A Guide to Warren Island State Park: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring MidCoast Maine
Name: Warren Island State Park
Location: Islesboro, Maine
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash.
Hours: 9:00a.m.-sunset daily
Season: Memorial Day-September 15th
Campground: Yes
Fees: Yes, self-service collection station
Warren Island State Park is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience that you’ll never forget (but, like, in a good way). This family-friendly island with a long history has something for everyone—quiet, private sites, scenic ocean views, wildlife sightings, beaches, and grassy areas for kids and games.
In this blog post, I will be sharing everything you need to know before visiting Warren Island State Park—including preparation tips, campground information, directions, park activities, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting the park.
Please note: Warren island is only accessible by boat, therefore accommodations need to be made in advance. I’ll cover this in the directions + parking section down below.
History
The town of Islesboro gave Warren Island to the State of Maine as a gift in 1959. The island has also previously been home to several families, including George Warren, who lived on the island for sixty years. Their farm house sat in the middle of Warren Island and was surrounded by farm land. George’s son, J.W Warren, also has a home on the northwest shore of the island. In 1861, Warren sold the island (all but one acre) to Mansfield Clark, an Islesboro resident, for $600 (crazy, right?!). The acre of land was passed along to David Williams, who lived along the northeast shore. If you visit the island today, you’ll find remains of their residence near picnic site # 1.
In 1899, the island was once again sold to W.H. Folwell, who built a state-of-the-art log cabin on the island that was deemed the most expensive cabin in New England. Eventually, the Folwell family could no longer pay their taxes and the island was acquired by the town of Islesboro and then sold to the State of Maine for $1.00 in 1958 with the intention of being used for recreation purposes. Warren Island was officially named a state park on June 30th, 1967. There was a large ceremony that, rightfully so, included a lobster dinner, clams, pie, and coffee.
Preparation
Check the weather forecast AND the tidal schedule to ensure safe conditions
Pack any necessary supplies, such as water, snacks, a basic first-aid kit, and personal flotation devices
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the season and activities
Click here to view my hiking and camping essentials
Directions + Parking
Getting to Warren Island is—time consuming. And a little bit stressful for those that aren’t so keen on the ocean. But luckily, I’m here to share my experience with you so you can plan ahead and make your trip as stress-free as possible!
Option one is to charter a boat. There may be a few different options based on your budget, but the company recommended to me was Quicksilver Water Shuttle and Charter Boat. Their website has loads of information about getting to Warren Island State Park. They don’t do scheduled trips, but you can privately charter a boat for up to six people, gear, kayaks, etc. for $130 each way, a total of $260. This option is definitely the most convenient, but also the most expensive.
The second option is the least expensive—launching your own boat/sea kayak/canoe from a public boat launch in Lincolnville and huffing it across Penobscot Bay to Warren Island. The trip is about 3.3 miles one-way, so 6.6 miles total. Please be aware that this option can be very dangerous if you do not have any experience boating/kayaking/canoeing on the ocean. Plan ahead and be smart. Also be sure to consider the tide schedule— it’s best to leave and arrive Warren Island during hide tide.
The third option is relatively less expensive than the first option, but a lot more time consuming. It involves renting either sea kayaks or canoes, taking the Lincolnville Ferry to Islesboro, loading all of your stuff into the kayaks/canoes and launching them at the boat launch in Islesboro, finding a parking spot either at the ferry terminal or along the road, and paddling the 0.5 mile to and from Warren Island State Park. I found this option to be time consuming, but also very adventurous. To give you an idea of price, we rented a canoe from Maine Sport Outfitters for $60.00/day and bought a two-way ferry ticket for $13.00/per person. The total was $86.00.
Ferry Information
Once we got to the ferry terminal, we were very confused about where to go and what to do.
First, you need to go inside the ferry office and get your physical tickets. Then, you have to figure out where to park. Right next to the ferry office, you’ll see blue lines on the road that mark parking spots. These are for people that reserved their ferry tickets in advance and are guaranteed a spot on the ferry. If you are one of those people, then you’ll park there. If not, then you have to follow the signs in the parking lot that say “ferry line up” or something along those lines. Odds are there will already be a line of cars that you can line up behind.
If you didn’t make reservations for the ferry, I strongly suggest getting to the terminal at least 45 minutes ahead of the time you wish to depart at, or arriving one departure time before your departure time, for extra precaution. Obviously, the better option is to just make a reservation so you are guaranteed a spot.
Park Rules
A limited number of moorings are provided for larger boats on a first come, first serve basis and for a $20 fee
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 information kiosk
There are courtesy carts available for use in carrying gear to the campsites near the information kiosk
All camping must take place only on designated and marked campsites provided by the park
Fires are allowed without special permits only in fire pits and grills that have been provided by the park
Carry out all trash you create during your visit
Drinking water is available at the pier and in the middle of the island. Please bathe and wash dishes far away from this water source
Campground
Warren Island is home to 12 extremely private campsites, complete with their own picnic table and fireplace. Three of them—sites 1, 5, and 6 have an Adirondack shelter, which is great for nights with strong winds. There are clean privy toilets throughout the island, as well as faucets with drinking water. The island is very accommodating to large groups, as there is a group camping area, a group picnic shelter, as well as a group picnic area.
Day Use Area
There is a small day use area on the island, located directly next to the pier. It has a small, rocky beach, a picnic shelter, and several picnic spots. It’s the perfect spot for a quick swim or to read a book.
Activities
Trails
There is a flat walking trail that winds through the island, stringing together all the various campsites and connecting them back to the day use area.
Paddling
Spend a few hours exploring local islands and coves via canoe or kayak. Paddle over to Seven Hundred Acre Island for a shower or snack, search for wildlife in Gilkey Harbor, or visit Islesboro for lunch.
Insider Tips
Reserve a parking spot on the Islesboro Ferry so you don’t miss your departure time
Best nearby restaurants
Bluewater Bakery: local Islesboro bakery serving breakfast, lunch, and coffee
McLaughlin’s Lobster Shack: local seafood served fresh with ocean views
Dot’s Market: farm-to-table prepared foods, wine, and delicious baked goods
The best time to visit: June through August, when the weather is perfect for swimming and paddling
You may want to invest in a portable power station to keep your devices charged
First time camping? Click here to access a free tent camping packing list
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine camping information and tips? You can find them all here.
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With love,
My Maine
