Hermit Island Campground

- Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Mainers, the true spirit of summer is found not in luxury resorts, but in the simplicity and rugged beauty of a coastal camping experience.

Hermit Island Campground

, nestled on a private, 255-acre peninsula in Small Point at the southern tip of Phippsburg, Maine, delivers this authentic tradition. Established in 1952, this family-oriented seasonal campground has proudly remained largely unchanged, offering a rustic, slow-paced environment that is deeply connected to the natural Maine environment.

Hermit Island is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the great outdoors in its purest form. It is designed specifically for tenters, pop-up campers (up to 25 feet), and small truck campers, maintaining a strict policy of

no RVs or hard-topped travel trailers

, which contributes significantly to its secluded and tranquil atmosphere. With 271 unique campsites spread across the southern end of the island, visitors can choose a setting that suits their style—from sites nestled in the woods to those perched on rocky cliffs or right along the sandy dunes and harbor.

The campground’s unique selling proposition is its breathtaking access to the ocean and Casco Bay. Hermit Island boasts numerous beaches, including Head Beach and seven other private white sand spots like Sand Dune Beach and Sailboat Beach, offering campers unparalleled opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring tide pools without the public crowds. The overall tone is one of unplugging; with unreliable cell service and no electrical hookups at the sites, Hermit Island encourages visitors to embrace the peace of the Maine coast and focus on the simple, rewarding pleasures of nature. As many returning customers attest, the environment is "absolutely gorgeous," offering great privacy and stunning coastal views, even if it requires a well-stocked supply of bug spray to fend off the summer mosquitoes.

Location and Accessibility

Hermit Island Campground is located at Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA. It occupies a secluded peninsula, accessed via a right-of-way that crosses a sand causeway. The drive itself is part of the experience, leading you through the scenic coastal roads of Phippsburg toward the Small Point area.

Accessibility for Maine residents is excellent. Phippsburg is part of the MidCoast region, approximately one hour north of Portland and just a short 15-minute drive from the historic city of Bath. From US Route 1, visitors take the exit for Routes 209 and 216, following the signs to the end of the peninsula. Once on the island, the campground’s internal roads are mostly dirt and often narrow and curvy, making bicycles the preferred mode of transportation for getting to the camp store, beaches, and trails, though each site provides parking for one vehicle.

The location offers an ideal balance of seclusion and convenience. While the campground feels miles away from the bustle, the nearby towns of Bath and Brunswick provide necessary amenities, medical services, and popular attractions like the Maine Maritime Museum. However, with the on-site general store providing most essentials, including fresh, locally caught seafood, many campers find little reason to leave the island during their stay. Note that, to maintain the tranquility and security, access to the island and its facilities is restricted to registered campers only—visitors are not permitted within the campground.

Services Offered

Hermit Island Campground offers rustic, yet thoughtfully managed services to support an authentic camping experience:

• Campsite Accommodation: Over 270 sites available for tents, pop-up trailers (up to 25 feet), and truck campers.

  No RVs, teardrops, or hard-topped travel trailers are permitted

  .
• Reservations: Booking for week-long or longer stays opens early in the year (January by mail, February by phone), reflecting its high demand and loyal customer base. Shorter stays open for booking in March.
• The Kelp Shed: The main service center featuring the check-in desk, a game room with pool and arcade games, and a large stone fireplace—a great place to gather or read on a rainy day.
• Snack Bar: Located in the Kelp Shed, the snack bar offers breakfast, lunch, light dinners, and delicious Gifford's ice cream during the main summer season.
• General Store: A well-stocked camp store selling groceries, beer, wine, ice, firewood, camping supplies, and

  fresh lobster and clams

  (with the option to rent a cooking pot).
• Water and Sanitation: Access to public drinking water spigots throughout the island, along with various restroom facilities including clean flush toilets, composting toilets, and pit toilets.
• Free Hot Showers: Located near the flush toilet facilities for camper convenience.
• Boat Amenities: A small marina and the Yankee Dock offer slips for small boats, plus rentals for rowboats and canoes, providing direct access to Casco Bay.
• Laundry Facility: A small laundry room with dryers only is available under the gift shop.
• Emergency Services: Pay phones are located outside the Kelp Shed, as cell service can be unreliable across the island.

Features / Highlights

Hermit Island’s natural features and unique atmosphere are its greatest draw:

• Eight Beaches: Access to multiple private, sandy beaches, including Head Beach, Sand Dune Beach, and Bounty Cove Beach, restricted to registered campers only, ensuring an uncrowded coastal experience.
• Rustic Coastal Sites: Campsites are divided into four categories—Ocean View, Prime, Choice, and Value—many offering incredible views of the ocean, dunes, or harbor and providing natural privacy.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Four maintained hiking trails wind through the island's forests and along the coastline, complemented by dirt roads perfect for mountain biking, which is the preferred way to explore the 255-acre peninsula.
• No Electronics, No Pets: The deliberate lack of electric hookups and the strict no-pet policy maintain a quiet, rustic, and clean environment focused entirely on the camping and natural experience.
• Family Activities: The Kelp Shed hosts live music events on weekends during the peak season, and the area offers outdoor recreation like a volleyball net and ping pong tables.
• On-Site Seafood: The ability to purchase fresh, local lobster and clams right at the camp store is a quintessential Maine highlight that allows campers to enjoy a true seaside feast at their campsite.
• Unique Accommodations: In addition to 271 tent sites, the campground also offers a few rental cabins and yurts for those seeking a slightly more structured—but still rustic—stay.

Contact Information

Physical Location Address (for GPS/Navigation):

6 Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA

Mailing Address (for Reservations):

Hermit Island Campground, 42 Front St, Bath, ME 04530

Phone:

(207) 443-2101

Mobile Phone (Same Number):

+1 207-443-2101

Note for reservations: Due to the camp's traditional and highly sought-after nature, reservation requests for week-long stays often require a physical mail-in letter and deposit early in the calendar year to be processed.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hermit Island Campground is perfectly suited for Maine residents looking to fully embrace the state’s rugged coastal identity. As a local, you understand the value of an authentic, unpretentious retreat, and Hermit Island delivers on that promise. This is a place to escape the noise of modern life—the lack of reliable cell service and electrical hookups is not a drawback, but a deliberate feature that encourages family connection and an appreciation for the natural world.

The major draw for locals is the unparalleled access to over seven private beaches and miles of coastal trails, eliminating the headache of tourist crowds and day-use fees. The traditional, nearly unchanged atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community that spans generations, allowing Mainers to build a lasting tradition. Whether you are biking to the Kelp Shed for a fresh lobster dinner, kayaking on Casco Bay, or simply falling asleep to the sound of the ocean, Hermit Island offers a unique, restorative experience that taps directly into the heart of a Maine summer—rustic, beautiful, and unforgettable. By choosing Hermit Island, you are not just booking a campsite; you are investing in an authentic piece of Maine heritage.

Hermit Island Campground

Hermit Island Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA