Calderwood Island
North Haven
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsites (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (guidelines below)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
Why we Care
A Place Worth Protecting
From the one-mile network of casual paths that crisscross beaches, campsites, and scenic vistas to berry foraging and idyllic picnic lunches, Calderwood Island invites you to explore. Whether you’re spending the day soaking in the sights or enjoying a night under the stars in the heart of Penobscot Bay, you’ll marvel at the beauty in every direction.
Features
How to Get There
Calderwood Island is located in the town of North Haven, northeast of the Fox Island Thorofare. The beach on the north side of the island is a good landing spot.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Calderwood Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
Property:
Town:
County:
Accessible:
Field Notes
Getting to Know Calderwood Island
The Path to Conservation
MCHT acquired Calderwood Island in 1997 through two transactions: half of the island was gifted and the other half was purchased with support from generous donors.
On the Island
Calderwood is a long, narrow island in East Penobscot Bay. Its rugged shores include sand and gravel beaches, ledges, and bouldered cliffs. Half the island is covered with spruce forest; the rest, underlain by bedrock and thin soils, supports only juniper and open meadows.
Unlike many nearby islands, there’s no record of permanent human settlement. However, long ago, the Calderwood family used the island for sheep grazing, built a corral, and dug a well. Over the past fifty years, forest and juniper have reclaimed much of the land. In more recent years, MCHT has worked with the Maine Forest Service to use controlled burns to minimize the spread of juniper in favor of native grasses.
Stories from the Midcoast
Deepening Our Connections to Nature and One Another
Our stories remind us why we commit ourselves to the work of conservation. Here in Maine, nature is still big and bold enough to remind us that we are part of it. We want to make sure this remains true.
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Contribute to a future with
healthy, open lands & waters
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Give your time to help
care for the coast
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Be a champion
for conservation
Spread the Word
More Information on Calderwood Island
Camping on the Island
Camping is only permitted at the two established sites on the island and stays are limited to two nights.
Groups larger than 6 and/or commercial use by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366.
Campfires on the Island
Campfires are permitted, but must be smaller than three feet. Check with the local government for any restrictions.
Additional Guidelines:
- Keep all fires below high tide line
- Do not build fire rings
- Do not cut or break tree limbs, dead or alive
- Leave no fire unattended
- Completely extinguish all fires
Help Us Take Care of the Preserve
This preserve belongs to all of us; that’s why it’s important to leave as little trace as possible when you visit.
To do that, please:
- Carry out all trash
- Carry out all pet waste
- Carry out all human waste (including toilet paper)