Camden Harbor

Marinas near Camden Harbor

Introduction:

Camden Harbor and the town of Camden are located off West Penobscot Bay just North of Ogier Point. Camden is 13 miles northwest of Vinalhaven Island and 35 miles west of Mount Desert Island.

There are three primary marine service and marina facilities in Camden Harbor. Wayfarer Marine Corp is by far the biggest and offers a lift for haul-out and related repairs, both gas and diesel fuel, a laundry and transient slips. Camden Town Docks may have transient slips available, but be sure to call ahead to make sure you can be accommodated on your arrival. The Camden Yacht Club is private, but may be able to offer reciprocal privileges to members of participating yacht clubs. If you prefer to tie up to a mooring, there are plenty scattered around the harbor, but be aware that the harbor is exposed to winds from the east.

History:

Captain George Weymouth of the Archangel first sighted the Camden Hills on his voyage to Maine in 1605, and Captain John Smith is also known to have visited the area in 1614. It was 155 years later, though, that the first people to settle Camden arrived. At that time, the area was known as part of the "Megunticook Plantation", from an Indian name meaning "great sea swells."

Camden was named for Charles Pratt, first Earl of Camden, in 1791.

Navigating the Water:

Use NOAA Chart 13305.

Camden Harbor is reached via an approach from the north or south through West Penobscot Bay north of Rockport. From West Penobscot Bay, first set a course to intercept red nun buoy “2,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 12.005 W69 02.407. If you are arriving at night, or from a far distance out in West Penobscot Bay, Curtis Island Light (52 feet above the water, occulting green light every four seconds) is an excellent guide.

Once you have picked up red nun buoy “2,” set an approximate course of 329 degrees magnetic for about .3 mile until you find red nun buoy “4” at the southern edge of Northeast Ledge (this buoy is visible in the image above). If you are heading north to Sherman Cove, set a new course of around 334 degrees magnetic for about .3 mile to intercept red nun buoy “6.” If you are heading straight into Camden Harbor, set an approximate course of 312 degrees magnetic until you intercept green can buoy “7,” and then head in toward Camden Harbor, making sure to keep a watch out for moored boats.

There is also an alternate northern approach to Camden Harbor, but it is a bit narrow and lined with rock ledges on either side. Certainly do not attempt this passage in fog or bad weather, and especially not at night. First set a course to intercept red and white buoy “CH,” which is located at an approximate waypoint of N44 12.679 W69 020.272. Once you have safely navigated to red and white buoy “CH,” set an approximate course of 248 degrees magnetic for about .4 miles until you see green can buoy “1.” From green can buoy “1,” set a course to the west between the narrows, passing flashing red “2” along the way. Once past flashing red “2,” you will be in deep water and can head north toward Sherman Cove or south toward Camden.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Things To Do/Local Events:

Eating in Camden ranges from upscale Continental cuisine to dining on down east-style lobster rolls and steamed variations of the local crustacean served on picnic tables with plastic forks. Wherever you go to eat, expect seafood to be a pivotal point of the meal. For those less than excited by the bounty of the sea, there are restaurants that cater to every taste including Chinese, Indian and Asian preparations.

Often referred to as “The Artful Coast,” the Camden area cultures a flourishing and diverse community of artists, and dozens of local shows throughout the year reflect this trend. Several local galleries also display local art through the year.

See the “Helpful Links” section at the bottom of this page for detailed information.

Transportation:

Portland and Bangor airports serve the Camden area with major commercial air service from multiple carriers. Daily charter air service is also available to Knox County Airport, at Owls Head in nearby Rockland.

Limited taxi and limo service is available from a couple of local companies. Camden does not have bus or train service.

Helpful Links:

Camden Calendar of Events