West Sister Island
Swan’s Island
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GUIDELINES
What You Need to Know
- Camp at established campsite (with restrictions)
- Campfires permitted (with restrictions)
- Carry out all trash (see details)
- Keep pets under control
- Respect privacy of preserve neighbors
WHY WE CARE
Explore, Discover, Protect
West Sister Island’s cobble beach is an ideal spot to scan for harbor seals and sea ducks enjoying the bay or bald eagles and common terns soaring above. After a day of exploring, spend the night camping. West Sister Island is the perfect place to listen to the pounding surf and reflect on why places like this are worth protecting.
Features
How to Get There
The closest mainland boat launch is in Bass Harbor on Mount Desert Island. You can also launch from Mackerel Cove and Burnt Coat Harbor on Swan’s Island. While still in an area of swift tidal currents, the best anchorage is just off of the northwestern cobble beach. All other areas around the island should be avoided due to extreme rip tides and unsuitable bottom substrate.
Explore the Map
View this preserve’s trails and features on the interactive map or download a printable copy above.
Preserve Details
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FIELD NOTES
Getting to Know West Sister Island
On the Preserve
West Sister Island, a 39-acre preserve in outer Blue Hill Bay, was acquired by MCHT in 2011. The island lies southeast of Swan’s Island, approximately 0.4 miles east of Red Point. West Sister’s interior is dominated by a dense spruce and northern hardwood forest. This shady habitat attracts river otter and mink, and provides a nice backdrop to the island’s ledge-covered shoreline. The preserve’s main draw is its cobble beach on the northwestern shore, which features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
More Information on West Sister Island
Camping On the Island
Camping is only permitted on West Sister Island for a limit of two nights. Previously, there was a camping pavilion, but it was removed in 2026.
Commercial users by permission only. Please call 207-729-7366 or email the Stewardship Team.
Campfires on the Island
While campfires are permitted, it’s important to check for any local restrictions.
Guidelines:
- Must be smaller than 3 feet
- 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
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)
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