Tent camping opportunities near Richmond, Rhode Island concentrate in the western forested regions where elevation ranges between 200-400 feet. The area's glacial terrain creates numerous small ponds and rocky outcroppings throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience wider temperature variations requiring additional gear preparation.
What to do
Paddling activities: Water's Edge Campground provides direct access to flat water paddling with canoe and kayak rentals available for campers without their own equipment. The campground sits on Johnson's Pond with multiple coves to explore.
Fishing opportunities: Chapman Pond Preserve offers primitive tent camping with the Connecticut River within view. As one camper noted, it's a "Good tent platform, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view" - making it an excellent base for fishing expeditions.
Hiking access: Gillette Castle State Park Campground connects to an extensive trail network with river views. A visitor commented that it's a "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times." The trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 5+ mile routes with significant elevation changes.
Wildlife viewing: Buck Hill Campground borders the 14,000-acre Buck Hill Management Area with diverse woodland habitats supporting deer, fox, and numerous bird species. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly along pond edges.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Selden Neck State Park Campground offers island camping with direct river access. A camper described it as having "Gorgeous riverside tent camping" with "plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit." Sites must be accessed by boat, creating a more secluded experience.
Group camping options: Many tent campsites near Richmond, Rhode Island can accommodate larger groups. One visitor to Buck Hill Campground noted that "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)" making it ideal for family reunions or organized group outings.
Minimal development: Chapman Pond Preserve provides a primitive camping experience with basic amenities. A camper described it as a "Middle of no where site" that still offers "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse." This balance of basic infrastructure without overdevelopment appeals to many tent campers.
Swimming access: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming areas. At Buck Hill Campground, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')." Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, requiring additional safety precautions.
What you should know
Water sources: Most primitive tent camping areas near Richmond require campers to bring their own water supply. The Arcadia Management Area sites including Frosty Hollow Camping Area lack potable water access, necessitating sufficient water transport for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds have varying reservation policies. LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area requires reservations during peak summer weekends but often accommodates walk-ins during weekdays and shoulder seasons.
Site access challenges: Buck Hill Campground provides a rustic experience but requires preparation. A reviewer noted it's "a great rural no frills campground" where you should "don't expect much else" beyond basic amenities. Access roads may become rutted after heavy rain, requiring vehicles with adequate clearance.
Seasonal variations: Many tent campgrounds near Richmond operate with limited seasons. Frontier Family Camper Park operates only from "May 1 to September 30," while others like Arcadia Backpack Camping Area close specific loops during hunting seasons for safety.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Sites at Buck Hill Campground provide family-friendly water access. A camper noted "There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts" that works well for children with "a few areas that make for easy entry into the water."
Multi-generational options: Gillette Castle State Park Campground offers activities suitable for different age groups. A visitor mentioned "Castle has tours at certain times" which can entertain children while adults enjoy hiking trails of varying difficulty levels.
Water-based camping: Boat-accessible sites create unique family adventures. At Selden Neck State Park, one camper shared that "My 5-year-old and I camped at site 2, Hogback" noting "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on." They accessed the site via a "20 minute paddle across the river to the island."
Weather considerations: Morning fog can delay departures from water-accessible sites. The same Selden Neck camper noted "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Richmond, Rhode Island offer minimal RV accommodations. While Frosty Hollow Camping Area technically allows RVs, the lack of sanitary dump facilities and limited access roads make it impractical for larger rigs.
Seasonal site closures: Several campgrounds close outer loops during shoulder seasons, limiting RV options. During April and October, reduced water pressure and potential freezing temperatures affect water hookup reliability.
Proximity alternatives: Water's Edge Campground provides tent camping with more amenities than most areas, including showers, toilets and trash disposal. The campground offers multiple access options including "boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, walk-in" making it versatile for different camping styles.
Boat-accessible camping: For RVers with boats, Selden Neck State Park offers unique opportunities. A camper described "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in," making it accessible from nearby RV parks for day trips.
