Summary:
Naughty Dog Island is what happens when island time meets unapologetic canine freedom. This is a private island log cabin where you and your pup can truly be away away — no leashes once you arrive, no neighbors, no schedules worth keeping. Just you, your dog(s), and a 1,400-acre lake that becomes your shared backyard. If your dog has ever dreamed of running the show, this is their moment.
The Space:
Life here is simple, cozy, and intentionally off-grid. The rustic cabin offers a warm woodstove, solar lighting, an indoor, nose-friendly composting toilet, and a private outdoor hot shower (non-freezing seasons). Days unfold however you like: swimming off the dock, paddling the lake, fishing world-class bass waters, hammock hopping, or doing absolutely nothing while loons call and eagles circle overhead. It’s glamping with personality — relaxed, a little quirky, and wonderfully unbothered.
Getting to Naughty Dog Island is easy and part of the adventure. Arrive by paddle, ferry, or your own boat, with free parking and island transport included. Once settled, you and your pack have exclusive access to the entire island. If curiosity strikes, you’re also welcome to paddle over to 1 Big Sustainable Island during daylight hours to explore trails, rope swings, saunas, and shared spaces.
Naughty Dog Island is designed for dogs of all personalities, including the delightfully unsociable. We screen pups for safe transport, then hand the island over to them leash-free and judgment-free. If you’re craving deep quiet, goofy joy, and a place where dogs don’t have to behave like humans, this is island time done right — muddy paws, wagging tails, and all.
OUR FAQ:
COOKING: We make cooking easy: Pack heavy on food, light on gear. We supply: kitchen utensils, dishes, pots and pans, French press, coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, and drinking water from our homestead well. You can cook on the propane grill and stove, or over an open fire. Naughty Dog Island adventures involve minimal visitor preparation because this is GLAMPING: bring lots of food, vacay clothes, and your pup. We'll take it from there.
HOW DO I GET TO THE ISLAND?
Every island adventure begins at our shoreside parking/dock area. From there, you've got options: Paddle, Ferry, or BYOBoat. See the details below for schedules, limitations, and FAQ. Know that we make island access for you, your crew, and your gear convenient, free, and part of your adventure.
RETURNING GUESTS: We appreciate folks who return year after year. If you've misplaced the Island Withdrawal Syndrome coupon code, remind us of your last stay and we'll send you a new one. We can't have you suffering from IWS, now can we! Also, if you are looking for an exception to minimum night requirements, please reach out.
FREE STUFF: Every Maine Island adventure includes: FREE island transportation, camp chairs, unlimited firewood, lantern, fire starter, matches, canoe or kayaks with life vests and gear. Explore Annabessacook Lake!
DOGS ON VACAY: We're dog people and Naughty Dog Island is pet-friendly for all pups. We screen all four legged visitors right after the reservation is made so that every island visitor and ferry passenger is safe and prepared. The process has the following questions: Does your dog get along with other pups and humans? Is your dog’s history bite-free? Are you willing to keep your pup on leash during your trip out? And, are you willing to be responsible for any damages your dog creates?
If there's a "NO" in there, DON'T WORRY! Because Naughty Dog Island is a private island, ANY dog - even unsociable ones - can be leash-free and worry-free. We just need to know about our four-legged challenges on the ferry-ride. Our pet fees are $30/night per pet, which gets settled up after the reservation and screening are completed.
LOOKING FOR A SHORT STAY OR WANT A SUPER DEAL? So that guests looking for longer stays have options, our minimum night stay requirements tend to start high early in the year and then drop by Summer. So if you've got a quick stay in mind and are surprised by our minimum night stay requirements, check back with us. The closer we get to an empty night, the more flexible we will be.
Same goes for our pricing: if you've got specific dates or stay in mind, book early for the sure thing. But if you're flexible on dates, flexible on which stay you want, and don't mind biting your nails while waiting for a price you like, then save the link and check back. We have a first-come, first-served booking policy, but our pricing gets lower, the closer we are to an empty night.
Guest Access:
Guests enjoy private and exclusive access to the entire Naughty Dog Island.
You are also invited to explore the shared areas of 1 Big Sustainable Island from sunrise to sunset, a 1/2 mile paddle from Naughty Dog Island. You're welcome to take the early arrival ferry there, explore during the day, and check in at the appointed time. Or, you can paddle over on your own schedule.
ACTIVITIES:
There's lots to do on 1 Big Sustainable Island and (as has been the tradition for generations in the neighborhood) visitors are encouraged to stop by (so you might have some company from the neighborhood on the island during daylight -- after dark, however, the island is closed to the public). Activities in these shared areas include:
Hiking or walking on more than a mile of trails
Swimming
Watching the sunset from Sunset Rock
Resting in one of the hammocks sprinkled about the island
Fishing off the dock
Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding
Sauna lake plunging
We are happy to provide safe luggage storage so you can enjoy free early arrival or free late departure. Guests can take advantage of the shared areas and activities either before check in or after check out.
The Neighborhood:
Annabessacook Lake is our 1400 acre backyard of clear water, good fishing, and great neighbors. Whether they are year-round residents, summer vacationers, or visitors, most folks you'll meet will tell you that they have been coming here since they were a kid.
Getting Around:
Getting to the Island: You’ve got check in options
CHECK IN YOURSELF by:
* Bringing your own boat or boat plane - we have a public boat launch, free parking for your rig at our place, and free island dock space for convenient boat tie-up.
* Paddling yourself - Take one of our canoes or kayaks and paddle the 30 minute trip across the lake to your stay. We can shuttle your gear on the next ferry if you want. Or,
CHECK IN WITH FERRY SERVICE:
Free ferry service to the island runs at:
* 9:45 Early Arrival - We’ll shuttle you to 1 Big Sustainable Island early and while your stay is being prepared, you can begin your “Island Time” early. We’ll safely stow your gear and let you know as soon as your accommodations are ready.
* 3pm and 5pm - With the standard check in ferry, we’ll move your crew and your gear to the island and help get you settled in.
Pre-arranged Special Ferry Service is available at other times for a $60 one-way fee during regular hours (between 8pm and 7am, the cost is $100 and a hot cup of coffee for the Boat Captain). We'll transport your gear and all your guests on this 10 minute private boat ride.
FREE PARKING: Park in our private parking area for free. Cart your gear to our shoreside dock to begin your "Island Time" journey.
Interaction with Guests:
Kent, a Registered Maine Guide and Commercial Boat Operator, and our Island Support Crew are available if needed - a text message away. Otherwise, the island will be all yours.