KCT Island Camping
The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust offers primitive overnight camping and day trips on our harbor islands. Experience the wonders of nature, beauty of the sea and magic of island life by coming for a visit. You can reach the harbor islands by boat, being mindful of the tides and Mother Nature. Small skiffs and non-motorized crafts (kayaks, canoes) are the preferred way to travel.
Day Trips
You are welcome to access the islands at low tide (Vaughn) or by boat during the day and explore. There is rich history and wildlife on each island and we encourage you to meet each one. Please be mindful of campers, tides, poison ivy, bugs and Mother Nature as you plan your trips.
Island Camping
No fee camping is allowed at established sites on Cape Island, Trott Island, and Vaughn Island. Each campsite has a designated maximum capacity.
Please visit each island's webpage or use the buttons below to reserve your campsite. Campsites may be reserved one week ahead of arrival for up to two consecutive nights. Advanced reservation are not accepted. Reservations are only required for overnight stays.
While camping is free, you can help us with care for the islands! Please considering becoming a Trust Member by making any sized contribution so we can forever maintain these special properties for all to enjoy for generations to come! Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can do great things!
Cape Island Trott Island Vaughn Island
Parking Information
If you choose to visit Vaughn Island and walk across at low tide you can park at the end of Turbats Creek Road on the left-hand side (~3 spaces). Be sure to bring your boots as there is usually still water to cross. You can reach all the harbor islands by boat, being mindful of the tides and Mother Nature. Small skiffs and non-motorized crafts (kayaks, canoes) are the preferred way to travel.
Please visit the Town of Kennebunkport website for specific parking information.
There are public boat launches on:
- Pier Road at the causeway in Cape Porpoise
- Langsford Road Lobster & Fish House, for residents only
Pets
To protect wildlife and your pets, please leave your pets at home or have them leashed at all times.
Fire Restrictions
You will be camping on land owned and maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. As part of your camping reservation, the Trust is permitting you to burn a campfire in, and only in, Trust maintained fire pits. Building and/or using rogue fire pits is strictly prohibited. You must bring in your own firewood as there is very little drift wood on the islands and tree decay is vital to soil replenishment of the island environment and ecosystem. There are occasionally pieces of planks that wash ashore and you are welcome to use those. You are also welcome to use small sticks for kindling.
Within 48 hours of your reservation date, each camper is required to visit the Maine Forest Service’s Wildfire Danger Report at: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/wildfire_danger_report/index.html
If the fire danger for zone 10 is Yellow, Orange, or Red the fire risk is too high and you are not allowed to have any open fires – i.e. campfires are not permitted. You will need to make alternate arrangements for cooking and heating food.
When leaving your campsite, please be sure your campfire is completely extinguished. The best practice is to douse with sea water, stir down to the lowest coals, and douse a second time. Fire buckets are available at all sites.
Thank you for following this important safety precaution, and have a wonderful, and safe, camping experience.
Don’t let poison ivy spoil your camping trip!
Most islands off the Maine coast commonly include a host of flora and fauna, including some not so pleasant to humans, such as mosquitos, marauding raccoons, and poison ivy. You can forestall the raccoons by keeping all food inside a cooler (very firmly latched) or your tent, and the mosquitos can be repelled with plenty of bug spray. The poison ivy is more of a challenge, so we recommend you familiarize yourself with what it looks like and avoid it. Should you come in contact with the plant, washing with liberal amounts of soap (dish soap – i.e. detergent is better) and salt water is a good immediate solution.
Click the image to see examples of poison ivy.
Hunting & Firearms
Hunting is prohibited on Kennebunkport Conservation Trust islands. Please visit our Hunting Information page to learn more. Use of firearms strictly prohibited on our islands.
Resources
Cape Island Map Trott Island Map Vaughn Island Map
Island Camping Guide (to keep at your campsite)