Text & Photos by Tom Richardson
Remote, 70-acre Warren Island is located 3 miles east of Lincolnville and a stone’s throw from Islesboro’s Grindel Point, making it accessible by both boat and kayak. There is a long pier for dropping off gear and passengers, as well as several courtesy moorings, along the island’s protected eastern shore.
Once on the island, visitors will find 12 campsites and 3 lean-tos, all with ocean views. There are 3 group sites in the center of the island.
The island is open from Memorial Day through Sept. 15.
Fees
- $4/day: Adult Maine resident
- $6/day: Adult non-resident
- Cash is accepted at the self-service payment stations.
- Maine residents 65 and older: free;
- Children 5 – 11 years old: $1.00; Children under 5 are free.
Rules & Tips
- Access to the island is provided at the pier, located on the eastern shore. A limited number of courtesy moorings in deeper water adjacent to the pier are provided for the larger boats on a first come, first serve basis. Park staff are not allowed to transport visitors except in an emergency.
- Upon arrival on the island, visitors are asked to register themselves at the Visitors Information Center, an open-air kiosk near the pier. Campers will find courtesy carts for use in carrying gear to the campsites. Please note that several campsites are “reservable” through the State Park Reservation System, and may be marked by signs showing that they have already been claimed for the night. All camping must take place only on designated and marked campsites provided by the park.
- Please be careful with fire. Fires are allowed without special permits only in fire pits and grills that have been provided by the park. Visitors may gather firewood on the island, but are reminded that live vegetation must not be disturbed.
- Since the park is an island with no public services, visitors are asked to carry out all trash that they may generate during a visit. This is particularly true of organic and non-burnable trash from camping. We ask that no trash be disposed in our privy toilet facilities.
- Drinking water is available from a hand pump on the middle of the island. Protect the water supply by bathing and washing dishes away from this water source.
- During the operating season (Memorial Day to September 15), Warren Island is patrolled regularly by park rangers. There are times, however, when no staff will be available to provide assistance. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures posted at the Visitors Information Center. Again, there are no standard utilities on Warren Island, including telephone service or electricity. Emergency messages for island campers may be delivered by contacting rangers at Camden Hills State Park (207) 236-3109.
