Campgrounds surrounding Manville, Rhode Island operate within specific seasonal windows, with most facilities open from mid-April through October. The terrain features gentle rolling woodland with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level. Weather conditions remain moderate throughout the camping season, with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F during the day and 55-65°F overnight, creating comfortable tent camping conditions.
What to do
Disc golf courses: West Thompson Lake Campground features multiple hiking trails and an on-site disc golf course. "We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property," notes Jason L.
Kayaking and canoeing: West Thompson Lake Campground provides access to the lake and adjoining river. According to Cynthia K., "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release." The lake allows non-motorized watercraft but prohibits swimming.
Fishing opportunities: George Washington State Campground offers fishing directly from the park. Nick S. states, "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park." The campground features multiple ponds and streams stocked seasonally.
Hiking trail networks: Sutton Falls Camping Area provides easy access to nearby Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. A camper notes, "About 5 min from great hiking at purgatory chasm." These unique geological formations offer moderate to challenging hiking options with unique rock formations not found elsewhere in the region.
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Many campers appreciate the variable site layouts and privacy options. At George Washington State Campground, Nick P. mentions, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice." For more seclusion, explore the designated tent-only areas (T1-T5) or the remote hike-in sites (A1-A7).
Clean facilities: Normandy Farms Campground maintains exceptional standards. Matt T. notes it has "Bathrooms are best of any campground." Similarly, at West Thompson Lake, campers report "bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy."
Water features: Holiday Acres Campground offers waterfront access with boat rentals. Jason E. reports, "It was field-style camping, which I don't mind at all. Nice easy in and out of sites, lots of activities on the weekend, and nice area overall." The campground provides canoe and kayak rentals at reasonable rates.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds in the region organize themed weekend events. Liz W. shared about Normandy Farms: "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
What you should know
Off-season rate differences: Circle Campground Farm Campground offers significantly reduced rates during shoulder seasons. Pat noted during a late April stay: "Late April so there weren't too many campers in the park. Bathrooms were clean. Staff in the office were friendly and helpful."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for holiday weekends and summer dates. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically fill 1-2 months in advance, while weekdays often have availability even on shorter notice.
Cost variations: Non-resident campers face higher fees at state parks. At George Washington State Campground, Michelle H. points out: "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44." Most private campgrounds maintain consistent pricing regardless of residency.
Gate restrictions: Some facilities limit nighttime access. At West Thompson Lake Campground, Cameron F. mentions their "only complaint is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm." Plan accordingly if you expect late arrivals or departures.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: For families seeking swimming options, Normandy Farms Campground excels. Douglas L. shares, "Great spot, clean, fun and easy access. So many of our camping friends love this place so we figured we'd try it - outstanding." The campground features multiple swimming pools including indoor options for rainy days.
Playground facilities: Massasoit State Park Campground offers recently renovated play areas. Craig G. notes, "Just reopened this summer and they did a great job on everything. Nice sites, great playground for the kids." The playground equipment suits children ages 5-12.
Beach access: Sutton Falls provides pond swimming options. A visitor mentions, "Cute quiet place with a lake. Family run very friendly." The swimming areas feature gradual entry points suitable for younger children, though no lifeguards are present.
Site selection for families: When booking at Bowdish Lake Camping Area, Taylor B. suggests: "This is a nice family campground. We're at site Red 24 and it's very secluded and flat. This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: When staying at Circle Campground Farm Campground, Rick C. advises: "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). The sites are a decent size and consist mainly of gravel and grass."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. Sean notes about Sutton Falls: "Only problem was the cell signal. My wife works remotely and needs to be connected. Without our antenna we we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint."
Electrical reliability: Check electrical connections before setup. Bruce Y. encountered issues at Holiday Acres: "Their corroded 30 amp power melted the connections on both my cords and blew out my power awning." Consider using a surge protector when connecting to campground power.
Site spacing: For larger RVs, Stateline Campresort & Cabins offers suitable options. Tony O. shares: "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available. The site we had overlooked the pond and was perfect."
