Island camping on Maine's coastal waters provides primitive camping options for those with sea kayaking or boating skills near Union, Maine. The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) maintains several boat-accessible islands where members can camp for free on a first-come, first-served basis. This region requires careful planning due to limited amenities, changeable weather conditions, and tide considerations that impact landing accessibility.
What to do
Island hopping adventures: Plan multi-day excursions between the islands in the Deer Isle Archipelago. Wheat Island serves as a strategic base for exploring nearby attractions. "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," notes one MITA member who visited.
Beach combing and shell collecting: The islands feature various shorelines with natural treasures. Doliver Island offers "a gorgeous shell covered beach and a beautiful view of Isle au Haut, just next door," according to visitor reviews. The small size makes it ideal for day exploration rather than extended stays.
Wildlife observation: Marine wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the protected waters between islands. Watch for harbor seals, porpoises, and numerous bird species that inhabit the coastline. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing conditions when animals are most active.
What campers like
Secluded camping experiences: The limited number of sites per island creates truly private camping environments. Marshall Island features "a truly gorgeous wooded area with a tent platform and a picnic table at each site" near Sand Cove, creating comfortable primitive camping conditions.
Accessible shorelines: Some islands feature more approachable landings than others. Buckle Island stands out as "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," according to an experienced MITA member.
Night sky viewing: The remote island locations provide exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Campers report exceptional celestial viewing opportunities from the beaches, especially on clear nights when the Milky Way becomes visible overhead.
What you should know
Tide planning requirements: Several islands become difficult to access during high tide periods. Research tide tables carefully before departure and plan arrivals during favorable conditions. Some islands require careful timing for safe landing and launching of watercraft.
Supply considerations: No fresh water sources exist on the islands, requiring visitors to carry all drinking water. "Come prepared with fresh water (there is no fresh water for filtering) and wag bags (no toilets)," advises a regular visitor to these islands.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes remain active throughout the summer season and into early fall. Experienced visitors recommend bringing appropriate insect protection even in September when bugs might be expected to subside. Some islands experience varying mosquito activity levels at different times of day.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Start with islands featuring easier landings and established camping areas for first family kayak camping trips. Shorter paddling distances from mainland launch points provide safer conditions for inexperienced youngsters.
Supply resupply points: For longer family trips, plan around potential resupply locations. "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," notes one review.
Conservation learning opportunities: Incorporate environmental education into family trips through beach cleanup activities. Some conservation organizations that manage these islands offer incentives for cleanup participation. These activities teach children about marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
Tips from RVers
Mainland base camps: RV travelers seeking free camping near Union, Maine can establish mainland base camps at designated sites, then rent or bring kayaks for day trips to the islands. Several boat launch facilities within the region provide access points for water entry.
Equipment considerations: RVers should consider storage limitations when planning island excursions. Foldable or inflatable watercraft may fit better with RV travel plans than hard-shell boats requiring exterior transport. Weather-appropriate gear storage becomes essential for successful island day trips.
