Dispersed camping near Mount Desert, Maine centers around island sites and inland locations on the Atlantic coast. The region experiences a humid continental climate with moderately warm summers and cold winters. Tidal fluctuations of 8-12 feet impact island accessibility, requiring precise planning for arrival and departure when boat camping.
What to do
Explore the Machias River: Machias Rips Campsite provides excellent fishing opportunities along the riverbank. "I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! (Black and silver Jerk baits work great)," notes one Machias Rips visitor. The river also offers swimming spots during warmer months.
Island hopping: Many campers use Buckle Island as a base camp for exploring the surrounding archipelago. "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," reports a Buckle Island camper.
Stargazing: Without light pollution, the islands provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. The Gulf of Maine islands offer clear night skies when weather permits, with Sand Cove on Marshall Island noted for its excellent stargazing conditions.
What campers like
Convenient river access: The Machias Rips location provides convenient road access while maintaining a natural setting. "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands. At this particular location, there are 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river," shares a Machias Rips camper.
Island privacy: The multiple camping areas on Marshall Island allow for secluded experiences. "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."
Shell collecting: Beaches on several islands provide opportunities for shell hunting. Doliver Island features a "gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut," according to one visitor.
What you should know
Maine Island Trail Association membership: Free camping on Gulf of Maine islands requires MITA membership. Sites are "first come, first served and completely free for MITA members," notes a Doliver Island visitor. Non-members must obtain permission through other means or find alternative sites.
No freshwater sources: All island sites require campers to bring their own drinking water. "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)," advises one island camper. Pack accordingly, calculating at least 2 liters per person per day.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain prevalent through September on many sites. "Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset," warns a camper. Bring appropriate repellent, netting, and clothing.
Cell service variability: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. While most islands have limited to no service, some inland areas may have surprising connectivity. "We had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice," reports one Machias Rips visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites carefully: Space constraints can affect camping comfort. Some sites like Doliver Island are "small with barely a tent space," while others offer more room. For families, Buckle Island provides easier access with its "sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day."
Consider toileting needs: No island sites have toilet facilities. Machias Rips Campsite offers "a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use," making it more suitable for families with young children.
Plan for limited supplies: Wheat Island visitors note the importance of adequate provisioning. "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)." Families should pack additional supplies beyond what adults might require.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads to free camping near Mount Desert, Maine can present challenges. "The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road," notes a Machias Rips visitor. "The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."
Limited RV options: Most free camping in the region is either boat-in or small sites. Machias Rips Campsite is one of the few options with designated RV spaces, offering "2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river."
Off-grid preparation: No hookups exist at any free camping areas. "Other than that it's completely off grid!" reports a Machias Rips camper. RVers should arrive with full water tanks, charged batteries, and empty waste tanks.
