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Camping near Portsmouth, RI

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    Portsmouth, Rhode Island serves as a strategic base for coastal New England camping, with several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. 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.

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    Best Campgrounds near Portsmouth (118)

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      1. Newport RV Park

      4.4(16)2mi from PortsmouthRVs, Tents

      "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

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      2. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

      4.3(32)20mi from Portsmouth182 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $18 - $28 / night

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      3. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

      4.0(14)13mi from Portsmouth94 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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"

      from $22 - $28 / night

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      4. Fort Getty Campground

      3.1(7)11mi from PortsmouthRVs, Tents

      "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."

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      5. Carr Point Recreation Facility

      3.7(3)3mi from PortsmouthRVs, Tents

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

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      6. Burlingame State Park Campground

      4.0(51)29mi from Portsmouth717 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      7. Meadowlark Campground

      5.0(2)7mi from PortsmouthRVs, Tents

      8. Massasoit State Park Campground

      4.0(18)21mi from Portsmouth84 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $17 - $27 / night

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      9. Meadowlark RV Park

      3.3(3)7mi from PortsmouthRVs
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      10. Wawaloam Campground

      4.4(10)20mi from PortsmouthRVs

      "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. 

         "

      from $50 - $75 / night

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    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 15, 2026

      Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

      Would definitely come back!

      We stayed a week and really enjoyed it. There is lots to do in the area but we also loved hanging around our campsite in the afternoon which was quiet since everyone was gone for the day. There are two public beaches nearby that are a really big draw. 

      The campground is divided into four loops. Loops 1 and 2 are for RVs and have sewer, water, and electricity and have paved camping pads. Loop 3 is for tents only. Loop 4 is water and electric with gravel pads. There is nice grass around campsites but bring a patio mat because everyone has used one in the past which has killed the grass. In my opinion, the best sites are 70-73 with a water view and facing west for a nice sunset. Sites 53-65, 75-79 are alongside a busy road that is quite noisy and the sites are extremely unlevel. About half the sites are level so pay attention to "grade" when booking your site. 

      All loops have a bathhouse except for Area 1. The tent sites are in a separate loop and have a bathroom centrally located. Tent sites have nice grass, a paved parking area, fire pit and picnic table. Some offer more shade than others. There really are no hiking trails– just a¼-mile mowed path around one of the old bunkers (this was a military instillation in WWII and while you can’t go in them for safety reasons there are some interpretive panels with historical information). There are two tennis courts, basketball, horseshoes, and a playground. We loved the farmers market that is held in the park every Sunday. 

      Check-in requires a driver's license and proof of vehicle registration so make sure you bring it when registering in the office. Since many campers did not know this, it caused a line at registration and a long back-up of RVs checking in. The campground does not sell firewood but you can find it at a nearby convenient mart. There are two EV charging station but they are at the registration office which is not very close to campsites. 

      Two miles away is the little town of Galilee where there are restaurants, seafood markets (where you can buy live lobster right off the boat), and the ferry dock that takes you to Block Island. About 4 miles north of the campground is a much bigger town with lots of restaurants, groceries, Walmart, etc. Less than a mile away is Aunt Carries which has delicious ice cream. Within two miles are two public beaches (which are free but require a parking pass which is$12/day for non-residents or$60/season).

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Sun Outdoors Mystic

      Mixed feelings about the campground but love the area.

      We have stayed at this campground many times because we love the towns of Mystic and Stonington. The campground has changed hands many times and it seems things are always different. I’ll start off with the bad. At check-in, we were greeted by one of the rudest people we have encountered in fifteen years of full-time RVing. There is a page of rules but they don’t seem to be enforced– like dogs off leash and no fences at your campsite. There are seasonal campers that are proud to fly political flags but I suppose there are no rules against that. The park is a mix of seasonals (who seem to just come on weekends to party) and transients. There are lots of amenities (which we did not use) but still had to pay the$10/day resort fee which really drives up the cost. This is a Passport America park so we were able to get 50% off on our stay. The laundry was really dirty (including a wet, slippery floor) and very busy since there weren’t that many machines and some were broken. 

      As for the good. We had a long, level back-in site with lots of room on both sides of us. The grass was lush and nicely mowed (which our dog loved) and we had a nice shade tree. The utilities worked well but were placed at the back of the site and the water was a shared spigot on opposite side. Our water hose was long enough so I didn’t have to add another one to reach the spigot. There are no sewer sites but there are two dump stations available. 

      There is a hiking trail nearby (Hoffman Evergreen Presreve) that we like to visit and is great for dogs. The campground is very convenient to downtown Mystic, the aquarium, and Mystic Seaport Village. Our GPS routed us through the tiny town of Old Mystic which was really tricky to navigate. If you are in a big-rig, we suggest using the Cow Hill Road exit off I-95 and then HWY184 to the campground.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 9, 2026

      Pinewood Lodge Campground

      Nice woodsy campsite with lots of amenities

      We visited in early June and really appreciated the shade at our site as the temps rose into the mid-80’s. There are lots of tall pine trees but are trimmed back and not a problem getting or big-rig through the park or in our site. We loved site 47 which was long and level with nice grass around it. The next site (46) was pretty close, but luckily nobody was in it while we visited. Our patio area was fairly large with no other sites next to it, just a road. We chose a 50A/water pull thru site and the electric was good at 124 volts on each leg. Honey wagon service is quite expensive at $35/pump out, or you can use the dump station for free. We used the campground cable tv and got about 60 stations, included the major stations (local news was out of Boston). This was a good thing since the trees blocked our Dish receiver from getting any channels. The wifi was 2.4G and just o.k. You could surf the internet but definitely not strong enough to stream.  I went to the lodge and got great wifi speed to download movies quickly. 

