Beal Island Campground
Enjoy wilderness camping on AMC’s only coastal island destination, located on the tidal Sasanoa River. Wake up to the call of ospreys and watch the tides as they move through Lower Hell Gate channel. With a limit of just two groups at a time, you’ll enjoy tranquility and seclusion surrounded by 60 aces of woodland. Learn more.
Season dates
Self-Service
April 30, 2023- October 16, 2023
Amenities:
Rustic campsites
Outhouse
Tables
Fireplace on Beach
Beal Island Campground is located on Beal Island, a 64-acre island in the Sasanoa River, between the towns of Westport and Georgetown on Maine’s Mid-Coast.
Less than a nautical mile from the beach at Knubble Bay Camp (about a 20-minute paddle), Beal Island has been a favorite destination for campers for generations. Relax on the sandy beach and watch osprey, seals, eagles, and porcupines. Some of the fastest currents on the East Coast envelop the island at certain times in the tide cycle, a phenomenon that is best observed from the safety of land.
A large grassy area and pine grove offer comfortable tenting spots. The island is available for overnight camping from early spring to late fall and is limited to two parties or up to 30 campers.
The island has an outhouse, but water must be transported from the pump at Knubble Bay Camp. Guests must bring their own food and carry out their trash. Two wooden tables are situated on the beach and are available for guest use.
All fires are restricted to the rock ring at the water’s edge. Fires are by permit only. Before you arrive, secure a fire permit by going to wardensreport.com. Enter Sagadahoc as the “county” and Georgetown as the “town.” Contact the Georgetown Fire Department (207-371-2020) with any issues.
Learn more about AMC’s cancellation policies for lodging and programs.
The island is accessible only by boat. Parking is at AMC’s Knubble Bay Camp, 144 Jewitt Road, Georgetown, Maine. Beal Island is 0.6 nautical miles by ocean from Knubble Bay Camp. Depending on the current and your paddle speed, the KBC launch to BI takes anywhere from 12 minutes to 30 minutes.
A trail circumnavigates the island, revealing breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, as well as old stone foundations from long-ago residents. Beal Island is part of the Maine Island Trail, a 375-mile recreational water trail that extends the length of Maine’s coast.
If you plan to paddle while staying on Beal Island, be aware of the currents north of the beach and south of Knubble Bay. More information on local tides and currents can be found at https://amckbc.org/tides-currents.
Need to rent a sea kayak while at the campground? Seaspray Kayaking and Paddlesports offers rental deals to AMC members and can deliver boats to the parking area at Knubble Bay Camp: https://www.seaspraykayaking.com/georgetown/