The islands of Maine are some of the best destinations for sea kayaking and camping in the world. To paddle out to an island and stay overnight is an incredible outdoor adventure. I found one of my favorite quotes about sea kayak camping on a plaque inside a cabin on an island off the coast of Maine.
“If once you have slept on an island
You’ll never be quite the same.“
— Rachel Field
Overnight adventures on islands on the Maine coast are possible due to the dedicated efforts of many conservation groups. The 375-mile Maine Island Trail is one of the premier water trails for boaters in the US. Extending from the New Hampshire border to Canada, there are over 200 islands to visit and camp on. Having your own ocean-front campsite is thrilling.
Related post -> The Best Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures Beyond Acadia
The campsites are primitive, and you need to carry in and carry out everything, including human waste. Some islands are closed during certain periods of the year to protect nesting birds. To have access to the free camping islands, join the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). Upon signing up with the $45 registration fee, you will receive a guidebook listing descriptions and directions to all the islands.
The following areas along the Maine coast stand out for overnight trips. The suggested camping islands are open to the public. There are also MITA islands in the areas to camp on to extend your trip. The islands are very ecologically fragile so use the best Leave No Trace practices.
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Gear for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
The proper gear for sea kayak camping makes a big difference in comfort and safety. Like backpacking, everything you bring should be small and compact. However, unlike backpacking, you don’t need to be so weight-conscious. Sea kayaks are a melange of odd, tight spaces. Therefore, pack gear in compact dry bag units that can be stuffed in every available space.
Sea Kayak Camping Gear Systems
I use a systems approach to what I bring on a sea kayaking overnight camping trip. My post on The Best Gear for Fantastic Sea Kayaking Camping Adventures will explain the systems in greater detail. Briefly, this is the equipment I bring on an overnight camping trip on the coast of Maine.
Shelter system: Tent and cooking tarp
Sleeping system: Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp pillow
Camp kitchen system: Camp stove, pot set, kitchen knife, spice kit, thermos, camp chair
Storage system: Dry bags, chart case, phone case
Cape Porpoise Islands for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
The Cape Porpoise Islands area near Kennebunkport has three gorgeous islands for primitive camping. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust caretakes the islands and handles online reservations. It’s convenient to base camp on one island and do day paddling trips in the Cape Porpoise area.
Vaughn Island is nearest the shore and has a spacious oak tree-shaded campsite. If the weather gets rough, you can walk back to the mainland at low tide. Trott Island has an easy-to-land site on the south end with space for three tents in the pine woods. The high cobbled beach is great for watching the sunset. Cape Island has a more difficult landing but has a blustery open ocean feel if you walk around the island.
Be sure to take a day paddle over to Goat Island when camping in the Cape Porpoise Islands. Strolling on the 3.5-acre island is a walk through history. Wander by the old boathouse built in 1905. The lighthouse was built in 1833 and still functions to keep boats off the rocks. Ask the lighthouse keeper if you can tour the lighthouse. From the light tower, you can see the whole expanse of the coast. There is also an excellent view of Walker Point, the George Bush family compound.
Goose Rocks Beach is also a fun paddle. When you are tired of playing in the surf waves in your kayak, you can stretch out for some sun on the 3-mile-long soft sand beach.
Cape Porpoise Islands logistics
Local rentals are available from Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike. The launch site near the causeway on Pier Road is inaccessible at low tide, so make sure to put in and take out on the top half of the tide. The nearby Pier 77 restaurant has stunning views of the harbor. The popular favorite Clam Shack in Kennebunkport serves exquisitely fresh seafood.
Stay in nearby Kennebunkport to enjoy this charming coastal town. The Lodge at Turbot Creek is a short distance to the launch near Vaughn Island.
Related post -> Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures in the Cape Porpoise Islands
Casco Bay Islands for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
Casco Bay is the southernmost of the big coastal Maine bays. It extends from Portland to the peninsulas south of Brunswick. There are endless sea kayaking trips possible in Casco Bay.
Jewell Island, one of Casco Bay’s outermost islands, is a popular camping destination. This large island once served as the harbor defense installation to protect Portland during WW II. Remnants of the old military battery are found along hiking trails on the island. These artifacts tell the story of the military history of Jewell Island’s fortress. A tower on the south end of the island has amazing views of the expanse of Casco Bay.
There are numerous campsites with nearby privies on the island to choose from. A western anchorage at Cocktail Cove often has many cruising boats, so sea kayakers will find quieter campsites on the south end of the island. The exposure to the vast Atlantic Ocean from these campsites is exhilarating. You can be stranded on Jewell for several days in a Nor’easter storm. Therefore, pay close attention to the marine forecast before you venture out, or bring a good book and extra food to wait it out.
On a calm day, Eagle Island is a superb day paddle from one of the Casco Bay camping islands such as Jewell or Bangs. Eagle Island, the summer home of Arctic explorer Robert Peary, has a museum and trails on a high bluff over the ocean. It’s a 2-3 mile paddle from Bangs or Jewell Island.
The Goslings Islands
For paddlers interested in a kayak trip that is less exposed to the open ocean, the Goslings are charming islands tucked snuggly in the inner bay. Camp on one of the Goslings and explore the other as you can walk across the channel at low tide.
