Duck Harbor Lean-tos on Isle au Haut

Acadia National Park, Isle au Haut (ferry from Stonington)

Isle au Haut lies off Stonington, and about half of it belongs to Acadia National Park. Maine Magazine notes the land was given to the Park Service by a lobstering family in the 1940s. At the island’s south end, Duck Harbor Campground has just five lean-tos. The NPS calls it backcountry camping, “not car camping,” and its main camping page says Acadia otherwise allows “no backcountry camping.”

Getting there is part of the trip. A passenger ferry runs from Stonington, and from mid-June through late September it also stops at the Duck Harbor landing, a short walk from the shelters.

The hike

The NPS lists about 18 miles of trail on the island’s park land and calls Duck Harbor the best starting point. Outside the summer ferry season, or if you’d rather walk, the Duck Harbor Trail runs about 3.8 miles from the Town Landing to the campground by the NPS’s count; the campground page says “over 4 miles.” Maine Magazine’s writer made the four-mile walk between the campground and the landing on his trip.

From camp, most hikers spend a day on the island’s southern trails. The Duck Harbor Mountain Trail climbs over the rocky mountain next to the campground and down the other side. The NPS lists it at 1.2 miles and rates it difficult; Hiking Project gives 1.1 miles, a maximum grade of 29 percent, and notes that “rocky cairns adorn the barren mountain” where the path isn’t obvious. From the top, it says, you can see the cliffs of Western Head.

The Western Head Trail (1.3 miles, NPS) follows the rocky shore on the island’s quiet side. Hiking Project warns it “is difficult to follow in places” across cobble beaches; if you lose it, follow the coastline until you find it again. At low tide you can walk across to the Western Ear, a small island, but Hiking Project cautions that the incoming tide can strand you. The Cliff Trail (0.7 mile) continues from Western Head, and Down East describes it as “coast-hugging” and sometimes steep, forming a loop of about three miles with the Western Head Trail. The NPS lists the Goat Trail at 2.1 miles, and Hiking Project suggests linking it with the Duck Harbor Mountain and Cliff Trails into a loop.

Inland, the Median Ridge (1.8 miles) and Long Pond (3 miles) Trails reach the middle of the island. The NPS warns that the trails are rough and recommends sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and rain gear.

Maine Magazine’s writer stayed in a lean-to “on a low hill surrounded by conifers” and noted that park rangers still suggest bringing a tent to keep summer bugs off. The Outbound sums up the appeal of a fall visit: “It’s like having an island all to yourself.”

For a longer coastal backpack in Maine, see the Cutler Coast Fairy Head Loop.

Tips

Book on April 1. The NPS says reservations for the whole season are released at 10 a.m. on April 1 on Recreation.gov.
Arrive early for the boat. The NPS says the boat is first come, first served and advises arriving at least 30 minutes before departure. Fares and schedules are from Isle au Haut Boat Services (207-367-5193).
Bring water or a way to treat it. There is no potable water at the campground.
Pack a bug net or small tent to pitch inside the lean-to; both the rangers (per Maine Magazine) and a Dyrt reviewer suggest it for mosquitoes.
Watch the tide before crossing to the Western Ear.
Leave pets at home. They aren’t allowed in the campground.

Camping

Camping on Isle au Haut is allowed only at Duck Harbor’s five designated lean-tos, and advance reservations are required through Recreation.gov, according to the NPS. Each three-sided shelter is 8 feet tall, 8 feet deep, and 12.5 feet wide, and any tent must fit inside. Sites hold up to six people, stays are limited to three nights, and campers get one stay per calendar year. There’s a composting toilet and a fire ring; you may gather dead and downed wood near camp but shouldn’t bring your own firewood. Carry out all trash; checkout is 11 a.m. and quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Inside Intel: Outdoorithm’s summary of camper reviews says site 5 gets the most recommendations because it is the most private, with easy shoreline access, while site 4 is noted for being clean and close to the facilities. The other sites sit closer together.

Trail facts

Distance: About 3.8 miles one way from the Town Landing (NPS trail list), or a short walk from the Duck Harbor landing in summer; island trails total about 18 miles
Route type: Out and back to camp, with day loops (Duck Harbor Mountain, Western Head, Cliff, Goat Trails)
Difficulty: Moderate; rough, rocky trails
Campsites: Duck Harbor Campground, 5 lean-tos (6 people each)
Water: No potable water; hand pump about 1,600 feet from the shelters (NPS); treat or carry water
Permits: Reservation required (Recreation.gov); 3-night maximum, one stay per year
Fires: Fire ring at camp; gather dead and downed wood only
Dogs: Not allowed in the campground
Access: Passenger ferry from Stonington to the Town Landing year-round; to Duck Harbor mid-June to late September
Last verified: October 7, 2026

The Lowdown

A plank floor at the edge of Duck Harbor:

The island's lean-tos have wooden floors and room only for what fits inside, so your pad is your mattress. See the sleeping pads reviewers rate.

See the picks →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.