The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) manages several boat-in dispersed camping islands near Bernard, Maine. These primitive coastal sites offer solitude and natural beauty in the Deer Isle Archipelago, a cluster of small islands in Maine's Penobscot Bay. Sea kayakers frequently visit these islands during summer months when Gulf of Maine conditions are most favorable. Camping requires proper equipment and preparation for tidal conditions.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Marshall Island features exceptional night sky viewing, particularly from Sand Cove. "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!" notes reviewer Shari G. about Marshall Island.
Explore Acadia National Park: Wheat Island serves as an excellent base for visiting the remote sections of Acadia. According to a camper, Wheat Island is the "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." Wheat Island provides easier access to this less-visited area.
Beach exploration: The islands feature diverse shorelines from sandy beaches to granite shores. Doliver Island offers a "Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door," making it ideal for beachcombing despite its limited camping space.
What campers like
Sunset views: Several islands offer prime sunset viewing locations. On Buckle Island, campers appreciate that "We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting." The granite shoreline provides a natural viewing platform.
Beginner-friendly options: Some islands are more suitable for those new to sea kayak camping. Buckle Island receives praise 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."
Conservation opportunities: Several islands participate in conservation programs. At Marshall Island, campers can contribute to environmental efforts: "if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!"
What you should know
Tide-dependent access: Landing conditions vary significantly with tide levels. For Doliver Island, one reviewer notes, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Similar challenges exist at Wheat Island, requiring careful trip planning around tide schedules.
No facilities available: All islands require complete self-sufficiency. "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)," advises a Buckle Island visitor. Each island camping experience requires packing in all supplies and packing out all waste.
Membership requirements: While sites are free, they require MITA membership for legitimate use. Sites across all islands are "first come, first served and completely free for MITA members." Annual membership supports maintenance of these primitive island sites.
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Some islands offer more room for group camping than others. For families, Wheat Island has two sites including "one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side." The southwest site accommodates families better.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain active well into early fall. "We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset," warns a Wheat Island camper. Bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing for evening hours.
Emergency planning: Nearby inhabited islands can provide emergency supplies if needed. Marshall Island visitors note, "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." This provides a safety buffer for family trips.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: The boat-in nature of dispersed camping near Bernard makes traditional RV camping impossible. However, Marshall Island offers tent platforms that provide a stable camping surface: "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."
Weather considerations: Coastal Maine weather can change rapidly, requiring appropriate planning. RV campers accustomed to weather protection should note that these primitive sites offer minimal shelter options, and coastal storms can develop quickly.