      The campground is gated and charges$15/day for visitors. There are lots of amenities. There is a good access to a small lake (with a canoe/kayak launch and rentals), fishing pier (for catch and release, no license required), ice cream stand, food truck, playground, a large dog park (with two runs), laundry, playground, horseshoes, etc. The campground is conveniently to the downtown Plymouth attractions (10 minutes) and a grocery store (2 miles).  

      The biggest downside was the dust since most of the roads are gravel. It was very dry during our visit and the dust was crazy. Another negative was the $5/day pet fee. There are restrictions as to where you can walk your pets in the campground and they are not allowed on the beach.  There is a good size dog park with two runs.  If you dog is afraid of gunshots, do not come here as there is a gun range nearby that is pretty loud.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      Peters Pond RV Resort

      Overpriced, mostly seasonal sites

      This park is mainly seasonal campers with a handful of transient sites. We were in a 50A, full hookup, pull thru that was plenty long enough for our 45’ motorhome and tow car. Other transient sites include shorter 30A sites and tent sites. (P9 is a really nice back-in site on the water and steps away from the beach, snack shack and bar.) 

      Our site was nicely shaded, level, and paved (as are all the roads). The utilities worked well and were located in the middle of the site.  The only negative was that the sewer was uphill and didn’t drain properly. Cable tv is included and we got about 60 channels. There was a wifi router right outside our window so the internet was good for surfing but not enough to stream. The campground was gated and you have a key card to get in.  

      This park has a lot of amenities– two beaches, pool, snack bar, bouncy pillow, basketball and baseball fields, snack bars, and scheduled activities.  The campground is located on Peters Pond but it is pretty small and not even large enough for me to want to blow up my paddleboard. That is great if you use them because you have to pay a$15/day resort fee. We used none of them so found the nightly price to be very high. Plus, the nightly rate for weekends is higher. We had a 25% discount code but our nightly weekend rate was still over$90/night. In my opinion the park could use some more attention as far as picking up trash, keeping grass around sites mowed, and cleaning the laundry facilities (which were pretty gross). We stayed in early June so the park was pretty quiet as kids were not out of school. But, I can imagine in the summer it gets really busy with as big as the park is. We were there over a weekend and it did get busier, and seemed everyone broke out their golf carts to ride around listening to music and drinking or entertaining their screaming kids.

      For the most part, it is big-rig friendly but, we did hit some trees and had to go out a different way to avoid low hanging branches. We probably would not stay again due to the price and our campsite was just o.k.

    • Kaitlynn F.
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Douglas Forest RV Resort

      Great weekend.

      We spent the weekend here with our 4 kiddos ages 8,6,4, and 3. The kids had a blast. The bathrooms are spotless. They are in the process if renovating but that didnt interfere with our visit. They have a playground, pool, and yard games for the kiddos to use. Wish they had bigger grass sites. I think they will have some in the future.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 30, 2026

      Horseneck Beach State Reservation

      Beachside camping, but expensive for non-residents.

      This is a great oceanfront campground located behind the dunes of Buzzards Bay. We booked early since the park only has 100 sites and we wanted a 50A site (not all sites have electric so pay close attention when you book). Our campsite has a picnic table and fire pit and was paved with a sand patio. The electric was good with both legs above 120 volts. The bathhouse was clean and is situated in the middle of the campground. There is a dump station which is easily accessible. Roads are one-way but the sites are angled so backing in was easy. Water spigots scattered throughout the campground, and we were close enough to one that we could have filled our tank, if needed.  There is no shade and it can be quite windy.  Dogs are allowed on the beach at the campground which is a plus.  The sunsets were amazing.  There is a small playground for kids but the beach is the draw. 

      The nightly price for Massachusetts residents is a bargain at $28 but it jumps up over $70 for non-Massachusetts residents. The beach is cobblestone/sand and there is a nice paved walking path that runs parallel. The beach by the campground is very rocky but there is another day use area to the west which gets raked and they remove all the rocks, but can be very busy. There is another hiking trail (about 2 miles) that you can walk to from the campground that goes out on a spit of land where you can walk back along the sandy beach. The beach access is easy since there are mobility mats connecting the campground to the beach. 

      The closest grocery is approximately 10 minutes away and there are a couple of restaurants closer. We took a drive to New Bedford to see the Whaling Museum and the National Park Service site– both were worth the stop. All in all, we really liked our stay at Horseneck Reservation and would return.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 22, 2026

      Salt Rock Campground

      Enjoyed our weekend here

      We did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 22, 2026

      West Thompson Lake Campground

      Nice Campground!

      We stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.

    • Biagio M.
      May. 18, 2026

      Mashamoquet Brook Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

      Pretty, but loud

      Campground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.

    Guide to Portsmouth

    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.

    What to do

    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.

    What campers like

    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.

    What you should know

    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."

    Tips for camping with families

    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.

    Tips from RVers

    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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