Tent camping near Sorrento, Maine offers primitive sites within the rocky coastal terrain of Downeast Maine, where fog regularly rolls in from the Atlantic Ocean during summer mornings. The region sees significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, often dropping below 50°F even in July and August. Most tent sites in this area require campers to be self-sufficient with supplies and equipment due to limited facilities.
What to do
Beach fishing opportunities: Donnell Pond provides accessible fishing spots with several campers reporting success. According to Amanda F., "We went fishing and did catch a couple of fish! These are public/free and first come first serve sites."
Isle au Haut hiking: Duck Harbor Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the remote section of Acadia National Park. Patricia P. notes, "There are several miles of moderate hikes. Starting in 2018 reservations will be online starting April 1."
Blueberry picking: During late summer, several tent camping areas near Sorrento offer wild blueberry picking. A camper at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss shared, "We absolutely loved this site... we swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!"
Mountain views: Tent sites with mountain panoramas provide scenic backdrops for camping. One Donnell Pond camper explained, "This place is so breathtaking with the views! We boated to the boat with our gear and camped there... it was gorgeous with the Mountain View's."
What campers like
Secluded island camping: The Maine Island Trail offers unique tent camping experiences on islands like Nathan Island. A reviewer described it as "perfect for 1-2 small tents and is just a stone's throw away from the famous and beautiful Isle au Haut."
Accessibility of walk-in sites: Some tent camping locations near Sorrento provide relatively easy access despite being walk-in only. A Donnell Pond camper shared, "The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips."
Natural surroundings: Saddleback Island offers tent camping with exceptional natural views. One camper stated, "With a deep, rocky shore, it's the perfect place to make dinner and watch the sunrise or set, all with beautiful views of Mount Desert Island."
Diverse site options: Some properties offer multiple camping spots with varying features. A visitor to Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss noted, "There are 4 total campsites, and each offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy."
What you should know
Tidal considerations: The significant tides impact island camping accessibility. A reviewer warned, "Landing at high tide is tricky/impossible on Nathan (and many other islands)" due to tides that can vary "9-12 vertical feet."
Limited availability: Duck Harbor's reservation system opens April 1st and fills quickly. Patricia P. explains that 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."
Human waste disposal: Shivers Island and other island sites require specific waste management. A reviewer noted, "You are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste."
Weather preparation: Fog can complicate navigation when tent camping on islands. A visitor advised, "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
Check site spacing: Some locations have very tight quarters between tent sites. A visitor to Four Acre Woods Campground observed, "We were shocked to see how close together the sites are (we heard our neighbor snoring)."
Consider water access: Beach areas provide entertainment for children. Amanda F. from Donnell Pond shared, "We were able to swim here as well. We went fishing and did catch a couple of fish!"
Pack for temperature swings: Even summer nights can be chilly in coastal Maine tent sites. Prepare with appropriate sleeping gear for nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly after sunset.
Plan alternative accommodations: The first-come, first-served nature of many tent sites means having backup options is essential. One experienced camper advised, "Since all of the islands are first-come, first-served, have a back-up plan for camping on another island."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Sorrento is primitive tent camping, with few dedicated RV facilities. The majority of island and wilderness sites explicitly don't accommodate RVs.
Site dimensions: Where RVs are permitted, space is typically limited. A reviewer at Rough and Raw noted it's "not big-rig friendly" with primitive sites designed primarily for smaller rigs or tents.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds near Sorrento prohibit generators to maintain the natural quiet. Check individual campground rules before arriving with generator-dependent equipment.
Advance planning required: The few campgrounds accepting RVs fill quickly during peak season. One visitor recommended making reservations well in advance, particularly for summer weekends.
