Newport, Rhode Island's coastal camping options extend beyond the immediate town boundaries, with sites located throughout Aquidneck Island and neighboring communities within 30-45 minutes by car. The region experiences mild summers with average temperatures around 80°F and cool evenings typically dropping to 65°F. Coastal campgrounds often have consistent breezes that keep bugs at bay but can create challenges for tent campers without proper staking equipment.
What to do
Visit Lighthouse Points: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to historic lighthouses. From Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, you can easily reach Judith Point lighthouse, as noted by reviewer Lee D.: "Judith Point lighthouse is nearby, it is close to the ferry to Block Island, and there are numerous recreation options available."
Explore Hiking Trails: The Newport area offers wooded trails accessible directly from some campgrounds. At Newport RV Park, campers appreciate the natural surroundings. Ilana F. mentions: "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," making it easy to enjoy outdoor exercise without driving.
Beach Hopping: The region features multiple beach options with varied characteristics. Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers direct beach access, though as Jess G. points out: "The beach is a bit rocky but the water is clean and sandy. The sites are spacious, yet if you pick one in the middle of the grounds you're pretty much out in the open."
Stargazing: Several camping areas offer exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Kyle C. from Horseneck Beach State Reservation shares: "The area is very dark at night so if you are into stargazing, this is a great place to bring a telescope or a good camera to take some pictures. We woke in the middle of the morning to see the Milky Way in the sky above us quite clearly."
What campers like
Private Beach Access: Fort Getty Campground provides exclusive waterfront areas for pets and people. Steve T. notes: "The private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms."
Well-Maintained Facilities: Many campers appreciate the clean facilities at Burlingame State Park Campground. According to Madeline H.: "Camp store literally has anything you would need. Usually pretty busy, you will have neighbors, who can get loud. Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain!"
Short Drives to Attractions: Campers value proximity to regional highlights. At Wawaloam Campground, Jessica D. explains: "We used this as our home base to visit Newport, which is about 35 min from the campground." This location provides a balance between peaceful camping and tourist activities.
Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. Regarding Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, Rebecca D. comments: "We like it here even though it's not our usual kind of campground. It has drivethu sites and full hookups. We usually dry camp. Lots of healthy grass at the sites."
What you should know
Out-of-State Fees: Non-residents face significantly higher camping costs at state parks. Lee D. warns about Fishermens Memorial: "Imagine my surprise when we found out that a water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night! The rates for out of state campers are significantly more than for residents. I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more."
Noise Concerns: Several campgrounds experience noise issues, particularly on weekends. Jennifer A. notes about Fort Getty Campground: "Both times we've camped here, there have been big party groups who kept us all up talking really really loudly and making noise till past 2 am."
Limited Facilities: Some campgrounds have restricted amenities. At Carr Point Recreation Facility, James and Susan K. point out: "Only 6 sites with Electric and Water. 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."
Cash-Only Policies: Some smaller operations have limited payment options. Christy C. mentions about Second Beach Family Campground: "They only accepted cash or check and it was a little pricey for the lack of amenities. They did have a bathroom and laundry building."
Tips for camping with families
Water Features: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based recreation suitable for children. At Wawaloam Campground, Michael P. describes: "Lots of activities for the kids. Large water park on the grounds with two swimming pools, a slash pad and large water slide."
Playground Access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Fishermens Memorial, Lee D. notes the "numerous recreation options available (playground, tennis courts, volleyball net, and basketball courts)."
Seasonal Activities: Some campgrounds offer unique events during specific periods. Cendy G. mentions that Burlingame State Park Campground has "lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking. Bathrooms were clean."
Site Selection Strategy: Choose campsites based on your family's specific needs. According to Lee D., 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 (55-65) are decidedly not level; Area Three is for tents only with no hookups but is close to the bathhouse."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal Site Options: Several campgrounds cater to longer-term RV stays. At Newport RV Park, Nancy W. observed: "The park is a mix of seasonal and transient campers. Site types include full hook-up (max 30 amp), water/electric only, dry camping, and a large tent section."
Leveling Requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Brad B. warns about Newport RV Park: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Hookup Availability: Check power options when booking. At Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Happy Camper L. shares: "We positioned ourselves close to a water spigot to refill our fresh water, we had a generator that we were able to use between 7am & 10pm and there is a dump on site- so with an external waste holding tank we could manage dumping gray & black tanks."
Pull-Through Availability: Some parks offer easier access sites for larger rigs. Nick P. notes about Newport RV Park: "We stayed in the premium pull through sites here. The whole campground is gorgeous... The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits."
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