Best Dispersed Camping near Sargentville, ME
The Deer Isle Archipelago near Sargentville, Maine offers several boat-in dispersed camping opportunities through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Four notable islands include Buckle Island, Wheat Island, Marshall Island, and Doliver Island. These primitive sites are free for MITA members and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No permits are required, but proper preparation is essential for these remote locations.
All camping on these islands requires boat access, typically by sea kayak. Buckle Island features two campsites with a sandy shore that makes landing easier for novice paddlers. According to reviews, "This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as the sandy shore is exposed for a good portion of the day." Wheat Island also has two sites, with the southwest site accommodating larger groups and offering sunset views. Marshall Island provides tent platforms and picnic tables at its Sand Cove location.
No drinking water is available on any of these islands. Visitors must pack in all necessary water and use wag bags for waste disposal. Fires are permitted on most islands, with Sand Cove on Marshall Island noted as "perfect for a beach fire and stargazing." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at sunset, even into early September. Tide conditions affect landing difficulty, so proper trip planning is crucial. Several campers noted that Wheat Island and Doliver Island can be "tricky to land on at high tide," requiring careful timing.
For emergency resupply, Swan's Island near Marshall Island has a small grocery store and fresh water access. The nearby Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park, makes these islands good staging points for further exploration, though Duck Harbor Campground reservations are difficult to secure.
