle au Haut from Doliver Island make it a picturesque stop for those traveling through the Deer Isle Archipelago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Acadia National Park?

While Acadia National Park itself doesn't allow dispersed camping, several options exist within driving distance. Machias Rips Campsite is a notable dispersed camping area located about an hour from Ellsworth, right off Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley. This site offers 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites, and a lean-to shelter along the Machias River. The dirt road entrance is marked with a blue sign but can be easy to miss. For those willing to venture into coastal areas, the Deer Isle Archipelago offers island camping options through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), though these require boat access and proper permits.

Is free camping available in or around Acadia National Park?

Free camping options do exist around Acadia, though not within the national park itself. Wheat Island and Buckle Island are free camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, accessible to MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) members. Wheat Island features two sites—a small one on the northeast side and a larger one perfect for groups on the southwest side with beautiful sunset views. Buckle Island also offers two sites: a larger wooded area and a smaller site near the granite shore. Note that these island sites require boat access and proper Leave No Trace practices.

What primitive or backcountry camping options exist in Acadia National Park?

True backcountry camping within Acadia National Park is not permitted, but primitive island camping options exist nearby for those seeking a backcountry experience. Marshall Island offers two primitive sites—one near Sand Cove on the southeast side and another on the northeast side of the island. These wooded sites provide a genuine wilderness experience. Doliver Island is another option, though smaller with limited tent space. It serves as a good stopping point when island-hopping in the region. Both islands are part of the Maine Island Trail Association network and require boat access, proper permits, and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

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