Dispersed camping opportunities near Surry, Maine extend beyond the Gulf of Maine island locations. Free camping areas in this region include primitive sites with varying access requirements and amenities. The terrain ranges from coastal woodlands to riverside clearings, with most dispersed sites requiring self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Campers should prepare for limited facilities and variable weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Machias River provides excellent fishing for smallmouth bass and trout. At Machias Rips Campsite, campers report success using "black and silver jerk baits" according to John R., who notes that the riverside location offers convenient access to productive fishing spots.
Water activities: Sea kayaking serves as both transportation and recreation at many dispersed sites. For beginners, Buckle Island offers accessible paddling with "a 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," as noted by reviewer Shari G.
Stargazing: Island camping provides exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. The Sand Cove area offers "some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen," according to one camper's experience at Marshall Island.
What campers like
Off-grid solitude: The remote nature of these sites appeals to those seeking isolation. Machias Rips Campsite sits "only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME" yet feels completely remote, with a camper describing it as "a nature lover's dream."
Riverside camping: Direct access to moving water creates both ambiance and recreation opportunities. At Machias Rips Campsite, one camper appreciated "falling asleep to the sounds of the Machias River a stone's throw from our tent."
Scenic sunsets: Wheat Island offers spectacular evening views, with one visitor reporting "a gorgeous view of the sun setting and full moon rising" from the larger campsite on the southwest side of the island.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many island sites require careful planning around tides. Wheat Island "can be a tricky island to land on at high tide, so plan accordingly," warns one experienced camper. Similarly, Doliver Island presents landing difficulties at high tide.
Supply requirements: No freshwater sources exist on the islands, requiring campers to pack all water needs. As one visitor to Doliver Island advises: "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes remain active even in early fall. A camper at Wheat Island noted, "We thought we were passed mosquito season in early September, but alas, they were pretty bad at sunset."
Membership benefits: Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) membership provides free access to many island campsites. Several islands including Buckle Island offer "sites are first come, first served and completely free for MITA members."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose larger sites when camping with children. Marshall Island offers more spacious accommodations with "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site" near Sand Cove.
Bathroom considerations: Mainland options provide more facilities for families. Machias Rips Campsite features "a relatively new and quite clean pit toilet available for use," making it more suitable for families than the island locations with no facilities.
Emergency communications: Cell coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Machias Rips, one visitor reported "4 bars of LTE service (AT&T)," while others note limited or no service with other carriers.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to free camping areas may have rough sections. The route to Machias Rips Campsite has "a few pot holes but nothing my stock (Low to the ground) Dodge Caravan couldn't handle," according to reviewer John R.
Finding sites: GPS directions may be incomplete for remote locations. For Machias Rips, a camper advises "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."
Site availability: Machias Rips offers limited RV accommodation with "2 RV sites, 3 tent sites and a lean-to shelter, all situated right on the bank of the river," providing one of the few free camping options for RVs near Surry.
