Camping sites near West Warwick, Rhode Island range from secluded woodland settings to waterfront locations with most privately operated facilities staying open from April through October. The region has higher elevation areas in the northwestern parts like Foster and Glocester, where terrain becomes more rugged compared to the coastal plain. Summer humidity levels typically reach 70-80% during peak camping months, making waterfront locations particularly desirable.
What to do
Pond activities: At Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds, visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural pond, which one camper described as "wonderful" with "three miles of well kept trails to explore" surrounding the water. The camp offers fishing and non-motorized boating options at several locations.
Beach access: Campgrounds near the southern coast provide convenient beach access for day trips. A camper at Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground noted it has the "Best location ever to the beach" with Newport beaches approximately 5 miles from Newport RV Park.
Explore historic sites: The region offers access to various historic attractions. A camper staying at Newport RV Park mentioned, "Downtown historic Newport is a 10-minute drive away and you are only 35 minutes from Providence" making it ideal for history enthusiasts.
Dog parks: Multiple campgrounds feature designated dog areas. At Newport RV Park, one reviewer appreciated the "huge dog park" that was just "a 5 minute walk" from their site, mentioning it's "perfect because it was within walking distance and she could swim in the pond."
What campers like
Affordable options: State parks offer economical camping, especially for residents. A camper at Burlingame State Park Campground mentioned it's "dirt cheap if you are a RI resident, but pricey if you aren't" while highlighting its spacious layout.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds host scheduled events throughout the summer. At Wawaloam Campground, campers enjoy "a huge pool, waterslides, splash pad, playground, great camp store" with seasonal programming that changes monthly.
Site privacy: Experienced campers recommend researching specific sites before booking. At Burlingame State Park, a reviewer noted that "Many of the 739 sites are well spaced out and you could obtain great privacy if you know which site to pick," suggesting careful site selection.
Off-season camping: Several campgrounds remain open into fall with fewer crowds. A camper at Fishermens Memorial State Park visited during "Rainy nasty October weekend but nonetheless facilities were spotless" and enjoyed the quieter atmosphere after peak season.
What you should know
Non-resident fees: Rhode Island state parks charge significantly more for out-of-state visitors. One camper at George Washington State Campground noted "it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44" despite having no hookups.
Park size variations: Campground sizes vary dramatically throughout the region. Burlingame State Park spans over 3,100 acres with 739 sites while smaller campgrounds like Dyer Woods offer more intimate settings with under 100 sites total.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. Whispering Pines operates "April 15 to October 15" while Newport RV Park runs from "April 1 to October 31," making advance planning essential for late-season trips.
Water limitations: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Holiday Acres Campground, one camper reported "the sewer on my site overflowed after only ~15-20 gallons of dumping" while others noted water pressure issues during peak usage times.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Pools and splash pads provide entertainment for children. At Whispering Pines Campground, families enjoy "the pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids" with scheduled programming throughout summer weekends.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds offer structured recreation. Wawaloam Campground provides "lots for the kids to do, and safe for them to run free" according to one camper, with water slides, fishing, and supervised activities.
Off-peak visits: Consider visiting during weekdays for quieter experiences. A camper at Whispering Pines mentioned "we went on a Wednesday for a 5 day 4 night trip with the family" and noted significantly fewer crowds compared to weekends.
Proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds offer easy access to area attractions. Newport RV Park provides a location that's "perfect for exploring Newport, RI" and is only "10 minutes from downtown Newport" according to reviewers.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. At Holiday Acres Campground, one camper advised to "be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector" after experiencing electrical issues.
Site leveling: Many Rhode Island campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Newport RV Park, a camper noted the "main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Seasonal rates: Pricing fluctuates throughout the camping season. Newport RV Park charges between $38-45 per night depending on hookups and time of year, while state parks charge premium rates for holiday weekends.
Dumping stations: Availability varies across campgrounds. At Burlingame State Park, a reviewer noted "there are two dumping spots each with two dumps" which can create wait times during busy checkout periods.
