Camping near Foster Center, Rhode Island offers both established campgrounds and primitive camping options within a heavily forested region. Located in the northwestern part of the state at approximately 600 feet elevation, the area features rocky woodland terrain with numerous small streams and ponds. Weather conditions range from humid summer days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms to crisp autumn nights when temperatures can drop below 40°F even in September.
What to do
Hiking and trail exploration: George Washington State Campground in Chepachet provides access to numerous hiking trails surrounding a small lake. A visitor notes, "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," making it convenient for campers who don't want to travel far for outdoor activities. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for beginners.
Freshwater swimming: West Thompson Lake Campground, approximately 20 miles from Foster Center, offers a designated swimming area during summer months. "The beachfront is nice, the canoe and kayak rental is reasonable," reports one camper. Swimming is typically available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some weather restrictions possible.
Fishing access: Hopeville Pond State Park provides shore fishing opportunities throughout most of the year. A camper explains, "The pond has some really big fish, but it's heavily covered with lily pads and there are a lot of submerged trees. If you're going fishing here, a weedless rig is the way to go." Species include bass, perch, and sunfish.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds near Foster offer tent-only areas that provide more privacy. At Hopeville Pond, "the canoe sites at the north of the campground" are particularly appreciated. A camper reports, "These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses despite high usage. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Seasonal activities: Holiday Acres Campground organizes themed weekends throughout the camping season. "We just camped here for the first time over Columbus Day Weekend with a few other families. Great weekend to come - seasonal campers go all out decorating for Halloween," notes one visitor. These activities typically include crafts, games, and holiday-specific events.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Site proximity is inconsistent across campgrounds. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, a camper noted, "The sites are very well set up. You have your pick of shady sites or sites with no trees." However, at other facilities, privacy can be limited.
Shower costs: Many campgrounds charge for shower use. A camper at George Washington State Campground advised, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)." This is typical for state-run facilities in the region.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. One camper at Wawaloam Campground mentioned, "We are going for a full month this year," indicating the popularity of longer stays. Reservations often open 6-9 months in advance.
Water conditions: Swimming ponds may have natural bottom conditions that surprise first-time visitors. A review of Hopeville Pond noted, "There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty." Natural water bodies often have aquatic plants and sediment that can make the water appear less clear.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Wawaloam Campground offers extensive children's facilities. A visitor explains, "This is kid heaven. Families laughing & enjoying themselves. Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice." Activity fees may apply for water features.
Consider noise levels: Campground noise can affect children's sleep. One camper at River Bend Campground shared, "Quiet hours at 11pm wasn't ideal for camping with a toddler. The DJ goes until 10:30 and it is LOUD. Not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of, especially if you are close to the pavilion."
Bike-friendly options: Several campgrounds have safe biking areas for children. Hopeville Pond State Park provides "plenty of trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop" and is "great for families with kids pedaling their bikes," according to camper reports.
Tips from RVers
Power concerns: Check electrical connections carefully before setup. A Holiday Acres visitor warned, "Their corroded 30 amp power melted the connections on both my cords and blew out my power awning. We could smell something burning, electrical, but didn't find it until we packed up on Monday to leave." Surge protectors are highly recommended.
Site selection for larger rigs: Many campgrounds offer limited big-rig access. At West Thompson Lake Campground, there are "large campsites, nice basketball court," but some areas have "not enough room to make a u-turn unless your rig is pretty small." Calling ahead to confirm suitable sites is advised.
Dump station availability: Some campgrounds offer limited dump station access. One camper at Burlingame State Park noted, "there are two dumping spots each with two dumps," which can create waiting periods during peak checkout times.
