Island Retreat
Hosted by Igor · Southwest Harbor, Maine
6 guests max
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Boat-in
This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
Escape to a 5-acre, untouched coastal forest on the rugged shores of Mackerel Cove, Swan’s Island, Maine. This is true off-grid, back-to-nature camping on a private parcel of primordial woodland bordering a nature preserve — a rare chance to experience Maine the way it felt centuries ago.
Your campsite sits among towering evergreens, moss-covered forest floor, and granite shoreline shaped by the Atlantic Ocean. There are no amenities — no power, no water, no structures. Just pure wilderness, ocean air, and the sound of waves and osprey overhead.
Access is by boat (you can tie it off at the shore) or the Swan’s Island Ferry (Bass Harbor terminal only). Once on the island, the land offers total seclusion, ideal for tent camping, hammock camping.
What Makes This Site Unique:
Oceanfront land on Mackerel Cove with classic Downeast Maine views.
5 private acres of old-growth, natural forest.
Adjacent to conserved land, so you are surrounded by nature, wildlife, and silence.
Perfect for stargazing, photography, shoreline exploring, and retreat-style trips.
True disconnect-from-the-world experience — no streetlights, no neighbors in sight.Escape to a 5-acre, untouched coastal forest on the rugged shores of Mackerel Cove, Swan’s Island, Maine. This is true off-grid, back-to-nature camping on a private parcel of primordial woodland bordering a nature preserve; a chance to experience Maine the way it felt centuries ago. The campsite sits among towering evergreens, moss-covered forest floor, and granite shoreline. There are no amenities — no power, no water, no structures. Just pure wilderness, ocean air, and the sound of waves and wildlife. Access is by the Swan’s Island Ferry (Bass Harbor terminal only). Once on the island, the land offers total seclusion, ideal for tent camping or hammock camping. Campsite is accessible by vehicle and is located approximately 200 feet from a private road, there is a shoulder to park your vehicle.
What Makes This Site Unique: Oceanfront land on Mackerel Cove with classic Downeast Maine views. 5 private acres of old-growth, natural forest. Adjacent to conserved land, so you are surrounded by nature, wildlife, and silence. Perfect for stargazing, photography, shoreline exploring, and retreat-style trips. True disconnect-from-the-world experience — no cell towers, no streetlights, no traffic noise. The parcel is inside nature preserve community, hunting is prohibited, hiking trails are plentiful, and hikers are welcome anywhere on the island.
Important Notes: No amenities provided: bring all water, supplies, and pack out everything you bring in. This site is operated on "leave no trace behind" principle. There is a small grocery store on the island, which can provide essentials, but plan to bring most of your supplies from mainland. Access is Ferry only via Maine State Ferry Service (Bass Harbor - Swan’s Island), please lookup Swans Island ferry schedule. Camp site is less than 10 minute drive from ferry terminal, and 5 minutes from the store. Terrain is natural and uneven — best suited for campers who love primitive, wild settings. Wildlife is abundant: expect deer, foxes, seabirds, and occasional seals offshore. Absolutely no cutting live trees; deadfall collecting is okay. Ideal for primitive campers, nature lovers and photographers, kayakers, hikers, and people seeking solitude, writers, couples, and anyone wanting to unplug completely.
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Island Retreat
Tent site · Sleeps 6
Escape to a 5-acre, untouched coastal forest on the rugged shores of Mackerel Cove, Swan’s Island, Maine. This is true off-grid, back-to-nature camping on a private parcel of primordial woodland bordering a nature preserve; a chance to experience Maine the way it felt centuries ago. The campsite sits among towering evergreens, moss-covered forest floor, and granite shoreline. There are no amenities — no power, no water, no structures. Just pure wilderness, ocean air, and the sound of waves and wildlife. Access is by the Swan’s Island Ferry (Bass Harbor terminal only). Once on the island, the land offers total seclusion, ideal for tent camping or hammock camping. Campsite is accessible by vehicle and is located approximately 200 feet from a private road, there is a shoulder to park your vehicle.
What Makes This Site Unique: Oceanfront land on Mackerel Cove with classic Downeast Maine views. 5 private acres of old-growth, natural forest. Adjacent to conserved land, so you are surrounded by nature, wildlife, and silence. Perfect for stargazing, photography, shoreline exploring, and retreat-style trips. True disconnect-from-the-world experience — no cell towers, no streetlights, no traffic noise. The parcel is inside nature preserve community, hunting is prohibited, hiking trails are plentiful, and hikers are welcome anywhere on the island.
Important Notes: No amenities provided: bring all water, supplies, and pack out everything you bring in. This site is operated on "leave no trace behind" principle. There is a small grocery store on the island, which can provide essentials, but plan to bring most of your supplies from mainland. Access is Ferry only via Maine State Ferry Service (Bass Harbor - Swan’s Island), please lookup Swans Island ferry schedule. Camp site is less than 10 minute drive from ferry terminal, and 5 minutes from the store. Terrain is natural and uneven — best suited for campers who love primitive, wild settings. Wildlife is abundant: expect deer, foxes, seabirds, and occasional seals offshore. Absolutely no cutting live trees; deadfall collecting is okay. Ideal for primitive campers, nature lovers and photographers, kayakers, hikers, and people seeking solitude, writers, couples, and anyone wanting to unplug completely.
Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
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Location
Southwest Harbor, Hancock County, Maine, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Igor F.
Joined in November 2025Things to do nearby
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