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Hockomock Island

Hosted by Lisa · Woolwich, Maine
4 guests max · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
99%
·
74 reviews
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All to yourself
99% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.
My step Dad Bob ‘discovered’ the island in the 1970’s when he was escaping the rat race and looking to get ‘back to the land’. Over the course of three years he built the island house by floating cedar logs across the bay, using a come-along to bring the up to the land, debarked and prepped them for building and set about constructing his off-grid, solar powered home. All without power tools. Both my Mom and Bob were ardent environmentalists and peace advocates. For 20 years they lived year-round on the island and only left when their ages made it difficult to continue cutting/splitting/moving/burning wood and just the ordeal of living so remotely. Most visitors to the island agree the peaceful vibe continues and that is important to us.This is not for everyone! This property is a 40 acre private island in midcoast Maine situated between Bath and Wiscasset in Hockomock/Brookings bay(s).   A causeway allows for vehicular access but there’s still a ~10 minute walk to the home.  Mosquitoes galore in the summer months in the interior woods, but thankfully we have plenty of Off and head nets. There are deer, so there are ticks. Tuck in your pants and use repellent.  No indoor toilet, but a nice outhouse out the back door.  There could be mice, and spiders but there’s a generator and vacuum if it gets to you.  This is tidal - which means there’s mud. About 3 hours before and after a high tide the water is accessible and there are several water craft for use (kayaks, SUP). Water is gentle and perfect for slow and peaceful exploring and swimming. And there are very few bugs out on the water!  No A/C, unreliable internet and a 10 minute drive to civilization. (So if you’re still reading, maybe this could be the place for you?) Indoor ‘domestic’ water for cleaning and bathing (shower) and potable water brought in for drinking and cooking. Cookstove is used for thermosiphon method of heating and moving hot water. About 30 minutes after lighting a fire you will have hot water for cleaning/showers. And the water stays warm for up to a day after the last fire. You have to pump water daily, via a switch to trigger basement solar-powered pump, to fill the holding tanks on the second floor (repurposed beer kegs) from a cistern of rain water. 40 year old solar panels still run the pump (for water) and small LED lights inside. (Still interested?) It is gorgeous! In that very natural, rugged beauty of Maine and ‘back to nature’ way. Completely private. Except for some homes that can be seen from the north end, there are no buildings in sight from this south end house. All surrounding areas are ‘protected’. There are two buildings on the island about a mile apart, the south end house which is available for rent and a small north end cabin that is not. One side, the marsh side, has a narrow channel and at a low tide it resembles mainland making one question the definition of island. On a very high tide the marsh and even the causeway can flood. The opposite side is mud (low) and water (high). There are worm and clam diggers who use the island for jumping off points to the flats. These are hard working and colorful locals who have our blessing to use the land to get to their workplaces. The house is an off-grid log home built in the ‘70’s with kitchen, living room, bedroom and 2 entry areas. Large picture windows (old and showing it) from the kitchen/dining area and from the upstairs bedroom overlooking water. Living room with larger Garrison woodstove and two bench couches for additional sleeping. Kitchen is ‘fully equipped’ in that camping kind of way. The kitchen cookstove can be used for cooking and there is also a small propane powered cookstove (salvaged from an old sailboat). Essential cookware, dishes, utensils etc.; espresso pot; corkscrews! It’s important to note there is nothing fancy or polished with this property. The natural setting makes it what it is. If you want hot water, you must be comfortable/safe lighting a fire in the cookstove. If you’re sensitive to bugs, this isn’t the place for you. There is no high speed internet or air conditioning or even conventional electricity. But if you’re looking for private, natural, peaceful rest and relaxation this might work for you. Bath is the closest town (10 minutes) with a eclectic collection of bars, restaurants, coffee shop, boutiques, farmer’s market, museum. Two State parks (Reid & Popham) within half an hour and a fresh water lake (Nequasset)  a few miles away. Portland, in one direction, and Boothbay Harbor in the other direction both 45 minutes. Brunswick (south) and Wiscasset (north) 20+ minutes.
What to expect
Cabin
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 3:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Meet with Host
Access: Moderate walk
Cancellation policy:
Minimum nights: 3 nights
Accepts bookings: 6 months out
No wheelchair access
Max 2 vehicles
4WD recommended
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

