When it comes to beaches, few states offer the same beauty that comes with a trip to Maine. With more miles of craggy coastline than all of California, you can bet that there are plenty of areas from which to enjoy the (mostly frigid!) Atlantic waters. While you can explore the well-known beach areas easily, the best beach experiences come when doing a little bit of exploring. For something special, head to Hermit Island in Maine, where you’ll find campsites and beautiful sunsets that go hand-in-hand. It just might be the most unique beach in Maine!

Hermit Island can be found on part of the 255 acres of Small Point peninsula at the southern end of Phippsburg.
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The name is a bit misleading because Hermit Island is not actually an island at all. Which means it's easy to access.
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It's connected to Phippsburg via a small, sandy causeway.
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It's just about 1.5 miles long and a half mile wide.
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Unsurprisingly, the beaches here are incredible.
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Long sandy swaths of land meet the gentle waves that come rolling in from Casco Bay.
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Which means after some time on the beach, a hike to see the wildlife will reveal another side of this beautiful piece of Maine.
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Have you ever seen deer walking along a beach in Maine?
Official Hermit Island Campground/ Facebook
Be sure to make your way from the beach to Osprey Point, overlooking Sunset Lagoon, pictured here.
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The grasses that blow in the wind on beautiful Head Beach will make a dreamer of you.
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Official Hermit Island Campground/ Facebook
On the northern part of the island, you'll find hiking trails, the marina, and the wharf.
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Oh, and the best part? Did we mention that you can CAMP here?
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
Hermit Island Campground has plenty of campsites dotted along the southern end of Hermit Island, many with unobstructed views out onto the beach.
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Camping here means access to The Kelp Shed, with its cozy area to spend time with new friends.
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This is also a great place to relax if the weather isn't quite cooperating.
Official Hermit Island Campground / Facebook
Load up on essentials at the on-island store...
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...and then settle in for a night of sunset views.
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Listening to the waves come into the shore is the best way to end a day.
Official Hermit Island Campground/ Facebook
And it's also the best way to make memories that will last forever.
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To learn more about Hermit Island Campground, check out website for The Hermit Island in Maine, or visit it on The Official Hermit Island Campground Facebook page. You’ll need to make a reservation to stay overnight, so be sure to check out its website for rates and availability and to start planning your Hermit Island camping adventure today.

Another of our favorite secret beaches in Maine can be found in Acadia National Park. Visit both and see which one you prefer!

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Hermit Island Maine

Jackie Ann | July 11, 2022

What are the best little-known beaches in Maine?

One of the best little-known beaches in Maine is Jasper Beach.

When you take all of Maine’s inlets and bays into consideration, Maine’s coastline measures over 3,400 miles, which ranks it fourth in the country, right behind Alaska, Florida, and Louisiana. With so many miles of beautiful coastline, you can bet that there are plenty of beaches to enjoy. While the more popular beaches in Maine are popular for a reason, there’s something about discovering Maine’s little-known beaches that just feels like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem in The Pine Tree State. If you want to escape the crowds, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Hermit Island, and once you’ve explored this beautiful beach in Maine, check out the tiny but mighty Sand Beach in Bar Harbor. The beach is less than 300 yards long, but it sure does pack a punch with beautiful mountain views, a craggy coastline, and a lovely sandy beach to sprawl out on.

Can I camp right on the water in Maine?

There are plenty of places where you can camp right on the water in Maine.

Camping in Maine is a popular pastime, as long as the weather cooperates. Whether you prefer to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars or maybe you prefer the comfort of a cabin, there are plenty of waterfront camping opportunities in Maine. The campsites at Lobster Buoy have some truly sensational waterfront views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Searsport Shores Ocean Campground in Searsport is known to be one of the best oceanfront campgrounds in Maine, with plenty of hiking trails to explore.

Which beach in Maine has the most pristine sand?

Some of the most pristine sand in Maine can be found at Echo Lake and Peaks-Kenny State Park.

Once you’ve gotten a taste of the beautiful sandy beach at Hermit Island, you’ll want to see them all. The shallow waters and pristine sand at Echo Lake make this one of the prettiest beaches in Maine, and a perfect spot to spend a hot summer day. Another picture-perfect beach in Maine is nestled in Peaks-Kenny State Park, where you can sink your toes in the 500-foot stretch of beach with beautiful views of Sebec Lake and nearby Borestone Mountain.

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Hermit Island, Phippsburg, ME 04562, USA