Best Campgrounds in Rhode Island

Rhode Island campgrounds provide varied accommodations throughout the state's compact landscape. Burlingame State Park Campground in Charlestown and George Washington State Campground in Chepachet offer multiple accommodation types, including tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Several facilities like Newport RV Park (formerly Melville Ponds) and Whispering Pines Campground also feature glamping options, expanding the range of camping experiences beyond traditional tent and RV setups. The mixed-use campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with most facilities open from April through October, though some locations like Holiday Acres Campground remain open year-round.

The majority of Rhode Island's developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when coastal locations see highest demand. Many campground sites are situated on slight slopes requiring leveling equipment for RVs. "Clean sites and easy hiking trails. The campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Many sites are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed," noted one camper at Newport RV Park. Electric hookups are standard at most locations, though amperage varies by campground. Water hookups are common, but not universal, with facilities like Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground offering limited amenities. Cell service can be variable throughout the state, with some reviewers noting weak signals at certain campgrounds, especially in more wooded areas.

Camping areas near Newport receive consistently positive reviews for their convenient access to coastal attractions, though prices tend to be higher than inland options. According to feedback on The Dyrt, Newport RV Park provides "an excellent location for exploring the cities and beaches of Rhode Island" while remaining relatively quiet. Several visitors mention the abundance of family-friendly amenities at Whispering Pines Campground, including splash pads, swimming pools, and recreation halls that are operational during peak season. Campers frequently note the balance of woodland settings and proximity to beaches as a defining characteristic of Rhode Island camping. Fort Getty Campground in Jamestown offers water views but fewer amenities than other developed campgrounds in the state. Throughout Rhode Island, the camping experience is characterized by relatively short driving distances between natural areas and urban centers, allowing campers to easily explore both forests and coastal communities during their stay.

Best Camping Sites in Rhode Island (36)

    1. Burlingame State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 - $50 / night

    "I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."

    "Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."

    2. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Narragansett Pier, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 789-8374

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."

    "Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."

    3. George Washington State Campground

    26 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    4. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $70 - $140 / night

    "Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"

    "We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing. "

    5. Wawaloam Campground

    10 Reviews
    Richmond, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 294-3039

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area. 

       "

    6. Whispering Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rockville, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 539-7011

    $60 - $80 / night

    "The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non operational or locked up still. Bocce ball set was pad locked, no one working the rec hall for horse shoes, shuffle board was in op."

    "The kids got to enjoy a brand new splash pad which was great and a small train ride around the park. Pretty tight turns and big hills for towing your trailer through but it fits."

    7. Fort Getty Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jamestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 423-7211

    "Perfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area."

    "Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming."

    8. Holiday Acres Campground

    6 Reviews
    Chepachet, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 934-0780

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :))  The entrance / office setup is confusing."

    9. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "It is nothing more than a parking lot with no hookups and only composting toilets available, but you get access to Block Island Sound and all that it offers. Sites 58-75 are waterfront."

    "We were able to secure a spot at Charlestown Breachway in Charlestown, Rhode Island during peak season, July 17-19.. Due to Covid-19, Charlestown was forced to reduce capacity to 50 percent."

    10. Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Foster Center, RI
    Website
    +1 (774) 441-4559

    "Three miles of well kept trails to explore. Friendly community of regulars with potlucks and campfires on the weekends. Being nude in duch a wonderful place is so relaxing and good gor the soul."

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Recent Reviews in Rhode Island

197 Reviews of 36 Rhode Island Campgrounds


  • Wild Essentials
    Jun. 18, 2026

    Cedar Valley Heritage Farm

    Purely Present

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Cedar Valley Heritage Farm has become one of those places that keeps calling me back. The campsites are simple and peaceful, with plenty of room to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the land. Nights are quiet, the stars are bright, and mornings often begin with birdsong and mist hanging over the fields.

    What I appreciate most is the feeling of being somewhere real. This isn't a crowded commercial campground—it's a working heritage farm with character, history, and a sense of care. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to gather around a campfire, or a basecamp for exploring the surrounding area, there's something special here.

    The atmosphere encourages you to unplug, breathe deeply, and remember that sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. If you enjoy nature, authenticity, and a slower pace, Cedar Valley Heritage Farm is well worth the visit.

    Would happily camp here again.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2026

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Would definitely come back!

    We stayed a week and really enjoyed it. There is lots to do in the area but we also loved hanging around our campsite in the afternoon which was quiet since everyone was gone for the day. There are two public beaches nearby that are a really big draw. 

