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Best Dispersed Camping near Jackson, ME

4 Reviews

Dispersed camping in Maine's coastal islands offers unique boat-in wilderness experiences across several small islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago. These sites are managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) and provide primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. The islands of Buckle, Wheat, Marshall, and Doliver require sea kayak or small boat access, with no facilities, drinking water, or established toilets available. Campers must pack in all supplies and use "wag bags" for waste disposal.

Marshall Island stands out with tent platforms, picnic tables, and exceptional stargazing opportunities at Sand Cove. Several islands feature challenging landings dependent on tide conditions. According to one visitor, Buckle Island is "perfect for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore is easy to land on," while Wheat Island provides "gorgeous views of the sun setting and full moon rising." All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free for MITA members. Seasonal considerations include mosquitoes, which remain active into September at most locations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Jackson, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    41 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
    43 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
    46 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
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Jackson, ME

7 Photos of 4 Jackson Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Jackson, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Jackson Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Wheat Island

    Gorgeous Views of the Gulf

    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 southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising. 

    Perfect island for exploring the close-by Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but very hard to get reservations at Duck Harbor Campground. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. 

    Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). 

    Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Buckle Island

    Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping

    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 both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting. 

    This is 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. 

    Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Marshall Island

    The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine

    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 island. We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen! 

    Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Doliver Island

    Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is 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.   Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.

    This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long. 

    Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Site is first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

Guide to Jackson

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Jackson, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. The area offers stunning views, unique islands, and a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Jackson, Maine

  • Be prepared to bring your own fresh water, as locations like Buckle Island do not provide any for filtering.

Dispersed campers should check out Wheat Island

  • The larger site on Wheat Island offers breathtaking sunset views and is perfect for larger groups looking to explore the nearby Isle au Haut.

Stargazing opportunities at Marshall Island

  • The site near Sand Cove on Marshall Island is renowned for its stargazing, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy clear night skies and a peaceful atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Jackson, ME?

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

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

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

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