Camping sites near Prudence Island, Rhode Island typically open in spring and close in late fall, with most requiring reservations weeks ahead for summer weekends. The island sits in Narragansett Bay, surrounded by waters that moderate temperatures and create distinct coastal camping conditions with regular sea breezes. Cell service varies across campgrounds, with stronger signals at Newport RV Park and weaker coverage in wooded areas.
What to do
Hiking trails near the water: At Burlingame State Park Campground, trails wind through forested areas leading to a pond perfect for swimming and kayaking. "You can bike for ever and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need," notes Madeline H.
Beach day trips: Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers camping within walking distance to shorelines. "Being less than an hour from Providence, RI and camping adjacent to a beach," makes it an ideal base for water activities according to Matt M. Sites along the beach provide direct beach access while inland sites have water and electric hookups.
Exploring Newport: Campers at Newport RV Park can easily access downtown Newport's historic attractions. "Downtown historic Newport is a 10-minute drive away and you are only 35 minutes from Providence," reports Nancy W., noting that campers can "tour 70-room mansions, visit the beach, brush up on tennis history at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum."
What campers like
Dog-friendly beaches: Fort Getty Campground offers pet-friendly shoreline access that campers appreciate. "The private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax," writes Steve T. These dedicated areas allow pets to swim and play near the water without restrictions.
Proximity to Block Island ferry: Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground puts campers close to transportation options. "Love the closeness to the ferry to block island, shops & restaurants," says Rae H. The campground sits approximately 1.5 miles from Narragansett, which one camper describes as "an adorable beach community with lots of shops and places to eat."
Large pull-through sites: Many campsites offer spacious areas for setup. "Nice level site. Big pull through. Fireplace and picnic table are in good shape," notes a camper at Fishermens Memorial. Another camper at Wawaloam Campground mentions, "The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away," highlighting the generous spacing between sites.
What you should know
Non-resident fees: Rhode Island state parks charge significantly higher rates for out-of-state visitors. "A water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night!" reports Lee D. about Fishermens Memorial, adding "I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more."
Site variations: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with different amenities and views. At Fishermens Memorial, "Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites are decidedly not level."
Reservation requirements: Wawaloam Campground and other campgrounds near Prudence Island fill quickly during peak season. Weekends from June through August often book 2-3 months in advance, especially for waterfront or premium sites.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Wawaloam Campground offers multiple water features for children. "Large sites, great stone fire rings, full hookups, huge pool, waterslides, splash pad, playground, great camp store... this place brings a lot to the table for a very fair price," notes Greg S.
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide play areas for younger children. At Normandy Farms Campground, "They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean," reports Liz W., though this campground is farther from Prudence Island.
Family-friendly layout: Burlingame State Park Campground has open areas for group activities. "Spacious - even with all those sites, there's plenty of room between sites and tons of open space for kids to run around, fly a kite, play tag, hide and seek," Jessica A. observes.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: When selecting a campground without full hookups, check dump station policies. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, "There's a dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge," reports James and Susan K.
Site leveling needs: Many Rhode Island campgrounds require leveling equipment. At Fishermens Memorial, "Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level," while at Newport RV Park, "Our site (F4) had 30 amp and water... The section that we were in was very big rig-friendly and one site that can be used as a pull-thru."
Seasonal considerations: RV camping near Prudence Island typically runs from April through October. Newport RV Park operates from April 1 to October 31, with full hookup sites available throughout the season.
