Best Tent Camping near Swans Island, ME

The Deer Isle Archipelago near Swans Island, Maine offers several tent camping options accessible primarily by boat. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains multiple island tent sites including Saddleback Island, Shivers Island, and Nathan Island, all requiring boat access and MITA membership. Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut, part of Acadia National Park, provides five tent sites with lean-to structures that require advance reservations, which typically fill within minutes when released on April 1st each year.

Most island tent sites are primitive with minimal amenities. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, with many locations requiring the use of Wag Bags rather than digging cat holes. The tent sites typically feature flat spaces for small tents, fire rings where permitted, and occasionally picnic tables. No drinking water is available on the islands, and most lack toilet facilities. Significant tidal changes (9-14 vertical feet) affect landing possibilities, making high tide arrivals difficult or impossible at many locations. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog rolling in unexpectedly.

Walk-in tent sites at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land offer an alternative to island camping, with beaches that have fire rings and picnic tables. These first-come, first-served sites can be reached via a half-mile hike from the public parking area. Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for hiking nearby trails and swimming in the pond. "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. The hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips. The spots are secluded enough but not isolated," noted one visitor. For safety when tent camping on islands, visitors should file float plans before departure, bring navigation tools including charts and compasses, and prepare for variable weather conditions.

Best Tent Sites Near Swans Island, Maine (14)

    1. Saddleback Island

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    7 miles
    Website

    "The Maine Island Trail offers 200 islands in which to sea kayak camp and Saddleback Island is one of the many gorgeous options in the Deer Isle Archipelago. "

    2. Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    8 miles
    Website

    "You must heat the water up in another pot already, so why not just chuck in the coffee filter bag directly into the pot? Save a step."

    3. Nathan Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    10 miles
    Website

    "As a nature and wildlife photographer, I’m outside shooting pictures in every type of weather, both on land and sea."

    4. Four Acre Woods Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 314-1587

    $40 - $50 / night

    "All the things you need are there - firewood, water, bathrooms and showers, and even electricity at the site. Only thing is the sites are small and close together."

    5. Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

    2 Reviews
    Isle au Haut, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 335-5551

    $20 / night

    "Camping on in the Duck Harbor Campground is nearly the stuff of legends. "

    "I describe this as "backpacking light". You need to bring everything with you (except water) on the mailboat and then walk on a short distance to one of 5 campsites."

    6. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    3 Reviews
    Brooksville, ME
    22 miles
    +1 (207) 469-8523

    $49 - $69 / night

    "There are 4 total campsites, and each  offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy.  The owner met us when we arrived.  Dogs are allowed.  "

    "This location offers level sites, views of rolling blueberry fields, a picnic table, and other goodies from your host. Lakeisha really takes pride in this property, and it shows."

    8. Rough and Raw

    2 Reviews
    Lamoine, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 667-3244

    $40 - $100 / night

    "We had no idea there was a clothing optional site near Acadia and stumbled across this with hipcamp. A safe and lovely primitive site. We will be back!"

    9. Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond

    3 Reviews
    Franklin, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 941-4412

    "This lake is huge so keep that in mind. We parked at the public dock that has public parking and boated over to the beach."

    "This was really a beautiful spot to set up camp. I stayed here for only 1 night as I had reservations in Acadia (about 45 minutes outside Acadia) but I will absolutely come back in the future."

    10. Continuous Harmony Farm

    2 Reviews
    Lincolnville Center, ME
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 763-3891

    $40 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property, hosted by Doug, on our platform. Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond."

    "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Swans Island, ME

626 Reviews of 14 Swans Island Campgrounds



Guide to Swans Island

Tent camping near Swans Island, Maine, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the great outdoors.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Experience the stunning views and kayaking opportunities at Saddleback Island, where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the serene surroundings of the Deer Isle Archipelago.
  • Explore the picturesque landscapes and hiking trails at Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park, a remote island that provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Nathan Island, where you can camp under the stars and take in the beauty of the Gulf of Maine.

Tent Camping Amenities

Prices for Tent Camping

  • Tent camping at Saddleback Island is free for MITA members, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore the islands.
  • Camping at Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park requires a reservation, with prices typically around $20 per night, offering a well-maintained site with essential amenities.
  • Nathan Island also provides free camping for MITA members, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Swans Island, ME is Saddleback Island with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Swans Island, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.