Best Dispersed Camping near St. George, ME
St. George, Maine features distinctive island camping opportunities through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), with several boat-accessible sites scattered throughout the Deer Isle Archipelago. Marshall Island, Wheat Island, Buckle Island, and Doliver Island offer primitive dispersed camping experiences for sea kayakers and boaters seeking solitude in the Gulf of Maine. These islands provide free camping for MITA members with first-come, first-served sites that range from small single-tent clearings to larger group areas with tent platforms and picnic tables. The proximity to Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, makes these islands strategic basecamp locations for exploring the region's protected waters and coastlines.
Access to these camping areas requires careful planning around tides and weather conditions. As one experienced camper notes, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Seasonal considerations include persistent mosquitoes even into September, particularly at sunset. Campers must bring all necessary supplies, as the islands have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Visitors should prepare with fresh water and waste disposal bags. Buckle Island offers easier landing for novice sea kayakers with "a sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day, easy to land on and a short walk to a trail into the woods."
The island camping experience provides exceptional natural rewards despite the primitive conditions. Campers report outstanding stargazing opportunities, particularly at Marshall Island's Sand Cove, described as "some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen." Sunset views are consistently mentioned as highlights across all islands. Wildlife encounters and coastal scenery compensate for the lack of amenities. For emergency resupplies, Swan's Island offers a small grocery store and fresh water access within paddling distance of Marshall Island. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust, which manages some of these areas, encourages environmental stewardship through beach clean-up incentives for visitors.
