Calderwood Island, North Haven
This 75-acre island northeast of the Fox Island Thorofare boasts open meadows, inviting beaches, and sweeping views of Penobscot Bay.
Calderwood Island is great for:
- Walking – Explore the one-mile network of casual paths that crisscross the island connecting beaches, campsites, and vistas.
- Camping – Choose from either of two designated campsites to enjoy a quiet evening in the heart of Penobscot Bay.
- Picnicking – Pack a lunch, spend some time foraging for berries, and marvel at the beauty in all directions.
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.
For a complete map with legend and guidelines, click on the Printable Preserve Map above.
Notes on topography, flora, and fauna
Calderwood is a long, narrow island in East Penobscot Bay. Its rugged shores include sand and gravel beaches, ledges, and cliffs with boulders. Half of the island is covered with a spruce forest, while the rest, underlain by bedrock with thin soils, supports only juniper and open meadows. Working with the Maine Forest Service, MCHT has used controlled burns in recent years to minimize the spread of juniper in favor of native grasses.
While many of the nearby islands have a history of human settlements, there is no record of a permanent residence on Calderwood Island. However, the island was long used by the Calderwood family for sheep grazing. A corral was built on the island as well as a dug well. Over the past fifty years, forest and juniper have taken over much of the island.
How this place became open to the public
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.
This place belongs to all of us. Help us take care of it!
Preserve information/guidelines
- Camp At Established Campsites
- Limit Stay to 2 Nights
- Groups of 6 or More and Commercial Users by Permission Only. Please call 207-729-7366.
- Fires By Permit Only – Maine State Law
- Contact Maine Forest Service at 207-827-1800 for Permit
- Keep All Fires Below High Tide Line
- Do Not Cut or Break Tree Limbs, Dead or Alive
- Leave No Fire Unattended
- Completely Extinguish All Fires
- Carry Out All Trash
- Including Human and Pet Waste and Toilet Paper
- Keep Pets Under Control
