Best Dispersed Camping near Sorrento, ME

Dispersed camping near Sorrento, Maine is primarily concentrated on coastal islands accessible by boat. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains several free primitive campsites on islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago, including Marshall Island, Buckle Island, Wheat Island, and Doliver Island. For mainland options, campers can access Machias Rips Campsite near Wesley, approximately 70 miles northeast of Sorrento. This site sits along the Machias River Corridor Public Lands and provides a more accessible alternative to the boat-in island sites.

Access to the island campsites requires watercraft, typically sea kayaks or small boats. Marshall Island features two designated sites near Sand Cove with tent platforms and picnic tables. Buckle and Wheat Islands each offer two primitive sites, while Doliver Island has limited space for just one tent. The mainland Machias Rips Campsite is accessible via a dirt road off Route 9 with some potholes but passable for standard vehicles. Island sites are completely undeveloped with no services, while Machias Rips includes a maintained pit toilet. None of these areas provide drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

The island campsites offer exceptional stargazing opportunities and coastal solitude. Marshall Island is noted for its relative lack of mosquitoes compared to other islands in the archipelago. A camper noted, "Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night—some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen." At Machias Rips, visitors appreciate the riverside setting and free, primitive camping experience close to major routes. According to one visitor, "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME, this is a nature lover's dream." Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly at Doliver and Wheat Islands, even into early September. Cell service is generally unavailable at these remote sites, though some AT&T users report connectivity at Machias Rips.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sorrento, Maine (6)

    1. Machias Rips Campsite

    5 Reviews
    Beddington, ME
    34 miles
    Website

    "Situated right off of Route 9 between Amherst and Wesley Maine, you can access the Machias River Corridor Public Lands."

    "Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground."

    2. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the"

    3. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but"

    4. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the"

    6. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Sorrento, ME

9 Photos of 6 Sorrento Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Sorrento, ME

9 Reviews of 6 Sorrento Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Not bad for free camping!

    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.

    We spent one night here in the lean-to on our way to the Cutler Coast. 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 and it was pretty great to fall asleep to the sounds of the Machias River a stone's throw from our tent. 

    There was a massive fire pit at the lean-to that we didn't utilize. There was also a fair amount of trash in the site, and oddly enough a lot of chewed bubble gum. The sites are spaced out nicely and there's a fair amount of shade to be had. There is also a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use. 

    All in all, it was a great stopping point that set us up well for our early morning departure to get to the Cutler Coast. I would certainly stay here again if I were in the area.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    River in Maine

    Great free off grid camping near Canadian border. The other previous reviewers did a great job explaining the campground. The only exception is that we had 4 bars of LTE service (AT&T) which was nice. Camp sites today are very buggy- bring your repellent and/or netting.

  • John R.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Amazing FREE Camp Site for All Types of Campers!

    This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream!

    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. Your GPS might not give you an “exact” location but i promise I found the place with no problem!

    The road has a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn’t handle, There is about 4 Sites with river front views and trails leading to the water from each camp. There are also bigger sites for campers and RV’s. There is a site with a wooden protection shelter for tent campers as well!

    New style out houses are on site but other than that it’s completely off grid!

    Most Cell phone carriers won’t have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal, A cell signal booster may work here. Radio signal is fine tho.

    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) The mosquitoes can get bad in the area but fire pits and fires are permitted in the camp and they helped keep me comfortable from bugs!

    There is also a marked trail in the camp that leads deep into the woods, I followed it for about a mile before it got too thick for my interest. Could be the trail that connects to the large pools of water up the river with ADDITIONAL camping there as well.

  • goose10091203 The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Nice enough

    There are about 5 spots. Some are rough and not super flat, but it's pretty and the river is right there. You can hear the highway but it's not too bad. Only real negative for me was nowhere to really walk my dogs, nothing even close to a trail nearby. Just the highway.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Wheat Island

    Gorgeous Views of the Gulf

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one very small one on the northeast side, the other perfect for larger groups on the southwest side. We stayed at the larger site and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising. 

    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. This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. 

    Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). 

    Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Buckle Island

    Perfect island for those new to sea kayak camping

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites – one larger area up in the woods, the other quite small near the granite shore, but both accessible from the east side of the island. We stayed at the site by the shore and had a gorgeous view of the sun setting. 

    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. 

    Come prepared with fresh water(there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Marshall Island

    The Most Magical Island in the Gulf of Maine

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island has 2 sites– one on the southeast side near Sand Cove and the other on the northeast side of the island. 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. Sand Cove is perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night– some of the best stargazing spots we’ve ever seen! 

    Despite the fact that the other islands had pesky mosquitoes, this site had none. Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). If you happen to need a food or water resupply, Swan’s Island is a short paddle away and has a very small grocery store and town office with fresh water. 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!

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Doliver Island

    Spot for Just 1 Tent...Barely!

    One of the MITA (Maine Island Trail Association) camping areas in the Deer Isle Archipelago, this island is small with barely a tent space, but a good stop for us on our 9 day journey and a perfect launching spot for crossing Jericho Bay (4.5 miles) to Marshall Island the next day.   Gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door.

    This can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for mosquitoes. We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad all day long. 

    Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets). Site is first come, first served and completely free for MITA members.

  • Jillian B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2023

    Machias Rips Campsite

    Clean but popular

    Beautiful place. Clean sites. Easy to find and right off rt 9. 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.


Guide to Sorrento

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Sorrento, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sorrento, ME is Machias Rips Campsite with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Sorrento, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Sorrento, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.