Casco Bay Islands logistics
Sea kayak rentals are available to experienced ocean kayakers from Portland Paddle or take one of their guided Casco Bay overnight trips. A hand-carry launch at Sandy Point Beach near Cousins Island is about a 7-mile paddle to Jewell Island or 5 miles to the Goslings. You can also put in and take out near high tide at Winslow Memorial Park in Freeport. If you miss the top half of the tide, prepare to slog through the mud for quite a distance. Been there!
Lodging around Freeport is charming and sometimes hard to find in mid-summer. The Harraseeket Inn is a historic property with an on-site restaurant and tavern. You’ll also have a fireplace in your room and a pool for taking a swim.
On-shore camping is at Winslow Park or Wolf’s Neck Oceanfront Camping in Freeport. Launching in both places is strictly on the top half of the tide.
Mid Coast Islands for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
The large tidal rivers of the Mid Coast have protected islands snugged between peninsulas for wonderful paddling adventures. Wake up on a grassy knoll and watch the lobster boats work while you enjoy your morning coffee.
One favorite trip is to camp on Beal Island on the Sasanoa River below Wiscasset and then cross the Sheepscot River to camp on the islands around Isle of Springs the next day.
Beal Island is owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), so you book a campsite through them. Beal has a convenient ocean-side camp kitchen and campfire ring. Tents are set up in the spacious meadow above the beach. A privy is available. Magical trails with goat’s beard moss hanging from the trees wind through the forest around the island.
The put-in is at AMC-owned Knubble Bay. Beal Island is one mile from Knubble Bay so it’s a short paddle if you get a late start to your camping trip. Areas to explore around Beal are Robinhood Cove and Five Islands. A partly sunken hull of an old shipwreck in Robinhood Cove is fun to paddle through.
Five Islands, a quintessential Maine village with a working lobster pound restaurant, is a must-visit destination. Be mindful of the currents in Goose Rock Passage on your paddle there. If you paddle on an ebbing tide, you’ll have an easy ride into the Sheepscot River. At a picnic table on Five Islands, nosh on a lobster roll while you admire the picture-perfect harbor and lighthouses in the distance.
Sheepscot River Islands
Cross over the Sheepscot River to find many camping islands surrounding the Isle of Springs. Camping is limited on some until July 1 because of nesting ospreys. The Spectacle Islands are a twin dose of beauty to explore. A camping area with a picnic table and campfire ring is on the south island. Don’t miss the gorgeous beach roses along the spit joining the two islands at low tide.
Mid Coast Islands Logistics
The outfitter Seaspray Kayaking has boat rentals they will deliver to Knubble Bay and most of the Mid Coast.
Lodging can be found in Bath or Booth Bay depending on where you want to put in. However, we found the Ocean Gate Resort in Southport to be perfect for a quick sea kayaking vacation. The seaside hotel has sea kayaks and paddleboards you can use to paddle out to the beautiful Isle of Springs islands. We also loved their pool, hot tub, and delicious homemade breakfast every morning.
Muscongus Bay Islands for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
Muscongus Bay is the next significant bay after the great tidal rivers and is the doorstep to well-known Monhegan Island with its thriving artist community. Add a day to your vacation to take the ferry from New Harbor or Port Clyde to Monhegan. You can browse art galleries and walk the beautiful trails to some of the highest cliff-side overlooks on the Maine coast.
Muscongus is from the Abenaki word for “fishing place”. The plethora of lobster trap buoys in the bay attests to its exceptional lobster fishing. The bay has distinct ridges of islands radiating out from the mainland. You can poke around in tiny island coves and channels with emerald-green and blue water like the Caribbean.
A perfect 3-day trip starts at the Hatchet Cove launch in Friendship. Paddle 4 miles to Crow Island on the west side of the bay to camp. Crow is in the shadow of National Audubon Society-owned Hog island. A quick paddle over to hike the wildlife refuge on Hog is a lovely day trip from Crow.
Spend the next night on Black Island, a sweet spot amid the ridge of islands mid-bay. Hang a hammock at the wooded campsite on the northwest point to enjoy ocean breezes and views as you relax and unplug. Although you’ll never want to leave in the morning, the paddle back to Hatchet Cove is a protected 3.5 miles.
Muscongus Bay Islands Logistics
Midcoast Kayak rents single and tandem sea kayaks to paddlers with rescue experience. They also have recreational kayaks and standup paddleboards for people who want to explore closer to shore. If you just want to explore the Damariscotta River for a few hours, you won’t be disappointed.
For accommodations before and after your trip, consider the Hawks House Inn in Walpole. It’s a quaint farmhouse inn with helpful hosts.
Deer Isle Islands for Maine Sea Kayak Camping
The beautiful archipelago of islands off Deer Isle near Stonington is a paddler’s paradise. Merchant Row between Stonington and Isle Au Haut has 65 islands, many open to exploring and camping.
The summertime is extremely busy around Stonington with parking scarce and boat traffic weaving in and out between islands. It’s such a gorgeous place to kayak that it’s worth the bustle, just know that you won’t find isolation amid the islands. Therefore, this area is particularly nice in the offseason.
