Tent camping on Isle au Haut, Maine and surrounding islands requires careful planning for coastal weather conditions. The region experiences frequent fog events with visibility dropping to near zero, particularly in June and early July when water temperatures remain cold. Camping reservations for Duck Harbor Campground fill within minutes of opening, while the surrounding islands feature open-ocean exposure with minimal protection from wind and waves.
What to do
Hiking on Isle au Haut: Access trails directly from Duck Harbor Campground for day hikes through Acadia's remote section. "This is a beautiful place to camp and an amazing island to explore by bike, by kayak, and on foot. It feels like another world entirely than Mount Dessert Island, where the rest of Acadia National Park is located," notes one camper.
Sea kayaking: Paddle from Stonington to Saddleback Island and nearby camping islands. "With a deep, rocky shore, it's the perfect place to make dinner and watch the sunrise or set, all with beautiful views of Mount Desert Island, the home of Acadia National Park," shares a visitor who explored the area.
Blueberry picking: Visit Continuous Harmony Farm in late July/early August when the blueberry barrens are harvested. "Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens," notes one camper who enjoyed the seasonal activity.
What campers like
Star visibility: Island camping sites offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. At Nathan Island, campers appreciate "star gazing with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view," making it ideal for astrophotography and constellation spotting.
Wildlife viewing: Early risers can watch lobster boats and marine wildlife from shoreline camps. "We swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!" reports a visitor to Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, highlighting the connection to local marine and agricultural traditions.
Privacy options: Some islands accommodate just one or two small tents. A camper called Shivers Island "perfect for just 2 people, known locally as Honeymoon Island," indicating its suitability for couples seeking solitude.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Fog can develop rapidly in this area, requiring navigation equipment. "The fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio," warns a kayaker who camped on Shivers Island.
Tide awareness: Landing spots disappear at high tide on many islands. The region experiences tides of "9-14 vertical feet, and landing at high tide is nearly impossible on Saddleback and many other islands," making tide chart consultation essential.
Waste management: Pack out all waste using special containers. Campers "are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste" on MITA islands, with no toilets available.
Float plans: File trip details with local outfitters before departing. "Leave a float plan before you go out (Old Quarry Ocean Adventures is the perfect spot to do this, as well as launch and park for a small fee)," advises an experienced island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Backup options: Have secondary camping locations identified. Since "all of the islands are first-come, first-served, have a back-up plan for camping on another island" to avoid being stranded if primary sites are occupied.
Noise consideration: Be prepared for early morning fishing activity. Light sleepers should "bring ear plugs" as "you may get awakened by the sound of lobster boats motors, as they start their day pretty darn early."
Alternative camping: For families seeking more amenities, inland options exist. At Rough and Raw campground, visitors find "a true hidden gem" with toilets and showers while still maintaining a primitive camping experience within reach of Isle au Haut.
Tips from RVers
Limited access: Most island camping requires boats; RVs can serve as mainland base camps. One visitor suggested: "Stonington has everything you may need for your island camping adventure" and serves as an ideal launch point.
Farm stays: RVs can access select farms near Deer Isle with water/electric hookups. A camper at Continuous Harmony Farm reported: "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond," though noted "there are several campsites" and "it could be many" campers on busy nights.
Level parking considerations: Blueberry fields offer scenic, level RV parking. "We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv" at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, providing a mainland alternative with "acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature."
