Arthur D.
Scout
ScoutPine Acres Family Camping Resort
4th of July weekend
It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.
Camping near Lincoln, RI
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Lincoln, Rhode Island range from developed facilities to more rustic options within a 30-mile radius. George Washington State Campground in Chepachet offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities. Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts provides a more resort-style experience with 400 sites including tent, RV, cabin, yurt, and glamping options. Most campgrounds in the region are established facilities rather than dispersed camping areas, with many offering water and electric hookups for RVs alongside traditional tent sites.
Camping in the Lincoln area follows seasonal patterns with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through October or November. A camper noted, "George Washington State Campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814. It's by Bowdish Lake, near the Connecticut border. This is a cool area of Rhode Island that I enjoyed getting the chance to explore." Many campgrounds charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors, with price differences sometimes doubling for non-residents. Cell phone coverage varies but generally remains adequate with 3-4 bars reported at most developed sites. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly.
The mixed-use nature of campgrounds in the region means most accommodate both tent and RV camping, though site selection matters significantly for tent campers seeking level ground. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to water as a key feature, with Bowdish Lake and other ponds providing fishing and paddling opportunities. A review highlighted that "The lake access is excellent, obviously. Pay showers of varying degrees of cleanliness. Open to tents, but clearly preferred by the RV crowd." Campgrounds like Holiday Acres and Newport RV Park remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited in winter months. The region's campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring coastal Rhode Island attractions, with Newport and Block Island accessible as day trips from many locations.
Best Campgrounds near Lincoln (145)
1. Normandy Farms Campground
"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."
from $50 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. George Washington State Campground
"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."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Holiday Acres Campground
"The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :)) The entrance / office setup is confusing."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Circle Campground Farm Campground
"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"
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability5. Canoe River Campground
"This place is pretty awesome if you’re looking to see a show at the nearby Comcast center."
from $42 - $58 / night
Check Availability6. Stateline Campresort & Cabins
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Massasoit State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability8. Newport RV Park
"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. "
from $70 - $140 / night
Check Availability9. Boston/Cape Cod KOA
"This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."
"We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."
10. Bowdish Lake Camping Area
"This site is right next to the state park that’s nearby, so it’s fairly quiet. I think we are one of the only tent campers here this weekend, seems like a lot of seasonal camping with RVs."
from $40 - $200 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 10 min from Providence, RI
- 31 min from Worcester, MA
- 37 min from Boston, MA
- 51 min from Norwich, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Lincoln, RI
307 Photos of 145 Lincoln Campgrounds
Greg R.
Normandy Farms Campground
Cody F.
Circle CG Farm Campground
Cathy G.
Echo Lake Campground
Kimberly M.
Oak Leaf Family Campground
Ryan A.
George Washington State Campground
Taylor B.
Bowdish Lake Camping Area
paul
Stateline Campresort & Cabins
Tricia T.
Hickory Ridge RV Resort
Kevin A.
Sun Ridge Resort
Travis
Douglas Forest RV Resort
Stephanie M.
Sutton Falls Camping Area
Amy B.
Glamp Frogmore
Recent Reviews near Lincoln, RI
855 Reviews of 145 Lincoln Campgrounds
Kaileigh K.
GuideFort Getty Campground
Great location!
Fort Getty campground was in an incredible location to Jamestown and with many things to do in the park itself. The tent sites are open field style and some groups can get big so be ready for that. We had tent site 6 and it was tucked back in its own little area which was an awesome surprise. Overall we had a quick stay and everyone we encountered was friendly, bathrooms are older but a short walk from tent area. The access the Jamestown and the surrounding areas and views is what makes this place totally worth it!
- AAshley H.
