The Saunderstown area of Rhode Island sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and moderately cold winters. Located on the western shore of Narragansett Bay, this region offers wooded camping with access to both freshwater ponds and Atlantic coastal areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels making water activities particularly appealing.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Several campsites near Saunderstown provide direct access to fishing ponds and swimming areas. George Washington State Campground offers multiple options as one camper notes, "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park." The campground features a man-made lake with designated swimming areas.
Hiking trails: Burlingame State Park Campground in nearby Charlestown offers extensive hiking opportunities. According to a reviewer, "Lovely location - it's in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car. Hiking and biking for miles." The park's natural setting allows for wildlife observation including several owl species.
Beach access: Rocky Neck State Park provides camping with easy beach access. A camper shares, "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since I was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences. The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails."
What campers like
Natural settings: Many campers appreciate the wooded environments available near Saunderstown. One visitor to Burlingame State Park Campground mentioned, "While RVs are welcome (and we have tent and trailer camped here), this is NOT an RV resort. No hook-ups. Real camping atmosphere - fire rings at each site, wooded sites (and open grass sites if you like that better). Wildlife (listening to the several types of owls is a favorite pastime at night)."
Waterfront options: Campsites with water access rank highly among visitors. A camper at Hidden Acres Campground said, "We kind of did a last min trip between 3 family's we all got separate sites scattered along the river it was beautiful. We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Mystic KOA, a reviewer noted, "The campground staff did a great job managing the Covid regulations… We were able to use the pool, facilities and the store and never felt that we were compromised. During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."
What you should know
Price variations: Costs vary significantly between state parks and private campgrounds. At George Washington State Campground, a camper observed, "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44. Also only one bathhouse so port-a-potties along the road."
Campsite spacing: Site privacy differs greatly between campgrounds. One camper at Mystic KOA said, "Call me old school, but when I camp, I want trees, space between sites, and privacy from neighboring sites. You won't get that here. Think of row houses in any city and that's what you get here."
Facilities vary seasonally: Bathhouse availability and maintenance fluctuates throughout the season. A visitor to Burlingame noted, "Bath houses - are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross." Some campgrounds require quarters for showers while others include them in the site fee.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with organized children's programs. A visitor to Normandy Farms Campground shared, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean."
Shower timing: Plan bathroom visits during off-peak hours. One camper recommended, "Avoid the rush for showers every night by showering mid-day when most campers are out doing activities."
Weather preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in Rhode Island. A Burlingame camper advised, "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain! Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!"
Tips from RVers
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for waterfront RV sites. A camper at Strawberry Park noted, "Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities," but sites fill quickly during peak season.
Hookup availability: Check for full service sites when planning yurt camping near Saunderstown, Rhode Island. Some campgrounds offer limited hookups for RVs and non-traditional accommodations like yurts. At Burlingame, a reviewer pointed out, "Good for pets, there are two dumping spots each with two dumps, I would definitely go back."
Leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your rig at state parks. A camper mentioned, "Some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open, excellent for bikes."
