Glamping close to Richmond, Rhode Island occurs primarily in woodland areas at elevations under 500 feet. The region has an Atlantic-influenced climate with humid summers reaching 80-85°F and mild spring and fall temperatures ideal for outdoor recreation. Campgrounds typically remain open from April through October, with some luxury accommodations available until mid-November.
What to do
Hiking trails: At George Washington State Campground, visitors can explore multiple wooded paths that circle scenic lakes. "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," notes camper Nick S., who visits with his family twice a season.
Water activities: Pond fishing and swimming opportunities abound at many local campgrounds. At Burlingame State Park Campground, "You can bike for ever and go to the lake!" according to Madeline H., who recommends preparing for beach-related cleanliness issues: "Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!"
Beach access: Several campgrounds provide quick access to coastal areas. One reviewer at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," making it convenient for day trips to the ocean without changing accommodations.
What campers like
Large campgrounds: The substantial size of Strawberry Park appeals to many visitors. As Ryan C. explains, "There are seasonal and weekenders alike. Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do! The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities."
Diverse accommodation options: For luxury camping experiences, Odetah Camping Resort provides numerous amenities that enhance comfort. "From a massage at the Spa to a fun band by the lake, to Bingo night, mini-golf and awesome ice cream Sundaes... tennis & basketball games, immaculate bathrooms....every night we went to bed tired," shares one enthusiastic reviewer.
Waterfront sites: Campsites with water views remain highly sought after in this region. At Ross Hill RV Park & Campground, Glenn P. emphasizes, "The campground is set on the Q River and if you're lucky enough to see it from your site it's beautiful."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Jessica A. at Burlingame advises, "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can. Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes."
Site selection: Choosing the right site location can significantly impact your experience. At Mystic KOA, "Some sites towards the front of the park are very close together and unlevel. If you want to be up near the action—pool, bar car, and other activities—get a site in the front section," recommends Nancy W.
Bath facilities: Bathroom conditions vary widely between campgrounds. While some offer "immaculate bathrooms," others require preparation. At Rocky Neck, one camper noted, "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable. Coronavirus social distancing required."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds organize regular events for children. At Hidden Acres Campground, "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night," reports Erik M., who also recommends trying food from the snack bar.
Kid-friendly amenities: Facilities designed specifically for younger campers make certain locations more suitable for families. Sunfox Campground features "a beautiful pool, playground and a large jumping pillow like a huge trampoline you can't fall off of," according to Tara N.
Budget considerations: State parks often provide the most economical option for families. At George Washington State Campground, Cendy G. found it "Very affordable (around $14 per night). We stayed near the camp store and playground. Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: When camping with larger vehicles, checking site specifications becomes essential. At Sunfox Campground, RVers appreciate that "Campground is situated in a beautiful valley with a little pond, hiking trails, playground, jumping pillow, swimming pool and hot tub," as Claire M. describes.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites often fill first at popular campgrounds. Andrew P. notes that at Burlingame, "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open... water spigots were not in abundance but were available in each camp."
Dump stations: Most campgrounds provide sanitary facilities, but accessibility varies. "There are two dumping spots each with two dumps," shares an RVer about Burlingame, information particularly useful for extended stays.
