Private Islands in the United States: Ownership and Listings
Across the United States, a surprising number of islands are privately owned or up for sale. From serene lakefront escapes to sprawling oceanfront sanctuaries, these islands range from cozy retreats to elite billionaire-owned properties. Below is a region-by-region look at notable examples, including their location, development status, accessibility, and pricing.
Florida – Sunshine State Hideaways
Florida is a hub for private islands, especially in the Keys and along the Gulf Coast. These islands often come fully equipped with luxury amenities and are situated close to major metropolitan areas.
Pumpkin Key (Florida Keys)
Located in Card Sound Bay near Key Largo, this 26-acre island is a fully developed luxury retreat. It includes a main house, multiple guest cottages, a 20-slip marina, tennis courts that double as a helipad, and full utility infrastructure. Just a short helicopter ride from Miami, it’s currently listed for around $75 million and owned through a private entity.
Little Bokeelia Island (Gulf Coast)
Situated between Naples and Sarasota, this 104-acre island boasts a historic Spanish-style estate, nature trails, and beachfront. Once listed for nearly $30 million, it was ultimately sold for less than half that amount. It now serves as a private family estate with all modern infrastructure.
Other noteworthy Florida islands include Ballast Key in the Lower Keys (once privately owned and later conserved) and East Sister Rock, a one-acre retreat with a contemporary home that occasionally appears on the market.
Maine – New England Coastal Charms
Maine’s rocky coastline is dotted with private islands that blend historic charm with natural beauty. Many include classic New England homes, and some are used as seasonal retreats.
Hope Island (Casco Bay)
An 86-acre island near Portland, this estate includes a grand mansion, guest houses, barns, a chapel, and even a tavern. Completely outfitted with modern utilities and private docks, it was transformed into a fully functioning family compound and remains privately owned today.
Sturdivant Island (Casco Bay)
At just 3 acres, this island features a renovated cottage, guest cabins, a deep-water pier, and a grassy airstrip. With views of Portland's skyline, it serves as a convenient and scenic summer getaway and is currently listed at about $1.75 million.
Other Maine gems include Upper Negro Island and Pumpkin Island, which offer smaller, charming retreats – many complete with lighthouses or vintage cabins.
Michigan – Freshwater Seclusion
Michigan is home to hundreds of islands scattered across its Great Lakes and inland waters. Some host historic lighthouses, while others offer modest family getaways.
Middle Island (Lake Huron)
Just a few miles from Alpena, this 227-acre island is known for its lighthouse and maritime history. While mostly undeveloped, it features several historic structures and is listed for sale at nearly $4 million.
Dixie Lake Island (Oakland County)
This tiny island near Detroit is barely the size of a city lot but packs in a two-story house with full amenities. Its accessible location and year-round usability, including hovercraft access in winter, make it a unique suburban retreat, priced at around $600,000.
Other private islands in Michigan include properties in Les Cheneaux Islands and along the Detroit River, often with vintage cabins or family-owned lodges.
New York – Secluded Isles of the Northeast
From Long Island Sound to the Adirondacks, New York offers a diverse array of private islands. Some are storied preserves; others house architectural masterpieces.
Robins Island (Peconic Bay)
This 435-acre island is nestled between Long Island’s forks and held under strict conservation guidelines. It includes a few homes but remains largely wild, serving as a private retreat focused on ecological preservation.
Petra Island (Lake Mahopac)
A heart-shaped, 11-acre island featuring two homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. With docks, a helipad, and fully developed infrastructure, it is currently listed for around $10 million. It is occasionally rented for exclusive retreats.
Also notable: Columbia and Pea Islands in Long Island Sound, which once included a former radio station and have since been transformed into off-grid hideaways.
Washington – Pacific Northwest Enclaves
Private islands in Washington are tucked into Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. They often feature forests, wildlife, and minimal development.
Spieden Island (San Juan Islands)
Covering 509 acres, this island is home to exotic wildlife and serves as a secluded nature preserve. Though it includes a few structures and an airstrip, most of the island remains untouched wilderness, reserved for the owner’s private use.
Allan Island (Skagit County)
This 292-acre island was once intended for a high-end development but remains largely undeveloped. It includes a landing strip, a few structures, and is now held by an investment group planning a low-density retreat.
Other options include Ram Island and Trump Island (no relation to the former president), which offer off-grid experiences and scenic views of the San Juan archipelago.
California – San Francisco Bay's Lone Island
California's coastline offers few privately owned islands, but one unique outcrop stands out.
Red Rock Island (San Francisco Bay)
This 5.8-acre rocky island is the only privately held island in the Bay Area. It rises sharply from the water with minimal development and was listed for $25 million due to its rarity and potential. The property spans multiple county jurisdictions, adding complexity to future development.
In contrast, most of California’s Channel Islands and offshore landmasses are publicly held or part of conservation trusts.
Hawaii – The Remote Pacific Jewels
Hawaii's island ownership is tightly controlled, but two major islands remain privately held.
Niʻihau (West of Kauai)
Known as the “Forbidden Island,” Niʻihau spans nearly 70 square miles and is owned by the same family since the 19th century. Home to a small community of Native Hawaiians, it has no modern infrastructure and is generally closed to the public, aside from limited tours and hunting excursions.
Lānaʻi (Sixth-Largest Hawaiian Island)
About 98% of this 141-square-mile island is owned by a tech billionaire who purchased it in 2012. It now hosts luxury resorts, a wellness center, and plans for sustainable development, including solar power and organic farming. With around 3,000 residents, Lānaʻi operates almost like a private kingdom.
Whether you're a luxury buyer, history buff, or just an island dreamer, the United States offers a surprising array of privately owned islands that capture the imagination. From freshwater sanctuaries to oceanfront estates, the private island market continues to intrigue those chasing the ultimate escape.
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