Tent campsites near Portsmouth, Rhode Island operate primarily from May through October due to New England's seasonal climate. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cool springs and falls with temperatures between 50-70°F. Several tent camping options require advance planning, with peak season availability often limited during July and August when demand is highest and temperatures most comfortable for overnight stays.
What to do
Kayaking to island campsites: Washburn Island Campsites in Waquoit Bay Reserve provides a unique boat-access camping experience. "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water, very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut," notes Tim C. The island is accessible by canoe or kayak and makes an excellent paddling destination.
Swimming and paddling: Buck Hill Campground offers access to Wakefield Pond for water recreation. A camper shares, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')." The pond is suitable for canoes and kayaks, making this a good option for combining tent camping with water activities.
Beach camping opportunities: For tent campers willing to travel to Cape Cod, Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites provides oceanfront camping. Matt R. reports, "This is one of the few places where you can sleep on the beach! The water is on the cold side but it's worth it. Beach camping is a very special thing."
What campers like
Seclusion and quiet: Buck Hill Campground offers a more secluded experience in a forested setting. Greg R. describes it as "a great rural no frills campground" where the "area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities." This makes it ideal for campers seeking privacy and natural surroundings.
Fire options: Washburn Island Campsites provides fire pits at each campsite, with wood available for purchase. The ability to have campfires is consistently mentioned as a positive feature by campers staying at multiple area campgrounds, providing both warmth and ambiance for evening activities.
Off-season availability: Tent campers can often find more availability during shoulder seasons. Regarding Washburn Island, a camper notes, "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others operate on a first-come basis. For Sandy Neck's backcountry sites, "The sites are not reservable ahead of time. In order to secure a spot, you must show up at the park headquarters where sites are handed out on a first come first served basis."
Limited facilities: Many tent sites near Portsmouth have minimal amenities. At Buck Hill Campground, "There are a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties" but limited other facilities. Campers should plan accordingly for their water and sanitation needs.
Beach access challenges: Sandy Neck's hike-in sites require significant effort to reach. Anna C. warns, "The hike in to the sites can be particularly difficult because it requires trekking through sand without any sun coverage and with all of your gear."
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly sites: Buck Hill Campground accommodates larger family groups with spacious sites. A review mentions, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)" making this a good option for family reunions or multiple households camping together.
Simple water activities: For families with children, Ginny B Camp Grounds offers basic amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets that can make tent camping with children more manageable. The campground's location provides access to several nearby water activities suitable for different age groups.
Weather preparation: Wind can be a significant factor when tent camping near coastal areas. At Sandy Neck, one camper noted that sites are "tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind." Another mentioned "VERY windy" conditions late in the season, so families should secure tents properly and bring appropriate clothing layers.
Tips from RVers
Beach driving requirements: Sandy Neck Beach Park has specific vehicle requirements for camping. "You need a sandy neck ORV pass and a self contained camper (toilet) to camp here," notes Matt R. RVers should contact the park directly for current permit requirements and vehicle restrictions.
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Portsmouth have minimal or no hookups for RVs. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry does offer electric hookups, water hookups and sanitary dump stations, making it one of the better options for those bringing small RVs while still accommodating tent campers in the same party.
