Best Tent Camping near Richmond, RI
Tent camping areas near Richmond, Rhode Island include several established sites throughout Arcadia Management Area in neighboring Exeter. Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and Frosty Hollow Camping Area offer primitive tent campsites with varying levels of amenities. The LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area, while primarily designed for equestrian use, also accommodates tent campers seeking a backcountry experience. Buck Hill Campground, located north of Richmond, provides a more secluded option for tent camping.
Campers should note that many tent sites in the region have basic amenities. Several locations permit fires but lack drinking water, requiring visitors to bring their own supply. Most tent campgrounds feature picnic tables, and some have reservable sites. Arcadia Management Area sites typically allow pets and have designated fire rings. Drive-in access is available at multiple locations, though some areas require short walks to reach tent pads. Buck Hill Campground offers a more rustic experience with minimal facilities, making it suitable for experienced tent campers seeking seclusion.
Areas farther from town provide deeper wilderness immersion and quieter tent camping experiences. A visitor commented that Buck Hill Campground is "a great rural no frills campground" with sites that can "accommodate 10+ tents" and access to Wakefield Pond for paddling and swimming. The heavily wooded setting creates natural privacy between tent sites. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry offers additional tent camping options with more amenities, including showers and trash disposal. Seasonal considerations affect site availability, with some campgrounds operating only from late spring through early fall. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring hiking trails throughout western Rhode Island's extensive forest lands.