Burlingame State Park Campground serves as the centerpiece for pet friendly camping near Shannock, Rhode Island, approximately 15 miles northwest of the park's wooded setting. Several state parks and private campgrounds throughout the region accommodate pets with varying amenity levels and site configurations. Most locations require rabies documentation upon check-in and enforce standard leash policies, with designated pet exercise areas available at select campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking with pets: Green Falls Campground in nearby Connecticut features accessible woodland trails around the pond where pets are welcome on leash. According to one visitor, "Awesome place nice pond walking distance from site great swimming and fishing spacious sites pretty private" - a perfect combination for outdoor enthusiasts with dogs.
Beach access with dogs: Fort Getty Campground offers pet-friendly beaches that provide coastal recreation options without driving to more restricted shorelines. As one camper noted, "The private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points throughout the region allow for varied fishing experiences with your pet nearby. The Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground area includes remnants of military installations worth exploring: "There are the remains of two bunkers but other than walking by them, you cannot go inside. One (in Area One) is a grassy knoll with stairs to a lookout."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Wawaloam Campground receives consistent praise for generously sized sites that accommodate pets and provide adequate separation from neighboring campers. As one reviewer mentions, "The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away" - providing ample space for pet enclosures or tie-outs.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction, particularly important for pet owners. "Staff is very friendly and professional. Camp ground is quiet. Lots of activities for the kids. Well stocked store," notes one Wawaloam visitor who appreciated the well-maintained grounds and amenities.
Wooded privacy: Whispering Pines Campground offers naturalistic settings with substantial tree cover. "There are pine trees everywhere in the park, so the owners don't cut down a lot of trees which makes it feel like a real campground and not a field of peoples RVs," reported one camper who valued the woodland ambiance.
What you should know
Varying pet fees: Additional charges for pets are common at private campgrounds in the region. At Whispering Pines, pets are welcome but monitored. One visitor noted their group enjoyed "bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade, a small field to play frisbee or ball, mini-golf... there is even a very small fenced in dog park which was nice if you want to let your dog off leash to play."
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April/May through October, with limited year-round options. Mystic KOA in North Stonington stays open all year with dedicated pet areas.
Noise considerations: State park campgrounds can become crowded during peak summer months, affecting noise levels. At Charlestown Breachway, "Generators only 8a-8p. Clam shack, marina, deli, and ice cream place nearby, but I doubt you'll want to fight the traffic on a summer day."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Family-friendly water access varies greatly between locations. At East Beach State Campground, you'll find "Mostly less developed beach area, peaceful shoreline with essential amenities." This quieter setting works well for families seeking less crowded waterfront access.
Campsite selection: Site configurations differ significantly between campgrounds. At Fishermens Memorial, "Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level."
Recreation options: Beyond beaches, several campgrounds offer dedicated recreation facilities. Wawaloam provides "Pool and slide were great - wish the slides were open the whole day. Site was huge. Having food and ice cream there was a plus."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Mystic KOA provides consistent full-hookup options year-round. "We stayed at Mystic KOA for four nights over the summer. 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."
Site leveling: Several campgrounds require attention to site selection for larger RVs. At Fishermens Memorial, "Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level."
Self-contained requirements: East Beach and Charlestown Breachway strictly require self-contained units, with one camper warning "Camping here REQUIRES a self contained vehicle, please respect the nature of this beach and pack out everything you pack in."
Legend
