1 campground with availability next weekend
Wooded areas surrounding Lincoln, Rhode Island provide several tent camping options within a short drive. Buck Hill Campground, located west of Lincoln in the rural parts of Rhode Island, offers primitive tent-only camping in a heavily wooded setting along Wakefield Pond. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry provides walk-in tent sites with more amenities, including showers and toilets. For those willing to venture slightly farther, the Arcadia Management Area in Exeter features multiple tent camping areas including the Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and Frosty Hollow Camping Area, both offering designated tent campsites in a natural forest environment.
Most tent campgrounds near Lincoln feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Buck Hill Campground provides rustic tent camping with minimal facilities, offering large group sites that can accommodate 10+ tents each. Sites are set on natural terrain with limited grading, and campers should expect basic restroom facilities or porta-potties. Water's Edge Campground offers more amenities for tent campers, including electric hookups, picnic tables, and shower facilities. Fire rings are common at most sites, though fire regulations may vary seasonally. Campers planning backcountry tent camping in the Arcadia Management Area should bring adequate water supplies, as potable water access is limited at primitive sites.
Tent campers at Buck Hill report the area is "heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities," making it ideal for those seeking a no-frills camping experience. The sites along Wakefield Pond provide opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in clean water with several easy entry points. According to reviews, the campground is best suited for those looking to "unwind, fish, and cook" in a natural setting. The large cluster-style sites make this location suitable for group tent camping experiences. During summer months, Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers a unique tent camping alternative, with visitors noting that while getting to the islands requires planning, "you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company."
"All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."
from $46 - $50 / night
"Campground review: Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company."
"This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $8 - $55 / night
"Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids."
"The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
ScoutAfter a busy summer, we wanted somewhere we could just park the camper and slow down for a few days. Sterling Park worked out great for that. We spent one morning fishing, walked the trails later in the day and finished the evening around the fire. Nothing complicated, just a really enjoyable camping weekend.
ScoutWe came with another family and had a blast. The kids disappeared together for half the day while the adults hung around the sites. Between fishing, the pool and the other activities, everyone found something they liked. Would definatly come back.
ScoutOur kids are already asking when we can go back. They loved the pool, playground and all the space to run around. We mostly just sat back and enjoyed having a few days off.
ScoutBrought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
ScoutWe have been coming here seasonally and its become our little weekend escape. There is always something going on and the kids have made so many friends. Makes it easy to just pack a few things and head out.
ScoutNothing beats a slow morning at the campsite with a cup of coffee. We really enjoyed the trails and just walking around before everyone else was up.
GuideWhen I arrived, I discovered this site they reserve for me was not level, and the picnic table was blocking access to the electric. When I asked the office for help, I was told maintenance had already left around 4 o’clock, and nobody could help me. I was offered a different side if I wanted to pay the extra price. I managed to wrestle the table out of the way and made it work. But the Wi-Fi was worthless.
ScoutWe rented a cabin for the weekend and it worked out really well for our family. It was nice having a comfortable place to come back to after being outside all day. The kids loved the pool and exploring around the campground.
Tent camping near Lincoln, Rhode Island offers several options within a 30-minute drive. The area features mostly mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through September, with limited availability during spring and fall shoulder seasons when temperatures can fluctuate between 40°F at night and 70°F during the day.
Water activities: At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, campers can explore multiple islands by taking small inter-island ferries. "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," notes Martha H. The islands feature swimming areas, hiking trails, and historic sites.
Hiking opportunities: Explore the trail systems at Arcadia Backpack Camping Area in Exeter, where paths wind through dense forest and connect to the larger Arcadia Management Area's extensive trail network. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging terrain suitable for mountain biking or horseback riding.
Historical exploration: The Boston Harbor Islands offer unique historical structures to explore. "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house," reports Jess G. about Lovells Island. Many campers combine hiking with discovering these remnants of coastal fortifications and early settlements.
Island seclusion: The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides an unusual camping experience with minimal crowds. "Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company," explains Jean C. The limited number of camping spots means peaceful evenings despite proximity to Boston.
Sunset views: Waterfront camping spots offer exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," shares Jess G. about her experience on Lovells Island. Evening beach bonfires are permitted in designated areas below the high tide line.
Family-friendly environments: Camp Nihan Education Center provides an accessible camping experience with amenities suitable for first-time campers. "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods," reports Michael V. This balance makes the location popular for family groups with young children.
Reservation requirements: Boston Harbor Islands campsites fill quickly due to limited availability. "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particular day," advises Martha H. Weekends during summer months typically book within days of reservation windows opening.
Transportation logistics: Frosty Hollow Camping Area in Exeter requires a high-clearance vehicle to access certain campsites during wet conditions. For Boston Harbor Islands, transportation planning is essential. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium," explains Jess G., detailing the multiple ferry connections required.
Water availability: Many primitive camping areas near Lincoln lack reliable drinking water. When camping at Boston Harbor Islands, Jean C. advises: "Pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island."
Educational opportunities: LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in the Arcadia Management Area offers access to nature programs during summer months. Camp Nihan provides similar educational benefits, as Michael V. notes: "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Accessibility considerations: Choose campsites based on your family's hiking abilities. "The yurts on Peddocks are great, providing shelter from the elements, bunks with mattresses, electricity, a ceiling fan, table with benches, and a grill," explains Martha H., describing accommodation options that might work better for families with young children than tent camping.
Seasonal activities: Summer months offer the most family-friendly programming. "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," shares Jean C. about her island camping experience. Regional campgrounds typically schedule organized activities for children between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Size limitations: Most tent camping areas near Lincoln cannot accommodate RVs over 25 feet. Even designated RV campgrounds have limited space for large rigs due to narrow access roads and smaller campsites.
Seasonal availability: RV camping options near Lincoln operate primarily from May through September. "It's back open and lovely," reports Tim S. about Boston Harbor Islands, which had previously been closed during COVID restrictions. Check current operating schedules before planning an RV trip to any regional campground.
Transportation challenges: For Boston Harbor Islands camping, RVs must be left at mainland parking areas. "If I had the chance I would bring my own boat," advises Brandy G., noting the convenience this would provide for transporting camping equipment to island sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lincoln, RI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lincoln, RI is Buck Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Lincoln, RI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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