Best Dispersed Camping near Brooksville, ME

Dispersed camping near Brooksville, Maine centers on several island locations accessible only by boat, primarily through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). These islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago include Buckle Island, Wheat Island, Marshall Island, and Doliver Island, offering primitive camping experiences in the Gulf of Maine. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free for MITA members, with no reservations required or accepted.

Access to these dispersed campsites requires sea kayaking or boating skills as all locations are boat-in only. Campers must come fully prepared with fresh water as no drinking water sources exist on the islands. Most islands permit campfires except Doliver Island where fires are prohibited. There are no toilets or other facilities, requiring visitors to pack out all waste using wag bags. Pets are allowed on most islands except Marshall Island. Weather and tide conditions significantly impact landing possibilities, particularly at Wheat Island and Doliver Island where high tide landings can be challenging.

The camping experience varies across the islands, with Marshall Island offering the most amenities including tent platforms and picnic tables at its Sand Cove location. The islands provide exceptional stargazing opportunities and scenic coastal views. Buckle Island features a sandy shore making it "perfect for those new to sea kayak camping" with relatively easy landing access. Wheat Island provides "gorgeous views of the Gulf" and proximity to Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at Doliver Island which one camper noted had mosquitoes "pretty bad all day long" even in early September. Doliver Island is described as "small with barely a tent space" but serves as a convenient stopping point for longer kayaking journeys.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Brooksville, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    15 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. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    17 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"

    3. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, 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 on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the"

    4. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brooksville, ME

7 Photos of 4 Brooksville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brooksville, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Brooksville 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 Brooksville

Dispersed camping near Brooksville, Maine revolves around the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) managed islands in the Penobscot Bay region. This coastal area experiences average summer temperatures around 70°F with water temperatures remaining cool even in July and August. Strong winds can develop suddenly in this region, making weather monitoring essential for safe boating to these remote camping destinations.

What to do

Explore neighboring islands: From Wheat Island, paddlers can access Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park. One camper noted this makes Wheat Island "perfect 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."

Night sky viewing: Marshall Island offers exceptional stargazing opportunities at Sand Cove. A visitor shared: "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night—some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!"

Beach combing: Doliver Island features a unique shoreline for shell collectors. According to a camper: "Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door."

What campers like

Beginner-friendly landing spots: Buckle Island is particularly suitable for novice sea kayakers. One reviewer mentioned: "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."

Sunset views: Wheat Island campsites offer spectacular evening vistas. A camper noted they "had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from the larger site on the southwest side.

Lower insect activity on certain islands: Marshall Island reportedly has fewer insects than neighboring islands. One camper observed: "Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none."

What you should know

Landing conditions vary with tides: Several islands require careful planning for arrivals and departures. Wheat Island can be "a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly."

Island size and capacity limitations: Islands have varying capacities with some being quite restricted. Doliver Island is described as "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."

Fresh water requirements: No potable water sources exist on any of the islands. Paddlers must carry all necessary drinking water or know alternatives: "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."

Tips for camping with families

Choose islands with adequate space: Some islands offer more room than others. Marshall Island provides "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site," making it more comfortable for family groups.

Plan shorter paddling routes: For families with children, consider the distances between islands. Buckle Island offers a manageable distance from mainland launch points with "a sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day" providing easier loading and unloading.

Conservation opportunities: Involve children in stewardship activities. On Marshall Island, "if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!"

Tips from RVers

Alternative boat access: Without direct RV camping on the islands, consider hiring local water taxis or guides if sea kayaking isn't feasible. From mainland Brooksville, boating services can transport camping gear to islands like Marshall Island with its two designated camping areas.

Mainland staging locations: While preparing for island camping trips, RVers can temporarily park at certain public boat launches around Brooksville and the Deer Isle peninsula. Plan for secure parking arrangements when leaving vehicles during multi-day island excursions.

Consider base camping alternatives: For those wanting occasional forays to the islands, consider establishing a mainland base camp at an RV-friendly location and taking day trips to explore the dispersed camping islands around Brooksville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Brooksville, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Brooksville, ME is Buckle Island with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Brooksville, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Brooksville, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.