The area around Kingston, Rhode Island features a mix of rural and coastal landscapes with camping options located near both woodlands and shorelines. Average summer temperatures range from 70-85°F, with rainfall possible year-round making proper site drainage an important consideration. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April through October with limited winter availability.
What to do
Beach access: Melville Ponds Campground offers convenient access to Rhode Island beaches within 20 minutes. One visitor notes, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide pond and lake fishing directly on their properties. A camper at Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground shared, "We fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires. We could of lived off of the land if so inclined."
Dog-friendly activities: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated facilities. As one visitor mentioned, "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds situated near popular destinations receive high marks. A reviewer at Seaport RV Resort stated, "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate roomier sites with adequate separation. At Aces High RV Park, a visitor commented, "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors. Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers are frequently mentioned positives. According to one camper, "The bathrooms and shower house are located in the middle of the park and were very clean."
What you should know
Site conditions: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Melville Ponds, a visitor warned, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Limited amenities at some locations: Meadowlark RV Park has fewer facilities than others in the area. A camper observed, "This is a very crowded mobile home park that has a few motorhome/RV sites. No amenities such as shower or toilets."
Seasonal operation: Most RV camping near Kingston, Rhode Island closes during winter months. One exception is Ashaway RV Resort which remains open year-round with 257 sites.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Some campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational facilities for children. A visitor to Countryside RV Park summarized it as "Beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites. Close to I-395."
Consider campgrounds with activities: Swimming pools and organized events can keep children entertained. One camper reported, "My kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play."
Choose sites away from water for safety: For families with small children, requesting sites further from ponds or water features may be preferable. A camper noted, "There is a nice pond to go fishing at as well. About an 20 min drive to local beaches."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on the campground. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, a reviewer pointed out, "Only 6 sites with Electric and Water. No Dump or Shower/restrooms. 2 clean porta poddies on site."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. A visitor to Carr Point mentioned, "Dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge."
Site surface considerations: Different campgrounds feature various pad surfaces. A camper at Aces High RV Park commented, "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio (I love a clean, level concrete pad!). Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should."
