RV camping near Block Island, Rhode Island requires taking a ferry from mainland ports such as Point Judith in Narragansett. The island itself, measuring 7 miles long and 3 miles wide, sits 12 miles off the Rhode Island coast with summer temperatures averaging 70-75°F. Access to camping facilities requires advance planning as overnight RV parking isn't permitted on Block Island, making mainland campgrounds essential for visitors.
What to do
Beach access from camp: 20 minutes to Mackerel Cove from Fort Getty Campground. "Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming. Such a lovely vantage point with your tent location from the top of FORT GETTY," notes one camper about Fort Getty Campground.
Historic exploration: 10-minute drive from Sun Outdoors Mystic to downtown attractions. "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," says a visitor at Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Water activities: Kayaking opportunities near Newport. "One day we 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," shares a camper who stayed at Newport RV Park.
What campers like
Clean bathhouse facilities: Newport RV Park maintains exceptional standards. "Bathrooms with music piped in. Love this place to pieces," notes one camper, while another mentions "Bathrooms in the campground were newer and immaculate" at Newport RV Park.
Military camping discounts: Carr Point Recreation Facility offers affordable options. "Given that its military only, you cant beat the price," reports a visitor at Carr Point Recreation Facility, noting the limited sites ensure peace and quiet.
Hiking trails on premises: Multiple paths available at Newport RV Park. "The park is adjacent to a county park with wooded hiking trails, a large pond and an off-leash dog park which were very appealing because of our dog," writes a camper who appreciated the convenience of outdoor activities within walking distance.
What you should know
Reservation window challenges: Peak season books quickly at Fishermens Memorial. "We come back to Fishermans twice a year. We love the pull thrus and the full hookups. The campsite is always clean and there is so much to do in the area," reports a frequent visitor to Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground.
Dump station access costs: Off-site dumping may require fees. "The closest sewer dump is not far, but they charge you $10," mentions a camper at Carr Point Recreation Facility, while another reports: "Dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge."
Non-resident pricing: Higher rates apply for out-of-state visitors. "I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more for out-of-state campers. Geez– way to make us feel welcome!" notes a visitor regarding Rhode Island state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly locations: Aces High RV Park welcomes pets with specific areas. "There is also a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!" shares a visitor at Aces High RV Park, which maintains pet-friendly policies.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly recreation. "It has a clean playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room," notes a visitor to Newport RV Park, while another mentions that Sun Outdoors Mystic "has lots of amenities that would occupy kids time."
Noise considerations: Some locations have after-hours disturbances. "Loud music, bright lights until 3am. Zero enforcement of 10pm curfew in sites 16 and above," reports a camper at Fort Getty Campground, suggesting families with young children select sites away from potential party areas.
Tips from RVers
Leveling needs: Site grading varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our site (#215) was at the bottom of the hill, so it was a bit mucky. This site also sloped down on both sides of the pad significantly reducing the usable footprint of the area," notes an RVer at Countryside RV Park.
Site types and configurations: Buddy sites available for group camping. "We camped here with friends and got one of the 'buddy sites' so our patios faced each other. I like this configuration when camping with friends but would not like this site if we did not know our neighbors," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Optimal hookup locations: Well-designed connections at quality parks. "Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Mystic, highlighting the practical layout that makes setup easier for RV campers traveling to Block Island.
