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Best Dispersed Camping near Deer Isle, ME

4 Reviews

The Deer Isle Archipelago in Maine offers several boat-in dispersed camping opportunities managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). These primitive island sites include Buckle Island, Wheat Island, Marshall Island, and Doliver Island. All sites are free for MITA members and operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. These islands provide a true wilderness experience for sea kayakers and small boat users seeking remote camping locations in the Gulf of Maine.

Access to all sites requires watercraft, with landing conditions varying by island and tide level. According to reviews, Buckle Island features a sandy shore that makes it particularly suitable for novice sea kayakers, while Wheat Island can be challenging to land on during high tide. Marshall Island, the largest of these sites, contains two designated camping areas with tent platforms and picnic tables at Sand Cove. Doliver Island is notably small, accommodating only a single tent.

No drinking water or toilet facilities exist on any of these islands. Visitors must pack in all necessary fresh water and use wag bags for human waste disposal. Campfires are permitted in designated areas, with Sand Cove on Marshall Island noted as an excellent location for beach fires. Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly at sunset, even into early September. Several campers noted that Marshall Island offers exceptional stargazing opportunities on clear nights. The proximity to Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, makes these islands strategic bases for further exploration of the region. Swan's Island, a short paddle from Marshall Island, provides emergency resupply options with a small grocery store and fresh water access.

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Detours Nearby

Old Quarry Ocean Adventures (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

Old Quarry Ocean Adventures (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

16 min away

Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

18 min away

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Deer Isle, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    7 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
    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 very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the"

    3. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, 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 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
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Deer Isle, ME

7 Photos of 4 Deer Isle Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Deer Isle, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Deer Isle 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. 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.

  • 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!

Guide to Deer Isle

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Deer Isle, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers stunning views, unique experiences, and a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Deer Isle, Maine

  • Be prepared to bring your own fresh water, as locations like Buckle Island do not provide any for filtering.

Enjoy stargazing while free camping near Deer Isle

  • Sites such as Marshall Island offer some of the best stargazing opportunities, especially on clear nights when the sky is filled with stars.

Dispersed campers should check out Wheat Island

  • The scenic views from Wheat Island make it a perfect spot for sunset watching, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping on Deer Isle?

Dispersed camping on Deer Isle is primarily available through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) which manages several islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago. Wheat Island offers two camping sites – a small one on the northeast side and a larger one on the southwest side that's perfect for groups and offers stunning sunset views. Buckle Island also has two sites – a larger wooded area and a smaller spot near the granite shore, both accessible from the east side. You'll need to be a MITA member to legally camp on these islands, and transportation is typically by kayak or small boat.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping on Deer Isle?

Dispersed camping in the Deer Isle Archipelago requires Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) membership, as these islands are part of a managed trail system. Doliver Island and other MITA sites have strict leave-no-trace policies – pack out all trash and waste. Camping is limited to designated areas only, and most islands have a maximum stay of two consecutive nights. Campfires may be restricted during dry periods or prohibited on some islands. Group sizes are typically limited, with Marshall Island accommodating slightly larger groups at specific sites. Check current MITA guidelines before planning your trip, as regulations may change seasonally.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping on Deer Isle?

The prime season for dispersed camping in the Deer Isle Archipelago runs from late May through early October, with July and August offering the warmest temperatures. September provides a sweet spot with fewer crowds, stable weather, and minimal bugs. The islands can experience significant fog in early summer, while fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures. Water conditions around the islands can change quickly, so paddlers should monitor marine forecasts carefully. Winter camping is not recommended due to harsh conditions and limited access. Always check seasonal advisories and wildlife protections that might affect camping availability on specific islands.

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