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Best Tent Camping near Cranston, RI

782 Reviews

Tent camping near Cranston, Rhode Island provides several options within a short drive of the city. The Arcadia Management Area, located approximately 20 miles west of Cranston, offers primitive tent camping at the Arcadia Backpack Camping Area in Exeter. Buck Hill Campground, a rustic tent-only facility in the northern part of the state, provides a more secluded camping experience with sites that can accommodate multiple tents. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry offers tent campsites with both walk-in and drive-in access options, situated about 15 miles from Cranston.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September, with some extending into October depending on weather conditions. Tent campsites at Buck Hill Campground are arranged in large clusters along Wakefield Pond, with minimal amenities including basic restrooms and porta-potties. The Arcadia Backpack Camping Area requires campers to bring their own water and supplies, though fire rings and picnic tables are available at designated sites. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Fire regulations vary by location, with most campgrounds permitting fires in established fire rings only.

The tent camping experience near Cranston offers a mix of wooded settings and water access. Buck Hill Campground provides a no-frills backcountry tent camping experience in a heavily wooded area with waterfront access. According to reviews, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water." Frosty Hollow Camping Area in Exeter offers tent-only sites with more amenities including picnic tables and reservable sites. For those willing to venture slightly farther, the LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in the Arcadia Management Area provides a unique tent camping experience with access to extensive trail systems, though campers should be prepared for primitive conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Cranston, Rhode Island (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cranston, RI

20 Photos of 8 Cranston Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cranston, RI

782 Reviews of 8 Cranston Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Huge campground, not many level sites.

    I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer. Rates are reasonable for state residents, but quite high if you are out-of-state, given the amenities. There are no hookups, but dump stations are available. Bathrooms have flush toilets and coin-operated showers. There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent.

    There's a nice playground, a camp store, and a naturalists cabin. Trails are available for hiking and biking. The beach is sandy and there's a small parking lot there, but I suspect most people walk to it. No alcohol allowed. 

    I didn't see more than a handful of level sites, with varying degrees of slope, but many are quite large. If you have an RV, plan to level; if you have a tent, be sure to bring good mattresses to protect you from the roots and rocks and orient your head to the uphill side. Most of the sites have some degree of visual separation from their neighbors, but there are places where it's hard to tell where one site ends and the next one starts. Site have fire rings and picnic tables, but if you plan to cook over the fire, bring your own grate or plan to use sticks and/or aluminum foil. 

    If you don't have a tent, consider reserving one of their rustic cabins. These offer two sets of bunks (no mattresses) and a small porch with a picnic table and fire ring outside. Some are located along the pond.

    3-4 bar cell phone coverage. No road traffic. East Beach is nearby, but parking fills early.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Fearing Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Wooded sites near a pond

    There are 2 Fearing Pond loops at Myles Standish State Forest, the H & I loops. The H loop entrance is closer to the Charge Pond loops and is higher above pond. This loop is better suited to the larger trailers/tents with more space to drive around a loop , but some spots have slopes. The I loop's best feature is a small beach that is easily accessible from all sites. They've done a lot of site restoration and the fact that it didn't open in 2020 helped. In spite of that, many of the sites have awkward approaches and there is a large parking lot closer to the bathroom. There are no hookups, but there is a dump station available. Water is available, but no electric hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables provided.

    The forest has miles of biking trails, ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even cranberry bogs to explore (though harvest is late in the camping season and this section is not open at that time).

    Cell phone coverage is poor to absent in the forest, so download maps for offline use prior to your arrival.

    Plymouth is nearby for a any forgotten provisions and for sightseeing. Erickson's ice cream cafe is near the entrance if you need a treat!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Coastal campground open late in season

    Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off.  Also, there are only 5 designated tent sites during the peak season, so if you want to tent camp here, you'd best make a reservation well in advance.. You cannot reserve an RV site for a just a tent, though if you have a trailer, you may also have a tent on the site. The 5 tent sites have their own fire pits, but the RV sites must use a community fire pit, though in mid-November, just before the campground closed for the season, RVers used the firepit at a tent site that provided some additional protection from the wind.

