Tent camping near Shannock, Rhode Island requires advance planning as many sites fill quickly during summer months. This coastal New England region experiences humid summers with average July temperatures of 76°F and moderately cold winters dropping to 28°F in January. The southern Rhode Island camping season typically runs from April through October, with most primitive sites closing during winter months due to weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Buck Hill Campground provides access to Wakefield Pond, suitable for fishing and small watercraft. According to a camper, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc. The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities."
Water recreation: Connecticut River access makes Chapman Pond Preserve a destination for paddlers seeking tent sites with river views. A reviewer notes, "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site." The preserve offers walk-in tent platforms approximately 10-15 minutes from parking areas.
Castle exploration: For day trips from your campsite, Gillette Castle State Park provides historical tours and hiking trails. As one camper shares, "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times." The castle grounds include 3 miles of marked trails through wooded terrain.
What campers like
Island solitude: Selden Neck State Park Campground offers boat-access only camping on an undeveloped Connecticut River island. One camper describes the experience: "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car."
Riverside views: Waterfront camping appeals to those seeking scenery and water access. At Gillette Castle State Park Campground, a camper reports, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset. There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal."
Natural settings: The best tent camping near Shannock focuses on undeveloped environments rather than amenities. Buck Hill Campground exemplifies this approach, as a reviewer notes: "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc don't expect much else."
What you should know
Site capacity: Many campgrounds near Shannock feature group-oriented sites rather than private individual spots. At Buck Hill Campground, a camper notes, "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)."
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent camping options provide minimal services. According to one Buck Hill visitor, "There are a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties. There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything."
Water transportation: When planning boat-in camping at Selden Neck, prepare for water conditions. A camper advises, "It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island. If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Buck Hill Campground offers simple swimming options for children. A visitor explains, "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')."
Multiple tents: Group sites accommodate family gatherings with space for several tents. One reviewer mentioned Buck Hill's capacity: "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)."
Water activities: Water-based recreation keeps children engaged at riverside campgrounds. At Gillette Castle State Park Campground, a camper shares, "You can swim and fish and relax all day!"
Tips from RVers
Seasonal restrictions: Water's Edge Campground offers tent sites with bathroom facilities that RV campers appreciate having nearby. The campground provides trash disposal and shower access, unlike more primitive sites.
Boat launch access: When accessing boat-in sites like Selden Neck, timing matters for parking. A reviewer notes, "Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day." Contact Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for current permit requirements and fees.
Weather considerations: Fog and river conditions can affect departure times when camping on islands. A Selden Neck camper reports, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."
