Bathing
Whether it be the island's eight sandy beaches, the hidden coves along the shore, or the low water of the harbor, cloudy or sunny, island campers are always in the water. The ocean is what the campground is centered around, and what better way to enjoy it then getting in on the action. Swimming in the cold North Atlantic waters of Casco Bay is not uncommon here. In fact, the water isn't that frigid at all. The best part is though, that all of the coastline and the beaches on the island are private, meaning that only campers are allowed in. This means there are practically no crowds, no parking frustration, no long lines, and no hidden entrance fees. For starters, the island's eight white sand beaches are the most common and favorite attractions on the island, yet they are rarely crowded. You could easily find that you have an entire beach to yourselves. Also, most of the beaches are located in their own coves which means the water is safer and not as rough. Another way islanders hit the water is at many of the hidden coves along the island's coastline. One of the locals favorites is the "Bath Tub". A long and deep cove on the southern end of the island. Over the years, hundreds have taken the plunge, becoming a island tradition for many families. Overall, with the Atlantic Ocean surrounding you, why would you not want to enjoy it.
Bathing Spots:
White Sand Beaches: The island has eight white sand beaches perfect for swimming or sunbathing. These include Sand Dune, Spring, Lagoon, Sailboat, West Dune, Sand Dollar Bounty Cove, and Head Beach. Out of these eight, all of them recessed into the island by coves and receive some amount of protection, making the water warmer and calmer, perfect for swimming. These white sand stretches have become the campground's trademark, and are the most visited places on the island. The northern beaches tend to be less crowded and a little more peaceful than the southern ones. All of the beaches are also a perfect place for water tubes and boogey boards, plus kayaks and canoes also launch and land on the beach. For more detailed information on the island's beaches, check out the Beaches section.
Protected Coastline Coves: Many people also enjoy swimming in the protected and private coves along the island's western shore. Please note though that many coves are only suitable for swimming in during high tide only, and swimming in them is also very dangerous. One of the popular and widely known coves for swimming is the "Bath Tub", a long and deep trench on the southern end of the island, right near Sunset Lagoon and Lagoon Beach. The cove has also become a tradition for island regulars, as practically everyone volunteers or is forced to take the plunge. A majority or the other coves farther north on the western shore can be reached from the red trail, and are normally less crowded. For information on the Bath Tub or other coastal coves, see the Land Features section.
Please Note: None of the beaches or coves have life guards. Please swim at your own risk.
Local Favorites:
Sand Dune Beach: Sand Dune Beach is the island's main beach and also one of the best places for swimming. For some odd reason, the water always tends to be a little warmer here, and thus is always packed with swimmers and families. It is also a favorite due to it's proximity to campsites, as practically all of the campsite are on or within walking distance to it or it's sister beach, West Dune. More information in Beaches section.
The Bath Tub: A local favorite for generations, the Bath Tub is a long and deep cove at the southern end of the island. People have been taking "the plunge" here for generations, as practically all regulars have either volunteered or have been forced into jumping. This involves jumping off either side, normally the mainland side, into the deep cove during high tide from the walls of the cove. It has its warm name because of the fact that it actually gets warm when high tide is near the afternoon or end of the day and the rocks on the bottom have already been heated by the sun. Accessible from either West Dune Beach or Lagoon Beach. More information in the Land Features section.
More Information:
Island Beach listings and information
Island Land Features information
