Camping near Hopkinton, Rhode Island offers several options within a 20-mile radius, spanning both Rhode Island and neighboring Connecticut. The region features a mix of wetlands and forests with elevations ranging from sea level to around 400 feet, creating varied camping environments. Most campgrounds in this area sit on ponds or small lakes, providing water recreation opportunities during the May to September peak season.
What to do
Kayaking at Green Falls Campground: Located in Pachaug State Forest, this smaller campground offers direct access to a swimming pond. "Awesome place nice pond walking distance from site great swimming and fishing spacious sites pretty private," notes one visitor to Green Falls Campground.
Hiking at Mount Misery: Despite its foreboding name, Mount Misery provides excellent trail access. "We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails," shares a camper about their fall visit to Mount Misery Campground.
Water activities for kids: Many campgrounds feature water attractions beyond natural swimming areas. At Wawaloam Campground, families appreciate the "huge pool, waterslides, splash pad, playground, great camp store... this place brings a lot to the table for a very fair price of 60 bucks."
Biking through campgrounds: Several parks offer extensive biking opportunities within their boundaries. One Hopeville Pond visitor mentioned the park is "excellent for bikes, there are in-camp roads, so big you can get lost(sorta)," making it ideal for family bike exploration.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers highlight site size as a key factor in their satisfaction. At Wawaloam Campground, visitors frequently mention "large sites" with one noting, "The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors Mystic (formerly Seaport RV Resort), a recent visitor reported, "The bathrooms and showers are spotless and newly painted," suggesting management improvements.
Privacy options: While many campgrounds offer limited site separation, several provide more secluded alternatives. At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, "the gem is the canoe sites at the north of the campground. 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."
Organized activities: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide scheduled entertainment. Strawberry Park receives praise for its programming: "Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do!!!" reports one regular visitor.
What you should know
Rate differences between campgrounds: Prices vary dramatically based on amenities and ownership type. At Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Imagine my surprise when we found out that a water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night! This was our first visit to a Rhode Island State Park so not sure if they are all like this."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise issues from nearby roads or facilities. At Fishermens Memorial, "Road noise continued throughout the night and there is a wind turbine on the property. I've never been this close to one and yes, there is noise, although the road noise bothered me more."
Reservation timing: Securing preferred sites requires advance planning. For prime tent sites at Hopeville Pond, one camper advises targeting "Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!"
Cell service and connectivity: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Wawaloam Campground, a visitor reported, "AT&T service had only one bar. Couldn't stream but worked for calls and texts. Campground WiFi was strong but as expected struggled to keep up on this busy 4th of July."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water features: Pools and splash pads provide entertainment when natural swimming isn't available. At Strawberry Park, kids especially enjoy the "air pillow, they have spent hours on there," according to a repeat visitor.
Consider camping sections: Some parks designate specific areas for different camping styles. At Burlingame State Park, one camper recommends, "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" suggesting quieter areas away from high-traffic zones.
Pack for weather changes: Spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature fluctuations. A Burlingame visitor advises, "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain!" highlighting the importance of proper setup in this region.
Check pet policies: Regulations vary significantly between parks. One camper noted that Hopeville Pond has a strict "no pets allowed" policy, while many other area campgrounds welcome dogs with certain restrictions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs comfortably. At Mystic KOA, one visitor observed, "Some sites towards the front of the park are very close together and unlevel. If you want to be up near the action – pool, bar car, and other activities – get a site in the front section."
Hookup availability: Electric service quality can fluctuate during peak usage. At Wawaloam Campground, a seasonal camper notes, "Water and power are good, no internet to speak of, and many sites do not have sewer, but pump out is low cost and convenient."
Maneuverability challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A Wawaloam visitor mentioned, "Pretty tight turns and big hills for towing your trailer through but it fits," indicating the need for careful driving when arriving with larger units.
