Brandie F.recommendsJune 5, 2022
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Camping at its finest!!!!
Where to start? This is an incredible place. First off, once you meet the owners, you can truly see how much they love their island and how much they want you to have a great time! The communication was excellent. When we got to the boat launch, they were there with smiles on their faces and canoes ready for us. They gave us written information and a map and had us check in (a quick message to say we made it!) once we got there. The camp site was fabulous. A huge tent with two comfortable cots. A beautiful gazebo style dining area, grill and two camp fire pits. Also a bathroom off in the distance. We had all we needed to use to make our meals and relax!
We set up hammocks and saw eagles, Osprey and crows fly over us. We met the resident deer and Turkey. The bugs were minimal too!!! We kayak and fished and the boys caught 8 large catfish, which we enjoyed for dinner. This place is magical. We will be back again.
Thank you so much for sharing this jem with us!!!!
Luann B.recommendsMay 30, 2022
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Everything is as lovely as the host described. Spacious campfire, peaceful and beautiful. Jim and his wife are the nicest hostess. Extremely accommodating and friendly. Highly recommended this place if you like to find a space to reconnect with nature and relax.
Justin L.recommendsMay 16, 2022
Cornish Island Near the Bay
A beautiful campsite/island and great hosts! We've frequented the island a few times, and there's always more to do and more to explore! Would definitely recommend it!
Victoria A.recommendsOctober 1, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Our second stay on the island and can’t wait to go back again next year! Truly camping made easy. Pretty much everything you need is already set up on the island. The set up is really comfortable. It’s as private as can be, which us and the dogs really love. The canoe trip to and from the island is so beautiful and serene. Can’t recommend it enough! Book now :)
Liz B.recommendsSeptember 29, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
James and Kris were very accommodating. The island is well stocked- they thought of everything. We had a wonderful stay and our dogs did too! We’ll be back! Thank you!!
Anne P.recommendsAugust 24, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
This camp site was absolutely magical - a once in a lifetime camping experience that was also comfortable and easy!
The water is warm(at least in mid August) and clear, perfect for swimming.
Meg W.recommendsAugust 16, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
What wonderful hosts! Quick to respond and and informative. The island is beautiful and the canoeing is great. We paddled around the island and found a quiet spot on the other side. We saw bald eagles and herons too!. Though there was a fair amount of sound from the highway not to far away, the solitude and space of the island was magnificient! A real treat!
Denis K.recommendsAugust 9, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Well equipped & great nature!
We had a pleasant stay at Cornish Island. The communication from the host was outstanding and we were met at the boat landing, given detailed instructions and island survival (kidding) tips. The paddle was an easy 30-minute workout down the river. There are signs posted so don't worry, you won't miss it.
The island is equipped very well. It's not only the type of stuff you're likely to forget at home but also a gas grill, a 10-person tent, fire pits, chairs, picnic table inside a kitchen tent and a whole bunch of pots and other cookware.
Paddling the river was a ton of fun - definitely go out and explore. Be mindful of the tide.
One thing I want you to know if you're considering this spot is that it's close to the city and the highway. You can hear the cars pretty much all day long and during the night. You'll probably tune the noise out pretty quickly but if you tend to focus on it you might find it hard to not notice it. Other than that - super private and secluded.
Bottom line - excellent spot close to Portland/Brunswick. Fantastic effort from the hosts, very well equipped site, and great nature with a ton of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. Would certainly recommend this place!
Loren H.recommendsAugust 8, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
We had a great experience staying on the river. Perfect for kayaking and the hosts were helpful and welcoming.
Michael P.recommendsAugust 1, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Fun even though it raiiined
Fun exploring around the island. Jim and Kris made it easy for us.
Michael N.recommendsJuly 27, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Great fun canoeing and camping!
James is a great host and the campsite is beautiful. So much fun to take our kids camping via canoes. Great times had by all. We would definitely do it again -- and hope to do so soon. The only thing to be aware of is the noise from the highway. While you feel like you are a world away, you can hear the road. It is white noise so not a problem but good to be aware of.
Sara Kate M.recommendsJuly 26, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Amazing canoe camping- made easy!
We booked Cornish Island for two nights in July. Kris and Jim provided ample information regarding logistics and supplies well in advance and were easy to communicate with. This is the perfect Hipcamp for anyone interested in a canoe camping experience, but without any hassle! The canoes were ready and waiting at the dock in Brunswick, Jim got us packed up, and sent us on our way with a quick primer on the best fishing spots, history of the island/river, and suggested swimming areas. After a short (and very scenic) paddle- bald eagles and herons everywhere!- we arrived at a well-appointed and established campsite. It was such a luxury to arrive and not have to worry about setting up a tent, collectinf firewood/kindling, unpacking cooking accessories, etc. They have thought of everything! Not only is this place canoe camping made easy, but the setting can't be beat! We foraged mushrooms, caught and ate several small mouth bass and catfish, and picked blueberries on the island. Two firepits to enjoy and wildlife all around.
