4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Portsmouth, Rhode Island serves as a practical base for coastal New England camping, with campgrounds within a 30-minute drive offering options from full-hookup RV sites to tent camping near the ocean. Newport RV Park (formerly Melville Ponds Campground) offers 175 sites just minutes from downtown Newport, providing both tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of hookups. The campground operates from April through October and features hiking trails, a dog park, and a pond. Nearby options include Fishermen's Memorial State Park in Narragansett and Horseneck Beach State Reservation across the Massachusetts border, both offering oceanfront camping experiences. Most facilities in the region cater primarily to RV campers, though tent sites are available at most locations.
Camping in this coastal region follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most facilities operating from April through October. Reservations are essential during summer months when tourism peaks in Newport and surrounding coastal communities. According to camper Amy T., "The campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slope so leveling blocks are needed." Many campgrounds charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors, with price differentials sometimes doubling the cost. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting 3-4 bars of coverage on major carriers.
Proximity to coastal attractions represents the primary appeal for most campers in the Portsmouth area. Nancy W. notes that Newport RV Park is "located within 1/2 mile of restaurants, gas stations, grocery, shopping, and more. Downtown historic Newport is a 10-minute drive away and you are only 35 minutes from Providence." Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering wooded separation while others feature more open layouts. Road noise can be an issue at campgrounds near major thoroughfares, particularly at Fishermen's Memorial State Park. Most facilities provide clean restrooms and showers, though some charge additional fees for hot water. The region's campgrounds generally offer good access to beaches, historic sites, and water activities.
"Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"
"The campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed."
from $70 - $140 / 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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $28 / night
"This is a great oceanfront campground located behind the dunes of Buzzards Bay."
"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"
Available next weekend
from $22 - $28 / night
"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."
"The view is nice and there's a recreation area next to the campground."
"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."
from $18 - $50 / night
"Other than the bees, it was peaceful, and nobody bothered you. i would recommend lots of bee spray and a screen house, but hopefully it was an isolation situation."
"We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $27 / 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.
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from $50 - $75 / night
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.
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.
TravelerGood place to come for Halloween trick-or-treating for kids, lots of activities to keep you busy
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.
Camping areas near Portsmouth, Rhode Island offer diverse outdoor experiences within a 45-minute drive radius. Unlike many New England destinations, this coastal region has significant site variations in terrain and privacy levels. Water access is common but differs in quality, with some campgrounds providing pond fishing while others offer quick routes to ocean beaches.
Hiking trails and dog parks: Newport RV Park provides trail access directly from the campgrounds. "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," notes Ilana F., who appreciated the convenient dog park access for pet owners camping with their furry companions.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping sites near Portsmouth feature ponds for recreational fishing. At Wawaloam Campground, campers can enjoy a well-stocked fishing pond alongside other recreational facilities. "Playground, fishing and water slides invite families," explains Kathy L. about the diverse activity options.
Historic site exploration: The area contains multiple military fortifications worth exploring. At Fort Getty Campground, campers can explore former military structures while enjoying waterfront camping. The park offers "a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers" with "such a lovely vantage point with your tent location from the top of FORT GETTY," according to Leah R.
Water activities: Camping locations provide various water recreation options beyond swimming. Massasoit State Park Campground accommodates multiple water sports, with one reviewer noting "The boys had a blast swimming and kayaking at the pond" at their recently renovated facilities.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide more generous spacing than might be expected. At Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, Rebecca D. appreciated that despite the open field design, there were "Lots of healthy grass at the sites" with "flat spot for our drop camper."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies between campgrounds but several maintain high standards. A visitor to Fishermens Memorial noted "bathrooms were super clean" and another mentioned "facilities were spotless" during their October visit, suggesting consistent maintenance even in shoulder season.
Water views: Multiple camping sites near Portsmouth provide water visibility or direct access. At Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Geoff R. found "Sites along the beach are spectacular" while "inland sites are very nice and have water/electric."
