Best Campgrounds near Newport, RI

Several good camping spots surround Newport, Rhode Island for visitors wanting to stay near the coastal town. Memorial State Campground has basic sites with the standard facilities most campers need. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Fishermen's Memorial State Campground sits about 11 miles from Newport and contains 182 sites that come with electric and water hookups. Newport RV Park in Portsmouth is closer at just 7 miles away and has full hookups for those with larger rigs. The local wildlife includes deer and many bird species, so keep food secured at night. Most of these campgrounds have restrooms, showers, and drinking water available. Some sites have good tree cover for shade and privacy, while others are more open. The campsites vary in size, accommodating everything from small tents to big RVs. During summer especially, it's smart to check availability and rules ahead of time since these places can fill up quickly. The Newport area has camping options that work for pretty much any style, from simple tent setups to more comfortable RV stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Newport, Rhode Island (117)

    1. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Narragansett Pier, RI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 789-8374

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."

    "Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."

    2. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $70 - $140 / night

    "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. "

    "Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"

    3. Burlingame State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."

    "Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."

    4. Fort Getty Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jamestown, RI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 423-7211

    "Perfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area."

    "Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming."

    5. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

    13 Reviews
    Westport Point, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 636-8817

    $22 - $28 / night

    "Horseneck Beach campground sites aren't particularly large, and are setup more for car camping and RVs than for tenting, but the site has great showers and a modern shower facility, and being able to walk"

    "But aside from that, you are anywhere from 5 seconds to a 1 minute walk away from the beach. The smell of salty ocean air, and the sounds of the waves are a great way to relax."

    6. Wawaloam Campground

    11 Reviews
    Richmond, RI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 294-3039

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area. 

       "

    "We used this as our home base to visit Newport, which is about 35 min from the campground."

    7. Meadowlark Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newport, RI
    3 miles
    +1 (401) 846-9455

    "Stayed 3 summers at this campground and found it friendly, Convenient and bliss to Newport. Will go back with a new RV."

    8. Meadowlark RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Newport, RI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 846-9455

    9. Carr Point Recreation Facility

    3 Reviews
    Middletown, RI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 841-3283

    "The view is nice and there's a recreation area next to the campground."

    10. Second Beach Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newport, RI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 846-6273
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Recent Reviews near Newport, RI

717 Reviews of 117 Newport Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Green Falls Campground

    Inexpensive and primitive

    We like Green Falls. Again, it is inexpensive and kinda primitive, but it sure also quiet and a real woods camping environment. Take a hike around the pond, fish and swim in season, and enjoy a laid back approach to your time here.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Great spot for no frills camping

    We loved Mt. Misery. We spent $17/night, and we know what to expect at that price point. We stayed during fall foliage season and even though CT has had a drought this year, there were still pretty colors to see. We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails. We found the campsites to be decent, and a number of them did afford privacy and space, we had 4 people and 3 dogs on our site, and had plenty of room for our travel trailer and 2 tents. We will be back here for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great spot and good communication

    Was in town for the Elvis show. This was minutes from downtown definitely walkable. Will be back again!

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Close to a beach, serenity hiding in city life

    Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.


Guide to Newport

Newport, Rhode Island's coastal camping options extend beyond the immediate town boundaries, with sites located throughout Aquidneck Island and neighboring communities within 30-45 minutes by car. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 80°F and cool evenings typically dropping to 65°F. Coastal campgrounds often have consistent breezes that keep bugs at bay but can create challenges for tent campers without proper staking equipment.

What to do

Visit Lighthouse Points: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to historic lighthouses. From Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, you can easily reach Judith Point lighthouse, as noted by reviewer Lee D.: "Judith Point lighthouse is nearby, it is close to the ferry to Block Island, and there are numerous recreation options available."

Explore Hiking Trails: The Newport area offers wooded trails accessible directly from some campgrounds. At Newport RV Park, campers appreciate the natural surroundings. Ilana F. mentions: "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," making it easy to enjoy outdoor exercise without driving.

Beach Hopping: The region features multiple beach options with varied characteristics. Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers direct beach access, though as Jess G. points out: "The beach is a bit rocky but the water is clean and sandy. The sites are spacious, yet if you pick one in the middle of the grounds you're pretty much out in the open."

Stargazing: Several camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Kyle C. from Horseneck Beach State Reservation shares: "The area is very dark at night so if you are into stargazing, this is a great place to bring a telescope or a good camera to take some pictures. We woke in the middle of the morning to see the Milky Way in the sky above us quite clearly."

What campers like

Private Beach Access: Fort Getty Campground provides exclusive waterfront areas for pets and people. Steve T. notes: "The private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms."

Well-Maintained Facilities: Many campers appreciate the clean facilities at Burlingame State Park Campground. According to Madeline H.: "Camp store literally has anything you would need. Usually pretty busy, you will have neighbors, who can get loud. Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain!"