Mark V.recommendsJuly 25, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Such a nice private spot. We head a wonderful visit even with the rain. We will be back next year.
Colleen T.recommendsJuly 16, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Great experience!
Camping on the island was wonderful! The hosts were very pleasant and helpful navigating us to the island. They were also very accommodating when weather caused us to switch up plans last minute.
The site has everything you need and beautiful views. Exploring the island and it’s little beaches was so fun. Our dog was so happy to roam the freely and slept for days after! I would recommend this site to anyone and hope I can plan another trip.
Nick M.recommendsJuly 4, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Awesome getaway!
Fantastic island camping excursion! Great spot for dogs to run free and the hosts fantastic help and very responsive. Slept 4 people and 3 dogs in the big tent, even stayed dry through an overnight storm!
Ellen C.recommendsJune 27, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Loved it!
Great, super easy, low key getaway
Erin M.recommendsJune 21, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
This was such a wonderful slice of nature in the middle of a pretty urban (for Maine) area. The owners have it set up so well, they obviously put a lot of thought into it! It is truly a treasure for any nature enthusiasts…kingfishers, snapping turtles, herons, osprey, so many eagles and lots more! We felt like we were part of something very special while staying here and hope to go back soon!!
Samantha R.recommendsMay 12, 2021
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Perfect Secluded Island Camping
Absolutely wonderful stay! Hosts are very friendly and do a lot to make sure you’re prepared and set up for a perfect camping weekend. We loved being able to paddle ourselves to the island. Really helped give the feel of isolation. It was nice to have the canoes to take out the next day too. The island is beautiful. You’ll have everything you need and plenty of space. We were a group of 4 so we used their tent and 1 of our own. Could easily fit larger groups and still have space for privacy from your friends. Our dogs had a BLAST running free on their seemingly endless property. My only disappointment was that we couldn’t stay longer because of work. We will absolutely be back again in the future.
Victoria A.recommendsSeptember 27, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Private Island Oasis
Already looking forward to our next trip to the island! It surpassed all of my expectations. We had to change our trip at the last minute and James was super understanding and accommodating. Meeting and getting to the island via canoe was easy. It's about a 45 minute easy paddle, which is a nice start to your vacation. The island itself has basically everything you need - cookware, picnic table, two fire pits, plenty of grills, pots, and pans, a very very clean outhouse (with plenty of toilet paper), plenty of bottled water, and lots of areas around to relax or explore. There's even a spacious tent so you can keep your packing to a minimum. We brought our two dogs and they had the time of their lives. Can't wait to visit again next year and stay a lot longer!
Deborah B.recommendsSeptember 19, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Dogs and a desert Isle
My dogs and I had a wonderful time having the whole island to ourselves. The hosts met us at the boat ramp and helped me get going quickly. Believe them when they say you need to launch by a certain time. It is dark out there! There are lots of nice, thoughtful touches at the camp. It really seems like they want you to have a good time.
Emily W.recommendsSeptember 15, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
A wonderful place to spend the weekend, explore and relax. Paddling around the area was beautiful. We especially enjoyed the gigantic tent that is available to use. A well cared for and thoughtful layout for their guests. Thank you for sharing this special space!
Adam G.recommendsSeptember 9, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Unique Getaway!
It doesn't get any better than this! James and his wife met us at the boat ramp with a canoe ready to go. They provided easy instructions to paddle out to their private island, where a full camp site was set up (10 person tent, screened in picnic table, 2 fire pits with unlimited wood, gas stoves, water...). The paddle was scenic and smooth. We saw plenty of birds and a few active fish, and spent sunsets on the water listening to the wildlife around us. The fishing is also fantastic. I've never caught so many bass in my life. Great spot all around!
Suz R.recommendsSeptember 7, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
AMAZING camping experience
Absolutely AMAZING camping experience. More than we could have ever asked for to canoe to our own private island for a couple days that was so perfectly set up by the owners. They were also so so nice and accommodating us last minute. The river was so clear and beautiful, we had so much fun paddling around, fishing and relaxing away from people for a few days.
Martha M.recommendsSeptember 6, 2020
Cornish Island Near the Bay
Maine Island Adventure
We enjoyed camping on Cornish Island, and canoeing and swimming the Androscoggin. Hosts James and Christine are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the area. It’s clear that their main concern is that anyone who visits Cornish Island has a great time. We opted for a boat ride out to the island, which was a nice way to start our two-day adventure. The campsite is well equipped with two fire pits, cooking grills, benches, a screen tent and a huge sleeping tent if you don’t want to bring your own tent. Definitely rent a canoe—paddling and exploring upriver was the highlight of our trip. Ask James and Christine about the (colorful) history of the island and the area—which is a reminder of the profound importance of the 1970’s Clean Water Act and ongoing environmental preservation efforts.