By Dan Mathers
Here’s a little camping secret: Some of the best, most secluded campsites in the Northeast don’t require any hiking to reach them at all. They require paddling.
A prime example is Bean Island in Maine’s Frenchman Bay, a 27-acre island that requires a paddle of more than a mile to reach it, but rewards adventurers who do with opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying stunning coastal scenery.
Located off the coast of Sorrento, Maine, this small, protected island was acquired by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy in 2016. The island was once used for sheep grazing by locals and is now permanently protected from development. Bean Island is also part of the Maine Island Trail.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The island is accessible by boat, kayak, or canoe, with public water access available from the Sorrento Town Dock. Paddlers should pay attention to the conditions and currents in Frenchman Bay before heading out.
Once on the island, a roughly one-mile hiking trail loops around the property. About two-thirds of the route passes through the woods, while the rest follows the beach. There isn’t much elevation change, but the trail is somewhat rustic, with exposed roots and a few spots requiring a big step down to the beach.
The best part may be the views. On a clear day, the island offers panoramic views across Frenchman Bay toward Mount Desert Island. It’s an especially nice place to stop and enjoy the coastline without the crowds found at some of Maine’s better-known destinations.
Bean Island has one primitive campsite on the western side of the island. The first-come, first-served site can accommodate a couple of small groups and has a fire pit. Reservations are required for groups of 12 or more.
There are no bathroom facilities, and visitors should follow Leave No Trace practices. Bean is a remote, undeveloped island, so visitors should bring everything they’ll need and plan their trip around the weather and water conditions.
