Camping in Maine is almost an institution! If you spent your summers here as a child, you might be familiar with the smell of campfires and the sound of gentle waves meeting the shore nearby. While any place surrounded by nature in Maine is nice, we found a campground that feels truly special. These waterside campsites will have you booking a spot months in advance.

Hermit Island Campground is one of the most beautiful places in Maine to lay your head!
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
It's located on 255 acres of the peninsula in Small Point at the south end tip of Phippsburg.
Facebook/Hermit Island Campground
Contrary to the name, Hermit Island is not actually an island.
It's actually connected to Phippsburg via a small, sandy causeway.
Yelp/August L.
The island is great for people who want a small area to enjoy - it's not very large!
In fact, it's only about 1.5 miles long and a half mile wide at its widest point.
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
But, the real joy here are the camping spots that overlook the beach.
This is a tent-only site that gets full sun right next to the beach!
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
Most of the campsites can be found on the southern end of Hermit Island.
But the northern area is where you'll find lots of hiking trails, beaches and the (small!) marina and wharf.
Yelp/August L.
People come for the camping, but stay for the utterly perfect Maine experience!
And, maybe the sunsets have something to do with its draw.
Yelp/Lorena A
Or maybe it's the beauty found here when spring and summer are in full bloom.
The harbor side campsites are what Maine camping dreams are made of!
Yelp/Melinda C.
And, on those days when summery dreams aren't exactly coming true...
Campers can relax by the fire inside the The Kelp Shed, which is open from 9am to 10pm.
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
They also have a gift shop...
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
a general store...
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
...and all the secret beach paths your heart desires.
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook

To learn more about Hermit Island Campground, visit their website or visit them on Facebook. They’re taking reservations for 2017 dates from June 23 to September 3, as well as Memorial Day weekend. Sites are a bit pricey, ranging from about $70 for a weekend oceanfront prime spot to about $42 for weekday value spot. The off-season runs from May 19th to June 22nd and then again from Labor day to Columbus day. This time period is a good value at $40 per night. But, we truly believe these prices are worth the stay! For all the beauty available here, it’s a bargain!

For our other favorite waterfront camping spots, check out this article!

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