RV parks near Cranston, Rhode Island offer camping options within a 30-mile radius, situated in the coastal lowlands of southern New England where elevations rarely exceed 200 feet. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. Many campgrounds in this region feature wooded settings with partial shade, though sites are often placed on gravel or grass surfaces that may require leveling equipment.
What to do
Beach access: Newport RV Park provides convenient access to nearby beaches along Aquidneck Island. "We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). 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," notes one camper at Newport RV Park.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect directly to walking paths. One visitor at Newport RV Park shared, "The nearby hiking trail was perfect for our dog and while it was just a few miles long, it was great because it was within walking distance and she could swim in the pond."
Water recreation: The pond at Thousand Trails Sturbridge offers multiple options for campers. "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," notes a visitor. Though located about an hour from Cranston, this recreation area provides a good day trip option.
What campers like
Dog-friendly facilities: Many RV campgrounds near Cranston welcome pets with dedicated areas. "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 a camper at Newport RV Park.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance varies across properties. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, one camper noted, "The bathrooms in the campground were newer and immaculate. The mini golf course was actually really nice and not the run-down homemade ones that you usually see at campgrounds."
Quiet atmosphere: Some smaller parks offer a more peaceful setting. At Countryside RV Park, visitors appreciate the tranquility: "Beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites. Close to I-395." Another camper confirmed, "We had a great time. Water, electric & sewer sites. Very quiet, rules are enforced."
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, campers reported: "Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves."
Cellular connectivity: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon. They have Wifi at the park which I haven't tried. I believe - although I'm not sure that you have to pay for it," noted a camper at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.
Limited tent camping: Most facilities primarily serve RVs with few tent sites available. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a tent camper observed, "I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several RV parks near Cranston offer children's play areas. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a family noted, "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation during summer months. At Meadowlark RV Park, a visitor explained, "This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach." The location allows families to enjoy beach activities while maintaining a camping base.
Military-only options: Service members have access to exclusive facilities. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, one reviewer noted, "Nice, well separated sites. Only 6 sites with Electric and Water. No Dump or Shower/restrooms. 2 clean porta poddies on site." This offers a quieter alternative for eligible families.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Water and electric configurations differ between properties. At Meadowlark RV Park, an RVer observed, "This is an RV camp with mostly regulars and a couple of spots for passersby and short stay. Our site had power and water. There are no showers of toilets. They have a dump station."
Pull-through availability: Some RV parks near Cranston offer easier access sites. "The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits. They also had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out," noted a visitor at Newport RV Park.
Tree sap concerns: Seasonal conditions can affect rigs. "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time," warned a camper at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.