This Maine Campground Has a Serious Cult Following

This campground in Maine has serious devotees who love its rustic charm and access to at least seven beaches.

Camping Was a Way of Life When I Was Growing Up

I grew up going camping, in a small pop-up that my family of five took across the country when I was twelve. We stayed in family campgrounds, usually KOAs, where we knew there would be clean bathrooms and a camp store. Camping is in my blood. Other than California vacation, however, our shorter excursions were rarely planned. We'd decide we wanted to get away, and we'd go.

READ MORE: 2 of the Best Places to Camp in the Northeast are Maine Icons

This Campground is a True Rustic Experience on the Coast of Maine

So I'm not sure how my family would have felt about this campground in Maine that people return to year after year. It takes some forethought, since they start taking requests for reservations in December only by mail. As Spring nears, folks can call for reservations but may not have their pick of locations.

Still, people love Hermit Island Campground in Phippsburg so much that they mail the letters and plan their vacations around that stay. They don't seem to mind that Hermit Island has no electrical hookups or pumping stations, or that only tents, travel trailers, and small slide-on pickup trailers are allowed. Well, there are a few cabins, including a yurt.

An Island Paradise, the Campground Offers Access to Several Beautiful Maine Beaches

These loyal followers must enjoy a truly rustic camping experience, the isolation of Hermit Island, located 26 minutes south of Bath, Maine, and access to beautiful beaches, including a short, 17-minute drive to the popular Popham Beach. Or maybe it's the call of the loons bringing them back, year after year, like cult members following their beloved leader.