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

When I was twelve, my family of five took our small pop-up camper across the country to see where my parents were married in California.

We stayed in family campgrounds, usually KOAs, where we knew there would be clean bathrooms and a store.

My family spent most summer weekends living out of our camper, sometimes traveling to other states (or Canada), and sometimes just going a couple of towns away from our house.

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

But 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 reservation requests 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.