Best Campsites in Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island is a great vacation destination for international tourists and locals alike. Located in the New England region, it is one of the smallest states in the US. Rhode Island features a perfect blend of colorful seaside views, great local culture, and an endless array of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Its proximity and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean translates to quaint little towns and wonderful sandy beaches, which make the small state ideal as a camping destination. Of the various campgrounds found in Rhode Island, we have narrowed down to 15 of the best campsites, each offering its unique perquisites.
1. Charlestown Breachway State Beach
Located south of Rhode Island, adjacent to the south shore Management Area, is a popular camping destination, which offers great water views from almost every direction. It may not offer some basic amenities such as electric hookups, water and or sewer, it, however, avails many water-based outdoor activities such as boating, shellfishing, saltwater fishing, and swimming. Be sure to carry your camera along for a trip to this campground as it offers post-card worthy views of the Rhode Island coastline.
2. Melville Ponds Campground
This popular campground is located at 181 Bradford Ave, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871. It is also located just 7.5 miles from the busy city of Newport from where you can easily rent an RV for your camping trip. Whether you intend to stay overnight or for longer, the Melville Ponds Campground offers some first-class facilities and amenities to cater for visitors of all ages. At the campground, you will find sporting grounds, an open-air pavilion along with walking and hiking trails.
3. Burlingame State Park and Campground
With over 3000 acres of forested area and easy access to the Watchaug Pond, the Burlingame State Park and Campground feature 700 campsites and 20 cabins with plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy. The campground has several boats launches ideal for canoes and Kayaks, fishing spots and a great swimming area. It offers conveniently located restrooms, hot showers, and a kid-friendly playground too. From here, you can also explore the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary as well as the National Wildlife Refuge located a small distance away.
4. Charlestown Breachway Campground
The Charlestown Breachway Campground boasts the best scenic views in the whole of Rhode Island. Located at Charlestown Beach Rd., Charlestown, 401-364-7000, this campground only caters to RVs and offers Panoramic views of the popular Block Island Sound. It is also located next to the Atlantic Ocean giving the visitors a chance to enjoy all the water-based activities the ocean has to offer. They range from sunbathing, boating, fishing to bird watching. Nirnigret Pond is also located nearby and is a haven for windsurfing, paddle boarding, and Kayaking. Like other camps in the area, it also lacks showers, sewage disposals, and clean running water.
5. Wawaloam Campground
If your camping itinerary includes themed weekends, banquets and dog shows, then consider reserving a spot at the Wawaloam Campground. Located at 510 Gardiner Road, West Kingston, Rhode Island 02892, this family-operated campground is one of the friendliest sites on the east coast. Visitors and campers get an amazing opportunity to enjoy first-class amenities such as a miniature golf course, a fishing pond, an on-site general store, and a 4000 square foot Splash Park. The campground also features a security gate to ensure maximum comfort and safety of its visitors.
6. Worden Pond Family Campground
The Worden Pond Family Campground is the ideal camping destination for the kind of person who enjoys spending time outdoors without necessarily having to unplug from technology. Located at 416A Wordens Pond Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879, the campground offers its guests hot spots with free internet access so that they can surf the web anytime they want during their stay here. You can also find more amenities such as picnic tables, hot showers barbeque areas, and clean restrooms, which will make you, feel right at home.
7. Whispering Pines Campground
This campground boasts of a playground, a mini-golf course, swimming space, and basketball courts and a whole lot more of facilities that campers and visitors can enjoy. Located at 41 Saw Mill Rd., Hope Valley, 401-539-7011, the campground is a popular destination for fishing. At the campground, you can spend your day fishing and Kayaking over the pristine waters of the pond. It also offers plenty of bathrooms and a snack bar, which make sure you enjoy the comforts of your home while enjoying a great outdoor adventure on the scenic Rhode Island coast.
- COOKING POWER: Up to 20,000 total BTUs
- 2 ADJUSTABLE BURNERS: For precise temperature control
- WIND-BLOCKING PANELS: Shield burners from wind
- PRESSURE REGULATOR: Pressure-control technology for consistent performance, even in extreme conditions
- RUNTIME: Up to 1 hour on high on one 16.4 oz. propane cylinder (sold separately)
8. George Washington State Campground
Located at Putnam Pike, Glocester, 401-568-2085, The George Washington State Campground occupies only a small portion of the George Washington Management Area with lots of nature and wildlife. It features 45 gravel spots where visitors can set up a tent or park their RVs and trailers. While at the camp, you can opt to hike the various trails or just relax next to the Bowdish Reservoir admiring the scenic views. The campground, however, does not offer many basic amenities like showers and flushing toilets, so you can expect a rural retreat for your vacation here.