    The RV sites have paved parking pads and picnic tables, but the area to the side of the parking pads sometimes slopes away, so it's less usable for chairs, etc.  In the 2020 camping season, every other campsite was closed (thus the picnic tables across the entrance of the parking pad). Some of the sites, 32 34, 36, are along the back of the campground closer to the trees/scrub, and so have some degree of privacy and protection as compared to the others in the wide open park.

    The campground is on the north shore of the Cape Code canal and provides access to a sandy beach, a jetty, and the Cape Cod Canal Trail for biking and walking. There's a nice playground for youth. You can fish from the shore or jetty, No need to cross the bridge to the Cape. Plymouth is also nearby to explore.

  • Ryan A.
    May. 15, 2024

    George Washington State Campground

    An OK Campground but not Great

    Camped out here for two nights after reading about this place in the"Best Tent Camping: New England" book. It's better than the other campgrounds in Rhode Island that I looked at (Burlingame, Fort Getty) but isn't my favorite campground. If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is$36/night. Is it worth it? Eh, probably not unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State. 

    It does have some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake. There are some tent-only sites which are numbered T1-T5. I stayed in T5 and it was the best of the bunch because it had the most privacy and space, including a grassy area. The other tent-only sites were fairly small and if you go to any mixed use sites you run the risk of having an RV next to you. The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain. The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake. 

    The things I didn't like were the streetlights over the port-a-potties that shine all night. There is a manned gate where you check in and you have to get let into the campground during the day, but at night the gates are wide open and it seems like some people know this because there are a few oddballs around in the early morning. There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty. 

    Overall the place was managed very well, the sites were cleanish and the grounds were taken care of. The employees drove by at least once an hour, I thought they were collecting trash from dumpsters but the only place with a dumpster is near the entrance. I couldn't figure out why they kept driving by so often. I had a good time, it was relaxing and scratched the camping itch.

  • K
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Fort Getty Campground

    No shade no rule enforcement. Great place for a big group to party if that’s what you want.

    Loud campers in large groups.

    Rules regarding quiet hours, no generators, number of tents per site and late arrival and setups were not enforced.

    People next to us crammed 8 tents on 3 sites. I counted a group of at least 20.

    There is no privacy, people were constantly walking through our site and stepping over our tent guy lines.

    People partied until 2:00am and woke up at 5:30am shining headlights and idling cars.

    Bathrooms were dirty, sites boundaries not marked and crammed together. No shade.

    Beautiful location, rangers were nice.

    RV folks were surly, seemed like a lot of them stay there for the entire season. One said hi, the rest stared when we drove by.

    We booked and paid for two nights and left first thing after just one night.

  • Our Greight Escape ..
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Bourne Scenic Park

    Wonderful campground!

    We stayed here for a season and loved it! The staff from the front desk to the front gate are incredibly friendly and welcoming!

    Pros-

    Front office is open late (9pm)

    Offers wood, ice, fire starters, hoses and adapter cap for gray water drain.

    Country Store

    Ice Cream

    Amazing views of the canal.

    Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path.

    Dump station

    Inexpensive to have visitors\

    Located near so much! Walmart, Market Basket, Target all within 15min.  

    Cons-

    No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote.

    Lots of tight spaces

    Anyone can pay to access canal, so they can access any campsite even without staying there. 

    Highway noise.

    BRIDGE TRAFFIC- if you know you know.

  • Laura M.
    Aug. 25, 2018

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Nice campground

    Super large sites, store is adequately stocked, nice lake/pond. I came here because of the location. Super close to the beach. This is a state park, no alcohol is allowed, quiet time strictly enforced. Nice family campground. No hookups.

  • Ryan A.
    May. 21, 2024

    Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    Good Location for Hiking, Lots of Garbage, Not Recommended

    Camped here on a Friday night in Site 16, yet another campground recommended in“Best Tent Camping: New England.” Overall I was not impressed. The campsites are right next to each other and are marked with posts. The sites are so close that the posts are marked with the site number on both sides which tells me that there has been confusion in the past.

