Camping options near Charlestown, Rhode Island include several RV parks within a 30-minute drive. The coastal region features sandy beaches, salt ponds, and wildlife refuges with elevation typically under 50 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent ocean breezes, while fall camping offers cooler 55-65°F temperatures with less humidity.
What to do
Beach exploration: 15-minute drive to multiple beaches including Misquamicut State Beach from Ashaway RV Resort. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming areas with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As one camper noted, "We loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches. Lots to do in the area and stores if needed."
Historic Newport tours: 20-minute drive from campgrounds in Portsmouth. A camper at Newport RV Park shared, "This is the perfect place to stay if your visiting Newport,RI. We had a great time at this small campground, very clean and nice staff. Not many amenities but we where there for the beaches and mansions."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and coastal access points for anglers. One visitor to Melville Ponds campground commented, "Wonderful staff clean tent site are amazing great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog."
What campers like
Clean facilities with entertainment options: Many RV campgrounds near Charlestown, Rhode Island feature well-maintained bathrooms and recreation areas. A camper at Aces High RV Park mentioned, "Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach. Fishing areas for the kids."
Easy access to coastal activities: Most parks offer convenient routes to beaches and waterfront attractions. At Melville Ponds, campers appreciate that "It's well shaded, has a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room," though one camper noted "the dryers are terrible. I had to dry my clothes 3 times (that's 3 hours)."
Spacious sites with hookups: Several parks provide room for larger RVs. A visitor to Countryside RV Park described it as having "beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites. Close to I-395."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer months require planning 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays. Off-season availability opens up significantly with more last-minute options.
Variable site conditions: Expect differences in site sizes and layouts between parks. At Melville Ponds Campground, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back). Also, our site #215 was at the bottom of the hill, so it was a bit mucky."
Limited dump stations: Some campgrounds charge fees for dump services. At Naval Station Carr Point, "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."
Staff quality varies: Management approaches differ between parks. One camper at Ashaway RV Resort reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Several RV parks near Charlestown offer swimming pools. At Ashaway RV Resort, "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."
Playground facilities: Parks with play equipment provide entertainment options. As one camper at Meadowlark RV Park noted, "This is a very crowded mobile home park that has a few motorhome/RV sites. No amenities such as shower or toilets," making it less suitable for families needing those facilities.
Restaurant recommendations: Local eateries welcome families. A visitor to Ashaway mentioned, "Favorite restaurant Windjammer Surf Bar - great view, good food," providing a specific dining option after a day of activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. At Newport RV Park, a camper shared that some sites "had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out."
Proximity to attractions: Consider drive times when booking. A camper at Carr Point Recreation Facility found it "About 20 minutes to downtown Newport, so this made visiting the town easy. Given that its military only, you cant beat the price."
Space between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between parks. At Ashaway, one camper complained that "the sites are VERY close, but the people are nice and we had a great stay," while another called it "A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe."
