Cabin camping options near Portsmouth, Rhode Island operate primarily from April through October, with weather conditions becoming significantly cooler from late September onward. Most sites sit within wooded areas at elevations below 400 feet, providing natural shade during summer months when average temperatures reach 80°F. Winter cabin availability is limited to a few year-round operations that maintain heated accommodations during New England's cold season.
What to do
Hiking trails and pond access: At George Washington State Campground, visitors can explore multiple lake-front paths. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats," notes a camper who appreciated the water activities.
Beach excursions: Cabins at Burlingame State Park Campground provide a convenient base for both pond and ocean swimming. "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," writes Jessica A., highlighting the diverse recreation options available.
Miniature golf and arcade games: The Boston/Cape Cod KOA offers onsite entertainment beyond basic camping. "As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground," according to Samantha S., who noted the variety of recreational facilities.
What campers like
Accessibility to regional attractions: Normandy Farms Campground sits within driving distance of several New England destinations. "Normandy Farms is approximately 35 miles from Boston. If you don't want to drive to the city, you can park at the nearby train or subway station and ride into the city. You are just five miles from Gillette Stadium," explains one visitor.
Clean facilities: Many campers value the maintenance standards at state parks. A visitor at George Washington State Campground commented, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Campground amenities: Whispering Pines offers numerous onsite features. A reviewer stated, "The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!" Other campers appreciate the general atmosphere, with one noting, "There are pine trees everywhere in the park, so the owners don't cut down a lot of trees which makes it feel like a real campground."
What you should know
Shower facilities require coins: Plan to bring quarters for showers at most state parks. At George Washington State Campground, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," according to a visitor who appreciated the cleanliness but noted the cost.
Site selection matters: At Marthas Vineyard Family Campground, location within the grounds affects your experience. "This last year I stayed in a spot along the grass and it felt separate but with a great view of the office and all the activity on the grass," shares a camper who found an ideal location.
Transportation considerations: For Martha's Vineyard, ferry logistics need planning. A regular visitor explains, "You can take the ferry to Vineyard Haven ($15 round trip) and catch the island bus ($30 for a week pass) that will drop you right in front of the campground."
Wildlife awareness: Food storage matters at cabin sites. One reviewer cautions, "Keep your food sealed tight because the skunks use this campground as much as humans do," referring to Martha's Vineyard Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access timing: At Whispering Pines Campground, seasonal considerations affect amenity availability. A spring visitor noted, "I believe we camped there too early in the season to fully enjoy the grounds. The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non operational or locked up still."
Bathroom proximity: Consider location when booking with children. At Burlingame State Park, "Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!" warns one reviewer who experienced challenges with facilities during busy periods.
Activity scheduling: Many cabin sites offer structured entertainment. A Mystic KOA camper shared, "The campground staff did a great job managing the Covid regulations... During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."
Site location selection: At Burlingame, seasoned campers recommend, "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" indicating important considerations about which section of the large campground provides the best experience for families.
Tips from RVers
Site preparation: During rainy periods, prepare for standing water. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA observed, "Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves."
Power protection: Electrical issues can occur at some campgrounds. At Holiday Acres Campground, a camper warned, "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!"
Cellular connectivity: Signal varies widely between cabin locations. A camper at Whispering Pines reported, "AT&T service had only one bar. Couldn't stream but worked for calls and texts. Campground WiFi was strong but as expected struggled to keep up on this busy 4th of July."
