The southeastern corner of Rhode Island features a mix of coastal plains and woodlands, with most RV campgrounds Ashaway, Rhode Island situated between 50-200 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 80°F and moderate rainfall of 45-50 inches annually. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October with limited year-round options requiring advance reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Beach access: Misquamicut Beach is approximately 10 miles from most Ashaway area campgrounds, offering swimming and sunbathing opportunities from Memorial Day through Labor Day. As campers at Ashaway RV Resort note, "It is a quick drive to the beach, we loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches. Lots to do in the area and stores if needed."
Kayaking options: Pawcatuck River access points are available within 5 miles of most campgrounds, with rentals starting at $40/day. Water enthusiasts staying at Newport RV Park often "launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water."
Historic exploration: Mystic Seaport Museum is located 12 miles southwest of Ashaway, featuring preserved 19th-century maritime buildings and vessels with admission around $30 for adults. Visitors to Sun Outdoors Mystic appreciate that "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
What campers like
Pond fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer stocked fishing ponds with catch-and-release policies, no license required for on-site fishing. Campers at Melville Ponds Campground mention it's a "great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog."
Dog-friendly facilities: Designated pet areas with waste stations and off-leash zones exist at several campgrounds. Visitors to Melville Ponds Campground appreciate the "huge dog park" with "a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park" that are accessible within "a 5 minute walk" from campsites.
Swimming pools: Several campgrounds maintain heated pools open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with most operating from 10am-7pm daily. Families staying at Ashaway RV Resort note, "My kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play."
What you should know
Site spacing variations: Campgrounds range from spacious to compact layouts, with significant differences between locations. At Aces High RV Park, "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors. Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it."
Reservation timing: Summer weekends typically require 2-3 month advance bookings, while shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often have greater availability. For Newport RV Park, visitors note you need to book well ahead for events: "We stayed for the Newport folk fest in 2021 and although expensive because you have to stay four days it was worth it."
Military options: Carr Point Recreation Facility offers limited camping with specific restrictions. As reviewers note, "There are 6 spots with water and electric, there's a campground not too far with a dump station for $20. The view is nice and there's a recreation area next to the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play structures with age-appropriate equipment for different age groups. Families at Countryside RV Park find it's a "Nice quite Campgrowd, limited child activity's easy drive to lake/fishing. Close to museums, shopping."
Mini-golf availability: On-site courses typically charge $5-8 per person with discounted rates for campground guests. Sun Outdoors Mystic campers note "The mini golf course was actually really nice and not the run-down homemade ones that you usually see at campgrounds."
Seasonal activities: Check campground calendars for weekend events including movie nights, craft activities, and seasonal celebrations. According to reviews, some campgrounds like Newport RV Park have "not many amenities but we where there for the beaches and mansions."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites throughout the region require blocks or leveling systems due to sloped terrain. At Newport RV Park, visitors note "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Site surface materials: Most campgrounds use either gravel or grass pads rather than concrete or asphalt surfaces. At Aces High RV Park, sites include "level concrete pad and patio, clean and well-maintained utilities, and beautiful view."
Hookup positioning: Electric, water and sewer connections vary in placement between campgrounds, affecting optimal RV positioning. Reviewers at Sun Outdoors Mystic appreciate that "Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel. The cable tv worked well and many sites would accommodate satellite users."
