Cabin camping near Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island offers visitors easy access to both forest settings and coastal amenities. The area features a mix of state park and private accommodations within a 30-mile radius of Narragansett's beaches and attractions. Average summer temperatures range from 70-85°F with higher humidity levels than inland locations, making cabin rentals particularly attractive during peak season when tent camping can be uncomfortable.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides extensive trail networks for day hiking. "This park also has plenty of trails for hiking and geocaching," notes one reviewer who appreciated the natural setting away from the beach crowds.
Paddle the Pachaug River: Launch kayaks from Hopeville Pond State Park Campground for an adventurous paddle. "From here, we paddled south to the end of the pond and up the Pachaug River, eventually reaching the dam at Pachaug Pond. It's an 8 mile paddle with some tricky spots to navigate, but very pretty!" shared a visitor.
Take advantage of family activities: Strawberry Park organizes regular entertainment for cabin guests. "When my family went here it poured! And we were thankful that there were so many things to do, painting ceramics, karaoke, an arcade... Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!" noted a family that stayed during inclement weather.
Visit nearby beaches: East Beach State Campground offers direct beach access. "Mostly less developed beach area, peaceful shoreline with essential amenities," according to a reviewer who valued the quieter coastal experience compared to more commercial options.
What campers like
Spacious woodland setting: The cabins at Burlingame State Park offer a genuine forest camping experience. "Lovely location - it's in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car. Hiking and biking for miles," wrote a camper who appreciated the natural environment.
Bike-friendly terrain: Mystic KOA provides paved roads perfect for cycling with children. "The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore. The beverage truck was also one of our favorite things!" reported a visitor who enjoyed the kid-friendly amenities.
Clean facilities: Whispering Pines Campground maintains well-kept cabin and camping areas. "The sites and camp were very clean and well maintained. Everyone was very friendly, lots of things to do - pool, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade, a small field to play frisbee or ball," a visitor noted about their three-night stay.
Water recreation options: East Beach State Campground cabins provide direct access to swimming areas. "We stayed here when family in the area got married. Just one night but it was beautiful. Walk to the beach, bathrooms available, nice fire pit," mentioned a reviewer who found the location convenient for special events.
What you should know
Reservations required early: Demand for cabins in the Narragansett area peaks from June through August. "Burlingame is a HUGE state park campground with over 700 sites. The location is fantastic, but with this many sites, so with this many people, there are bound to be pros and cons," explained a frequent visitor.
Bathroom conditions vary: Burlingame State Park facilities can get crowded in peak season. "Bath houses - are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross," warned a candid reviewer who still gave the park high marks overall.
Weather preparation needed: Coastal storms can impact cabin camping experiences. "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain! Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!" cautioned a visitor who recommended proper planning.
Noise levels fluctuate: Weekend and holiday periods bring increased activity. "Noise / Parties / Drunks - again, too many sites means too many people and nowhere near enough park staff. On the weekends people can get out of hand with the partying," noted a camper who recommended avoiding holiday weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection priorities: For families with small children, proximity to facilities matters. "We stayed near the camp store and playground. Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking. Bathrooms were clean," recommended a visitor to the area.
Activity planning: Whispering Pines Campground offers structured recreation options. "Great privately owned family campground. The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!" shared a parent who visited during a holiday weekend.
Pet considerations: Policies vary significantly by property. "Staff was very nice. Lots of places around to go sightseeing. Most of the area isn't dog friendly, so be careful if you take your pet. No problem at the campground," advised a visitor who traveled with dogs.
Bring quarters: Several facilities require coins for showers. "Bring quarters for the showers. Westerly is nearby with a 24 hour WalMart in case you forget anything," mentioned a practical camper who experienced their first camping trip in the area.
Tips from RVers
Credit card surcharges: Come prepared with cash at some locations. "Credit card purchases pay an additional 4% at store, water spigots were not in abundance but were available in each camp," noted an RV camper who stayed at Burlingame.
Site selection strategy: The Preserve Club and Residences offers more private accommodation options. "The Preserve Club and Residences is a members/owners only community which is New England's most amenity rich properties," explained a visitor highlighting the upgrade options available.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for sanitation needs during longer stays. "There are two dumping spots each with two dumps, I would definitely go back," mentioned an RVer who appreciated the practical amenities.
Storage limitations: Most cabin accommodations require smart packing. "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open, excellent for bikes," reported a camper who found the variety helpful for choosing the right spot.
