Hermit Island Campground Office

- 42 Front St, Bath, ME 04530

Hermit Island Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is an enduring Maine tradition, a beloved coastal sanctuary located on a 255-acre peninsula near Phippsburg. Known for its deeply rustic, family-oriented atmosphere, this seasonal campground has been capturing the hearts of campers for generations since its establishment in 1952. It proudly maintains a 'roughing it' ethos, prioritizing the natural, uncommercialized island experience over modern creature comforts.

The core identity of Hermit Island revolves around its connection to the sea and the simple pleasures of the Maine woods. This is a place where you are encouraged to truly disconnect—there are no electrical hookups on sites, and cell service is reliably unreliable. As many dedicated campers attest, the lack of luxurious facilities is entirely intentional; it is what preserves the island's unique charm and prevents the area from becoming overly developed.

The campground offers a variety of sites—271 unique spots—nestled along rocky cliffs, deep in the forest, or right on the shore of the salty North Atlantic. Whether you are seeking the sound of crashing waves or the quiet seclusion of a birch grove, Hermit Island provides a canvas for a quintessential Maine camping adventure. The experience here involves enjoying beautiful beaches reserved exclusively for campers, exploring hidden coves, and gathering around a loose rock fire ring under the vast, starry sky. As devoted visitors often note, you might find cheaper or more modern camping elsewhere, but you will not find an equal to the rustic, seaside magic of Hermit Island.

The official office for Hermit Island Campground is based at 42 Front St, Bath, ME 04530, USA. This address in the historic city of Bath serves as the operational hub, while the actual campground is situated on a peninsula in nearby Phippsburg, at the southern tip of Small Point. The island is technically a peninsula, accessed by car via a right-of-way that crosses a sand causeway.

The location offers Mainers a spectacular Midcoast destination, blending the region's historic charm with pristine natural beauty. It's about an hour's drive north of Portland, making it highly accessible for many southern and central Maine residents. Once on the island, the campground roads are narrow and curvy, better suited for biking and walking than extensive car travel. Parking is strictly limited to one vehicle per campsite, with limited overflow available off-island, reinforcing the slow-paced, less car-dependent environment.

It is important to note that the reservation process here is often traditional, often requiring a phone call or postal mail correspondence, which adds to the old-school charm but requires advance planning. The remoteness once you are on the island means that nearby amenities are a short drive away in Bath or other local towns, but the on-site store is well-stocked for immediate needs.

Hermit Island Campground is designed for the genuine tent or small pop-up camper, offering a balanced mix of basic necessities and recreational opportunities.

Services Offered:

• Camp Store and Gift Shop: A General Store provides groceries, camping necessities, beer, wine, ice, firewood, and importantly, fresh, well-priced local seafood, including live lobsters and clams.
• The Kelp Shed: The main service center and check-in desk, which also houses a snack bar (open seasonally for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a game room with pool and video games, and a fireplace for rainy days.
• Boating and Rentals: A full boating marina and a Yankee Dock offer moorings and spaces for small boats. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent, with a boat ramp at Harbor Grove.
• Restroom Facilities: A mix of facilities are scattered across the island for convenience, including free hot showers, flushing toilets, and more rustic options like composting and pit toilets.
• Laundry: A laundry room with dryers only is available near the Gift Shop.
• Public Water: Public drinking and washing water spigots are available throughout the camping areas.
• Seasonal Entertainment: The Kelp Shed hosts live music on weekends during the main season, and the office posts schedules for guided nature walks and other island activities led by a staff biologist.

The highlights of Hermit Island are almost entirely focused on its unique, pristine natural landscape and its intentionally rustic, family-friendly culture.

Features / Highlights:

• Private White Sand Beaches: Features seven unique beaches—including Head Beach, Sand Dune Beach, and Sand Dollar Beach—that are restricted to registered campers only, guaranteeing a non-crowded, exclusive coastal experience.
• Rustic Accommodation Ethos: Designed for tents, pop-up trailers (up to 25 feet), and truck campers only. No RVs, hard-topped campers, or electrical hookups are permitted, preserving the authentic, "roughing it" feel.
• Diverse Campsite Views: Sites are categorized as Ocean Prime, Prime, Choice, and Value, offering options ranging from direct ocean views to sheltered spots in the quiet, wooded interior.
• Extensive Trail System: Four marked hiking trails wind across the 255-acre peninsula, offering astounding coastal views (the Red Trail) and opportunities for bird watching and exploring the deep forest.
• Water Activities: Prime opportunities for crabbing, fishing, kayaking, clamming (permits available at the Kelp Shed), and exploring tidepools.
• No Pets/No Visitors Policy: Enforces strict policies to maintain a peaceful, family-oriented, and safe environment for all registered guests and local wildlife.
• The Bathtub: A unique local swimming spot, known for its clear water and rock formations, a beloved attraction for campers.

Contact Information:

Office Address: 42 Front St, Bath, ME 04530, USA

Phone: (207) 443-2101

Mobile Phone: +1 207-443-2101

For the Maine resident, Hermit Island Campground is more than a camping spot; it is a time-honored tradition and a unique coastal escape unparalleled in the state. This is why it is so highly suitable for locals. Many Mainers are drawn to the authentic, rustic experience and the sense of community that has built up over decades—a place where families return year after year. It represents true, rugged Maine coastal life without the commercialization found in many other seaside locales.

The greatest suitability lies in the exclusivity and the nature-centric focus. The seven private beaches, accessible only to campers, offer an uncrowded, pristine seaside experience that would be impossible to find at a public state park in the summer. For those who value quiet, the sound of the ocean, and a digital detox, the lack of electric hookups and cell service is a feature, not a drawback.

It is an ideal local destination for Midcoast residents seeking a nearby staycation or those from further reaches of Maine looking for that quintessential, unplugged island camping experience where the beauty of the Casco Bay is your only distraction. Just remember to pack the bug spray and citronella candles—it’s the Maine woods, after all!

Hermit Island Campground Office

42 Front St, Bath, ME 04530, USA