Middletown, Rhode Island provides a strategic base for coastal camping with several established campgrounds within a short drive. Meadowlark Campground and Second Beach Family Campground are located directly in Middletown, while Newport RV Park and Carr Point Recreation Facility are just minutes away in neighboring Portsmouth and Newport. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with full hookup options widely available. The region's campgrounds typically operate seasonally from April through October, taking advantage of Rhode Island's pleasant coastal summer climate while avoiding harsh winter conditions.
Camping facilities throughout the area maintain varying regulations regarding pets, alcohol, and fires. "The campground is within driving distance of great fishing, biking and tourist areas," noted one visitor about nearby options. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when beach access becomes a premium feature. Sites with water views or beach proximity fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. The camping season generally runs from mid-spring through mid-fall, with most facilities closing between November and March. Cell phone coverage is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 3-4 bars of service on major carriers.
Proximity to coastal attractions represents a significant advantage for campers in the Middletown area. Newport's historic mansions, Narragansett's beaches, and Block Island ferry access are all within easy driving distance. A camper described Fort Getty Campground as having "perfect location for a summer/beach camp" with "private pet-friendly beaches" nearby. Several campgrounds feature waterfront locations or water access, though reviews indicate varying levels of privacy between sites. Visitors frequently mention the convenience of exploring both Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts attractions from these campgrounds. While some facilities offer basic amenities, others provide extensive recreational options including swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Price points vary significantly, with state parks generally offering more affordable rates than private campgrounds, though non-resident fees at state facilities can be substantially higher than resident rates.
$70 - $140 / night
"Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"
"We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing. "
$18 - $28 / night
"Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."
"Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."
$22 - $28 / night
"Horseneck Beach campground sites aren't particularly large, and are setup more for car camping and RVs than for tenting, but the site has great showers and a modern shower facility, and being able to walk"
"But aside from that, you are anywhere from 5 seconds to a 1 minute walk away from the beach. The smell of salty ocean air, and the sounds of the waves are a great way to relax."
$18 - $50 / night
"I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."
"Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."
"Perfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area."
"Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming."
"The view is nice and there's a recreation area next to the campground."
$50 - $75 / night
"Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area.
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RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
RangerWe stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
RangerWe love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
ScoutMe and my girl spent 2 weeks and had an amazing time the people are friendly they dont bother you about drinking only problem was the cell service is trash out ghere
ScoutWe went last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law in the park was clean. Everybody was friendly. The staff was awesome and they even checked on us while we were there to see if we need anything. The neighbors were wonderful definitely will come back.
RangerWe like Green Falls. Again, it is inexpensive and kinda primitive, but it sure also quiet and a real woods camping environment. Take a hike around the pond, fish and swim in season, and enjoy a laid back approach to your time here.
RangerWe loved Mt. Misery. We spent $17/night, and we know what to expect at that price point. We stayed during fall foliage season and even though CT has had a drought this year, there were still pretty colors to see. We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails. We found the campsites to be decent, and a number of them did afford privacy and space, we had 4 people and 3 dogs on our site, and had plenty of room for our travel trailer and 2 tents. We will be back here for sure.
Campsites near Middletown, Rhode Island occupy a strategic position on Aquidneck Island, where summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with moderate humidity. The camping season generally runs April through October, with most facilities closing during winter due to the region's freezing temperatures and snowfall. Cell service is reliable throughout the area's campgrounds, though signal strength varies based on specific location.
Fishing at local ponds: At Newport RV Park, campers have access to fishing opportunities right from the campground. "Great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog," notes Kimbo K. about the ponds within walking distance of sites.
Dog park access: Several campgrounds provide dog-friendly amenities beyond just allowing pets. "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," reports Ilana F. about Newport RV Park.
Water activities for children: Wawaloam Campground offers extensive water features. "This is kid heaven. Families laughing & enjoying themselves. Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing," explains Cynthia K. about the recreational options.
