Oar Island is a rare, 42-acre private ocean island located at the mouth of the Medomak River. Unlike many commercialized retreats, Oar Island is a "pioneer-style" experience where guests are encouraged to live in harmony with the environment. The island is covered in natural woodland and offers sweeping views of the sparkling ocean to the south and the misty blue Camden Hills to the north. It is designed for those who value peace, privacy, and the rugged beauty of the Midcoast over high-tech luxury, offering an "entire kingdom" for families or honeymooners.
Accommodations & Design The island features two traditional Maine-style structures. The Cottage is the larger of the two, offering full-time utility electricity, a fully equipped kitchen (including lobster-cooking gear), and a bathroom with a tub and shower. The Cabin offers a more rustic, "log cabin" feel with a sleeping loft accessible by ladder—perfect for children. Both units prioritize natural ventilation and feature wood stoves as the primary heat source. Guests are required to bring their own linens (sheets, pillowcases, and towels), reinforcing the island's low-impact, self-cleaning service model.
Amenities & Inclusions Oar Island’s charm lies in its "back-to-basics" activities and natural resource management.
Eco-Living: The island uses a drilled well for "sweet" natural water and pump toilets that use conserved rainwater. Guests are asked to participate in water conservation (aiming for 2-minute showers).
Marine Harvest: At low tide, guests can step outside to gather wild blue mussels and soft-shell clams for dinner.
Nature Exploration: Features forest trails for gathering wild blueberries and huckleberries, and sightings of the resident bald eagle pair and ospreys.
Boating: While only 1/4 mile from shore, a boat is required. Guests can bring their own or rent the island's aluminum skiffs. Boating skills are a prerequisite for staying here.
How Private Is This Island? Privacy at Oar Island is substantial but shared. Because there are two separate houses on the 42-acre tract, you may share the island with one other family; however, the 500-foot buffer of dense pine forest ensures visual and acoustic seclusion. There is no public vehicle access and zero foot traffic, other than the occasional local picnicker on the far south end. For those seeking absolute sovereignty, renting both the Cottage and the Cabin simultaneously secures the entire 42-acre estate, creating a totally private wilderness domain.
