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Best Dispersed Camping near Thorndike, ME

4 Reviews

Several boat-accessible island campsites managed by the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) are located in the Deer Isle Archipelago approximately 45 miles southeast of Thorndike. These free primitive sites include Buckle Island, Wheat Island, Marshall Island, and Doliver Island, all requiring sea kayak or boat access. No fresh water is available on any of these islands, and campers must pack out all waste using wag bags as there are no toilet facilities.

Marshall Island offers the most developed experience with two camping areas featuring tent platforms and picnic tables at Sand Cove on the southeast side. A recent review noted this location as having "some of the best stargazing spots we've ever seen!" Buckle Island provides easier access for novice sea kayakers with "a sandy shore, which is exposed for a good portion of the day." Both Wheat Island and Doliver Island have more challenging landings at high tide. Sites are first-come, first-served and free for MITA members, though Doliver Island has extremely limited capacity with "barely a tent space" according to visitor reports.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Thorndike, Maine (4)

    1. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "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"

    2. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "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"

    3. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225

    "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"

    4. Doliver Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 761-8225
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Thorndike, ME

7 Photos of 4 Thorndike Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Thorndike, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Thorndike Campgrounds

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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
    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
    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!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

Guide to Thorndike

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Thorndike, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy stunning views, serene surroundings, and the freedom to explore.

Gorgeous Views of the Gulf while free camping near Thorndike

  • Experience breathtaking sunsets and moonrises at Wheat Island, a perfect spot for larger groups looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Deer Isle Archipelago.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Thorndike, Maine

  • Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the evening hours, as noted by visitors at Doliver Island, where the small tent space can be a cozy yet challenging experience.

Perfect Island for New Sea Kayak Campers

  • If you're new to sea kayak camping, Buckle Island offers easy access to sandy shores and a short walk into the woods, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Thorndike, ME?

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

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Thorndike, ME?

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

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