Dispersed camping near Lamoine, Maine extends beyond the Maine Island Trail Association options to include several lesser-known sites throughout the region. The area experiences typical northern Maine climate patterns with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and 50-60°F at night. Many sites require advance planning as locations can be difficult to locate without specific coordinates and local knowledge.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Machias Rips Campsite provides excellent fishing access directly on the Machias River. According to camper John R., "I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! (Black and silver Jerk baits work great)" This free campsite serves as a perfect base for anglers looking to explore the river system.
Island exploration: Marshall Island offers extensive hiking opportunities across its 985 acres. One camper notes, "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!" The island's trail system allows campers to traverse between camping areas and explore numerous beaches.
Wildlife viewing: The archipelago between mainland Lamoine and Isle au Haut provides excellent opportunities for observing marine mammals and seabirds. From Wheat Island, campers can position themselves to watch for porpoises, seals, and various bird species that frequent the protected waters of this section of the Gulf of Maine.
What campers like
Pristine night skies: The minimal light pollution at offshore sites creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Marshall Island receives particular praise, with one reviewer sharing: "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!"
Ease of access: Buckle Island stands out for its approachability among the island options. A reviewer notes, "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."
Riverside camping: Free mainland camping at Machias Rips Campsite offers the soothing sounds of flowing water. One camper shared, "It was pretty great to fall asleep to the sounds of the Machias River a stone's throw from our tent." The site provides multiple riverside spots with direct water access.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Machias Rips, experiences vary widely, with one camper reporting, "Most Cell phone carriers won't have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal," while another noted, "We had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice."
Bug preparation: Insect pressure can be intense, particularly at certain sites and seasons. At Doliver Island, a camper warned, "Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long." Similar reports come from mainland sites, with recommendations to "bring your repellent and/or netting."
Landing conditions: Tidal fluctuations significantly impact accessibility to island sites. For Wheat Island, one reviewer advises, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Water access skills and tide chart knowledge are essential for safely reaching and departing from island camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Families new to sea kayaking should consider Buckle Island for their first expedition. The site features "a 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," making it ideal for groups with varying paddling abilities.
Space considerations: Select sites based on group size and tent requirements. While some locations like Machias Rips Campsite offer multiple tent sites and a lean-to that "was large enough for us to pitch our 3 person tent in," other locations like Doliver Island are extremely limited, with one reviewer noting it has "barely a tent space" and is suitable for solo travelers or very small groups.
Water safety: When camping with children on islands, tide awareness becomes critical. The changing water levels can strand boats or create dangerous paddling conditions. Monitoring weather forecasts and planning arrivals/departures around optimal tide conditions prevents potentially dangerous situations.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: The dirt road leading to Machias Rips Campsite has variable conditions but remains accessible to most vehicles. One reviewer reported, "The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle." The campsite offers dedicated RV parking areas separate from tent camping zones.
Amenities evaluation: RVers should note the limited facilities at dispersed sites. At Machias Rips, amenities are restricted to "a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet," with no hookups, water, or dump stations available. Visitors must arrive fully self-contained and prepared to pack out all waste.
