Best Tent Camping near Winter Harbor, ME

Public lands surrounding Winter Harbor, Maine offer diverse tent camping options, from coastal sites to inland forest settings. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land provides walk-in tent campsites with mountain views and lakeside access about 30 minutes from Winter Harbor. Duck Harbor Campground in Acadia National Park offers five tent-only sites on Isle au Haut, accessible by mailboat from Stonington or by sea kayak. The Maine Island Trail features numerous islands with primitive tent camping opportunities, including Nathan Island and Shivers Island, which are only accessible by boat.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with Donnell Pond sites requiring a half-mile walk from the parking area. Duck Harbor requires reservations, which open April 1st and fill within minutes. Primitive tent camping on Maine Island Trail sites requires membership in the Maine Island Trail Association. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, as most sites lack drinking water. Basic toilets are available at Donnell Pond parking areas but not at beach campsites. Fire rings are provided at most established sites, though fires are prohibited on some islands. Significant tides (9-14 feet) affect coastal camping, making high-tide landings difficult or impossible at island locations.

Tent-only camping experiences vary significantly across the region. According to reviews, Donnell Pond offers secluded sites with mountain views where "spots are secluded enough but not isolated." One camper noted that "the hike in is only about 1/2 mile so it's totally doable even if you need to make two trips." For backcountry tent camping, the Maine islands provide exceptional solitude. Island sites typically accommodate only 1-2 small tents and feature flat spaces for pitching tents with rocky shores nearby. Weather conditions change rapidly, with fog rolling in quickly along the coast. Campers should prepare for variable conditions and bring appropriate navigation tools when accessing remote tent campsites. The area's natural beauty and relative seclusion make it particularly appealing for tent campers seeking a genuine outdoor experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Winter Harbor, Maine (14)

    1. Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond

    3 Reviews
    Franklin, ME
    15 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."

    2. Rough and Raw

    2 Reviews
    Lamoine, ME
    15 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!"

    3. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    3 Reviews
    Brooksville, ME
    30 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."

    4. Saddleback Island

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    29 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. "

    5. Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    30 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."

    6. Four Acre Woods Campground

    2 Reviews
    Stonington, ME
    28 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."

    7. Nathan Island

    1 Review
    Isle au Haut, ME
    34 miles
    Website

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

    8. Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park

    2 Reviews
    Isle au Haut, ME
    37 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."

    10. Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake

    1 Review
    Machiasport, ME
    44 miles
    +1 (347) 595-3963

    $42 / night

    "Amazing lakefront lot, very private and comes with a big common area to BBQ and clean Port-a-Potty on the top of the 1 acre sloped lot. Brought our own kayak to enjoy Gardner and Second Lakes!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Winter Harbor, ME

588 Reviews of 14 Winter Harbor Campgrounds



Guide to Winter Harbor

Tent camping near Winter Harbor, Maine offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with various campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Winter Harbor

  • For a secluded experience, consider camping at Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond, where you can enjoy a half-mile hike to your site and the tranquility of nature.
  • If you're looking for a picturesque spot, Saddleback Island provides free camping with breathtaking views and is perfect for small tents or cabin rentals.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Duck Harbor Campground — Acadia National Park requires a boat or a hike to reach, offering a truly remote camping experience.

Tent campers should check out Shivers Island

  • Shivers Island — Settlement Quarry Preserve is a hidden gem with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a quiet getaway.
  • This island offers a simple camping experience with no amenities, allowing you to fully embrace the backcountry vibe while enjoying stunning sunsets.
  • The nearby village of Stonington provides access to supplies and kayak rentals, making it easy to explore the surrounding waters.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Experience the breathtaking scenery at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, where you can pick fresh blueberries and enjoy a serene environment.
  • For a unique experience, Rough and Raw offers a clothing-optional camping option, perfect for those looking to embrace nature in a different way.
  • Explore the hiking trails and stunning views at Nathan Island, where you can camp for free and enjoy the beauty of the Maine coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winter Harbor, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winter Harbor, ME is Donnell Pond — Donnel Pond with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Winter Harbor, ME?

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