Tent camping near Hulls Cove, Maine offers diverse options from small island sites to mainland forest retreats throughout the Penobscot Bay region. With average summer temperatures between 55-75°F, the area provides comfortable camping conditions from June through September, though nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. The region's abundant granite shorelines create unique camping opportunities with both coastal and inland lake access points.
What to do
Blueberry picking in season: Continuous Harmony Farm allows campers to pick organic blueberries alongside their raking crew during the late July and early August harvest. "Pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens. This experience is available only during blueberry season in late July and early August, and there is a fee!" notes Ashley F.
Sea kayaking to remote islands: The Deer Isle Archipelago provides excellent paddling opportunities to reach islands like Nathan Island, where camping is maintained by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. One experienced kayaker shared, "We stayed 2 nights on Nathan and paddled to Duck Harbor for some day hiking on Isle au Haut," demonstrating how island camping can serve as a base for exploration.
Hiking at Acadia: Duck Harbor Campground serves as an excellent remote basecamp for Acadia National Park trails. Patricia P. explains, "There are several miles of moderate hikes. Starting in 2018 reservations will be online starting April 1. The campground is open mid May to mid October but the mailboat only goes to the campground from late June to late September; otherwise a 5 mile walk from town."
What campers like
Secluded spots with water access: Campers at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land appreciate the combination of privacy and lake access. Amanda F. reports, "We boated to the beach with our gear and camped there. This lake is huge so keep that in mind... There are two beaches that you can camp on that have sites with fire rings and picnic tables... We were able to swim here as well."
Quiet farmland settings: Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers peaceful camping in agricultural landscapes. "The land was quiet and peaceful - it is acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature," notes Heather C., adding "at night we only heard the crickets and the wind."
Clothing-optional experiences: Some campers seek alternative camping experiences near Hulls Cove. Heather G. shared about her stay at Rough and Raw: "A true hidden gem. We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site."
What you should know
Island camping logistics: For the best tent camping near Hulls Cove, Maine that involves islands, preparation is essential. "The fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio," warns Shari G. about Shivers Island, adding that "the tide in this area is significant (9-12 vertical feet), and landing at high tide is nearly impossible."
Waste disposal requirements: Island campers must pack out all waste. Maine Island Trail Association sites require "Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste," and visitors should "leave a float plan before you go out."
Campsite identification challenges: At some smaller campgrounds, site markers may be minimal. Adam B. noted about Continuous Harmony Farm: "The sites are not marked at all and there did not seem to be a way to check in (it was first come first served for us)."
Tips for camping with families
Check site spacing: Look for campgrounds with adequate separation between sites when camping with children. Casey from Donnell Pond warns, "The campsites are a little cramped unless you have a boat or are an ultralight back packer and want to either cross the lake by boat or hike a few miles to a camp site with a little more privacy."
Consider walk-in distance: Some tent sites require a hike to reach. "The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips," reports Erik C. about accessing sites at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land.
Plan for limited facilities: Most tent sites near Hulls Cove have minimal amenities. At Four Acre Woods Campground, Joann notes: "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site," making it a good option for families who need basic amenities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent camping near Hulls Cove focuses on tent sites with few RV accommodations. Heather C. noted at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss: "We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv... It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed."
Consider site privacy: When selecting an RV site, check for separation from other campers. "You are close to Castine, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Stonington," explains Heather C., but warns that "there was one other camper at site 1, and we could also see the owners house, but both were far enough away that we had a great sense of privacy."