    The campground is divided into four loops. Loops 1 and 2 are for RVs and have sewer, water, and electricity and have paved camping pads. Loop 3 is for tents only. Loop 4 is water and electric with gravel pads. There is nice grass around campsites but bring a patio mat because everyone has used one in the past which has killed the grass. In my opinion, the best sites are 70-73 with a water view and facing west for a nice sunset. Sites 53-65, 75-79 are alongside a busy road that is quite noisy and the sites are extremely unlevel. About half the sites are level so pay attention to "grade" when booking your site. 

    All loops have a bathhouse except for Area 1. The tent sites are in a separate loop and have a bathroom centrally located. Tent sites have nice grass, a paved parking area, fire pit and picnic table. Some offer more shade than others. There really are no hiking trails– just a¼-mile mowed path around one of the old bunkers (this was a military instillation in WWII and while you can’t go in them for safety reasons there are some interpretive panels with historical information). There are two tennis courts, basketball, horseshoes, and a playground. We loved the farmers market that is held in the park every Sunday. 

    Check-in requires a driver's license and proof of vehicle registration so make sure you bring it when registering in the office. Since many campers did not know this, it caused a line at registration and a long back-up of RVs checking in. The campground does not sell firewood but you can find it at a nearby convenient mart. There are two EV charging station but they are at the registration office which is not very close to campsites. 

    Two miles away is the little town of Galilee where there are restaurants, seafood markets (where you can buy live lobster right off the boat), and the ferry dock that takes you to Block Island. About 4 miles north of the campground is a much bigger town with lots of restaurants, groceries, Walmart, etc. Less than a mile away is Aunt Carries which has delicious ice cream. Within two miles are two public beaches (which are free but require a parking pass which is$12/day for non-residents or$60/season).

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    One of our faves

    We love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    George Washington State Campground

    Good location, average campground

    Our first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.

  • becky
    May. 13, 2026

    Ashaway RV Resort

    Great park

    We went last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law in the park was clean. Everybody was friendly. The staff was awesome and they even checked on us while we were there to see if we need anything. The neighbors were wonderful definitely will come back.

  • Aly V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • S
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Close to a beach, serenity hiding in city life

    Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Fort Getty Campground

    Great Park Just Not for Camping

    Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case. 

    THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality. 

    THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms?🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍 

    The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice, the park is great,t and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enough the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together and right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem necessary.

  • Rose P.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ashaway RV Resort

    Rude Staff

    Standard crabgrass parking lot with drunks driving around on golf carts and RV's stacked on top of each other. The woman who runs the office is a very angry person and it made the entire visit unpleasant, which is no surprise as she has been hostile and unwelcoming the several times I've visited. Pool looks nice though I guess, I've never dared to use it for fear of breaking one of the many unwritten and unspoken rules. A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe. I called to ask if they allowed dogs and was told "NO" just to arrive and be asked to park next to the dog park.


Guide to Rhode Island

Camping in Rhode Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

What to do

  • Explore Newport: Many campgrounds are just a short drive from Newport, where you can enjoy historic sites and beautiful beaches. One camper mentioned, “We just wish we had known how far out it really was because we really would have loved to spend more time downtown.”
  • Visit local parks: Check out places like Fort Getty Campground for stunning waterfront views and swimming opportunities. A reviewer said, “Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers.”
  • Enjoy family activities: Campgrounds like Wawaloam Campground offer mini-golf, splash pads, and playgrounds. One family noted, “This is kid heaven. Families laughing & enjoying themselves.”

What campers like

  • Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and well-kept grounds. A visitor at Newport RV Park said, “The sites are generous and well-maintained.”
  • Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper shared, “Steve saved us honestly because we had no reservation here. By chance they had a cancellation.”
  • Pet-friendly options: Campgrounds like Wawaloam Campground welcome pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. A reviewer mentioned, “Dog friendly too! Lots of other campers had their dogs with them.”

What you should know

  • Distance to attractions: Some campgrounds are farther from popular spots than advertised. A camper noted, “They advertise being 5 miles away from historic Newport, and it’s more like 8.”
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have pools or extensive activities. One visitor at Whispering Pines Campground mentioned, “The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non-operational or locked up still.”
  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Fort Getty Campground said, “There have been big party groups who kept us all up talking really really loudly.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Wawaloam Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, “The grounds are well taken care of. The bathroom & showers were checked often.”
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to check what activities are available during your stay. A camper noted, “There seemed to be lots of activities on the weekends & it’s definitely a family friendly/kid friendly spot.”
  • Bring outdoor games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor mentioned, “The kids got to enjoy a brand new splash pad which was great and a small train ride around the park.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Whispering Pines Campground said, “The front camping section is very pleasant and well spaced out.”
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or amenities. One camper warned, “Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!”
  • Book in advance: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Newport RV Park said, “So glad we found this place and we've already booked our 2023 stay!”

Camping in Rhode Island can be a fantastic experience with the right planning and expectations. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground in Rhode Island?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Rhode Island is Burlingame State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 51 reviews.