Best Campgrounds near Johnston, RI

The area around Johnston, Rhode Island includes access to various types of camping and campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. George Washington State Campground in Chepachet offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and water access, while Holiday Acres Campground in Glocester provides year-round camping options. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate multiple camping styles, with most offering tent sites alongside RV hookups and cabin rentals. Newport RV Park in Portsmouth and Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts represent some of the more developed options with extensive amenities, though they're typically more expensive than state park alternatives.

Camping seasons in Rhode Island generally run from April through October, with most state parks closing after Columbus Day. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities fill quickly. A visitor commented, "We wanted to visit Newport on our trip and Fisherman's Memorial State Park was the closest affordable park to the island, so we opted to stay there - I lucked into grabbing somebody else's cancellation." Weather conditions remain mild throughout the camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. Cell phone coverage varies by location but is generally reliable near developed campgrounds. Most state park campgrounds charge higher fees for out-of-state visitors, sometimes double the resident rate, which is worth considering when planning a trip.

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront access at several locations, particularly at Burlingame State Park Campground which features a small beach area on the pond. The campground's 700+ sites make it Rhode Island's largest camping destination, though reviews note varying levels of privacy between sites. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to beaches and coastal attractions as key highlights of camping in the region. George Washington State Campground receives positive reviews for its hiking trails and lake views, while Newport-area campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring coastal Rhode Island. Tent campers seeking more privacy should look for designated tent-only areas or sites marked with "T" designations, as these typically offer more seclusion than mixed-use camping areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Johnston, Rhode Island (138)

    1. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $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."

    2. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    16 miles
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $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."

    3. Holiday Acres Campground

    6 Reviews
    Chepachet, RI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 934-0780

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :))  The entrance / office setup is confusing."

    4. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $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. "

    5. Stateline Campresort & Cabins

    9 Reviews
    Ballouville, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 774-3016

    $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."

    6. Wawaloam Campground

    11 Reviews
    Richmond, RI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 294-3039

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area. 

       "

    7. Dyer Woods Nudist Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    Foster Center, RI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (774) 441-4559

    "Three miles of well kept trails to explore. Friendly community of regulars with potlucks and campfires on the weekends. Being nude in duch a wonderful place is so relaxing and good gor the soul."

    8. Burlingame State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."

    "Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."

    9. Circle Campground Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Franklin Town, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 966-1136

    $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"

    10. Massasoit State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Lakeville, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 822-7405

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Johnston, RI

793 Reviews of 138 Johnston Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great spot and good communication

    Was in town for the Elvis show. This was minutes from downtown definitely walkable. Will be back again!

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Close to a beach, serenity hiding in city life

    Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins

    Lovely campground

    Can’t go wrong with this campground. Well maintained, clean, kind staff and close to everything.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back


Guide to Johnston

Camping sites near Johnston, Rhode Island offer year-round options within wooded and pond-adjacent settings. The region has numerous state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius with most sites requiring advanced reservations during peak season. Many campsites provide electrical hookups and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between established campgrounds and more rustic options.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Wawaloam Campground offers a stocked pond for fishing. "Large but well laid out park... adults have all their needs met... Playground, fishing and water slides invite families," notes camper Kathy L.

Hiking trails: The wooded areas around campgrounds provide miles of nature exploration. At George Washington State Campground, "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," according to Nick S., who visits twice per season. The trails circle several small lakes with scenic views.

Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas and water activities. Massasoit State Park offers both fishing and paddling opportunities on its lakes. One camper mentioned, "The boys had a blast swimming and kayaking at the pond and there was another comfort station right at the water."

Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas. Newport RV Park provides "a huge off-leash dog park" according to Ilana F., who adds there are "also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park" where pets can exercise.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Melville Ponds Campground receives high marks for site size. "Good size sites. Trees. Decent WiFi. Clean and quiet," reports Barry S. Another camper mentioned, "The distance between sites was far enough that you did not feel cramped or on top of your neighbor."

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. George Washington State Campground features "very clean bathrooms with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," according to Nick P.

Proximity to attractions: Circle Campground Farm offers strategic positioning for regional exploration. One camper enthusiastically shared, "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!!!"

Private wooded settings: Many campgrounds offer sites tucked among trees for a more secluded experience. A camper at Massasoit State Park observed, "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."

What you should know

Seasonal variations: Most Rhode Island campgrounds operate from April through October, with some exceptions. Holiday Acres Campground offers year-round camping options, making it valuable for off-season trips.

Site selection matters: At Burlingame State Park Campground, site location significantly impacts experience. One camper advises, "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" The campground has over 700 sites spread across different areas with varying privacy levels.

Power reliability: Electrical connections may have issues at some campgrounds. A Holiday Acres camper warned, "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!"

Weekend crowding: Expect higher occupancy and noise levels during weekends and holidays. At Burlingame, a camper noted, "On the weekends people can get out of hand with the partying and it's not uncommon to have to listen to noise late into the night. Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed."

Fee structures: Non-resident campers pay premium rates at state parks. At George Washington State Campground, "If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is $36/night," which one camper felt wasn't worth it unless "you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Campgrounds with swimming areas provide built-in entertainment. Normandy Farms Campground in Massachusetts features "four pools (include an indoor heated one)" according to Nancy W., making it suitable for multi-season visits.

Playgrounds: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A visitor to Wawaloam Campground praised its facilities, noting "The playground is nice. The grounds are well taken care of."

Weekend activities: Some campgrounds schedule organized events. Johnny W. shared, "We went to their Oktoberfest that they did on Saturday and that was decorated great and the band and activities were good!"

Kid-friendly sites: Select sites away from potential hazards. One camper mentioned reassigning their site at a campground, explaining, "At first there was a little confusion at the office of where I was supposed to be... 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."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer various levels of hookups. At Melville Ponds Campground, "Site types include full hook-up (max 30 amp), water/electric only, dry camping, and a large tent section," giving RVers flexibility based on their needs.

Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain. A camper at Melville Ponds noted, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."

Navigation challenges: Campground roads can be narrow. At Circle Campground Farm, a camper observed, "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process."

Entry procedures: Many campgrounds have check-in protocols that may complicate arrival. One camper advised, "The entrance / office setup is confusing. If you come in from the West you'll see an entrance, if you pull in you'll then be able to see signs that tell you to go another 1/4 mile to the office to check in."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Johnston, RI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Johnston, RI is Normandy Farms Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 40 reviews.

What parks are near Johnston, RI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Johnston, RI that allow camping, notably West Hill Dam and Buffumville Lake.