Campgrounds near Lincoln, Rhode Island range from developed facilities to more rustic options within a 30-mile radius. George Washington State Campground in Chepachet offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities. Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts provides a more resort-style experience with 400 sites including tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the region are established facilities rather than dispersed camping areas, with many offering water and electric hookups for RVs alongside traditional tent sites.
Camping in the Lincoln area follows seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through October or November. A camper noted, "George Washington State Campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814. It's by Bowdish Lake, near the Connecticut border. This is a cool area of Rhode Island that I enjoyed getting the chance to explore." Many campgrounds charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors, with price differences sometimes doubling for non-residents. Cell phone coverage varies but generally remains adequate with 3-4 bars reported at most developed sites. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly.
The mixed-use nature of campgrounds in the region means most accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site selection matters significantly for tent campers seeking level ground. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to water as a key feature, with Bowdish Lake and other ponds providing fishing and paddling opportunities. A review highlighted that "The lake access is excellent, obviously. Pay showers of varying degrees of cleanliness. Open to tents, but clearly preferred by the RV crowd." Campgrounds like Holiday Acres and Newport RV Park remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited in winter months. The region's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring coastal Rhode Island attractions, with Newport and Block Island accessible as day trips from many locations.
$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."
$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."
$45 - $75 / night
"Im guessing these sites will be considered "close" to "moderately close" by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine. Roads are a little narrow which made"
"Everything you need 100% Everything clean 100% EASY Access to all attractions 100% We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth"
$35 - $50 / night
"The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :)) The entrance / office setup is confusing."
$42 - $58 / night
"This place is pretty awesome if you’re looking to see a show at the nearby Comcast center."
$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."
$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."
$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. "
"This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."
"We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."
$40 - $200 / night
"This site is right next to the state park that’s nearby, so it’s fairly quiet. I think we are one of the only tent campers here this weekend, seems like a lot of seasonal camping with RVs."
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.
ScoutMy husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!
The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!
GuideThis is a nice campground near historic Lexington and Boston.
Camping options near Lincoln, Rhode Island span from rustic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks within a 30-mile radius. This area of New England experiences seasonal variation with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Many campgrounds follow a mid-April to October season, though several remain open year-round with reduced services during colder months.
Hiking and biking trails: Massasoit State Park Campground has excellent terrain for outdoor activities. "Great spot for running, walking, hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring! Beautiful, silent, and shows the power nature has," notes Katie D. The park recently reopened with significant renovations.
Water activities: Melville Ponds Campground offers fishing opportunities just steps from your site. "Great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog," according to Kimbo K. The nearby pond provides a serene spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. A visitor at George Washington State Campground reported, "We enjoyed swimming and fishing. The beach area for children was nice. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe."
Sightseeing trips: Many Lincoln area campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for regional exploration. "We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth plantation spending no more than 1hr and 20 min at the most in the car," shares Donya B. from Circle Campground Farm.
Privacy between sites: Tent campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor. At Bowdish Lake Camping Area, "The site was very secluded and very large which was awesome! Kids had a blast!" notes Stanley K. Sites in the Blue section receive particular praise for their seclusion.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," says Nick P. about his stay at George Washington State Campground.
Family amenities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA stands out for its abundant children's activities. Amy G. observed, "My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts." This campground serves families seeking structured recreation.
Waterfront access: Multiple campsites near Lincoln provide water access for various activities. Taylor B. enjoyed Bowdish Lake's location: "This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet. It appears that most of the sites are very private."
Seasonal pricing: Non-residents typically pay significantly more at Rhode Island state parks. Michelle H. notes about George Washington State Campground: "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Holiday Acres Campground operates with a gated entry system. Michael K. explains, "All entrances are gated with key codes and there was a security guard on staff part of the time."
Site variations: Level sites can be scarce at some locations. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, Johnny W. found, "At first there was a little confusion at the office of where I was supposed to be. The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I wasn't too keen on staying literally on the pond."
Utility considerations: Electrical service varies widely between campgrounds. Bruce Y. warns about Holiday Acres: "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!" Always inspect connections before setting up camp.
Entertainment options: Circle Campground Farm offers diverse recreation for children. "Nice little fishing pond on site, nice clean bathhouses and pool," notes Chris S. Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas during shoulder seasons when swimming isn't available.
Site selection: Families should research site location relative to bathrooms and amenities. Sean R. explains about Circle Campground, "Site size was adequate. I'm guessing these sites will be considered 'close' to 'moderately close' by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine."
Noise considerations: Campground atmospheres vary dramatically. Canoe River Campground has mixed reviews regarding sound levels. One camper observed, "This campground is fairly basic and on the older side with the playground and pool. We still had a great time."
Bathroom proximity: For families with small children, bathroom access matters. Ryan A. notes about George Washington, "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."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Lincoln area require leveling blocks. Brad B. reports about Melville Ponds Campground: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Hookup quality: Full-service sites vary in utility reliability. Rick C. from Canoe River Campground reports, "We stayed a week. No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try. The campground is a little tight with a big rig (40' motorhome pulling a vehicle on a dolly)."
Maneuvering space: Roads at many campgrounds can present challenges for larger rigs. Sean R. observes, "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process. If those sites were occupied, that would have been real interesting."
Site size considerations: Upgrade site selection for more space with larger units. Janet P. advised about Boston/Cape Cod KOA: "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Lincoln?
The Lincoln area offers several excellent camping options. George Washington State Campground near Chepachet provides wooded sites by Bowdish Lake with a peaceful atmosphere. For families seeking recreational activities, Wawaloam Campground offers a splash pad, pool, and numerous kid-friendly amenities in a rural wooded setting. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Lincoln and offer a true Rhode Island camping experience with varying amenities and natural surroundings.
Are there free camping options near Lincoln?
Free camping options near Lincoln are extremely limited. Most Rhode Island campgrounds charge fees, especially for out-of-state visitors. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground offers basic parking lot-style camping for self-contained RVs without hookups but does charge a fee. For true free camping, you might need to look at overnight parking options like Bridgewater Service Plaza, though this would only be suitable for very short stays in self-contained vehicles. Always verify current policies before attempting overnight parking.
What amenities are available at Lincoln Woods camping area?
Lincoln Woods State Park doesn't offer formal camping facilities. For camping near Lincoln with good amenities, consider Burlingame State Park Campground which features 739 reservable campsites, flush toilets, and dump stations, though no hookups. Another option is Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground which provides water and electric hookups. Both parks offer reasonable access to Lincoln while providing basic camping amenities, though rates for out-of-state visitors tend to be higher.
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