Little Whaleboat Island

Little Whaleboat Island isn’t flashy — it’s raw, real, and absolutely beautiful. The lack of infrastructure is the point. You bring your own food, water, and firewood, and in return, you get an island to yourself, the sound of waves on cobble, and some of the best sunsets you’ll see in Casco Bay.

If you’re the kind of boater who doesn’t mind hauling a dry bag, lighting your own fire, or making coffee as the fog burns off the water, you’re going to love this place.

An aerial photo shows a cove at Little Whaleboat Island.
A father and son make a campfire on the beach at Little Whaleboat Island during sunset.
An aerial photo of the entire Little Whaleboat Island taken on a summer day.
Low tide at Little Whaleboat Island on a summer afternoon
A sailboat sits anchored off the coast of Little Whaleboat Island
A view of the beach on Little Whaleboat Island on a summer afternoon
A view of wildflowers along the beach on Little Whaleboat Island
The tide slows recedes exposing the beach and rocks at Little Whaleboat Island

Little Whaleboat Island: Wild, Rugged, and Ready to Explore

Welcome to Little Whaleboat Island — the largest undeveloped island in Casco Bay, and one of the best spots for boat-in camping, coastal exploring, and off-the-grid picnicking. With dramatic cliffs, wide-open meadows, and dense spruce forest at either end, this wild island is a favorite for DIY boaters who prefer moorings over marinas and fire pits over restaurants.

Only accessible by private boat or charter, Little Whaleboat Island is an untamed escape that rewards those who seek solitude and sea air.

What to Expect on Little Whaleboat Island

Set between Harpswell and Long Island, Little Whaleboat Island feels worlds away. There are no docks, no trails, no ferry access, and no crowds — just rocky shoreline, quiet coves, and one of the best sunsets in Casco Bay.

Whether you're picnicking for the afternoon or staying overnight, the island is open to the public for day use and has three established campsites for those who want to linger longer.

Campsites on Little Whaleboat Island

There are three established campsites on Little Whaleboat Island. All are simple, scenic, and offer different vibes depending on how you like to camp:

1. The Meadow Site (First Come, First Served)

Located just inland from a shallow cove on the southeastern shore, this wide-open grassy site is perfect for picnics and sun-soaked camping. It offers little protection from wind or rain, but on a calm day, it’s hard to beat. Small boats can land at mid- to high tide; larger boats should anchor just outside the cove.

Best for: Picnics, casual campers, small groups under 10
Note: Exposed to southern winds; be cautious when landing

2. The Northern Site (First Come, First Served)

Tucked into the woods on the northwestern shore, just past the red #2 channel marker, the Northern Site is more sheltered and private. A fire pit and a few grassy tent sites make it a great low-key base for up to 6 campers.

Best for: Small groups or families looking for privacy and some tree cover
Access: Anchorage nearby; landing at a gravel beach

3. The Group Site (By Reservation Only)

This reserved site is just north of the Northern Site and ideal for guided trips or larger groups. It offers 5–6 tent spots, though the ground is a bit uneven. Book in advance to secure your space and avoid conflicts with other visitors.

Best for: Commercial groups, guided overnights, or organized meet-ups
Reservations required: Visit wardensreport.com for fire permits and camping info

Island Activities & Terrain

Despite its name, Little Whaleboat Island is the largest wild island in Casco Bay, and a haven for low-impact exploration.

Things to Do:

  • Camping – Stay at one of three simple but scenic campsites

  • Birding – Spot raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds during migration seasons

  • Picnicking – Lay out lunch in the central meadow with views of Mount Washington on clear days

  • Hiking the Shoreline – There are no formal trails, but during low tide you can walk the rocky coast and explore coves and ledges

Landscape Features:

  • Grassy meadows and dense shrubland in the interior

  • Wind-ravaged spruce forest on both ends

  • Fringing salt marsh and cobble beaches around the perimeter

  • High bluffs and cliffs with panoramic views across Casco Bay

Boating Tips for Little Whaleboat Island

Because Little Whaleboat Island is only accessible by boat, it’s important to plan your approach carefully:

  • Anchor with caution – Some beaches are steep or exposed to wind; check charts and tides

  • Mid- to high tide is best for landing small boats

  • Bring your own supplies – There are no facilities or water sources

  • Follow Leave No Trace principles – This island is pristine, and we want to keep it that way

⚠️ Fires are permit-only (required by Maine law). You can apply for a fire permit online. Fires are only allowed below the high tide line or in the designated fire ring at the Northern Site.

Know Before You Go

  • Camping is limited to 2 nights

  • Reservations required for the Group Site

  • Groups over 10 (Meadow) or 6 (Northern Site) must request permission

  • No trash removal — carry in, carry out

  • Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished

  • Don’t cut or break any tree limbs — live or dead