    The sites along the creek mostly have worn paths to walk to it but it’s nothing impressive and I wouldn’t want to eat fish that came out of it. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, some have the kind where the top flips over and others have the moveable grate that goes up and down. There is a large dumpster in the campground and several porta-potties. The old outhouses have been permanently closed and locked shut. My campsite had a lot of trash in it, old tent stakes, plastic bottle caps, plastic fork, broken glass, etc. Not good.

    Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn’t see a single park ranger the entire night so I’m not sure how often they police it. Someone in a pickup truck came into the campground, did a u-turn, and sped out at 30 mph which was really annoying and unsafe.

    Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it’s a pretty waterfall despite all the foam and garbage around it.

    This is a pretty basic campground and is nothing special. Out of all the sites I think 22 looked the best, it is more isolated and you can hear the waterfalls from it, which would be relaxing. The downside is that it’s right next to the entrance and road so you’ll get car headlights at night.

    I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing– it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment. I also didn’t see any ticks but I’m sure there are plenty based on other reviews.

    I’ve always thought that if states were condiments Connecticut would be mayonnaise– relatively unremarkable and bland. This campground fits that description perfectly.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    HUGE state park

    General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

    Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

    Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

    Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

    This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

Guide to Cranston

Tent camping options near Cranston, Rhode Island extend beyond the immediate vicinity, with opportunities ranging from primitive sites to more developed facilities within a 30-mile radius. The region features primarily deciduous forest camping environments, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during the peak camping season. Most locations require advance planning as the limited number of tent sites in Rhode Island's compact geography leads to high demand during summer weekends.

What to do

Blackberry picking: During mid-August, campers at LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area can collect wild blackberries while exploring the trails, providing a seasonal foraging opportunity.

Swimming in freshwater: The natural bodies of water near many campgrounds offer refreshing alternatives to oceanfront beaches. At Buck Hill Campground, campers can enjoy Wakefield Pond. "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')," notes Greg R.

Island exploration: For campers willing to travel slightly farther (approximately 60 minutes from Cranston), Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers unique exploration opportunities. "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house. We ended up making a fire pit on the beach and a flat rock 'grill' to make our burgers," reports Jess G.

What campers like

Rustic seclusion: The tent-focused campgrounds around Cranston prioritize simplicity over amenities. Buck Hill Campground provides a no-frills experience that appeals to campers seeking quiet. "This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc. don't expect much else," explains Greg R.

Group camping configurations: Unlike standard individual campsites, some local facilities offer larger communal spaces. Buck Hill Campground features "sites in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)," making it suitable for scout troops or family reunions.

Urban-adjacent nature: Boston Harbor Islands combines wilderness camping with city proximity. Martha H. describes the experience: "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets."

What you should know

Water availability varies: Always verify water access before arrival. While some campgrounds have potable water, others require bringing your own supply. At Frosty Hollow Camping Area, water hookups are available, but this is not standard at all locations.

Ferry planning required: For island camping locations, transportation logistics add complexity. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle... We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains Jess G.

Reservation systems differ: Some campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. Boston Harbor Islands State Park "sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance," advises Martha H.

Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Cranston offer basic amenities only. At Buck Hill, expect "a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties" rather than modern bathroom buildings.

Tips for camping with families

Pack adequate water: When camping at locations without drinking water sources like Arcadia Backpack Camping Area, bring at least one gallon per person per day, plus extra for cooking and cleaning.

Consider transportation limitations: For harbor island camping, account for gear transport challenges. "We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island," reports Jess G.

Look for educational opportunities: Historical sites at several campgrounds provide learning experiences. Boston Harbor Islands offers Junior Ranger programs: "Earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service," suggests Jean C.

Bring portable cooking solutions: Since fire regulations vary by location, pack alternative cooking methods. "If you want to grill, bring your own charcoal; otherwise bring a stove or bring food that doesn't need to be cooked," advises Jean C.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: At Water's Edge Campground, both tent-only and RV sites are available, though most local campgrounds cater primarily to tent campers with limited RV accommodations.

Consider seasonal closures: Verify operating dates before planning trips. Most Rhode Island campgrounds close by early October, with Boston Harbor Islands operating only "June to Labor Day weekend," which affects late season camping plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

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