Tent camping near Saunderstown, Rhode Island offers rustic opportunities in a region characterized by dense northeast woodlands and coastal proximity. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Most established campgrounds operate between May and October, with limited facilities available during spring and fall shoulder seasons when temperatures fluctuate between 45-70°F.
What to do
Fishing at local ponds: Buck Hill Campground provides access to Wakefield Pond for fishing enthusiasts. According to one camper, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water. This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc."
Paddling opportunities: Washburn Island Campsites offers boat-in tent camping with excellent water access. A visitor notes, "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work."
Hiking nearby trails: The woodland setting around most campsites provides access to trail systems. Campers can explore the Arcadia Management Area's extensive trail network with multiple backcountry camping options scattered throughout the forested terrain.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Buck Hill Campground receives praise for its undeveloped setting. "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities. A few of the clusters have a covered patio area with electricity," reports one visitor.
Waterfront access: Tent sites with water views are highly valued by campers in the region. A visitor to Washburn Island noted, "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well."
Basic facilities: Water's Edge Campground offers more amenities than most sites in the area, including showers, toilets, and water hookups. The campground provides sanitary dump stations and trash collection, uncommon at most primitive sites in the region.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly during peak season. For Washburn Island, "Camped there May 20-25 2018 and there were only 1-2 other sites being used," indicating better availability in shoulder seasons.
Limited facilities: Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and most primitive sites lack running water, flush toilets, and showers. While electric hookups exist at some sites, drinking water is scarce and campers should plan to bring their own supply.
Group camping structure: Many sites accommodate larger groups rather than individual tent pads. At Buck Hill Campground, "All the sites are in large clusters, each can accommodate 10+ tents," which affects privacy levels for solo campers or smaller parties.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate May through September. The Washburn Island reservation page notes they operate "mid May to Columbus Day," typical of the regional camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Ginny B Camp Grounds provides drinking water, showers, and toilets, making it more suitable for families with young children. The campground allows fires and provides firewood on site.
Beach access: Buck Hill Campground offers swimming options for families. A camper notes, "There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything," indicating supervision responsibility falls to parents.
Covered facilities: Some group sites include sheltered areas beneficial during inclement weather. Buck Hill features "clusters with a covered patio area with electricity," providing weather protection for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Frosty Hollow Camping Area offers electric hookups with both 30-amp and 50-amp service, though drinking water is not available. The campground permits fires and allows pets but lacks shower facilities.
Seasonal openings: Most RV-accessible campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Frontier Family Camper Park operates "May 1 to September 30," representing the standard camping season for the area's established campgrounds.
Tent-focused facilities: Most campgrounds near Saunderstown primarily accommodate tent camping with limited RV infrastructure. Electric hookups exist at select sites but amenities like dump stations are rare.
