Pond Island
Brooksville
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Guidelines
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsites (with restrictions)
- No fires permitted
- Stay on established trails
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
Why we Care
Explore, Discover, Unwind
Paddle out to Pond Island where you can explore its tidal pond and stream, then follow the short trail over the highpoint and into a serene meadow. The beaches await to cool you off on a hot summer’s day, stretching for more than a mile of shoreline, while two campsites invite you to spend a night under the stars. This Penobscot Bay escape is as diverse as it is scenic—a place for all of us to protect.
Features
How to Get There
Pond Island is located in the northeastern part of Penobscot Bay, near the western end of Eggemoggin Reach. The island’s easiest access on most days is on the north side; however, it is possible to access the island from the south. Boaters can launch for free from the Castine Town Dock. Town Dock floats are available from May 15 through October 15 and tie-up is on a first-come, first-served basis between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Explore the Map
Click on trails and landmarks to learn more about what Pond Island has to offer.
Preserve Details
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Field Notes
Getting to Know Pond Island
The Path to Conservation
In 1980, Pond Island was purchased by Philadelphia Conservationists, Inc. (later named the National Land Trust) following a citizen’s fundraising effort spearheaded by Betty Eberhart. By 1982, the new owners had granted a forever wild easement to Acadia National Park. The easement stipulated that the island can only be used for “conservation, education, and recreational purposes.” In 1995, the Philadelphia Conservationists transferred Pond Island to MCHT.
On the Island
The 32-acre Pond Island Preserve has a diverse array of coastal environments including a cuspate barrier beach, salt pond, sand dunes, and a salt marsh. Away from the shore you’ll find a maritime spruce-fir forest, shrubland, and a grassy meadow. Pond Island’s interior also includes a prominent hill that rises more than seventy feet above sea level. These many different habitats attract a wide array of avian species to the island such as sandpipers, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.
A Rich History
Pond Island has a long history of human activity. Native people used the island for centuries, while the first European settlers arrived in the 1600s. In the centuries that followed, the island did not house any permanent year-round residents, but drew people seasonally for fishing, hunting, and, by the 20th century, as a summer retreat.
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.
Be part of the movement
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 Pond Island
Camping on Pond Island
Camping is only permitted at the two established campsites with stays limited to two nights.
Groups of 6 or more and commercial use restricted to the site on the eastern edge of the pond and by permit only. Please call 207-729-7366.
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)