Dispersed camping near Belfast, Maine consists primarily of primitive island sites accessible only by boat or sea kayak. The Deer Isle Archipelago offers rustic camping opportunities on several islands managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Tidal patterns affect landing conditions throughout the day, with many locations becoming difficult to access at high tide. Weather in this region is highly variable, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-75°F and frequent fog conditions in early morning hours.
What to do
Explore neighboring islands: From Wheat Island, paddlers can access Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park. "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," notes one camper who found this a convenient base for day trips.
Beach combing: Doliver Island features a distinctive shell-covered beach area with views across to Isle au Haut. A camper observed the "gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door," making it an excellent spot for collecting and identifying native shell specimens.
Stargazing: Clear nights offer exceptional celestial viewing due to minimal light pollution. The open areas near beaches provide unobstructed sky views. A visitor to Marshall Island reported "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!"
What campers like
Sunset views: The western-facing shores of several islands provide unobstructed sunset viewing across the Gulf of Maine. One camper at Wheat Island enjoyed "a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from the southwest campsite, which accommodates larger groups.
Beach fires: Where permitted, campfires on sandy beaches create memorable experiences. Marshall Island has designated fire areas near Sand Cove that offer both warmth and ambiance. The beaches remain warm from stored solar heat even after sunset, making evening gatherings comfortable.
Natural seclusion: The limited number of campsites on each island ensures privacy and quiet. Buckle Island offers "2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore," providing options based on desired experience and weather conditions.
What you should know
Landing conditions vary: Island approaches require careful planning around tidal schedules. "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly," warns one Doliver Island visitor. Some islands feature sandy shores for easier landing, while others have rocky approaches that become challenging as water levels change.
Insect preparedness: Mosquitoes remain active even outside peak summer months. "We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset," reported one Wheat Island camper. Different islands experience varying insect pressure, with some sheltered sites reporting fewer problems.
Self-sufficiency requirement: All camping in this area requires complete preparedness. No fresh water sources exist on these islands, meaning all drinking and cooking water must be carried in. "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)," advises an experienced island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Start with beginner-friendly islands: For families new to sea kayaking, select islands with easier access points. Buckle Island is described as "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."
Consider space limitations: Some islands have very restricted camping areas. Doliver Island has been described as having "barely a tent space" with just enough room for a single small tent, making it unsuitable for families requiring multiple tents or larger shelters.
Pack extra supplies: Weather changes rapidly on the Maine coast, requiring additional clothing, food, and safety gear. Water crossings can become delayed by unexpected weather, potentially extending stays. Supply resupply options are extremely limited, with one camper noting "Swan's Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water."
Tips from RVers
Mainland staging areas: While dispersed camping itself is boat-access only, several public boat launches near Belfast serve as departure points for island camping trips. The Belfast Harbor public boat ramp offers free day parking with overnight options available for a fee. Vehicles with trailers should arrive early during summer months as parking fills quickly.
