Best Dispersed Camping near Swans Island, ME

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Swans Island? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Maine excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Swans Island, ME (4)

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Recent Dispersed Reviews in Swans Island

4 Reviews of 4 Swans Island Campgrounds


  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Doliver Island
    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckle Island
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheat Island
    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
    Camper-submitted photo from Marshall Island
    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!


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Guide to Swans Island

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Swans Island, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. The area offers stunning views, unique experiences, and a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Swans Island, Maine

  • Be prepared with fresh water, as locations like Buckle Island do not provide any fresh water sources for filtering.
  • Bring wag bags for waste disposal since facilities like toilets are not available at sites such as Doliver Island.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot, as sites are first come, first served, especially at popular locations like Wheat Island.

Stargazing and beach fires while free camping near Swans Island

  • Enjoy some of the best stargazing opportunities at Marshall Island, where clear nights provide a breathtaking view of the stars.
  • Set up a beach fire at Sand Cove on Marshall Island for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • The serene environment of Wheat Island makes it an ideal spot for sunset views and moonlit nights.

Exploring nearby attractions for dispersed campers

  • Take a short paddle to Swan’s Island from Marshall Island for a quick resupply of groceries and fresh water.
  • Experience the remote beauty of Isle au Haut, accessible from Wheat Island, which is part of Acadia National Park.
  • Enjoy the picturesque views of Isle au Haut from Doliver Island, making it a perfect stop during your island-hopping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Swans Island, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Swans Island, ME is Marshall Island with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Swans Island, ME?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Swans Island, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.