Short Drives to Attractions: Campers value proximity to regional highlights. At Wawaloam Campground, Jessica D. explains: "We used this as our home base to visit Newport, which is about 35 min from the campground." This location provides a balance between peaceful camping and tourist activities.

Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. Regarding Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, Rebecca D. comments: "We like it here even though it's not our usual kind of campground. It has drivethu sites and full hookups. We usually dry camp. Lots of healthy grass at the sites."

What you should know

Out-of-State Fees: Non-residents face significantly higher camping costs at state parks. Lee D. warns about Fishermens Memorial: "Imagine my surprise when we found out that a water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night! The rates for out of state campers are significantly more than for residents. I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more."

Noise Concerns: Several campgrounds experience noise issues, particularly on weekends. Jennifer A. notes about Fort Getty Campground: "Both times we've camped here, there have been big party groups who kept us all up talking really really loudly and making noise till past 2 am."

Limited Facilities: Some campgrounds have restricted amenities. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, James and Susan K. point out: "Only 6 sites with Electric and Water. No Dump or Shower/restrooms. 2 clean porta poddies on site. Dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge."

Cash-Only Policies: Some smaller operations have limited payment options. Christy C. mentions about Second Beach Family Campground: "They only accepted cash or check and it was a little pricey for the lack of amenities. They did have a bathroom and laundry building."

Tips for camping with families

Water Features: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based recreation suitable for children. At Wawaloam Campground, Michael P. describes: "Lots of activities for the kids. Large water park on the grounds with two swimming pools, a slash pad and large water slide."

Playground Access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Fishermens Memorial, Lee D. notes the "numerous recreation options available (playground, tennis courts, volleyball net, and basketball courts)."

Seasonal Activities: Some campgrounds offer unique events during specific periods. Cendy G. mentions that Burlingame State Park Campground has "lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking. Bathrooms were clean."

Site Selection Strategy: Choose campsites based on your family's specific needs. According to Lee D., at Fishermens Memorial: "Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level; Area Three is for tents only with no hookups but is close to the bathhouse."

Tips from RVers

Seasonal Site Options: Several campgrounds cater to longer-term RV stays. At Newport RV Park, Nancy W. observed: "The park is a mix of seasonal and transient campers. Site types include full hook-up (max 30 amp), water/electric only, dry camping, and a large tent section."

Leveling Requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Brad B. warns about Newport RV Park: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."

Hookup Availability: Check power options when booking. At Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Happy Camper L. shares: "We positioned ourselves close to a water spigot to refill our fresh water, we had a generator that we were able to use between 7am & 10pm and there is a dump on site- so with an external waste holding tank we could manage dumping gray & black tanks."

Pull-Through Availability: Some parks offer easier access sites for larger rigs. Nick P. notes about Newport RV Park: "We stayed in the premium pull through sites here. The whole campground is gorgeous... The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Newport, RI for weekend stays?

For weekend stays near Newport, Newport RV Park is just five miles from downtown, making it ideal for sightseeing in the area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground in Narragansett (about 30-40 minutes from Newport) offers 182 sites with more natural surroundings. Both options provide convenient access to Newport's attractions while offering different camping experiences – Newport RV Park for proximity and Fishermens for a more traditional outdoor experience. Weekend availability can be limited during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended.

Are there RV parks with full hookups available in Newport, Rhode Island?

Yes, RV accommodations with hookups are available near Newport. Wawaloam Campground offers RV sites in a rural wooded setting with necessary hookups, though it's more family-oriented with amenities like a pool and splash area. For those willing to drive a bit further, Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut is about an hour from Newport and provides full-service RV sites. While camping options with full hookups directly in Newport are limited, these nearby alternatives offer good bases for exploring the area. Most RV parks in the region recommend reservations, especially during summer months when availability becomes limited.

Is tent camping allowed at Newport, RI campgrounds?

Tent camping is available near Newport, though options within Newport itself are limited. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground primarily serves self-contained RVs rather than tents. For dedicated tent camping, Fort Getty Campground offers tent sites with more traditional camping experiences. Most state parks in Rhode Island accommodate tent camping, though amenities vary significantly. When selecting a tent site, consider privacy needs as site spacing differs greatly between campgrounds. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like restrooms and showers for tent campers, but it's best to verify specific facilities before booking, especially if you're seeking a more primitive camping experience.

What is the typical cost for camping in Newport, Rhode Island?

Camping costs in the Newport area vary based on the type of campground and residency status. At Burlingame State Park Campground, rates are reasonable for Rhode Island residents but higher for out-of-state visitors given the basic amenities (no hookups). At George Washington State Campground, non-residents pay premium rates for most sites. Generally, state park campgrounds in Rhode Island range from $20-45 per night depending on residency status, while private campgrounds and RV parks typically charge $35-75 per night based on amenities and seasonality. Weekend and holiday rates are often higher, and many campgrounds require a two-night minimum stay during peak season.