A recommended trip is to put in at the Colwell Boat Ramp in Stonington and head out to one of the many camping islands. Hell’s Half Acre is a tiny gem for camping in the thick of Merchant’s Row. From the breezy tent platforms, you can watch the historic two-masted schooners sail by. The schooners’ crews use many of the small islands to have their lobster picnics on the shore. If you are lucky enough to be on an island they are using, you may be invited to join the feast.
Some of the islands near Deer Isle were quarried for the pink granite used in 19th-century public buildings in cities along the Eastern seaboard. You can still see the remnants of these quarries on the islands. Green Island has a swimmable quarry that offers a refreshing side trip on your kayaking adventure.
The jewel of Merchant Row is Isle Au Haut, a part of Acadia National Park, with 18 miles of spectacular hiking trails. If you camp on Harbor or Wheat Island you will be staged perfectly to visit Isle Au Haut on a day paddle. With advance reservations, you can also camp at the national park campground at Duck Harbor.
Duck Harbor Campground on Isle Au Haut
I’ve camped at all the campgrounds in Acadia National Park and by far and away the most beautiful campground is Duck Harbor. This remote campground is located on the stunning Isle Au Haut. This gorgeous island is located in Penobscot Bay. Access is by mailboat ferry from Stonington. I have also sea kayaked out to Duck Harbor many times, launching in Stonington. Most of the south end of Isle Au Haut is preserved by Acadia National Park. The campsite is on a cove facing the open ocean. There are 5 remote campsites with wooden 3-sided shelters at each one. There is a water spigot, picnic tables, and a composting outhouse.
Besides the splendid oceanfront campsites, the best part of Duck Harbor campground is the proximity to magnificent hiking trails. The over 20 miles of trails wind over rocky headlands with views of the crashing surf below, through spruce and fir forests, and up to the highest point on the island.
While not for everyone, Duck Harbor campground will pull at the heartstrings of any outdoor adventurer looking for the quintessential Maine island experience.
Deer Isle Islands Logistics
Stonington Paddle has kayak rentals for those who are at least intermediate paddlers. Lodging is limited in the Stonington area so your best bet for places to stay is in Ellsworth. Camping on Isle Au Haut at the Duck Harbor campground is delightful. You can either paddle out to Isle Au Haut on a calm day or take the ferry. Either way, you need advance reservations.
Related post -> The Most Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures of Swan’s Island Maine
Wrap Up of Maine Island Sea Kayak Camping
I’ve been paddling and camping on the Maine coast since 1983. While I have shared with you some of the amazing islands on the coast of Maine for sea kayak camping, there are many more I’ve visited and stayed on. Once you have sea kayaked on the Maine coast, it’s in your blood. There are endless sweet coves to drift through, islands to set up camp, sunsets to watch, seals to observe, and tide pools to explore.
However, the islands are fragile and well-loved. Practice Leave No Trace specific to Maine’s fragile islands.
Additionally, make sure you have the experience needed to sea kayak the waters of the Maine coast. Weather is unpredictable. Know the marine forecast and tides before you venture out. Have a flexible itinerary so you can stay put on an island if the weather and winds worsen. Being windbound is not an unusual part of a sea kayak trip.
May your winds be fair and your seas be following. Enjoy your Maine island sea kayak camping experience. Maybe I’ll see you out there.
Related post -> Sea Kayaking the Bold Coast of Maine
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I wrote an earlier version of this article for Vermont Sports Magazine.
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8 Comments
Jen · June 30, 2022 at 9:29 pm
Gee, I know a particular DIV III that starts with that very same quote and could be used as a reference when sea kayaking the coast of Maine! I do have to say though that Hells half acre is so heavily Used there are better islands off deer Isle. We got to spend a week camping out at great George head right at the sandbar and it was magical.
Sue Tippett · July 1, 2022 at 6:47 am
So much great info here. Your years of experience provide so much for others to take advantage of. Thank you.
Alisha dos Santos · August 1, 2022 at 8:18 am
This sounds like a really cool adventure! Paddling and visiting lighthouses are a couple of my favorite things to do. Thank you for sharing your favorite islands!
Karen · August 7, 2022 at 11:54 am
There are so many wonderful paddling adventures in Maine. I hope to continue to add as there are so many.
A Capone Connection · March 29, 2023 at 9:36 pm
First, your pictures are so beautiful. Also, this looks like an incredible adventure. I’d love to try this some day. Thank you so much for the inspiration and helpful tips.
Jenn Record · March 30, 2023 at 7:00 am
Stunningly beautiful! I have a few friends with summer shacks on Casco Bay..totally sharing this post with them…
Angela · March 31, 2023 at 7:24 am
Hearing the words sea kayaking sends shivers up my spine as I am so useless at it. Memories of going around in circles in the South China sea in a kayak come to mind! That said, this looks like such an idyllic location it might be worth just giving it another chance.
Destiny · March 31, 2023 at 12:17 pm
This sounds like quite the epic adventure! And such a great detailed guide. I am hoping to sea kayak for the first time when I visit Norway and this gave me some piece of mind!