Scottish Black Faced Sheep at sunset on Richmond Island

 

WELCOME TO RICMOND ISLAND

IMPORTANT UPDATE

2025 CAMPING RESERVATION PROCESS HAS CHANGED

We are transitioning to a mail-in lottery system for Summer 2025 reservations.

Submit your request by snail mail anytime before April 1st

If your request is selected in the lottery, you will receive a confirmation email by May 15th. If you do not receive an email, your request was not selected.

However, you can check in weekly for any last minute cancellations throughout the summer at richmond.island@blackpointcorporation.com

Please read the ‘CAMPING’ section below for instructions on how to submit your reservation request.

ABOUT THE ISLAND

This beautiful, historic island has been in the Sprague family since 1913. The 226-acre island off the coast of Cape Elizabeth has been the site of native American habitation dating back thousands of year. English fisherman settled here in the 1630’s.

The island boasts four beaches (Clam Cove Beach, Broad Cove Beach, John’s Cove Beach and Breakwater Beach). As you walk the perimeter path which is almost two miles long, you will notice a variety of ecosystems including fragile sand dunes, lake, pine forest and abundant grassland.

Visitors to the island may notice the Black Faced Scottish Rams (a domestic herd of 50+ head), deer, bald eagles, horned owls, blue herons, brown hawks, an occasional piping plover and swan. (Please take adequate precautions against ticks which pose a continued problem for visitors.) A visit on a July evening will delight with thousands and thousands of fireflies. 

The Sprague Corporation welcomes visitors to the island. Visitors are expected to be respectful of the island ecology and join us in being good stewards of this very beautiful place by observing the island guidelines. Richmond Island is also considered a wildlife refuge. All visitors are restricted to the beaches and the perimeter trail and please stay off the sand dunes. Thank you for respecting the island and the Sprague Family.

ISLAND REGULATIONS

  • NO DOGS ALLOWED ON ISLAND

  • CARRY IN CARRY OUT ALL WASTE (INCLUDING POOP)

  • WATERCRAFT IS REQUIRED TO ACCESS ISLAND- CROSSING OVERLAND VIA BREAKWATER IS NOT PERMITTED

  • NO METAL DETECTORS OF ANY KIND PERMITTED ON THE ISLAND

  • STAY ON PERIMETER TRAIL AND KEEP OFF ALL SAND DUNES

DAY USE AND RESTRICTED DATES

The island trails are open to the public for day use and no permit is required to spend the day on the island. However, the island is closed annually for the month of May and August 1-14th so that we may tend to the sheep and work on the island doing spring maintenance. Please respect our wishes and do not to come to the island during this time.

The Sprague Corporation employs island caretakers whose main duty is to protect, preserve and maintain the island. They are present on the island most days throughout the week and weekend during high season. Overnight camping is allowed with permit only, issued by Richmond Island Caretakers and The Sprague Corporation. If you are camping, expect a visit from the caretaker during your stay to collect your permit. 

CAMPING

Please read ALL the details and instructions below carefully to ensure your request is eligible for the lottery.

Details:

  • Camping Season: May 30th - Sept 28th (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays only). You may request to reserve 2 separate weekend days or 2 consecutive weekend days. Tip: Sunday evenings are almost ALWAYS available.

  • Closed Dates: The island is closed to the public August 1st-14th so please don't request a reservation for these dates.

  • Be Flexible – Being flexible increases your chances of securing a reservation. If you don’t have specific date requirements, please indicate your flexibility on your request.

    Preferred Dates – If you require specific dates, please list 2 preferred weekend days -you may request 2 separate weekend days or 2 consecutive weekend days. If you are willing to be flexible if your preferred dates aren’t available, please indicate that on your request as well.

  • How to Reserve:

  • Include your name, email, phone number so we can confirm your reservation;

  • Indicate if you are open to any 2 dates, either separate or consecutive or;

  • Indicate if you have preferred dates or;

  • Indicate if you have preferred dates but will take anything if those aren’t available.

Do not send requests for dates listed above when island is closed or a date that is not a Friday. Saturday or Sunday evening between May 30th-September 28th or the request will be invalid and not entered into lottery.

Mail reservation requests to:

Ram Island Farm
℅ Richmond Island Caretaker
1 Ram Island Rd
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107

Any questions please email the caretakers at: richmond.island@blackpointcorporation.com

 
 
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