S
Sam M.
Scout
ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Convenient and Safe
Friendly, clean and convenient. By chance, we were there during the annual fireworks.
Camping near Cranston, RI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Cranston (144)
1. Normandy Farms Campground
"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."
from $50 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. George Washington State Campground
"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."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Newport RV Park
"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. "
from $70 - $140 / night
Check Availability4. Holiday Acres Campground
"The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :)) The entrance / office setup is confusing."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Wawaloam Campground
"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.
"
from $50 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. Stateline Campresort & Cabins
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground
"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."
from $18 - $28 / night
Check Availability8. Burlingame State Park Campground
"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."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Massasoit State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability10. Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds
"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."
Drive Time
- 8 min from Providence, RI
- 41 min from Worcester, MA
- 45 min from Norwich, CT
- 51 min from Boston, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Cranston, RI
310 Photos of 144 Cranston Campgrounds
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The Dyrt
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Oak Leaf Family Campground
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Sun Ridge Resort
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Gibson Hill RV Park
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Stateline Campresort & Cabins
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George Washington State Campground
Recent Reviews near Cranston, RI
869 Reviews of 144 Cranston Campgrounds
Arthur D.ScoutPine Acres Family Camping Resort
4th of July weekend
It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.
- UUA C.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
The fireworks-WOW
Had a wonderful 2 night stay, an added plus were the annual fireworks, a wonderful surprise. Highly recommend Crocker’s BoatYard, friendly, safe, convenient location and lovely pool as well.
- AAndrew B.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Beautiful and convenient
Easy to get to, great communication and lovely location. Recommended!
- BBlake N.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Awesome
This place is fantastic and I would definitely stay again. It is a working shipyard and marina. Excellent showers. Very nice pool and pool deck with umbrella right on the water. One mile from block island ferry.
- DDavid G.
TravelerCrocker's Boatyard
Great spot and great hosts
Crocker’s is a nice relaxing scenic place to stay in the New London area.
Walking distance to restaurants and to Fort Trumbull.
So much fun watching the boats and boating activities.
Electric and water included. There is a free dump station about a mile away (during regular business hours). *Can be found on The Dyrt.
Hosts were super friendly and had nice recommendations for places to see around town. Thank you !!!! We will definitely be visiting again. 
Kaileigh K.
GuideFort Getty Campground
Great location!
Fort Getty campground was in an incredible location to Jamestown and with many things to do in the park itself. The tent sites are open field style and some groups can get big so be ready for that. We had tent site 6 and it was tucked back in its own little area which was an awesome surprise. Overall we had a quick stay and everyone we encountered was friendly, bathrooms are older but a short walk from tent area. The access the Jamestown and the surrounding areas and views is what makes this place totally worth it!
- AAshley H.Traveler
Mashamoquet Brook Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Cozy Rustic Campground
Due to the heat wave, I opted not to spend the night, but we did roll through and check out the area. First thing we noticed is how close and open the sites were, with a few exceptions. I attached photos of the more secluded sites I plan to choose next time. Site 49 is what I had reserved and it was large and partially secluded. The bathroom buildings are boarded up across the campground and state park with port o potties in front. I was not eager to check those out… a bucket started feeling like the safer option lol It was quiet but on the more secluded sites, there was ample road noise and you could see the road from some sites. I didn’t get a chance to look for the walkway to the park and river, but I plan to next time. The state park and river nearby was beautiful and quiet and serene with smattering Fourth of July picnics. Overall, I plan to return here when the weather is more cooperative and my car camper is better equipped :)
Alicia V.ScoutIndianhead Resort
Worst place to RV
Long review from a long-term camper, but if you’re considering staying here, it’s worth the read so you know what you’re paying for. My husband and I have stayed here for the past three years, and this year has been, without question, the worst experience we’ve had. We prepaid for a 6-month stay, expecting a quiet, well-managed campground. Instead, we’ve dealt with inconsistency, poor communication, and management that seems focused on the wrong priorities. Before the campground was even fully open, we came to prepare our camper because there were already other campers on the property. While we were there, a woman repeatedly followed us around and watched us before finally approaching us. Rather than treating us like returning guests who have stayed here for years, we were made to feel like we didn’t belong and were questioned as if we were trespassing or trying to live here for free. Ironically, people who don’t even pay to stay here regularly park on the property to use the lake without anyone questioning them. Apparently, paying customers receive more scrutiny than people who aren’t customers at all. Because of that interaction, we were told we couldn’t return for weeks. When we were finally allowed back, our electricity hadn’t even been turned on, and we had to wait while no one seemed particularly concerned about getting it working. Then, completely out of the blue, we were told we had a past-due balance that had supposedly existed all along. At no point were we ever notified. No phone call. No email. No letter. No conversation. Yet somehow we were expected to fix a problem we didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the issues that actually affect paying guests continue to be ignored. On weekends and almost every holiday, large groups takes over the campground with 20+ tents, blasting music well into the night and early morning with absolutely no respect for the people who actually pay to stay here. They spread out wherever they want, take over common areas, and even park in front of occupied campsites to the point that we’ve had trouble getting into our own site. Even worse, people were plugging into our electrical service without permission, causing our camper to repeatedly short circuit. We eventually had to install a lock on our own electrical box because management did nothing to stop it after it was brought to their attention. That’s what makes this so frustrating. Management seems incredibly quick to police long-term residents over minor issues, yet has no problem looking the other way while other people take over the campground, block campsites, disturb everyone around them, use utilities they aren’t paying for, damage property, and ignore every basic campground rule. The former management understood that people who spend thousands of dollars to stay here deserve a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed campground. Rules were enforced. Problems were addressed. Paying guests mattered. Now it feels like the people causing the problems face no consequences, while the people paying to be here are the ones expected to tolerate them. I also wouldn’t recommend this campground for families. The“playground” looks like it hasn’t been properly maintained in a very long time and honestly looks like it could earn a child a tetanus shot instead of a fun afternoon. The basketball hoop has been broken, and the laundry area is tucked behind some of the dirtiest bathrooms on the property, surrounded by overgrown grass. None of it reflects the kind of campground this used to be. It’s disappointing because this campground had so much potential and used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed returning to every year. Unfortunately, poor management and a complete lack of consistency have changed that. If you are looking for a campground, there are way better options in the surrounding area with better amenities and better people.
