S
Sam M.
Scout
ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Convenient and Safe
Friendly, clean and convenient. By chance, we were there during the annual fireworks.
Camping near Providence, RI
139 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Developed campgrounds near Providence, Rhode Island range from rustic state parks to full-service private facilities. George Washington State Campground, located approximately 30 miles northwest of the city in Chepachet, offers tent and RV campsites with electric hookups in a wooded setting. The area includes several mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles, including Holiday Acres Campground and Newport RV Park. Most locations provide traditional tent sites alongside RV hookups, while some like Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Massachusetts offer luxury options including cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations.
The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Several campgrounds open in mid-April and operate until Columbus Day, though peak season occupancy runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "This campground was perfect! Everything was awesome," noted one visitor about Holiday Acres, though others mentioned occasional electrical issues at some sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends, especially for campgrounds near water features or those offering extensive amenities. Most developed sites provide electric hookups, drinking water, and toilets, while premium locations include full sewer connections, WiFi access, and recreational facilities.
Campers consistently rate Normandy Farms Campground highest among facilities in the region, praising its resort-style amenities including multiple swimming pools, recreational buildings, and meticulously maintained grounds. One visitor described it as "one of the best of the best in the USA," highlighting its proximity to attractions like Gillette Stadium and nearby shopping areas. More budget-conscious travelers gravitate toward state park campgrounds, which offer fewer amenities but more natural settings. The proximity to Boston (approximately 50 miles from most Providence-area campgrounds) makes these locations popular with weekend travelers seeking outdoor experiences without venturing far from urban centers. Sites with shade and those offering water access typically book fastest during summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Providence (139)
1. Normandy Farms Campground
"The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."
"As we walked around we spoke to others who had similar problems with the sites not being level. We recommend this campground but just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
from $50 - $200 / night
Check Availability2. George Washington State Campground
"So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."
"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)."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Newport RV Park
"Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"
"We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing. "
from $70 - $140 / night
Check Availability4. Holiday Acres Campground
"The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :)) The entrance / office setup is confusing."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Massasoit State Park Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Stateline Campresort & Cabins
"The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I was t too keen on staying literally on the pond."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability7. Canoe River Campground
"This place is pretty awesome if you’re looking to see a show at the nearby Comcast center."
from $42 - $58 / night
Check Availability8. Wawaloam Campground
"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
Check Availability9. Boston/Cape Cod KOA
"Close enough to Providence and Boston. Nice campground."
"We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."
10. Circle Campground Farm Campground
"Im guessing these sites will be considered "close" to "moderately close" by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine. Roads are a little narrow which made"
"Everything you need 100% Everything clean 100% EASY Access to all attractions 100% We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth"
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 38 min from Worcester, MA
- 42 min from Boston, MA
- 48 min from Norwich, CT
- 1 hr 5 min from Barnstable Town, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Providence, RI
302 Photos of 139 Providence Campgrounds
Tricia T.
Hickory Ridge RV Resort
Greg R.
Normandy Farms Campground
Amy B.
Glamp Frogmore
Cathy G.
Echo Lake Campground
Kimberly M.
Oak Leaf Family Campground
Nancy W.
Newport RV Park
Joanna M.
George Washington State Campground
The Dyrt
Stateline Campresort & Cabins
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Pine Grove
Cody F.
Circle CG Farm Campground
Kevin A.
Sun Ridge Resort
Taylor B.
Bowdish Lake Camping Area
Recent Reviews near Providence, RI
853 Reviews of 139 Providence Campgrounds
Arthur D.ScoutPine Acres Family Camping Resort
4th of July weekend
It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.
- UUA C.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
The fireworks-WOW
Had a wonderful 2 night stay, an added plus were the annual fireworks, a wonderful surprise. Highly recommend Crocker’s BoatYard, friendly, safe, convenient location and lovely pool as well.
- AAndrew B.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Beautiful and convenient
Easy to get to, great communication and lovely location. Recommended!
- BBlake N.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Awesome
This place is fantastic and I would definitely stay again. It is a working shipyard and marina. Excellent showers. Very nice pool and pool deck with umbrella right on the water. One mile from block island ferry.
- DDavid G.
TravelerCrocker's Boatyard
Great spot and great hosts
Crocker’s is a nice relaxing scenic place to stay in the New London area.
Walking distance to restaurants and to Fort Trumbull.
So much fun watching the boats and boating activities.
Electric and water included. There is a free dump station about a mile away (during regular business hours). *Can be found on The Dyrt.
Hosts were super friendly and had nice recommendations for places to see around town. Thank you !!!! We will definitely be visiting again. 
Kaileigh K.
GuideFort Getty Campground
Great location!
