Camping near Portsmouth, Rhode Island offers access to diverse terrain across southern New England, with woodlands, kettle ponds, and Atlantic coastal areas within a 45-minute drive radius. The region experiences warm summers with average temperatures of 75-85°F and moderate humidity, making tent and yurt camping particularly comfortable from late May through September. Many campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities ranging from basic sites to full-service accommodations with electric hookups.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: George Washington State Campground features trails that connect to a beautiful lake environment. "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," notes one camper who visits twice per season.
Biking on paved trails: Myles Standish State Forest offers extensive riding options on both paved and unpaved routes. A visitor mentioned, "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding New England towns."
Water activities: Multiple kettle ponds throughout Myles Standish provide swimming and kayaking opportunities. As one reviewer described, "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse."
Family recreation: Beyond swimming and hiking, many campgrounds provide organized activities that engage all ages. One visitor to Pinewood Lodge Campground remarked, "Nice camp store and lots of activities for the kids."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Spacious campsites with natural barriers between neighbors rank highly among campers' priorities. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice," explained a George Washington State Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary significantly across the region. One camper at Burlingame State Park Campground noted the challenges of high-traffic areas: "Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!"
Natural surroundings: The forested landscapes provide shade and habitat for wildlife. A Shawme Crowell visitor shared, "Great forest. Nothing like the rest of cape cod. Lots of pines and trails through the woods."
Yurt accommodations: For those seeking yurt camping near Portsmouth, Rhode Island, several options exist. According to a camper at Normandy Farms Campground, "This campground is so well run I felt like I was in Disneyland's Frontier Land. They offer anything you could want. Spotlessly clean and wonderful employees. The pool is also great. The yurts are beautiful."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "We stayed here in October and it was a little too chilly for us to camp but we gave it a shot," shared a Shawme Crowell visitor.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. At Bourne Scenic Park, "We were being told that they are making several changes to the campground during the 2022/2023 winter down time season."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some locations. One camper at Shawme Crowell noted, "Price is right and always very well maintained. It is also very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially Friday nights. Not recommended for light sleepers but very convenient."
Shower facilities: Payment systems and cleanliness vary. "Bathrooms had two showers and three stalls, two sinks. There were at least three outlets in the women's room which was convenient for a quick cell phone charge," reported a Myles Standish visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreational facilities for convenience. A Pinewood Lodge camper stated, "They do have a dog park and plenty of things to do. Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water though."
Swimming options: Pond beaches offer gentler swimming experiences than ocean beaches. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," noted a visitor to Myles Standish.
Activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts," shared a Boston/Cape Cod KOA visitor.
Site selection: Choose larger sites for family camping equipment. One camper at George Washington mentioned, "Sites are well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewer hookups. A Bourne Scenic Park visitor mentioned, "No on-site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare with leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "Leveling was not an issue for us in our site (C-25) but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks," advised another Bourne Scenic Park camper.
Electrical capacity: Check amperage availability before booking. Many campgrounds offer 30-amp service with limited 50-amp options. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," noted a visitor to Myles Standish.
Navigability: Larger rigs require careful site selection. "You can bike for ever and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need," wrote a Burlingame visitor, though they cautioned, "Gates at check in can take some time, as well as finding your site."