Guide to Cranston
Cranston camping options extend to several surrounding towns within a 20-35 mile radius, with offerings varying from wooded retreats to waterfront sites. The region sits within Rhode Island's coastal plain, with elevations rarely exceeding 400 feet and a humid continental climate that brings warm summers and mild winters. Fall camping sees average temperatures between 45-65°F with foliage colors peaking in mid-October, while spring camping often contends with frequent rainfall averaging 4-5 inches per month.
What to do
Hiking at George Washington State Park: Located in Chepachet, this park offers extensive trail systems for day hikes from your campsite. A camper noted, "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," making it easy to explore without driving elsewhere. Trails range from easy quarter-mile loops to more challenging paths around the lake.
Boating and fishing at Newport area waters: Newport RV Park provides access to multiple water bodies. "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," mentions a visitor. Fishing opportunities abound at the nearby pond, and the campground's location allows for easy access to several Rhode Island waterways.
Swimming at Massasoit State Park: The park recently reopened after renovations with a new swimming area. While one visitor noted "the swimming area looked okay if you can picture a beach area (nice) but seems like it was a regular pond where they just dumped sand," the facility is completely rebuilt from its previous state and includes a newly constructed comfort station at the water.
Participate in themed weekends: Wawaloam Campground offers special activities throughout the camping season. A camper shared, "We were here for Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities." These themed weekends typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day with events like Christmas in July and Western Weekend.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds near Cranston receive high marks for maintenance. At Stateline Campresort, a camper mentioned the "Clean bath house and restrooms, quiet despite there being a pretty full park." George Washington Campground similarly earned praise as visitors noted "bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Family-oriented amenities: Families appreciate the recreational options available. Wawaloam Campground offers extensive water features, with a camper noting, "Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice." These amenities make it possible for families to enjoy full days at camp without leaving.
Dog-friendly environments: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated spaces. A visitor to Newport RV Park shared, "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park." Many campgrounds also offer pet-friendly trails and swimming areas where dogs can cool off during summer months.
Well-spaced sites: Campers frequently mention adequate spacing between sites. At Burlingame State Park, "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." This spacing creates a more natural camping experience despite the popularity of the campgrounds.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Fishermen's Memorial State Park follows this pattern, though a camper noted its desirability: "Best location ever to the beach. New facilities, clean and quiet campground." Plan trips accordingly as most facilities close after Indigenous Peoples' Day weekend.
Variable pricing structures: Out-of-state visitors should expect higher fees. One camper at Fishermens Memorial State Park reported, "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." This price difference applies to most state parks in the region.
Limited hookups at state parks: State parks often provide fewer amenities than private campgrounds. At Burlingame State Park, a camper observed, "No hook-ups, lol. This is a con in the heat of the summer if you want/need AC." Bring appropriate equipment if planning to stay at state facilities.
Busy summer weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A Burlingame State Park camper warned, "Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed." Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Normandy Farms offers extensive water recreation options. A visitor shared, "Four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room, creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building." The indoor pool provides swimming opportunities regardless of weather conditions.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Massasoit State Park, a visitor noted they "did a great job on everything. Nice sites, great playground for the kids." Many campgrounds have recently upgraded their playground equipment to meet modern safety standards.
Spacious site selection: Choose sites away from main roads for families with young children. At Wawaloam, a camper observed, "Campsites are big and well-spaced. The grounds are well kept." Request sites in quieter loops when making reservations with children.
Budget-friendly options: State parks offer more affordable camping for families. Burlingame State Park is "dirt cheap if you are a RI resident, but pricey if you aren't," yet provides "spacious" sites with "plenty of room between sites and tons of open space for kids to run around."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven sites at some campgrounds. At Newport RV Park, a visitor advised, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)." Bring additional leveling blocks even for campgrounds advertising level sites.
Electrical considerations: Check amperage availability when booking. Holiday Acres Campground received feedback about electrical issues: "Electrical at my campsite could use a little work." Bring surge protectors and be prepared for potential power fluctuations during peak usage times.
Premium site options: Several campgrounds offer upgraded sites with additional amenities. Newport RV Park has "premium pull through sites" that "have great paver stone patios and fire pits." These sites typically cost $5-15 more per night but provide enhanced convenience.
Dump station accessibility: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at each site. A Holiday Acres camper reported, "The sewer on my site overflowed after only ~15-20 gallons of dumping." When full hookups aren't available, ask about dump station hours and locations before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Cranston for tent camping?
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?
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?
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.
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