Dispersed camping near Chamberlain, Maine involves a network of island destinations primarily concentrated in the Gulf of Maine. These boat-access-only locations provide primitive camping opportunities with minimal infrastructure throughout the Deer Isle Archipelago and surrounding waters. Access requires careful planning around tides and weather patterns, with most sites suitable only for experienced paddlers or boaters familiar with coastal navigation and self-sufficient wilderness camping techniques.
What to do
Explore neighboring islands: Wheat Island serves as an excellent base for exploring Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park. According to one camper, it's "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."
Enjoy coastal scenery: The Buckle Island camping area provides exceptional sunset viewing opportunities from its shore sites. "We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting," notes one visitor. The island features both wooded and shoreline campsites accessible from the east side.
Watch celestial events: Coastal locations offer excellent night sky viewing when weather permits. One camper at Wheat Island described having "a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from the larger southwest campsite, making it ideal for astrophotography and stargazing.
What campers like
Easy landing areas: Some islands provide more accessible landing spots for kayakers. One experienced paddler noted that Buckle Island "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."
Strategic positioning: Doliver Island serves as a practical stopping point for multi-day paddling journeys. A camper explained it was "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."
Natural beaches: Several islands feature distinctive shorelines with natural materials. One visitor to Doliver Island mentioned its "Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door," highlighting the natural collecting opportunities available at low tide.
What you should know
Limited camping space: Some islands offer extremely restricted camping areas. Doliver Island provides "barely a tent space" according to one reviewer, making it suitable only for solo campers or very small groups with minimal gear requirements.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain active even into early fall. Multiple campers report significant mosquito activity in September. A visitor noted, "We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long" on Doliver Island.
Self-sufficiency requirements: No facilities exist on any of the dispersed camping islands. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including drinking water and waste disposal equipment. One camper advises to "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)" for Buckle Island visits.
Tips for camping with families
Choose larger sites: Some islands offer more suitable spaces for groups with children. The southwest site on Wheat Island is described as "perfect for larger groups" compared to the "very small" northeast site, providing more room for family equipment and activities.
Consider landing difficulty: Tide timing affects landing difficulty significantly. Several islands present challenges at high tide. One experienced paddler warns that Wheat Island "can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly," which becomes especially important when managing boats with children.
Membership requirements: Free camping near Chamberlain, Maine on these islands requires Maine Island Trail Association membership. All reviewers note that "Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members," making membership acquisition an essential pre-trip step for families.
Tips from RVers
Alternative base camps: RVers seeking to explore the islands should establish mainland base camps and arrange water transportation. No RV facilities exist on any of the dispersed camping islands in the region, requiring day trips or separate tent camping arrangements for island exploration.
Equipment considerations: Kayak or small boat transportation from mainland to islands requires specialized equipment for launching and securing watercraft. RVers planning water excursions need roof racks, trailers, or other transport solutions to access the free camping near Chamberlain's island destinations.
