The Deer Isle Archipelago provides distinctive dispersed camping opportunities for boaters exploring Maine's coastal waters. Island sites managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) offer primitive free camping near St. George, Maine with boat-in access only. The archipelago experiences average summer temperatures between 65-75°F during peak camping season (June-September), with water temperatures rarely exceeding 60°F even in midsummer.
What to do
Explore the coastline: Marshall Island presents exceptional shoreline exploration with approximately 7 miles of hiking trails that circumnavigate the island. As one visitor described, "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!" Marshall Island offers multiple campsites that serve as ideal basecamps for day hikes.
Island hopping: Navigate between multiple MITA islands in the archipelago for varied camping experiences. Staying at Doliver Island provides "a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day." The small but strategic location features a "gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door."
Beach activities: The sandy shores at several islands provide opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and relaxation. At Buckle Island, campers appreciate that "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," making it particularly suitable for water-based activities.
What campers like
Solitude and scenery: The isolated nature of these islands creates exceptional privacy. At Wheat Island, campers enjoy "a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from the larger site on the southwest side. The island provides "a gorgeous view of the sun setting" that compensates for the primitive conditions.
Accessible launch points: Despite the remote feeling, many islands feature relatively accessible landing areas for kayakers and small boats. Buckle Island is noted as "a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping" because of its gradually sloping beach area that remains accessible throughout most tide cycles.
Strategic positioning: The archipelago offers convenient access to multiple destinations. Wheat Island serves as an excellent base 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 strategic location allows campers to visit restricted areas during daylight hours.
What you should know
Tide awareness: Landing conditions vary significantly with tidal changes. At Doliver Island, "this can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly." Campers should research tide tables and plan arrivals during favorable conditions, typically within 2 hours of low tide.
Self-sufficiency required: No facilities exist on these islands. Campers must "come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)." All supplies including drinking water must be carried in, and all waste packed out. For longer stays, consider that "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."
Space limitations: Some islands offer extremely limited camping space. Doliver Island is described as "small with barely a tent space," making it suitable for solo travelers or as a one-night stopover rather than an extended stay destination.
Tips for camping with families
Choose larger sites: Family groups should target islands with more spacious camping areas. Marshall Island offers "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site," providing more comfortable accommodations for groups with children.
Consider bug protection: Insect activity varies by location and season. As one camper noted about Marshall Island, "Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none." Families should pack appropriate repellents and protective clothing, particularly for evening hours.
Plan shorter crossings: For families with less paddling experience, choose islands closer to mainland launch points. Buckle Island provides no-cost camping that's more accessible for beginners, with reviewers noting it's "perfect for those new to sea kayak camping" due to its more forgiving landing conditions.
Tips from RVers
Base operations from mainland: While the islands themselves don't accommodate vehicles, RVers can establish base camps at mainland facilities near boat launches. Several public and private campgrounds within 10 miles of launch points allow RV camping with shore access.
Storage considerations: Secure parking for tow vehicles and trailers is limited near water access points. Plan to arrive early at launch sites during peak season (July-August) to secure parking, or research paid storage options for multi-day island excursions.
