Dispersed camping near Sorrento, Maine centers around remote sites that require various levels of planning and preparation. The Deer Isle Archipelago offers multiple island camping opportunities within the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) network. Most sites lack facilities and require watercraft access. During summer months, water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine average 55-60°F, creating significant hazards for unprepared paddlers heading to island campsites.
What to do
Explore nearby Acadia National Park from island base camps: Wheat Island serves as an excellent base for visiting Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park. According to one camper at Wheat Island, "Perfect island 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."
Search for shells on pristine beaches: Island camping provides access to untouched shorelines. At Doliver Island, visitors appreciate the "Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door." Despite its small size, the island offers rewarding beachcombing opportunities.
Fish the Machias River: Free camping sites along the Machias River provide excellent fishing access. One visitor to Machias Rips Campsite reports, "Great spot to fish and swim! I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! Black and silver Jerk baits work great."
What campers like
Easy-access island camping for beginners: Some islands offer more approachable landing sites. A camper at Buckle Island noted, "This is a perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping as 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."
Convenient mainland base camp: For those preferring mainland camping, Machias Rips Campsite offers accessibility without sacrificing natural beauty. A reviewer commented, "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands. At this particular location, there are 2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river."
Clear night skies: The remote coastal location provides exceptional celestial viewing. A Marshall Island visitor shared, "We stayed at one of the 2 sites near Sand Cove which is a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site."
What you should know
Cell service varies widely: Connectivity depends on carrier and exact location. At Machias Rips Campsite, one camper reported, "We had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice," while others noted, "Most Cell phone carriers won't have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal."
Tide considerations affect landings: Plan island arrivals carefully. A visitor to Doliver Island cautions, "This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly."
Bring complete supplies: All sites require self-sufficiency. Campers consistently advise bringing "fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)."
Tips for camping with families
Book MITA membership for island access: Free camping on many islands requires Maine Island Trail Association membership. A Marshall Island camper notes, "Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members. And, if you do a beach clean-up during your stay and send in a picture, you will receive a Maine Coast Heritage Trust hat!"
Choose sites with appropriate capacity: Island sites vary dramatically in size. A Buckle Island visitor explains, "This island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore."
Consider lean-to options for easier setup: At Machias Rips, the lean-to shelter offers additional protection. A camper described, "The lean-to was in decent shape but it's definitely been marked by its visitors and has quite the slope to it. It was large enough for us to pitch our 3 person tent in."
Tips from RVers
Check access road conditions before arrival: The roads to mainland dispersed sites may have seasonal issues. At Machias Rips, a visitor observed, "The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle."
Be prepared for day visitors: Popular dispersed sites may experience traffic. A recent Machias Rips camper mentioned, "Seems to be a bathroom pit-stop for travelers on rt 9 due to having the maintained bathroom. So lots of traffic driving in, using the toilet and then driving right back out."
Use visual landmarks when navigating: Finding unmarked sites can be challenging. A Machias Rips visitor advised, "The dirt road leading to the camp can be easily missed if not paying attention! But is clearly marked with a blue sign at the head of the road."