TravelerMashamoquet Brook Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Cozy Rustic Campground
Due to the heat wave, I opted not to spend the night, but we did roll through and check out the area. First thing we noticed is how close and open the sites were, with a few exceptions. I attached photos of the more secluded sites I plan to choose next time. Site 49 is what I had reserved and it was large and partially secluded. The bathroom buildings are boarded up across the campground and state park with port o potties in front. I was not eager to check those out… a bucket started feeling like the safer option lol It was quiet but on the more secluded sites, there was ample road noise and you could see the road from some sites. I didn’t get a chance to look for the walkway to the park and river, but I plan to next time. The state park and river nearby was beautiful and quiet and serene with smattering Fourth of July picnics. Overall, I plan to return here when the weather is more cooperative and my car camper is better equipped :)
Alicia V.ScoutIndianhead Resort
Worst place to RV
Long review from a long-term camper, but if you’re considering staying here, it’s worth the read so you know what you’re paying for. My husband and I have stayed here for the past three years, and this year has been, without question, the worst experience we’ve had. We prepaid for a 6-month stay, expecting a quiet, well-managed campground. Instead, we’ve dealt with inconsistency, poor communication, and management that seems focused on the wrong priorities. Before the campground was even fully open, we came to prepare our camper because there were already other campers on the property. While we were there, a woman repeatedly followed us around and watched us before finally approaching us. Rather than treating us like returning guests who have stayed here for years, we were made to feel like we didn’t belong and were questioned as if we were trespassing or trying to live here for free. Ironically, people who don’t even pay to stay here regularly park on the property to use the lake without anyone questioning them. Apparently, paying customers receive more scrutiny than people who aren’t customers at all. Because of that interaction, we were told we couldn’t return for weeks. When we were finally allowed back, our electricity hadn’t even been turned on, and we had to wait while no one seemed particularly concerned about getting it working. Then, completely out of the blue, we were told we had a past-due balance that had supposedly existed all along. At no point were we ever notified. No phone call. No email. No letter. No conversation. Yet somehow we were expected to fix a problem we didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the issues that actually affect paying guests continue to be ignored. On weekends and almost every holiday, large groups takes over the campground with 20+ tents, blasting music well into the night and early morning with absolutely no respect for the people who actually pay to stay here. They spread out wherever they want, take over common areas, and even park in front of occupied campsites to the point that we’ve had trouble getting into our own site. Even worse, people were plugging into our electrical service without permission, causing our camper to repeatedly short circuit. We eventually had to install a lock on our own electrical box because management did nothing to stop it after it was brought to their attention. That’s what makes this so frustrating. Management seems incredibly quick to police long-term residents over minor issues, yet has no problem looking the other way while other people take over the campground, block campsites, disturb everyone around them, use utilities they aren’t paying for, damage property, and ignore every basic campground rule. The former management understood that people who spend thousands of dollars to stay here deserve a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed campground. Rules were enforced. Problems were addressed. Paying guests mattered. Now it feels like the people causing the problems face no consequences, while the people paying to be here are the ones expected to tolerate them. I also wouldn’t recommend this campground for families. The“playground” looks like it hasn’t been properly maintained in a very long time and honestly looks like it could earn a child a tetanus shot instead of a fun afternoon. The basketball hoop has been broken, and the laundry area is tucked behind some of the dirtiest bathrooms on the property, surrounded by overgrown grass. None of it reflects the kind of campground this used to be. It’s disappointing because this campground had so much potential and used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed returning to every year. Unfortunately, poor management and a complete lack of consistency have changed that. If you are looking for a campground, there are way better options in the surrounding area with better amenities and better people.
Kaitlynn F.ScoutSunset View Farms
So fun!
I have 4 kids, 8 and under and they had an absolute blast. We will definitely be back.
- RRalph C.Traveler
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Worst Military Campground
Published rules are can only be here for 30 days with a three week extension possible. The fact is at least half of the spaces are occupied by full time residents with one resident stating she has been here for two years. The airfield noise is excessive during the day. The airfield closes at 11 PM so at least it is not all night long. We booked a pull through and they wanted to put us in a small back in site with shared utilities. I put my foot down and was given a pull through. On a positive note, the bath house is clean and the laundry room is not over priced
- VVictoria V.Traveler
Hide-A-Way Cove Campground
Just okay
When we arrived at our site we were instantly greeted with an angry resident. He started shooing us away as we were trying to park our camper at our site. He needed to back out and leave but we had only been there no more than 3 minutes before he popped up angrily. There are a lot of long term campers there. Very very unkept campers. Broken down, damaged, some look unlivable. Some may not like the dozens of cats everywhere, but I did. It’s fun to spot a new cat roaming around the campground. The pool is nice and clean. The playground is cute. The Arcade is not worth going to. A lot of the games were broken or empty. Bikes are NOT allowed. My 8 year old son was riding his bike and we were told he couldn’t do that at this campground. The pond/beach area is beautiful. You can try fishing in it. We didn’t catch anything. I definitely don’t suggest swimming in it. It’s not clean enough for that. Camp “store” is very minimal in what they have. Mostly little candy and some minor essentials. There is also a little restaurant attached to the camp store. I like that the sites were grass and not dirt. Or site did not have sewer. We had to go to the dump station to empty black water.
Nancy W.
LegendNewport RV Park
Clean sites, good location.
We stayed here a number of years ago when it was Milleville Ponds Campground and what an improvement! The park is really clean, well mowed, well-packed gravel roads and camping pads. No problem for big-rigs. There are some seasonals but their sites were tidy. About half the campsites are in the woods and half in the open. There are some deluxe sites with paved patios and nicer fire pits but they are really close together and no shade. We really liked our site (#400) which was gravel, long and level. (We would choose 401 if we came back.) The patio had nice grass which our dog loved. The utilities were well-placed and the electric legs were good at 124 volts. I called to see if there was cable tv because there was a connection on our post and was told that some sites had cable. But, when I hooked it up, we didn’t get any channels; however, we got about 60 over-the-air tv channels. Great wifi. Not much for amenities, just a pavilion and playground. There is a public dog park just outside the park that is really big and you can walk a ¼ mile to a hiking trail. There are three airstreams and a 3-bedroom house for rent. The bath house is centrally located. Unfortunately, they are not super close to the tent sites and there is no path through campsites so you either have to walk around or cut through someone’s site. It took us anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to get downtown (depending on traffic). There are few restaurants nearby and a grocery less than ten minutes away. Overall, we liked how clean and well-kept the park was and enjoyed our site. We stayed eight nights with the average nightly cost at $81and would come back if in the area.
