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Best Dispersed Camping near Rockland, ME

4 Reviews

Island camping in Maine's Deer Isle Archipelago near Rockland provides free primitive sites accessible only by boat. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) manages several islands including Wheat, Buckle, Doliver, and Marshall Islands, all requiring membership for camping access. These off-grid campsites offer no facilities – campers must pack in fresh water and pack out waste.

Marshall Island features two sites with tent platforms and picnic tables, one near Sand Cove and another on the northeast side. Wheat Island has two areas, including one suitable for larger groups with sunset views. Buckle Island, recommended for novice sea kayakers due to its accessible sandy shore, contains two sites. Doliver Island offers minimal space, accommodating only a single small tent. A camper wrote, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Fire restrictions vary by island – fires are permitted on Wheat, Buckle and Marshall Islands, but prohibited on Doliver. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at sunset, even into early September.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rockland, Maine (4)

    1. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    25 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"

    2. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    26 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"

    3. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    4. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    31 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"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Rockland, ME

7 Photos of 4 Rockland Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rockland, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Rockland 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 Rockland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Rockland, Maine, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes and serene environments. With a variety of islands to explore, each offers unique experiences for campers seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Marshall Island

  • This island features two picturesque sites, one near Sand Cove, perfect for beach fires and stargazing, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate a night under the stars. Check it out at Marshall Island.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Rockland, Maine

  • Be prepared to bring your own fresh water and waste disposal bags, as sites like Wheat Island do not provide these amenities, ensuring a more self-sufficient camping experience.

Gorgeous views await at Buckle Island for dispersed campers

  • Buckle Island offers two sites, one by the shore with stunning sunset views, making it a perfect choice for those new to sea kayak camping. Explore more at Buckle Island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rockland?

Free dispersed camping near Rockland is available through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) on several islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago. Marshall Island offers two camping sites - one near Sand Cove on the southeast side and another on the northeast side of the island. The Sand Cove area features wooded camping spots with beach access. Wheat Island is another option with two sites - a smaller one on the northeast side and a larger one on the southwest side that accommodates groups and provides sunset views. These islands require boat access and MITA membership or day-use fees may apply.

What amenities are available at Rockland dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Rockland are primitive with minimal amenities. Buckle Island has two camping sites - a larger wooded area and a smaller spot near the granite shore, both accessible from the east side of the island. Doliver Island offers a very small tent space but beautiful shell beaches. None of these locations provide fresh water, restroom facilities, or trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. These sites feature natural amenities like scenic coastal views, beach access, and pristine natural settings, but require complete self-sufficiency.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Rockland?

Dispersed camping on islands near Rockland requires adherence to Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) regulations. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles - pack out all trash, use established fire rings only where permitted, and keep sites pristine. Most islands limit stays to 2 consecutive nights. Access to these sites typically requires MITA membership or day permits. Group sizes are restricted based on site capacity - smaller islands like Doliver Island can accommodate very few tents, while larger sites on Marshall and Wheat Islands can handle more campers. Advanced planning is essential as these areas have no facilities and require boat transportation to access.

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