Best Dispersed Camping near Coopers Mills, ME
Dispersed camping near Coopers Mills, Maine centers on island sites accessible only by boat, specifically in the Deer Isle Archipelago. These islands are part of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) network and provide primitive camping opportunities for sea kayakers and other boaters. Buckle Island, Wheat Island, and Doliver Island offer free camping sites for MITA members on a first-come, first-served basis. Each island features limited designated camping areas with no facilities or amenities, providing an authentic backcountry experience on Maine's coastal waters.
Access to these dispersed camping islands requires watercraft, primarily sea kayaks or small boats capable of shore landings. Visitors should plan carefully around tides, as landing conditions vary significantly between high and low tide at certain locations. Wheat Island and Doliver Island can be particularly challenging to access during high tide periods. No fresh water sources exist on these islands, requiring campers to pack in all drinking water. Fire regulations vary by island, with fires permitted on Buckle and Wheat Islands but prohibited on Doliver Island. All sites require pack-in/pack-out practices and the use of waste bags for human waste.
These island camping areas provide exceptional coastal Maine experiences with views of the Gulf of Maine and surrounding islands. "This island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, both accessible from the east side of the island," a camper wrote about Buckle Island, noting it as "perfect for those new to sea kayak camping." Wheat Island offers views of sunsets and the full moon with proximity to Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park. Doliver Island is notably small with "barely a tent space" but features a "gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, though visitors should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly at sunset, even into early September. The islands' remoteness ensures solitude but requires thorough preparation for self-sufficient camping.
