Tent camping near Islesboro, Maine offers primitive experiences across scattered islands in Penobscot Bay. The tidal range in this region varies between 9-14 feet, creating dramatic shoreline changes throughout the day that campers must plan around. Island camping often requires navigation through foggy conditions that can develop rapidly, with visibility sometimes dropping to less than 100 feet within minutes.
What to do
Blueberry picking in season: Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss campground offers access to rolling blueberry fields during late July and early August. According to one visitor, "We loved our stay at the blueberry fields! This is private land that the owner rents to campers... acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature."
Biking on Isle au Haut: Duck Harbor Campground provides an excellent base for cycling adventures. One camper notes, "This is a beautiful place to camp and an amazing island to explore by bike, by kayak, and on foot."
Farm stays and organic experiences: Continuous Harmony Farm offers unique camping beside a pond where you can "watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens."
What campers like
Privacy on remote islands: Many of the small islands provide exceptional seclusion. At Shivers Island, known locally as "Honeymoon Island," campers appreciate the isolation: "The camping spot is simple... but, what this island lacks in 'amenities' is made up for in beauty all around!"
Star gazing without light pollution: The remote nature of these islands provides exceptional night sky viewing. A camper at Saddleback Island reported, "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."
Farm-to-table experiences: Tops'l Farm creates special weekend events that include meals using local ingredients. As one visitor described, "We participated in a weekend camping event that included a farm to table meal on Saturday evening in their barn... The food is delicious, simple and very satisfying all at the same time."
What you should know
Difficult reservation systems: Access to Duck Harbor Campground requires advance planning due to limited availability. One visitor explains, "If you don't go online within 10 minutes of opening day, April 1st, at 10 am EST, you will miss your chance to stay here for the whole year."
Site identification challenges: At some private properties like Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, locating your specific site can be confusing. One camper noted, "It was a little difficult to find our site as there was nothing labeled, and I tried contacting the host but never received a response."
Proximity between campsites: At Four Acre Woods Campground, expect close neighbors. A reviewer observed, "We were shocked to see how close together the sites are (we heard our neighbor snoring) - there was even a tent 'site' on the hill between the bathhouse and the would pile."
Tips for camping with families
Consider glamping options: For families wanting comfort with nature access, Tops'l Farm offers premium options. According to one visitor, "The cabins are full of creature comforts, including nice sheets and blankets, lanterns, and an overall beautifully appointed space that is still rustic."
Pack all supplies: When camping on islands, bring everything you need. A Duck Harbor camper advises, "You need to bring everything with you (except water) on the mailboat and then walk on a short distance to one of 5 campsites."
Plan for weather variability: Coastal Maine weather changes rapidly. At Nathan Island, visitors note that "the fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio."
Tips from RVers
Limited services available: Most island camping near Islesboro is not suitable for RVs due to boat-only access. On the mainland, Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss can accommodate smaller RVs with basic amenities. One RVer reported: "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."
Base camping strategy: Many RVers use mainland campgrounds as a base and take day trips by boat to the islands. The mainland town of Stonington provides services for supplies and boat transportation.
Consider size limitations: Even mainland campgrounds in the area tend to have smaller sites. A camper at Four Acre Woods noted that "the sites are small and close together," making it unsuitable for larger rigs.
