The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Vinalhaven, ME

4 Reviews

Four boat-in islands in Maine's Deer Isle Archipelago near Vinalhaven provide primitive backcountry camping options for Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) members. These islands - Marshall, Wheat, Buckle, and Doliver - are completely free for MITA members on a first-come, first-served basis. All require careful tide planning for access.

The islands vary significantly in size and capacity. Marshall Island offers two camping areas with tent platforms and picnic tables near Sand Cove on the southeast side or on the northeast side of the island. Wheat and Buckle Islands each provide two campsites, while Doliver Island has just one small site barely large enough for a single tent. Boondocking on these islands requires complete self-sufficiency. "Come prepared with fresh water and wag bags as there is no fresh water for filtering and no toilets," noted a camper who visited multiple islands. Fire restrictions vary by island, with fires prohibited on Doliver Island but permitted on the others.

Map showing campgrounds near Vinalhaven, MaineExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Vinalhaven, Maine (4)

    1. Wheat Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    11 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"

    2. Buckle Island

    1 Review
    Stonington, ME
    13 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"

    3. Doliver Island

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

    4. Marshall Island

    1 Review
    Swans Island, ME
    17 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"

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Vinalhaven Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Vinalhaven, ME

7 Photos of 4 Vinalhaven Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Vinalhaven, ME

4 Reviews of 4 Vinalhaven 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 Vinalhaven

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Vinalhaven, Maine, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. The area offers stunning landscapes and unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Stargazing Opportunities While Free Camping Near Vinalhaven

  • Enjoy breathtaking stargazing at Marshall Island, where clear nights provide some of the best views of the night sky, perfect for astronomy lovers.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Witness gorgeous sunsets and moonrises from Wheat Island, where the larger camping site offers an unobstructed view of the Gulf, making it an ideal spot for photography.

Ideal Spots for New Sea Kayak Campers

  • Buckle Island is perfect for those new to sea kayak camping, featuring sandy shores that are easy to land on and access to trails leading into the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

Keep Exploring