Camping options near Manville, Rhode Island extend beyond the glamping experiences commonly promoted. This small New England region sits within the Blackstone River watershed, featuring a mix of forest and freshwater ecosystems. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer highs reach the 80s with moderate humidity. Several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius offer traditional tent sites, RV facilities, and alternative accommodations.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: Wells State Park Campground connects campers with multiple trail systems including a popular route around Walker Pond. "There are hiking, biking, swimming, fishing options. Nice and quiet also," notes camper John L. The park maintains well-marked paths suitable for day hikes.
Fishing in local ponds: George Washington State Campground provides shoreline access to its fishing areas without requiring special permits. "My family and I come here twice a season. It's quiet, calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," explains Nick S., highlighting the laid-back atmosphere at this Rhode Island location.
Water recreation: At Sutton Falls Camping Area, campers enjoy paddling on Aldrich Mill Pond. "Kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing. About 5 min from great hiking at purgatory chasm," shares a visitor. Boat rentals are available on-site, making this an accessible option for families without their own equipment.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: George Washington State Campground earns praise for its spacious layout. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," reports Nick P., who appreciated the clean facilities.
Clean facilities: West Thompson Lake Campground maintains well-maintained bathroom facilities. "We'll run and very clean. Nice wooded tent sites with activities and fishing," notes Michael C. This Connecticut option sits just across the Rhode Island border, making it accessible for those seeking yurt camping near Manville.
Rustic yurt options: While traditional camping is popular, several campers note the yurt accommodations provide a middle ground. Wells State Park maintains yurts as alternatives to tent camping, with one camper noting they are "newly remodeled" and provide more protection from weather than traditional tenting.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: At George Washington State Campground, prepare for coin-operated showers. "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," advises Nick P.
Cell service challenges: Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Sutton Falls, one camper reports, "Only problem was the cell signal. Without our antenna we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint."
Site selection matters: For yurt camping in the Manville area, booking in advance is essential. Most yurts remain available from April through October, with some closing earlier depending on weather conditions. At Burlingame State Park, choosing the right location affects your experience as "some sites have sewer water and electric and some no sewer."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits recommended: Burlingame State Park Campground can get crowded during peak season. "Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed. Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can," advises Jessica A., who notes that while the location is excellent, the crowds can detract from the experience.
Kid-friendly amenities: West Thompson Lake Campground offers recreational facilities beyond just camping. "Quaint State Campground, large campsites, nice basketball court, decent bathrooms for a state campground," notes Cameron F., highlighting the additional activities for children.
Bring cleaning supplies: At several campgrounds, including Burlingame, bathrooms may need supplementary cleaning. "Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes," suggests one experienced camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Wells State Park Campground, RVers should prepare for uneven terrain. "The site seemed nice but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway. Combined with the winding, tree-lined loop road, there was no way we were going to be able to back into that site in the dark," warns Jen V., suggesting arrivals during daylight hours.
Access considerations: For those with larger rigs heading to Sutton Falls Camping Area, the covered bridge entrance might seem concerning. "There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but it's quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," reassures Sean, addressing a common worry among RVers with taller vehicles.
Electricity limitations: Many campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. At Wells State Park, there are no hookups, while at Burlingame, campers note this is "a con in the heat of the summer if you want/need AC."
