Tent camping near Sargentville, Maine offers primitive outdoor experiences on islands, beaches, and blueberry fields throughout coastal Hancock County. The region sits on the Blue Hill Peninsula with elevations ranging from sea level to approximately 950 feet at Blue Hill Mountain. Weather conditions from May to October typically range from 50-80°F, with July and August seeing average rainfall of 3-4 inches per month. Campgrounds in this region often require advance preparation for access and specific gear.
What to do
Hike nearby mountains: Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land offers trails with mountain views accessible from beach camping areas. "The hiking is moderate with multiple trails and great views... free camping, not swamped by tourists, fire permitted, great hiking and views, and a beautiful pond that's more like a lake," notes Casey in their review.
Explore Acadia National Park's remote section: Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut provides access to miles of hiking trails. "There are several miles of moderate hikes. Starting in 2018 reservations will be online starting April 1. The campground is open mid May to mid October but the mailboat only goes to the campground from late June to late September; otherwise a 5 mile walk from town," explains Patricia P.
Pick wild blueberries: Seasonal berry picking is available at Continuous Harmony Farm during late July and early August. "Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond. Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens," shares Ashley F.
What campers like
Private island camping: Campers appreciate the solitude of places like Shivers Island near Stonington. "The nearby village of Stonington has all the things you need for an island camping trip. You can even rent kayaks and nearly all the gear you need from Old Quarry Ocean Adventures," writes Shari G.
Beach access: Beach camping with swimming opportunities is popular. At Donnell Pond, Amanda F. reports, "This place is so breathtaking with the views! We boated to the boat with our gear and camped there. There are two beaches that you can camp on that have sites with fire rings and picnic tables. We were able to swim here as well."
Unique settings: Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers camping in working blueberry fields. "We loved our stay at the blueberry fields! This is private land that the owner rents to campers. We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv," describes Heather C.
What you should know
Booking requirements: For popular spots like Duck Harbor in Acadia, reservations open April 1st and fill within minutes. "Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. This remote island off the coast of Maine only has 5 campsites in this part of Acadia National Park, and reservations are required," explains Shari G.
Tidal considerations: Maine coastal islands experience significant tidal fluctuations affecting boat landing. At Nathan Island, "the tide in this area is significant (9-12 vertical feet), so landing at high tide is tricky/impossible on Nathan (and many other islands)."
Human waste disposal: Island camping requires special waste management. "You are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste," notes Shari G. about Saddleback Island.
Weather unpredictability: Coastal fog can roll in quickly, requiring navigation tools. At Shivers Island, "the fog can roll in at any minute so come prepared with a chart, compass, bearings between islands/markers and a marine radio."
Tips for camping with families
Choose walk-in sites: For families with small children, Donnell Pond offers reasonable access. "The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated," shares Erik C.
Consider farm stays: Continuous Harmony Farm provides family-friendly camping with nature sounds. "Listen to the frogs while you camp on this gorgeous farm! Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond. Chill out and watch the sheep," suggests Ashley F.
Pack for varied conditions: Maine's coastal weather can change rapidly. Consider weather protection for children as at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, where "the area was very quiet - at night we only heard the crickets and the wind."
Site availability awareness: Some campgrounds have multiple unmarked sites. Adam B. notes about 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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping in the region lacks hookups. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, "It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed. The owner had a picnic table set up with flower boxes in it, and there was a nice fire ring."
Consider site privacy: Some RV sites offer more seclusion than others. Heather C. notes at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, "There are 4 total campsites, and each offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy. The owner met us when we arrived. Dogs are allowed."
Alternate facilities: Some campgrounds offer basic shared amenities. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, "There was a shared porta potty available for use for all of the campsites."
