Island Camping

From ocean archipelagos to isles in a lake or river, there are many settings for island camping in Maine. On salt water, the 375-mile Maine Island Trail from Kittery to Machias Bay has publicly owned islands accessible for camping and day use.

Hermit Island Campground overlooking Casco Bay in Phippsburg has 275 campsites located near sandy beaches, on rocky cliffs, along the tidal harbor, and in the forested interior. Warren Island State Park and Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut each offer an open ocean camping experience, while Swan Island is in the Kennebec River in Richmond and has lean-to shelters and primitive camping sites. Reservations must be made in advance and campers can access the island by canoe or kayak.

Large lakes like Moosehead, Flagstaff and the Upper and Lower Richardson Lakes have public islands accessible to campers.

There are many coastal outfitters and kayak businesses offering overnight island camping trips. The Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors and the Maine Professional Guides Association can help travelers with an island camping experience.