9. Ashaway RV Resort
Set in a gorgeous natural setting, the Ashaway RV Resort is a great location to explore the South Country. It is located southwest of Rhode Island a short distance from the historic Bradford District. It features pleasant natural areas such as Misquamicut State Beach, Blueshutters Beach, Woody Hill Management Area, and the Pawcatuck River. At this RV resort, there is plenty for everyone to do. Whether you want to watch weekend movies at the pavilion, take a barrel train ride, relax at the hot tub, or swim at the pool, you can never get bored. It also features two dog parks, so be sure to carry your furry friend along for the trip
10. Bowdish Lake Camping Area
This is a family-friendly campground located at 40 Safari Rd, Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814. Bowdish Lake Camping Area is also located just off Route 44, very close to some of the best RV dealerships in the state of Rhode Island. The campground occupies a mile of the waterfront camping area, adjacent to the sandy beaches and a majestic 300-acre lake, which provides a variety of facilities, amenities, and fun activities that visitors can enjoy. They include planned entertainment, sporting facilities, bingo, ice cream socials, a craft house, and even pie eating competitions. You can never get bored while staying at this beautiful campground.
11. Holiday Acres Camp Grounds
Holiday Acres Camp Grounds Is located in the most northern region of the Rhode island state, close to some of the most popular attractions such as ken Weber Conservation Area, Wicked Tulips flower farm and the Snake Den State Park. It offers a variety of both adult and kid-friendly activities; which include boat riding on the lake, playing pool or arcade games. The campground regularly plans exciting events such as a nature treasure hunt, party port luck, and woodcarving classes. It also features pleasant staff and great accommodations, which add to the general fun experience at the campground.
12. Fishermen’s State Park and Campground
This is one of the most desired camping destinations in Rhode Island because it offers large pull-through RV sites and its proximity to the state’s most popular attractions. Fishermen’s State Park and Campground is located south-east of Rhode Island in Narragansett town and provides visitors the opportunity to explore great sites such as Point Judith Light House, Black Point trailhead, East Matunuck State Beach and Scarborough State Beach. Unlike other campgrounds, which lack most basic amenities, this state park offers everything from a dump station, full hookups, fire rings, comfort stations, playgrounds, and many more.
13. Fort Getty Campground
This is a Town-owned and operated campground that is located at Fort Getty Road, Jamestown, RI 02835, Newport County. It set on 41 acres of land and features 83 seasonal RV sites as well as 26 tent sites, which offer its visitors a public boat ramp, old fortifications, a dock, and a rocky beach. At the campground, you get scenic views of the majestic Jamestown Bridge and West passage, which are the town’s major point of attraction. The campground also consists of a wildlife conservation platform from where you can admire the state’s diverse flora and fauna.
14. Ginny-B Family Campground
The Ginny-B Family Campground is located at 7 Harrington Rd., Foster, RI 02825, Warwick & West Bay, and consists of 200 campsites equipped with electricity, clean water, hot showers, coin-operated laundry services, free hot showers, two dump stations, a playground, among other basic amenities. They also offer a variety of facilities where visitors can indulge in various fun outdoor activities. They include two recreational halls, an on-site camp store, Horseshoe courts, Basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a lending library. The campground allows pets as well so long as they are on a leash.
15. Bowdish Lake Camping Area, Glocester
The Bowdish Lake Camping Area is located in Glocester, Rhode Island and is a perfect destination to experience a fun camping experience next to a lake. It features campsites, which are spacious and secluded, ideal for an escape from the bustling town life and escape into the beautiful Rhode Island nature. At the camp, you can indulge in a variety of activities such as hiking in the woods, relaxing at the campfire or swimming at the lake.
Conclusion
Rhode Island is a wonderful camping destination. With thousands of acres of beautiful forested land, amazing ponds and rivers, nature parks and reserves, scenic hiking trails and sandy beaches, this state has something unique to offer everyone. We have highlighted 15 of the best campsites in Rhode Island that will offer a fun camping experience in the great outdoors. Have a great time camping.
