Best Dispersed Camping near Brooklin, ME

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Brooklin, ME has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Brooklin, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Brooklin, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Brooklin, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    9 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
    11 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
    12 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
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brooklin, ME

7 Photos of 4 Brooklin Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brooklin, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Brooklin 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 Brooklin

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Brooklin, Maine, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes and serene surroundings. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Marshall Island

  • Marshall Island features two picturesque sites, one near Sand Cove, perfect for beach fires and stargazing on clear nights.

Top activities while free camping near Brooklin

  • While staying at Wheat Island, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of sunsets and moonrises, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The small yet charming Buckle Island offers easy access to sandy shores, making it a great choice for those new to sea kayak camping and looking to explore the nearby trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping near Brooklin?

Dispersed camping near Brooklin requires Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) membership, as most sites are on protected islands. Members must follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and use established fire rings only when permitted. Group sizes are restricted - some islands like Doliver have capacity for just a few people, while others can accommodate larger groups. Camping duration is typically limited to 1-2 nights per island. Landing and camping are only allowed at designated sites. Some areas have seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife, particularly during nesting seasons. Always check current MITA guidelines before planning your trip, as regulations may change seasonally.

Are there any free camping sites available in Brooklin, Maine?

Free camping is available near Brooklin through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Wheat Island offers two free sites - a small one on the northeast side and a larger one on the southwest side with sunset views, perfect for groups. Buckle Island also provides free camping with two sites - a woodland area and a smaller spot by the granite shore. Note that while camping on these islands is free, MITA membership is required to access these sites legally. Membership provides detailed maps and information about these and other free island camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Brooklin, Maine?

Dispersed camping opportunities near Brooklin can be found throughout the Deer Isle Archipelago, primarily on islands accessible by boat. Marshall Island offers excellent dispersed camping with two sites - one near Sand Cove on the southeast side and another on the northeast side. The Sand Cove area features gorgeous wooded campsites with shoreline access. Doliver Island provides a smaller dispersed camping option with limited tent space but serves as a strategic stopping point for island-hopping adventures, particularly for those crossing Jericho Bay. All these dispersed sites are part of the Maine Island Trail Association network.