Burlingame State Park Campground in Charlestown serves as a central hub for glamping near Kingston, Rhode Island, with over 700 individual sites spread across several camping areas. Located within 20 minutes of Kingston, the campground sits at the edge of Watchaug Pond and includes wooded and open grassy areas. The extensive size creates distinct camping experiences depending on site selection, with varying levels of shade, privacy, and terrain.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: The network of roads and paths at Burlingame State Park Campground provides extensive exploration opportunities. "Excellent for bikes, there are in-camp roads, so big you can get lost(sorta)," notes Andrew P., highlighting the scale of the property.
Fishing in freshwater ponds: Watchaug Pond offers bass fishing opportunities year-round except during winter ice conditions. "Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking," shares Cendy G., who found activities readily available near the camp store area.
Beach swimming: The freshwater pond beach provides an alternative to saltwater ocean beaches. According to Jessica A., "Swim in the pond. Fish in the pond (catch and release). Bike. Hike. Hammock. Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can."
Visiting casinos: Many campers use Mystic KOA as a base for visiting nearby Mohegan Sun casino. Kari B. notes the convenience: "The campground is close to Mystic Seaport, which was beautiful. We ate Mystic Pizza II at our campsite (right down the road), and visited the adorable town of Groton."
What campers like
Privacy levels by site selection: At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, site location determines your experience. Nita D. explains, "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc...We stayed in Egret. We camped at site #4 (sunny) then moved to #38 (shady)."
Off-season camping: Quieter experiences happen outside summer peaks. "We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet. Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly," reports Katelain T. about Burlingame.
Large open fields: Some campers prefer the spaciousness of field camping. According to Cynthia K. at Mystic KOA, "The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
Budget-friendly state parks: State parks offer economical options compared to private resorts. "Very affordable (around $14 per night). We stayed near the camp store and playground," shares Cendy G. about Burlingame, though rates have increased and vary by residency status.
What you should know
Size affects noise levels: At large campgrounds, crowding can impact experience. "Unfriendly staff - camp is way too big for my taste - it's mass camping," warns Sebastien R. about Burlingame.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Cleanliness and maintenance differ significantly. Jessica A. at George Washington State Campground reports, "Bath houses - are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross."
Seasonal pricing differences: Rates vary significantly between peak and off-season, with additional premiums for non-residents. Michelle H. notes about George Washington, "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Environmental conditions: Weather and insects impact comfort. "Westerly is nearby with a 24 hour WalMart in case you forget anything (which we did, being pretty new to camping at the time!) also, I got stung by a wasp, so watch out for those guys," advises Katelain T. about Burlingame.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection criteria: Choose sites strategically based on family needs. At Strawberry Park, Ryan C. shares, "My husband loves playing volleyball in the adult pool, and I love the aqua robins every day. I also appreciate the rec staff."
Event scheduling: Check activity calendars when booking. "Burlingame is huge. We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet. Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly. Bring quarters for the showers," advises Katelain T.
Beach alternatives: Consider both ocean and pond swimming options. Mauricio R. explains the advantages at Rocky Neck: "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails. A great family campsite with easy to get to activities."
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for wildlife encounters at most campgrounds. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" notes Jean V. about Rocky Neck, though the friendly reference indicates caution is needed with food storage.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Research utilities before booking as they vary widely. At Odetah Camping Resort, Anne M. reports, "Most sites are even and good sized," which helps with RV leveling and setup.
Site surface conditions: Surface materials impact setup and comfort. "Site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly," notes Nancy W.
Delivery services: Some campgrounds offer convenience services. Anne M. shares that at Odetah, "The staff will deliver wood right to your site," saving trips to the camp store.
Proximity to highways: Road noise affects some campgrounds. Cynthia K. warns about Mystic KOA, "The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
