Dispersed camping near Ellsworth, Maine provides primitive backcountry options beyond the island-based sites in the Deer Isle area. Most locations require self-sufficiency with temperatures ranging from summer highs around 75°F to fall lows in the 40s. Free camping options include riverside sites along the Machias River and remote island camping throughout Maine's coastal waterways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Machias River offers productive fishing for smallmouth bass, chubs, and trout. One camper at Machias Rips Campsite reports "Black and silver Jerk baits work great" for catching various fish species in the river adjacent to the campsites.
Hiking exploration: Follow marked trails from campsites into surrounding woodland areas. At Machias Rips, a visitor noted "a marked trail in the camp that leads deep into the woods" which they followed "for about a mile before it got too thick" and may connect to additional camping areas upriver.
Island exploration: Sea kayakers can paddle between multiple islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago. Wheat Island serves as "a perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park," providing an alternative base camp when the official Duck Harbor Campground is fully booked.
What campers like
Solitude and nature immersion: The remote location of most dispersed sites ensures minimal crowds and natural surroundings. Campsites along the Machias River are described as "a nature lover's dream" with multiple riverfront viewing locations and trails connecting each site to the water.
Astronomical viewing: Dark skies provide exceptional stargazing opportunities from island camping locations. Marshall Island campers report Sand Cove is "perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night" with exceptional visibility.
Ease of access: Some primitive sites offer surprisingly convenient access from main roads. One camper noted that Machias Rips is "situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine" and can be reached by standard vehicles despite the dirt access road having "a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."
Beginner-friendly options: Buckle Island is noted as "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."
What you should know
Required preparations: Visitors to island sites must bring all necessary supplies. For Wheat Island camping, one visitor advises: "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)."
Insect conditions: Mosquitoes remain prevalent even in early fall at many sites. A Wheat Island camper warned: "We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset."
Space limitations: Some camping areas offer minimal space. 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 the next day."
Bathroom facilities: Most dispersed sites lack bathroom facilities, though Machias Rips has "a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use." Other sites require packing out human waste.
Landing conditions: Tidal patterns affect waterfront access. One camper notes Doliver Island "can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with adequate space and amenities for children. Marshall Island offers "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site" providing stable surfaces for family camping setups.
Water safety: Monitor tides and currents when camping with children near water. The shell-covered beach at Doliver Island offers water access with "a beautiful view of Isle au Haut," but requires supervision due to changing tidal conditions.
Shelter options: The lean-to at Machias Rips provides weather protection but requires inspection. One camper reported it "was in decent shape but it's definitely been marked by its visitors and has quite the slope to it" yet was "large enough for us to pitch our 3 person tent in."
Tips from RVers
Access verification: Check road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles. The Machias Rips dirt road "can be easily missed if not paying attention" but "is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road" making navigation possible with proper planning.
Connectivity planning: Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier. While one camper reported "Most cell phone carriers won't have service" at Machias Rips, another noted "4 bars of LTE service (AT&T)" at the same location, indicating the need to verify coverage for specific carriers.
Campsite options: RVers can find limited but suitable dispersed camping at specific locations. Machias Rips features "2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river" providing options for various camping setups.
