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Best Dispersed Camping near Blue Hill, ME

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Blue Hill, Maine centers entirely on island locations accessible only by boat or kayak. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains several primitive campsites on islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago including Buckle Island, Marshall Island, Wheat Island, and Doliver Island. These islands feature designated camping areas with minimal to no facilities and require water transportation to access. Membership in MITA provides free access to these sites on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access requires proper planning and watercraft suitable for ocean travel. The islands can only be reached via boat or sea kayak, with varying landing conditions depending on tide levels. Some islands like Wheat and Doliver can be particularly challenging to land on during high tide. Campers must pack in all needed supplies including drinking water as no freshwater sources are available for filtering. No toilets are present, requiring visitors to bring waste disposal bags. Weather conditions can change rapidly, making careful trip planning essential for safety.

The islands provide unique primitive camping experiences with exceptional coastal views and stargazing opportunities. Marshall Island features tent platforms and picnic tables at its Sand Cove sites, which one camper described as "a truly gorgeous wooded area" offering "some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen." Wheat Island provides sunset and moonrise views from its larger southwest site. Buckle Island is noted for its accessibility, with a review stating it's "perfect for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore is easy to land on." Visitors should prepare for seasonal mosquitoes, particularly at dusk. These island campsites remain relatively uncrowded compared to mainland options, though seasonal popularity varies.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Blue Hill, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    19 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"

    2. 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"

    3. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    22 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
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Blue Hill, ME

7 Photos of 4 Blue Hill Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blue Hill, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Blue Hill Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Blue Hill

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blue Hill, Maine, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure. With a variety of islands and unique camping spots, this area offers a perfect escape for those looking to connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Marshall Island

  • This island features two sites, one near Sand Cove, which is ideal for beach fires and stargazing, making it a magical spot for nighttime views. Check it out at Marshall Island.

Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while free camping near Blue Hill

  • Wheat Island offers stunning views of both sunsets and moonrises, especially from its larger site, perfect for groups looking to soak in the natural beauty.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Blue Hill, Maine

  • Be prepared with fresh water and wag bags, as Buckle Island has no fresh water sources or toilets, making it essential to come equipped for a comfortable stay. Learn more about it at Buckle Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Blue Hill dispersed camping located?

Blue Hill dispersed camping is located in the Deer Isle Archipelago in Maine. This area includes several islands that are part of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) network. Wheat Island and Buckle Island are two notable dispersed camping options in this region, offering beautiful coastal sites with scenic views of the surrounding waters. The area provides a unique opportunity for island camping accessible primarily by boat.

What amenities are available at Blue Hill dispersed camping areas?

Blue Hill dispersed camping areas are primitive with minimal to no amenities. Doliver Island exemplifies this with just enough space for tents but no facilities. Most islands in the archipelago feature natural tent sites, beautiful shorelines, and scenic views, but you must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. There's no running water, electricity, or bathroom facilities. These are true wilderness camping experiences where self-sufficiency is essential. Some islands like Marshall Island offer multiple camping spots in wooded areas near gorgeous beaches.

What permits are required for dispersed camping at Blue Hill?

Dispersed camping at Blue Hill requires Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) membership, which serves as your permit for camping on these islands. MITA maintains these sites, including Marshall Island and other locations throughout the archipelago. Membership provides access to the MITA guidebook with detailed information about each island's regulations and usage guidelines. Always check current MITA requirements before planning your trip, as permissions and regulations for these protected island areas may change seasonally.

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