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Lodging

1 site

Back to the land - Private Island

99%
(85)
Cabin · Sleeps 4 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 toilet
This is not for everyone! This property is a 40 acre private island in midcoast Maine situated between Bath and Wiscasset in Hockomock/Brookings bay(s).   A causeway allows for vehicular access but there’s still a ~10 minute walk to the home.  Mosquitoes galore in the summer months in the interior woods, but thankfully we have plenty of Off and head nets. There are deer, so there are ticks. Tuck in your pants and use repellent.  No indoor toilet, but a nice outhouse out the back door.  There could be mice, and spiders but there’s a generator and vacuum if it gets to you.  This is tidal - which means there’s mud. About 3 hours before and after a high tide the water is accessible and there are several water craft for use (kayaks, SUP). Water is gentle and perfect for slow and peaceful exploring and swimming. And there are very few bugs out on the water!  No A/C, unreliable internet and a 10 minute drive to civilization. (So if you’re still reading, maybe this could be the place for you?) Indoor ‘domestic’ water for cleaning and bathing (shower) and potable water brought in for drinking and cooking. Cookstove is used for thermosiphon method of heating and moving hot water. About 30 minutes after lighting a fire you will have hot water for cleaning/showers. And the water stays warm for up to a day after the last fire. You have to pump water daily, via a switch to trigger basement solar-powered pump, to fill the holding tanks on the second floor (repurposed beer kegs) from a cistern of rain water. 40 year old solar panels still run the pump (for water) and small LED lights inside. (Still interested?) It is gorgeous! In that very natural, rugged beauty of Maine and ‘back to nature’ way. Completely private. Except for some homes that can be seen from the north end, there are no buildings in sight from this south end house. All surrounding areas are ‘protected’. There are two buildings on the island about a mile apart, the south end house which is available for rent and a small north end cabin that is not. One side, the marsh side, has a narrow channel and at a low tide it resembles mainland making one question the definition of island. On a very high tide the marsh and even the causeway can flood. The opposite side is mud (low) and water (high). There are worm and clam diggers who use the island for jumping off points to the flats. These are hard working and colorful locals who have our blessing to use the land to get to their workplaces. The house is an off-grid log home built in the ‘70’s with kitchen, living room, bedroom and 2 entry areas. Large picture windows (old and showing it) from the kitchen/dining area and from the upstairs bedroom overlooking water. Living room with larger Garrison woodstove and two bench couches for additional sleeping. Kitchen is ‘fully equipped’ in that camping kind of way. The kitchen cookstove can be used for cooking and there is also a small propane powered cookstove (salvaged from an old sailboat). Essential cookware, dishes, utensils etc.; espresso pot; corkscrews! It’s important to note there is nothing fancy or polished with this property. The natural setting makes it what it is. If you want hot water, you must be comfortable/safe lighting a fire in the cookstove. If you’re sensitive to bugs, this isn’t the place for you. There is no high speed internet or air conditioning or even conventional electricity. But if you’re looking for private, natural, peaceful rest and relaxation this might work for you. Bath is the closest town (10 minutes) with a eclectic collection of bars, restaurants, coffee shop, boutiques, farmer’s market, museum. Two State parks (Reid & Popham) within half an hour and a fresh water lake (Nequasset)  a few miles away. Portland, in one direction, and Boothbay Harbor in the other direction both 45 minutes. Brunswick (south) and Wiscasset (north) 20+ minutes.
Moderate walk to site
4WD recommended
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed

Reviews

99%· 85 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Hockomock Island offers a serene and nature-filled escape, highly appreciated by visitors for its combination of tranquility and adventure. Guests often highlight the opportunity to disconnect in an off-grid setting while enjoying activities like kayaking and hiking amidst picturesque surroundings. The host, Lisa, is frequently praised for her hospitality and the well-equipped cabin that caters to a comfortable stay. While the presence of mosquitoes is noted, the overall experience remains overwhelmingly positive, with many guests eager to return.

  • Meg H.

    Camped with kids, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Love returning to this spot every year, thanks for sharing it with us Lisa! Watched the tide come in and out, and unplugged!!

  • Elizabeth G.

    Camped here, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    This is our second visit to Hockomock Island and I wish I could escape there every weekend. It's so relaxing, yet there's so much to do. In a day we would hike around the island, sit on the deck and watch the tide come in, kayak for hours, then spend the evening playing games in front of the wood stove. One day we ventured into Bath, a quaint little town about a 10 minute drive from the island. We got a couple coffees at Cafe Creme and a nice bottle of white wine across the street at Now You're Cooking. A little further down Route One, we stopped at Plant's Seafood and Ellie Mae's Farm Stand and got all of the ingredients we needed to make clam chowder. I cooked it on the propane stove and we ate it in the screened gazebo, overlooking the marsh while great blue herons and egrets were looking for their own dinner. As Lisa mentioned, there are all the typical bugs you expect in a wooded area near water, so be prepared for that and don't let the mosquitoes ruin your stay. Speaking of Lisa, she is an absolute delight. Honest, caring, and informative, she will make sure you are set up for a great stay. I've had a lot of great experiences from hip camp, but Lisa and Hockomock Island sit miles above the rest. Side note: we also had a lovely breakfast at Mae's Cafe & Bakery. If you're passing through Brunswick, the Brunswick Diner is a most stop. I have a matching Brunswick Diner sweatshirt and mug, I'm a little obsessed.

  • Mckayla B.

    Camped here, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    Hocomock Island is a place made of absolute magic. If you are looking for a stay that is quiet, simple, filled with nature and steeped in history, as well as an amazing host Hockomock is the place for you! This was our third time staying and first time bringing our sweet 2 month old addition to our family along. Will certainly be coming back again and again.

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Amenities

  • Pit toilets
  • Potable water
  • ShowersHot water
  • Trash disposalCompost bin, Trash bin
  • Cooking equipmentPrivate, Stovetop or hot plate, Cookware, Cooking utensils, Dishware, Cutlery, Sink or other dishwashing station
  • No fire pits
  • No picnic tables
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • Walk-in access4WD recommended. Moderate walk from parking to your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff leash.
  • No campfiresCampfires aren't permitted here.
  • Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Lisa upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFull refund 3 days before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 3pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowBook from 1 day to 6 months ahead. Stay at least 3 nights.

Location

Woolwich, Sagadahoc, Maine, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Lisa P.Joined April 2021

Frequently asked questions