Emily V.TravelerIndianhead Resort
Great Old School Campground
We had a great stay at Indianhead Resort! The management was wonderful and very helpful. The sites were very spacious and private, which made it feel relaxing and comfortable for our family. The playgrounds are a little older, but our two-year-old absolutely loved the swings and had a great time. Overall, it was a great family-friendly campground experience!
Guide to Lincoln
Camping options near Lincoln, Rhode Island span from rustic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks within a 30-mile radius. This area of New England experiences seasonal variation with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Many campgrounds follow a mid-April to October season, though several remain open year-round with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Massasoit State Park Campground has excellent terrain for outdoor activities. "Great spot for running, walking, hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring! Beautiful, silent, and shows the power nature has," notes Katie D. The park recently reopened with significant renovations.
Water activities: Melville Ponds Campground offers fishing opportunities just steps from your site. "Great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog," according to Kimbo K. The nearby pond provides a serene spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. A visitor at George Washington State Campground reported, "We enjoyed swimming and fishing. The beach area for children was nice. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe."
Sightseeing trips: Many Lincoln area campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for regional exploration. "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," shares Donya B. from Circle Campground Farm.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor. At Bowdish Lake Camping Area, "The site was very secluded and very large which was awesome! Kids had a blast!" notes Stanley K. Sites in the Blue section receive particular praise for their seclusion.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," says Nick P. about his stay at George Washington State Campground.
Family amenities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA stands out for its abundant children's activities. Amy G. observed, "My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts." This campground serves families seeking structured recreation.
Waterfront access: Multiple campsites near Lincoln provide water access for various activities. Taylor B. enjoyed Bowdish Lake's location: "This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet. It appears that most of the sites are very private."
What you should know
Seasonal pricing: Non-residents typically pay significantly more at Rhode Island state parks. Michelle H. notes about George Washington State Campground: "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Holiday Acres Campground operates with a gated entry system. Michael K. explains, "All entrances are gated with key codes and there was a security guard on staff part of the time."
Site variations: Level sites can be scarce at some locations. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, Johnny W. found, "At first there was a little confusion at the office of where I was supposed to be. The manager came up and 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."
Utility considerations: Electrical service varies widely between campgrounds. Bruce Y. warns about Holiday Acres: "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!" Always inspect connections before setting up camp.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Circle Campground Farm offers diverse recreation for children. "Nice little fishing pond on site, nice clean bathhouses and pool," notes Chris S. Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas during shoulder seasons when swimming isn't available.
Site selection: Families should research site location relative to bathrooms and amenities. Sean R. explains about Circle Campground, "Site size was adequate. I'm 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."
Noise considerations: Campground atmospheres vary dramatically. Canoe River Campground has mixed reviews regarding sound levels. One camper observed, "This campground is fairly basic and on the older side with the playground and pool. We still had a great time."
Bathroom proximity: For families with small children, bathroom access matters. Ryan A. notes about George Washington, "The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain. The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Lincoln area require leveling blocks. Brad B. reports about Melville Ponds Campground: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Hookup quality: Full-service sites vary in utility reliability. Rick C. from Canoe River Campground reports, "We stayed a week. No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try. The campground is a little tight with a big rig (40' motorhome pulling a vehicle on a dolly)."
Maneuvering space: Roads at many campgrounds can present challenges for larger rigs. Sean R. observes, "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process. If those sites were occupied, that would have been real interesting."
Site size considerations: Upgrade site selection for more space with larger units. Janet P. advised about Boston/Cape Cod KOA: "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Lincoln?
Where are the best campgrounds near Lincoln?
The Lincoln area offers several excellent camping options. George Washington State Campground near Chepachet provides wooded sites by Bowdish Lake with a peaceful atmosphere. For families seeking recreational activities, Wawaloam Campground offers a splash pad, pool, and numerous kid-friendly amenities in a rural wooded setting. Both campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance from Lincoln and offer a true Rhode Island camping experience with varying amenities and natural surroundings.
Are there free camping options near Lincoln?
Are there free camping options near Lincoln?
Free camping options near Lincoln are extremely limited. Most Rhode Island campgrounds charge fees, especially for out-of-state visitors. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground offers basic parking lot-style camping for self-contained RVs without hookups but does charge a fee. For true free camping, you might need to look at overnight parking options like Bridgewater Service Plaza, though this would only be suitable for very short stays in self-contained vehicles. Always verify current policies before attempting overnight parking.
What amenities are available at Lincoln Woods camping area?
What amenities are available at Lincoln Woods camping area?
Lincoln Woods State Park doesn't offer formal camping facilities. For camping near Lincoln with good amenities, consider Burlingame State Park Campground which features 739 reservable campsites, flush toilets, and dump stations, though no hookups. Another option is Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground which provides water and electric hookups. Both parks offer reasonable access to Lincoln while providing basic camping amenities, though rates for out-of-state visitors tend to be higher.
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