Camden Harbor Inlet
About
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.
The image above is a view from the southeast looking northwest over the entrance to Camden Harbor. The forested bit of land in the upper left-hand corner of the image is Curtis Island, while off to the right (north), the very last fringes of the southern end of Northeast Point can be seen. Farther back, the Camden waterfront is visible - nested back between the mountains. A close eye can pick out red nun buoy 4 in the center of the image. Red nun buoy 4 marks the location of the southern edge of Northeast Ledge.
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.
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.