Tent camping near Salsbury Cove, Maine offers rustic experiences on both mainland and island locations, with several sites situated within 45-60 minutes of Acadia National Park. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 75°F and nighttime lows around 55°F. Coastal fog frequently appears in early mornings, particularly during July and August when humidity levels increase.
What to do
Hiking at Donnell Pond: The trail system at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land provides moderate hiking opportunities about 45 minutes from Acadia. "The hiking is moderate with multiple trails and great views. The campsites are a little cramped unless you have a boat or are a ultralight back packer and want to either cross the lake by boat or hike a few miles to a camp site with a little more privacy," notes Casey.
Blueberry picking: During late July and early August, campers can harvest wild blueberries at Continuous Harmony Farm. "Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens. This experience is available only during blueberry season in late July and early August, and there is a fee!" explains Ashley F.
Paddling to remote islands: The waters around Stonington serve as a launching point for kayak camping on the Maine Island Trail. Paddlers can reach small islands like Nathan Island, where "the camping spot is simple and similar to most backcountry sites: a flat space to pitch your small tent, no toilet, no drinking water, no picnic table, and no reservations possible."
What campers like
Privacy at select sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feel of certain mainland locations. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, "The land was quiet and peaceful - it is acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature. The site we were at had a nice tree, which framed the site... The area was very quiet - at night we only heard the crickets and the wind."
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution, especially on offshore islands, creates exceptional night sky viewing. On Nathan Island, campers enjoy the perfect place to "watch the sunrise or set, and star gaze with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view."
Swimming access: Several campsites offer water access for swimming during summer months. Amanda F. notes about Donnell Pond: "This place is so breathtaking with the views! We boated to the boat with our gear and camped there. This lake is huge so keep that in mind... We were able to swim here as well. We went fishing and did catch a couple of fish!"
What you should know
Challenging island access: Tides significantly impact landing possibilities at island campsites. At Saddleback Island, "the tide in this area is significant (9-14 vertical feet), and landing at high tide is nearly impossible on Saddleback (and many other islands)."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advanced planning while others operate first-come, first-served. For Duck Harbor Campground, "if you don't go online within 10 minutes of opening day, April 1st, at 10 am EST, you will miss your chance to stay here for the whole year."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas near Salsbury Cove provide minimal amenities. At Four Acre Woods Campground, "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site. Only thing is the sites are small and close together."
Tips for camping with families
Check site spacing: At some campgrounds, proximity to neighboring sites can impact family experiences. Regarding Four Acre Woods, one camper noted: "When we arrived we were shocked to see how close together the sites are (we heard our neighbor snoring) - there was even a tent 'site' on the hill between the bathhouse and the would pile."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Coastal Maine experiences significant day-to-night temperature swings, even in summer. A visitor to Rough and Raw described it as "A true hidden gem. We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site."
Confirm site designations: Some locations have unclear boundaries between camping areas. At Continuous Harmony Farm, "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many. The sites are not marked at all."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most primitive sites near Salsbury Cove accommodate tents only. For RVs, Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers some flexibility: "We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv... It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach routes. Heather C. notes that at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, "You are close to Castine, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Stonington. There are numerous hiking trails in the area that can be found on All Trails, as well as easy places to kayak from."
Pack-in requirements: Most RV sites require self-sufficiency. Daniel J. commented that Rough and Raw has "Super cool folks running the place," but visitors need to bring their own supplies as amenities are limited.
