Saunderstown sits on Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay, offering moderate temperatures with summer highs of 80°F and cooler spring and fall conditions. Camping options near Saunderstown extend beyond full-hookup RV parks to include tent camping with water access, military-only facilities, and sites convenient to Newport's attractions. Many locations feature seasonal operation, typically May through October, due to New England's weather patterns.
What to do
Explore local waterways: At Fort Getty Campground, you can launch directly from the shoreline. "Right on the water," notes camper Jacob P., who appreciates the park's location for water activities. The campground sits on Jamestown Island with access to small but serviceable pet-friendly beaches.
Visit historic sites: From Newport RV Park in Portsmouth, historic attractions are just minutes away. "The location of this park was great for what we were doing – not too far from Newport but in a nice quiet section of town," according to reviewer Nancy W. The campground sits about 10 minutes from downtown Newport's mansions and maritime museums.
Enjoy outdoor recreation: The areas near Saunderstown offer fishing and hiking opportunities. Melville Ponds Campground provides "a large pond to go fishing at as well. About an 20 min drive to local beaches," says Shanah B. Adjacent hiking trails make it easy to explore without driving anywhere.
What campers like
Proximity to coastal attractions: Campers value how Meadowlark RV Park provides easy access to Newport's famous sites. "This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach," notes Arno W. The location makes up for limited amenities.
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate dedicated spaces for their animals. "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," states Ilana F. about Newport RV Park. Some campgrounds also offer pet swimming areas.
Quiet camping options: Several reviewers mention peace and quiet as a benefit. "Quiet, small, bigger sites, no amenities," says Michelle C. about one campground. Sites away from main roads tend to be more peaceful, especially on weekdays outside peak summer periods.
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Be prepared for terrain differences. "Our site had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out," notes one camper about Newport RV Park. Another reviewer at Aces High RV Park mentioned, "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. Military personnel should note that facilities like Carr Point Recreation Facility have limited availability: "There are only 6 spots, so it's guaranteed to be a pretty peaceful, quiet place," shares Laura R.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer sewer hookups or dump stations. "Dump station located at Newport RV Park 5 minutes up the road for $20 charge," notes a reviewer at Carr Point. Planning for waste disposal is important when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Check campground rules: Policies vary widely between parks. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "The main office is like a fancy clubhouse and check-in was super smooth and quick. The office has a billiards table, theater chairs with a large screen tv, a small book exchange, racks with information about the area, and a camp store," according to Nancy W.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family features. "Our stay was in the spring before their busy season started so some things like the pool and water features were closed but the appearance was that it was well cared for and was a very popular attraction for families," notes another reviewer about Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds struggle with noise enforcement. At Fort Getty, one camper reported: "Rules regarding quiet hours, no generators, number of tents per site and late arrival and setups were not enforced. People partied until 2:00am and woke up at 5:30am shining headlights and idling cars."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: RV campers emphasize choosing the right site. "The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits," notes Nick P. about Newport RV Park.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain. "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)," advises Brad B. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended at many area campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV camping near Saunderstown operates seasonally. "This park has over 100 sites and spread out over many acres. Roads are gravel and easy enough any size RV to navigate. Some sites are set beneath large trees in an attractive wooded setting while others are in an open grassy area," notes one reviewer, highlighting how different areas of the same park offer varying experiences.