Proximity to Newport attractions: Camping near Middletown provides convenient access to Newport's historic sites. "The park is located within 1/2 mile of restaurants, gas stations, grocery, shopping, and more. Downtown historic Newport is a 10-minute drive away," explains Nancy W. about Melville Ponds Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. "Clean Bathrooms with music piped in. Love this place to pieces," shares emily H. about her stay at Melville Ponds. Cleanliness extends to other aspects as well, with another camper noting the "well maintained facility with nice camp sites."
Quiet atmosphere: For campers seeking peace away from urban noise, certain campgrounds offer more secluded experiences. "The whole campground is gorgeous. You'll notice how clean and quiet it is right when you first arrive," writes Nick P. about Melville Ponds Campground.
Out-of-state fees: Be prepared for significant non-resident surcharges at state parks. "A water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night! This was our first visit to a Rhode Island State Park so not sure if they are all like this but this one definitely caters to Rhode Island residents who camp in large RVs!" reports Lee D. about Fishermens Memorial State Park.
Site variations: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with different features. At Fishermens Memorial State Park, "There are four areas, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level," details Lee D.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Middletown area require advance booking, especially during summer months. Sites at Wawaloam Campground typically need reservations weeks ahead for weekend stays between June and August.
Kid-friendly activities: Burlingame State Park offers numerous activities for children. "Very affordable (around $14 per night). We stayed near the camp store and playground. Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking," shares Cendy G.
Space for play: Some campgrounds provide ample room for children to explore. "Spacious - even with all those sites, there's plenty of room between sites and tons of open space for kids to run around, fly a kite, play tag, hide and seek," notes Jessica A. about Burlingame State Park.
Beach access options: Families seeking beach activities have several options. "The great thing about this campground was the location to the beach which was across the street," explains Christy C. about Second Beach Family Campground, highlighting the easy walking access to swimming areas.
Site leveling needs: Come prepared with leveling blocks at many local campgrounds. "They also had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out," reports Nick P. about Melville Ponds Campground. Similarly, Brad B. warns, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements."
Limited hookup options: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Melville Ponds worked out the best for us because it was 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," explains Nancy W., who stayed at a site with only 30-amp and water connections.
Dump station availability: Plan for waste management needs in advance. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, "There are 6 spots with water and electric, there's a campground not too far with a dump station for $20," advises Kaitlin B. about the limited facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Second Beach Family Campground in Middletown?
Second Beach Family Campground offers basic amenities focused on a simple beach camping experience. The campground provides potable water access, toilet facilities, and reservable campsites. Its primary appeal is the exceptional location with direct access to Second Beach (Sachuest Beach), one of Rhode Island's premier beaches. While hookups are limited, the campground compensates with its prime positioning for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. For those seeking more extensive amenities nearby, Meadowlark Campground offers additional facilities while still providing convenient access to Middletown's attractions.
How much does camping cost in Middletown, Rhode Island?
Camping costs in Middletown and surrounding Rhode Island areas vary significantly based on residency status and amenities. Rhode Island state parks like Burlingame State Park Campground charge reasonable rates for state residents (typically $20-30/night) but substantially higher fees for out-of-state visitors (around $40-45/night) even for basic sites with limited amenities. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground charges approximately $45/night for water/electric sites for non-residents. Private campgrounds generally range from $35-75/night depending on hookups and seasonal timing, with peak summer rates being highest along the coast.
Where are the best campgrounds in Middletown, RI?
Middletown offers excellent camping options with Second Beach Family Campground being the top choice within town limits. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Middletown, Newport RV Park provides an excellent location for exploring Rhode Island's coastal attractions, including Newport's famous mansions and beaches. The park features both sunny and shaded sites on gently sloping terrain, requiring some leveling. Middletown's strategic location also makes it a perfect base camp for day trips to other notable Rhode Island camping destinations while enjoying proximity to Newport's amenities and shoreline.
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