Best Dispersed Camping near Surry, ME
Dispersed camping near Surry, Maine primarily centers around island locations in the Gulf of Maine accessible only by boat. Several free boat-in camping sites include Buckle Island, Marshall Island, Wheat Island, and Doliver Island, all part of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) network. For mainland options, Machias Rips Campsite near Wesley offers primitive camping approximately 60 miles northeast of Surry. These areas provide opportunities for self-sufficient campers seeking remote, no-fee experiences away from developed facilities.
Access to the island sites requires sea kayaking or other watercraft, with landing conditions varying based on tides and weather. Most island campsites have no amenities - no fresh water, toilets, or waste facilities. Campers must bring all supplies including drinking water and waste disposal bags. Machias Rips Campsite, accessible by car from Route 9, features basic amenities including pit toilets and some sites with picnic tables. Fire regulations vary by location - fires are permitted at most sites except Doliver Island, where they are prohibited. Cell service is generally limited, though some visitors report AT&T coverage at Machias Rips.
The island camping experience offers exceptional opportunities for solitude and natural beauty. Marshall Island features tent platforms and picnic tables at designated sites, with Sand Cove providing "a truly gorgeous wooded area" and "perfect for a beach fire and stargazing on a clear night." Wheat Island provides views of Isle au Haut and sunset vistas. Machias Rips Campsite sits directly on the Machias River, where fishing for smallmouth bass and trout is possible. A visitor noted the campground is "one of my favorites in Maine" and "a nature lover's dream." Campers should be prepared for mosquitoes, particularly around sunset, even in early fall. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to MITA members.
