Best Campgrounds near Cranston, RI

Cranston, Rhode Island is centrally located near several established campgrounds with varying accommodation options. George Washington State Campground in Chepachet and Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown provide opportunities for tent, RV, cabin, and glamping experiences within a 30-45 minute drive from Cranston. Newport RV Park in Portsmouth offers 175 sites with full hookups, while Holiday Acres Campground in Glocester provides year-round camping in a more rural setting. Most campgrounds in the region feature a mix of wooded and open sites that accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles.

Camping seasons in Rhode Island generally run from April through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day. State parks like Fishermen's Memorial and George Washington maintain stricter seasonal operations, while private campgrounds such as Holiday Acres offer extended availability. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when occupancy rates peak. The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with humid summers and variable spring conditions. A visitor noted, "This park was very nice, but they advertise being 5 miles away from historic Newport, and it's more like 8. There are zero bike paths that are immediately accessible."

Campers consistently rate Newport RV Park and Normandy Farms Campground among the highest in the region, with clean facilities and well-maintained sites. Most established campgrounds feature full hookups for RVs, with water, electric, and sewer connections widely available. Several visitors mentioned the quality of bathhouses as important factors in their camping experience. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Clean Bathrooms with music piped in. Love this place to pieces." Waterfront camping options can be found at several locations, including Burlingame State Park on Watchaug Pond. The region's campgrounds typically provide fire pits, picnic tables, and access to nearby hiking trails, with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Proximity to Rhode Island's beaches and historic areas makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring the Ocean State.

Best Camping Sites Near Cranston, Rhode Island (139)

    1. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities. That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

    2. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    19 miles
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    3. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $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. "

    4. Wawaloam Campground

    11 Reviews
    Richmond, RI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 294-3039

    $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. 

       "

    5. Holiday Acres Campground

    6 Reviews
    Chepachet, RI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 934-0780

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :))  The entrance / office setup is confusing."

    6. Stateline Campresort & Cabins

    9 Reviews
    Ballouville, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 774-3016

    $25 - $50 / night

    "The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I was t too keen on staying literally on the pond."

    7. Burlingame State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / 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."

    8. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Narragansett Pier, RI
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 789-8374

    $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."

    9. Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    Foster Center, RI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (774) 441-4559

    "Three miles of well kept trails to explore. Friendly community of regulars with potlucks and campfires on the weekends. Being nude in duch a wonderful place is so relaxing and good gor the soul."

    10. Massasoit State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lakeville, MA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 822-7405

    $17 - $27 / night

    "Other than the bees, it was peaceful, and nobody bothered you. i would recommend lots of bee spray and a screen house, but hopefully it was an isolation situation."

    "We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."

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Recent Reviews near Cranston, RI

832 Reviews of 139 Cranston Campgrounds


  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. 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. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Close to a beach, serenity hiding in city life

    Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins

    Lovely campground

    Can’t go wrong with this campground. Well maintained, clean, kind staff and close to everything.

  • Eddie A.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Great place to Bike and fish and of course enjoy nature

    Beautiful place overall Staff are very kind , professional and helpful

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back


Guide to Cranston

Camping near Cranston, Rhode Island, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds are surrounded by scenic trails. For example, at Wompatuck State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "You can take a trail from the campsite," making it easy to enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Beach Access: If you love the beach, Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground is just a short drive from beautiful beaches. A camper shared, "Not far from ROGER WHEELER BEACH & SCARBOROUGH BEACH."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Normandy Farms Campground, a visitor noted, "It has so many things for the kids to do," making it a great spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Lorraine Park Campground said, "The sanitary building is clean with good showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Shawme Crowell State Forest mentioned, "The campsite we had was very large, private and shady."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor remarked, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol at Some Campgrounds: If you enjoy a drink while camping, be aware that some places, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol.
  • Site Conditions Vary: Some sites may not be level or spacious enough for larger RVs. A camper at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground noted, "Our site was very uneven so leveling the RV wasn't real easy."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack stores or markets. A visitor at Shawme Crowell State Forest mentioned, "Camp store is near the entrance and it is really hilly to get to on a bike."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. At Normandy Farms Campground, one parent said, "Everyone is so friendly. Can't wait to go back for the 4th of July."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near water. A camper at Shawme Crowell State Forest advised, "Bug spray and fans are a definite when sitting outside due to mosquitoes."
  • Choose Shady Sites: Look for campsites that offer shade to keep your family comfortable. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground appreciated, "The pitches are spacious and shaded."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Before booking, check if the sites are level enough for your RV. A camper at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Some sites are fairly level but not most of them."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: If your RV site isn’t level, bring extra leveling blocks. A visitor at Normandy Farms Campground suggested, "Just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground noted, "Full water and electrical hookup."

Camping around Cranston, RI, offers a variety of experiences, making it one of the best camping destinations in the area. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Cranston for tent camping?

For excellent tent camping near Cranston, George Washington State Campground is a top choice. Located near Chepachet by Bowdish Lake, it offers peaceful, well-spaced sites ideal for tents. Non-residents pay slightly higher fees, but the natural setting makes it worth it. Another good option is Burlingame State Park Campground, which features 739 reservable sites with plenty of privacy. Though bathroom facilities have seen some decline in recent years, the park's 3,100 acres of natural surroundings offer a genuine outdoor experience for tent campers.

Are there any lakefront campgrounds near Cranston?

Yes, there are lakefront camping options near Cranston. George Washington State Campground offers scenic lakefront camping on Bowdish Lake, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water recreation. For those willing to travel a bit further, Holiday Acres Campground near Glocester offers boat-in access sites, making it ideal for campers looking to combine boating with their camping experience. Both provide the peaceful lakeside atmosphere that many campers seek for a refreshing outdoor getaway.

What family-friendly camping options are available near Cranston?

Families looking for kid-friendly camping near Cranston should check out Wawaloam Campground, which is described as "kid heaven" with families laughing and enjoying themselves. The campground offers a pool, splash pad, and numerous activities in a rural wooded setting. Another excellent family option is Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, just 15 minutes from Mystic and about an hour from Newport. It's conveniently located near family attractions like Mystic Aquarium and provides a great base for exploring both Connecticut and Rhode Island.