Fort Getty campground was in an incredible location to Jamestown and with many things to do in the park itself. The tent sites are open field style and some groups can get big so be ready for that. We had tent site 6 and it was tucked back in its own little area which was an awesome surprise. Overall we had a quick stay and everyone we encountered was friendly, bathrooms are older but a short walk from tent area. The access the Jamestown and the surrounding areas and views is what makes this place totally worth it!
- AAshley H.Traveler
Mashamoquet Brook Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Cozy Rustic Campground
Due to the heat wave, I opted not to spend the night, but we did roll through and check out the area. First thing we noticed is how close and open the sites were, with a few exceptions. I attached photos of the more secluded sites I plan to choose next time. Site 49 is what I had reserved and it was large and partially secluded. The bathroom buildings are boarded up across the campground and state park with port o potties in front. I was not eager to check those out… a bucket started feeling like the safer option lol It was quiet but on the more secluded sites, there was ample road noise and you could see the road from some sites. I didn’t get a chance to look for the walkway to the park and river, but I plan to next time. The state park and river nearby was beautiful and quiet and serene with smattering Fourth of July picnics. Overall, I plan to return here when the weather is more cooperative and my car camper is better equipped :)
Alicia V.ScoutIndianhead Resort
Worst place to RV
Long review from a long-term camper, but if you’re considering staying here, it’s worth the read so you know what you’re paying for. My husband and I have stayed here for the past three years, and this year has been, without question, the worst experience we’ve had. We prepaid for a 6-month stay, expecting a quiet, well-managed campground. Instead, we’ve dealt with inconsistency, poor communication, and management that seems focused on the wrong priorities. Before the campground was even fully open, we came to prepare our camper because there were already other campers on the property. While we were there, a woman repeatedly followed us around and watched us before finally approaching us. Rather than treating us like returning guests who have stayed here for years, we were made to feel like we didn’t belong and were questioned as if we were trespassing or trying to live here for free. Ironically, people who don’t even pay to stay here regularly park on the property to use the lake without anyone questioning them. Apparently, paying customers receive more scrutiny than people who aren’t customers at all. Because of that interaction, we were told we couldn’t return for weeks. When we were finally allowed back, our electricity hadn’t even been turned on, and we had to wait while no one seemed particularly concerned about getting it working. Then, completely out of the blue, we were told we had a past-due balance that had supposedly existed all along. At no point were we ever notified. No phone call. No email. No letter. No conversation. Yet somehow we were expected to fix a problem we didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the issues that actually affect paying guests continue to be ignored. On weekends and almost every holiday, large groups takes over the campground with 20+ tents, blasting music well into the night and early morning with absolutely no respect for the people who actually pay to stay here. They spread out wherever they want, take over common areas, and even park in front of occupied campsites to the point that we’ve had trouble getting into our own site. Even worse, people were plugging into our electrical service without permission, causing our camper to repeatedly short circuit. We eventually had to install a lock on our own electrical box because management did nothing to stop it after it was brought to their attention. That’s what makes this so frustrating. Management seems incredibly quick to police long-term residents over minor issues, yet has no problem looking the other way while other people take over the campground, block campsites, disturb everyone around them, use utilities they aren’t paying for, damage property, and ignore every basic campground rule. The former management understood that people who spend thousands of dollars to stay here deserve a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed campground. Rules were enforced. Problems were addressed. Paying guests mattered. Now it feels like the people causing the problems face no consequences, while the people paying to be here are the ones expected to tolerate them. I also wouldn’t recommend this campground for families. The“playground” looks like it hasn’t been properly maintained in a very long time and honestly looks like it could earn a child a tetanus shot instead of a fun afternoon. The basketball hoop has been broken, and the laundry area is tucked behind some of the dirtiest bathrooms on the property, surrounded by overgrown grass. None of it reflects the kind of campground this used to be. It’s disappointing because this campground had so much potential and used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed returning to every year. Unfortunately, poor management and a complete lack of consistency have changed that. If you are looking for a campground, there are way better options in the surrounding area with better amenities and better people.
Guide to Providence
Camping near Providence, Rhode Island offers options from full-service campgrounds to rustic woodland sites throughout northern Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts. Tent campers can find secluded sites at George Washington State Campground, while RV enthusiasts have multiple options within a 45-minute drive of the city. Many campgrounds in the region feature ponds or small lakes suitable for fishing and paddling, with woodland terrain providing natural shade during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: At George Washington State Campground, wooded paths surround the property. "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," notes Nick S., while Joey S. adds there are "great hiking trails going around some lakes."
Dog walking options: Melville Ponds Campground offers extensive trail access for pets. "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," reports Ilana F.
