Island camping near Rockland, Maine centers on the Deer Isle Archipelago where several islands offer primitive boat-in campsites. The islands sit in the Gulf of Maine with water temperatures rarely exceeding 60°F even in summer months. Camping opportunities exist through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), which manages over 200 sites along the Maine coast accessible only by watercraft.
What to do
Explore marine wildlife: Sand Cove on Marshall Island offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!" notes camper Shari G.
Island hopping: Access remote sections of Acadia National Park from Wheat Island. "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," reports one visitor.
Beach combing: The small islands feature varied shorelines from granite outcroppings to shell-covered beaches. Doliver Island offers "gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door," according to visitor reviews.
What campers like
Natural isolation: The islands provide genuine seclusion with minimal development. Marshall Island stands out with "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site," according to MITA members who visited.
Beginner-friendly options: Buckle Island provides an entry point for novice kayak campers. One 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."
Conservation opportunities: Some islands offer rewards for helping with conservation. On Marshall Island, "if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!" according to a camper.
What you should know
Membership requirements: Access to all dispersed camping near Rockland requires MITA membership. Sites on all islands are "first come, first served and completely free for MITA members," according to visitor reports.
Landing challenges: Tide levels significantly affect landing conditions. Doliver Island campers warn, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly."
Water planning: No fresh water sources exist on the islands. Campers must bring all water needed. One visitor notes, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Site sizes vary significantly between islands. Some accommodate groups while others are extremely limited. Doliver Island "is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey," according to one family's experience.
Insect preparation: Mosquito activity varies by island and season. Campers report, "Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, [Marshall Island] had none."
Navigation planning: Consider island proximity for multi-day trips. One camper found Doliver Island "a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day."
Tips for RVers
Alternative accommodations: Traditional RV camping isn't possible on the islands. Mainland storage options exist in Rockland and Deer Isle for longer expeditions while camping on the islands.
Equipment transport: Specialized watercraft is required for reaching the islands from mainland launch points. Kayaks and small boats must accommodate all camping gear plus water supplies for the duration of stay.
