Tent camping options around Clayville, Rhode Island span across the neighboring woodlands and watersheds of western Rhode Island. The area sits within the hilly terrain of Providence County where elevations generally range between 400-600 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region experience seasonal weather patterns with warm summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing from shorelines: Buck Hill Campground offers pond fishing directly from the campsite clusters. According to a camper, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... Thos is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc don't expect much else."
Kayak the Connecticut River: For tent campers willing to drive approximately 45 minutes east, Selden Neck State Park Campground provides boat-in island camping. "It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island. If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags," reports one visitor who stayed at the Hogback site.
Explore castle grounds: Gillette Castle State Park Campground combines tent camping with historical exploration. One camper notes, "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times." The castle tours typically run hourly between 11am-4pm during summer months.
What campers like
Riverside camping solitude: Chapman Pond Preserve offers primitive tent platforms with Connecticut River views. A camper described it as a "Middle of no where site. Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view." The site requires minimal hiking from parking areas and offers more seclusion than drive-up locations.
Waterfront sunrise views: Gillette Castle State Park Campground features riverside tent sites with spectacular morning scenery. One camper shared, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Swimming access: Buck Hill Campground provides direct access to Wakefield Pond for swimming during summer months. A visitor noted, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')." The small beach area lacks lifeguards but offers gradual entry points suitable for families.
What you should know
Campsite configurations: Many tent sites near Clayville are designed for group camping rather than private individual sites. At Buck Hill Campground, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Buck Hill offers "a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties" while more primitive sites like Chapman Pond Preserve provide only basic outhouses. At most locations, expect minimal facilities without running water.
Boat-in requirements: Several tent camping options require water transportation. Selden Neck State Park Campground is accessible only by boat: "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car."
Tips for camping with families
Site reservation strategy: For island camping at Selden Neck with children, site selection matters. A parent who camped with their child recommended: "My 5-year-old and I camped at site 2, Hogback. I haven't visited the other sites, but probably will just book this one again because it was so good. Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit."
Consider tide timing: Waterfront camping areas near Clayville can be affected by tidal patterns. At Selden Neck State Park Campground, "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on." Morning departures may be affected by conditions: "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early."
Pack for weather extremes: Rhode Island's summer camping climate can swing between hot days and cool nights. The hilly terrain around Clayville can create localized weather patterns with fog common in river valleys. Weather-resistant gear is essential, particularly for tent camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping options near Clayville don't accommodate RVs. For RVers seeking tent experiences, consider using Water's Edge Campground in Coventry as a base camp, then accessing tent-only areas for day trips. This location offers both walk-in tent sites and RV facilities.
Parking restrictions: Day-use access to boat launches often requires permits during peak season. For RVers heading to water-access camping: "Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day."
Consider storage options: When tent camping from an RV base, secure valuable equipment. Few tent camping areas provide secure storage, so plan accordingly when leaving your primary vehicle behind during backcountry stays.