Water activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound at Wawaloam Campground. Michael P. describes the setup: "Large water park on the grounds with two swimming pools, a slash pad and large water slide. Well stocked store." Jessica D. adds, "We used this as our home base to visit Newport, which is about 35 min from the campground."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate adequate separation between campsites. Tony O. from Stateline Campresort & Cabins notes, "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness ranks high for campers. Nick P. from Newport RV Park appreciates "clean and quiet camping close to downtown" and notes "the whole campground is gorgeous. You'll notice how clean and quiet it is right when you first arrive."
Water features: Campers consistently rate ponds and swimming areas as highlights. At Wawaloam Campground, Jessica D. comments, "The pool and slide were great - wish the slides were open the whole day. It may have just been the time of year we were there though."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Kwan C. from Stateline Campresort notes, "Called on Sunday morning and reserved a spot for 2 nights. Was very helpful on the phone, though was not informed that on Sunday the office and store closes early at 3."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for level setup. Brad B. explains, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Shower facilities: Amenities vary widely between locations. At George Washington State Campground, Nick P. reports, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)." Michelle H. adds there's "only one bathhouse so port-a-potties along the road."
Electrical reliability: Check power connections upon arrival. At Holiday Acres Campground, Michael K. cautions, "Electrical at my campsite could use a little work. The sewer on my site overflowed after only ~15-20 gallons of dumping."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized events during peak season. Liz W. from Normandy Farms Campground shares, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
Pool access hours: Check pool schedules before planning your day. One camper at Wawaloam noted, "Pools close at 8pm so that's a bummer and wood is super expensive but overall a nice campground with lots of very big sites."
Weekend vs. weekday experiences: Timing affects noise levels and amenities. Johnny W. at Stateline explains, "We went on a Wednesday for a 5 day 4 night trip with the family. At first there was a little confusion at the office of where I was supposed to be."
Site selection: Choose sites strategically for families with children. Ryan A. advises about George Washington Campground: "The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have navigation issues for larger rigs. At Circle Campground Farm, a camper notes, "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process."
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before selecting sites. Rick C. shares, "We stayed a week. No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try. The campground is a little tight with a big rig (40' motorhome pulling a vehicle on a dolly)."
Seasonal site conditions: Spring and fall camping may include different amenities. Pat from Circle Campground Farm reports, "Late April so there weren't too many campers in the park. Bathrooms were clean. Staff in the office were friendly and helpful."
Advance planning: Book early for holiday weekends from May-September. Sites near water features typically fill first, especially those with full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Providence, Rhode Island?
What are the best campgrounds near Providence, Rhode Island?
George Washington State Campground is highly rated and located near Chepachet, offering sites by Bowdish Lake about 30 minutes from Providence. It's considered one of the better camping options in Rhode Island with more privacy than some other state parks. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground is excellent for self-contained RVs with direct beach access and opportunities for fishing and boating. For those willing to drive a bit further, Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Massachusetts offers modern facilities and stunning beach access with beautiful sunset views, making it worth the slightly longer drive from Providence.
How much does camping cost in the Providence, Rhode Island area?
How much does camping cost in the Providence, Rhode Island area?
Camping costs in the Providence area vary significantly between public and private campgrounds. Burlingame State Park Campground offers reasonable rates for state residents but charges higher fees for out-of-state visitors, typically around $20-25 for residents and $40-45 for non-residents. Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground charges approximately $45 per night for water/electric sites for out-of-state campers. Rhode Island state parks generally have higher fees for non-residents compared to residents, with most basic sites ranging from $20-35 for residents and $35-50 for non-residents. Private campgrounds typically charge $45-70 per night depending on amenities, with higher rates for premium sites with full hookups during peak season.
Are there private campgrounds with amenities near Providence?
Are there private campgrounds with amenities near Providence?
Wawaloam Campground offers excellent amenities in a rural wooded setting, making it ideal for families. It features a swimming pool, splash pad, and numerous recreational activities. For those willing to drive about an hour, Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut provides resort-style amenities and is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Mystic attractions and about an hour from Providence. Newport RV Park offers a prime location for exploring Rhode Island's cities and beaches, situated just five miles from downtown Newport. Many private campgrounds in the region offer full hookups, WiFi, swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities, particularly during summer months.
Is tent camping available near Providence, RI?
Is tent camping available near Providence, RI?
Yes, tent camping is readily available near Providence. Fort Getty Campground offers tent camping options within a reasonable drive from the city. For a more nature-immersed experience, Whispering Pines Campground provides tent sites in a wooded setting. While some campgrounds like Horseneck Beach are setup more for RVs and car camping, they do accommodate tents. If you're seeking the best tent camping experience, George Washington State Campground is recommended by tent campers as better than other options like Burlingame or Fort Getty. Most tent sites in the area are drive-in with parking at your site, though walk-in tent sites offering more privacy can be found at select campgrounds within a 45-minute drive of Providence.
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