RV camping near Providence, Rhode Island offers convenient access to both coastal attractions and urban amenities. Located in the smallest state in the country, these campgrounds sit within a 45-minute drive radius of the state capital, experiencing mild summers with average temperatures between 70-85°F. The camping season typically runs April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to New England's cold weather patterns.
What to do
Explore historic attractions: Visitors staying at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod can easily access both Cape Cod and regional historic sites. According to one camper, "We fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires. We could of lived off of the land if so inclined."
Visit downtown Newport: The historic district offers colonial architecture and maritime history within a short drive from camping areas. One visitor at Carr Point Recreation Facility noted it's "About 20 minutes to downtown Newport, so this made visiting the town easy."
Try water activities: Many campgrounds offer water access for fishing and boating. A camper at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod mentioned, "We had plenty of room and the sites as well as the entire campground was clean we also had access to clean water as well as facilities."
What campers like
Wooded environments: Mature trees provide shade and privacy at several campgrounds. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "There is a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground. I enjoyed stretching my legs."
Dog-friendly amenities: Some parks feature dedicated pet areas that enhance the experience for travelers with dogs. A visitor to Newport RV Park commented, "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."
Proximity to beaches: Several campgrounds provide easy access to coastal areas. At Ashaway RV Resort, a camper noted, "It is a quick drive to the beach, we loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches. Lots to do in the area and stores if needed."
What you should know
Limited amenities at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer full facilities. One reviewer at Carr Point Recreation Facility warned, "No Dump or Shower/restrooms. 2 clean porta poddies on site. Dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge."
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks in the region operate on limited schedules. A camper at Countryside RV Park noted, "Water, electric & sewer sites. Very quite, rules are in-forced. This is camping, if you're looking for entertainment bring your own!"
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds feature tight arrangements while others offer more room. At Ashaway RV Resort, a visitor observed, "The sites are VERY close, but the people are nice and we had a great stay."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge shared, "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
Consider swimming options: Pools provide reliable swimming regardless of weather or water conditions. One camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic noted, "This 'resort' has lots of amenities that would occupy kids time but we were more interested in sight-seeing and didn't spend much time around the campground."
Check activity schedules: Some parks offer organized programs for younger campers. According to a visitor at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, they "had good kids crafts. Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston."
Tips from RVers
Reserve well ahead: Due to limited availability, especially for larger rigs. A camper at Meadowlark RV Park said, "This is an RV camp with mostly regulars and a couple of spots for passersby and short stay."
Be prepared for leveling: Many sites require adjustments to ensure proper parking. One visitor to Newport RV Park advised, "The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits. They also had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out."
Consider site location carefully: Some areas within campgrounds may have challenges. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod warned, "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time."