RV camping near Portsmouth offers water and woodland camping options across Rhode Island's eastern shore. Aquidneck Island sits at sea level with low-lying coastal terrain averaging 15-20 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with frequent coastal breezes, while spring and fall bring milder temperatures with average rainfall of 3-4 inches per month.
What to do
Fishing at local ponds: Melville Ponds Campground in Portsmouth connects directly to fishing spots. "We had a great time at this small campground, very clean and nice staff. Not many amenities but we where there for the beaches and mansions," notes a camper at Newport RV Park.
Beach access within 20 minutes: Multiple beaches near Middletown provide swimming and relaxation. According to a visitor at Meadowlark RV Park, "This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach."
Hiking nearby trails: Explore wooded paths connected to campgrounds. "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," mentions a camper at Newport RV Park. Many trails are moderate difficulty with distances of 1-3 miles, suitable for most ability levels.
What campers like
Dog-friendly facilities: "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park," shares a camper at Newport RV Park. Several campgrounds have designated pet areas or nearby dog parks within walking distance.
Water views: Carr Point Recreation Facility offers waterfront sites. "Nice, well separated sites. Only 6 sites with Electric and Water," reports a military camper. This limited-access facility maintains quiet surroundings.
Historic attractions: The proximity to Newport's landmarks draws many campers. "There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing," notes a reviewer about Newport RV Park. Most historic sites have admission fees between $15-25 per person.
What you should know
Limited availability at peak times: Reservations become essential, especially at smaller facilities. "There are only 6 spots, so it's guaranteed to be a pretty peaceful, quiet place," mentions a visitor about Carr Point Recreation Facility.
Variable site conditions: Pay attention to site details when booking. At Fort Getty Campground, "Tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area," shares a camper.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for proper setup. "Our site had water and power. The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. They also had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out," reports a camper at Newport RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Newport RV Park offers a central play area. A camper notes, "The park has over 100 sites and spread out over many acres. There is a small camp store, large playground, basketball court, and open air covered pavilion with picnic tables."
Off-season visits for fewer crowds: Consider camping outside summer peak season. "School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great. It was not crowded that time of year," recommends a visitor at Peters Pond RV Resort.
Beach alternatives: Water access varies by campground. "Great fishing and nice clean sites," shares a camper at Peters Pond RV Resort, which offers pond swimming as an alternative to ocean beaches when coastal areas become crowded.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Plan for waste management needs. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, located within driving distance of Portsmouth, a visitor observes, "Our site didn't have sewer, but the electric and water were working fine."
Site selection priorities: Review site dimensions and locations carefully. "The park appears to have a fair number of seasonals tucked back in other areas of the park and their sites were nice and tidy," notes a camper about Newport RV Park.
Regional exploration flexibility: RV campgrounds near Portsmouth provide a base for wider travel. "We really enjoy the Mystic/Stonington area. Downtown has some great eateries," shares a visitor about Sun Outdoors Mystic, highlighting the ability to explore multiple coastal communities within a 30-45 minute drive.