Best Dispersed Camping near Sedgwick, ME
The Deer Isle Archipelago near Sedgwick, Maine offers free dispersed camping exclusively on islands accessible by boat, primarily sea kayak. These sites are managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) and are free for MITA members. Buckle Island features two camping areas - a larger wooded site and a smaller shore site with sunset views, ideal for novice sea kayakers due to its sandy shore. Wheat Island provides two sites with views of the Gulf of Maine and proximity to Isle au Haut, though landing can be challenging at high tide.
Marshall Island stands out with two established camping areas featuring tent platforms and picnic tables. Sand Cove on the southeast side offers exceptional stargazing opportunities and beach access. Doliver Island provides minimal space with "barely a tent space" but serves as a strategic stop when island hopping. All islands require complete self-sufficiency - campers must bring fresh water, use wag bags for waste management, and practice leave-no-trace principles. A visitor noted, "Come prepared with fresh water and wag bags. There is no fresh water for filtering and no toilets." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at sunset, even into early September.
