Best Dispersed Camping near Deer Isle, ME

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.

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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Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

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



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

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Deer Isle, ME?

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

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

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