The glamping and camping options close to Albion, Rhode Island offer access to both woodland and water recreation within an hour's drive of major New England cities. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 80°F from June through August, while spring and fall bring milder temperatures and less crowded campsites. Seasonal availability typically runs from April through October at most locations, with some sites extending into November depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking through state forests: George Washington State Campground provides direct access to multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. "Big open sites, really quiet, great place to relax and hike," notes one visitor. The trails wind around several lakes and connect to the broader state park system.
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground offers an on-site disc golf course that attracts both beginners and experienced players. A recent visitor mentioned, "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property." The course weaves through wooded areas with views of the lake.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several ponds and lakes in the area provide calm waters for paddling. "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," shares a George Washington State Campground visitor. Most locations do not rent equipment on-site, so bringing your own watercraft is recommended.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a significant benefit at Sutton Falls Camping Area. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond," writes one camper. Many sites offer water views or dense tree coverage for additional privacy.
Clean bathroom facilities: Recent improvements to facilities get high marks from visitors. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," reports a George Washington State Campground visitor.
Seasonal activities: Wells State Park Campground adapts its offerings throughout the camping season. "Went camping in August 22', couldn't have fire due to drought but otherwise a pleasant experience," shares one camper. Fall camping is particularly popular when the surrounding maple and oak forests display vibrant foliage.
What you should know
Price variations for non-residents: Many state parks in the region charge substantially more for out-of-state visitors. "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44," notes a visitor to George Washington State Campground. Check fee structures before booking, especially for holiday weekends.
Limited swimming options: Not all water bodies in the area permit swimming. At Burlingame State Park Campground, a visitor explains, "Lovely location - it's in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car." Some locations may post water quality warnings during certain periods.
Variable cell coverage: Remote locations can have limited connectivity. One Sutton Falls visitor noted, "Without our antenna we we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint. With our antenna we got two bars of Verizon and AT&T but it wasn't enough to not drop a few calls."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits for quieter experience: Families seeking a more peaceful stay should consider timing. At Burlingame State Park Campground, a visitor advises, "Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed." Mid-week stays, particularly in September after school starts, offer more available sites and fewer crowds.
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right location within large campgrounds makes a significant difference. "The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain. The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake," suggests a Wells State Park Campground visitor.
Pack for variable weather: New England's climate can change rapidly, especially in spring and fall. Temperatures can drop significantly overnight even during summer months. Layered clothing and additional blankets are recommended even for glamping accommodations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. A visitor to Boston/Cape Cod KOA advises, "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Access considerations for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger recreational vehicles. Pay attention to bridge clearances and road conditions. "There is a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," reports a visitor to Sutton Falls Camping Area.
Electric capacity limitations: During peak summer heat, electrical systems can be strained. Consider camping during shoulder seasons if air conditioning is a priority, or select campgrounds with 50-amp service for larger power needs.