Seasonal pricing advantages: The region offers significant cost savings during off-peak periods. Campers at state parks frequently mention the affordability, with one noting Horseneck Beach's "Price of $20 for instate can't be beat" for waterfront accommodations.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require equipment for proper setup. At Newport RV Park, Brad B. warns about elevation challenges, noting "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Seasonal crowds: Summer months bring substantial increases in campground population. Burlingame State Park Campground's size affects the experience, with Jessica A. advising to "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can" due to crowds and party noise.
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality and shower access varies widely between campgrounds. Some offer free shower facilities while others charge. Michelle C. at Newport RV Park noted "the dryers are terrible. I had to dry my clothes 3 times (that's 3 hours)" - indicating laundry equipment may be unreliable.
Wildlife considerations: Insects can impact camping comfort at certain locations. Campers should prepare for specific seasonal conditions, as Tara A. described at Massasoit: "Leashed pets are welcome and we brought our pup for his first camping experience and he loved it too."
Water recreation options: Burlingame State Park Campground provides multiple swimming locations appropriate for different age groups. Jessica A. describes it as having a "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."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Newport RV Park has "a large playground" near the center of the facility, while Wawaloam Campground expands recreation options with "a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing."
Camp store convenience: On-site provisions eliminate travel for forgotten supplies. Jessica A. highlighted the advantages of Burlingame's "Camp store - well stocked" which proves valuable for families needing last-minute items.
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer better seclusion for family camping. Jessica D. from Wawaloam Campground found "We had good cover on our site & the area our site was in was super quiet" which improves the family camping experience.
Premium site selection: At Meadowlark RV Park, location access trumps amenities for some campers. Paula C. notes it's "Convenient to Cliff Walk, Historic Newport, US Navy Base" despite being "a very crowded mobile home park that has a few motorhome/RV sites."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary across campgrounds. Nick P. at Newport RV Park recommends "the premium pull through sites" which offer the best amenities though "they have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors."
Site leveling challenges: Many camping areas require leveling equipment for RVs. Brad B. warns about Newport RV Park: "take note of grass and course gravel pad material as well" and "be prepared for some leveling requirements."
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping provides better availability and quieter experiences. Joseph M. visited Fishermens Memorial during "Rainy nasty October weekend but nonetheless facilities were spotless. Hookups were awesome and easy."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp in Portsmouth, Rhode Island?
Camping costs around Portsmouth vary significantly based on residency status and amenities. At Burlingame State Park Campground, rates are reasonable for Rhode Island residents but substantially higher for out-of-state visitors despite having no hookups. Similarly, Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground charges around $45 per night for water/electric sites for non-residents. Private campgrounds like Whispering Pines and Wawaloam typically range from $40-70 per night depending on hookups and season. Generally, Rhode Island state parks have a significant price differential between resident and non-resident rates, with non-residents often paying $15-20 more per night. Most campgrounds offer both primitive sites and those with water/electric hookups at varying price points.
Where are the best campgrounds in Portsmouth, RI?
While Portsmouth itself has limited camping options, nearby Fort Getty Campground offers waterfront sites with views of Narragansett Bay. For families seeking amenities, Wawaloam Campground provides a rural wooded setting with a swimming pool, splash pad, and numerous recreational activities that make it ideal for families. Within driving distance, George Washington State Campground and Burlingame State Park offer more natural settings. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Fishermens Memorial State Park provides access to Rhode Island's beautiful beaches. The Portsmouth area serves as an excellent base for exploring both Newport's attractions and the natural beauty of Rhode Island's coastline.
What RV parks are available in and around Portsmouth?
Newport RV Park offers an excellent location for exploring Rhode Island's cities and beaches. The park features water and electric hookups, though note that sites are on a slope requiring leveling, and pads are gravel and grass. For those seeking full-service options, Whispering Pines Campground provides amenities including a pool and recreation facilities, though some amenities may be seasonal. For self-contained RVs, Charlestown Breachway State Park offers waterfront parking (no hookups) with beach access. Additional options within driving distance include Mystic KOA in Connecticut (about an hour away) and Meadowlark RV Park near Middletown, which can accommodate big rigs. Most RV parks in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April/May through October.
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