RV camping near Slocum, Rhode Island offers convenient access to coastal attractions with sites typically 5-10 miles from beaches and historic sites. The region features mostly level terrain with elevations under 100 feet, making for easy campsite access. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide milder conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Beach access from campgrounds: Melville Ponds Campground is situated just 20 minutes from Newport beaches, with one camper noting, "We were there for the beaches and mansions. Will stay again." The location makes it ideal for day trips to multiple coastal areas.
Off-leash dog areas: Multiple campgrounds feature pet-friendly amenities with dedicated spaces. One camper at Melville Ponds shared, "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."
Water recreation: Several waterfront campgrounds provide fishing opportunities. At Aces High RV Park, campers appreciate "ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting" with "a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!"
Historical exploration: The Mystic Seaport area is accessible from multiple campgrounds. One visitor mentioned, "You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," making it easy to explore maritime history within a short drive from camp.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Countryside RV Park receives praise for its "beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites. Close to I-395," making it convenient for travelers needing easy highway access while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain high cleanliness standards. One Melville Ponds camper mentioned, "Clean facilities with music piped in. Love this place to pieces," highlighting the attention to detail at shower facilities.
Level camping pads: Most campgrounds provide prepared sites. A visitor to Aces High RV Park appreciated that "sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," ensuring stability for recreational vehicles.
Natural settings: Despite being close to attractions, many campgrounds maintain wooded environments. One camper noted, "Heavily treed and shaded campground," providing relief from summer heat while still offering "easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston."
What you should know
Advance reservations critical: During peak summer months, especially near coastal attractions, campgrounds fill quickly. This is particularly true for holiday weekends and summer festivals.
Site leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have slight terrain variations. A camper at Melville Ponds Campground noted, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Bathroom availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full bathroom facilities. At Meadowlark RV Park, a camper pointed out "No amenities such as shower or toilets," advising travelers to be self-contained.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. One visitor noted, "This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach," highlighting the location advantage despite limited facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. A camper at Melville Ponds Campground mentioned, "It has a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room," providing essential amenities for family stays.
Swimming options: Pools are available at select locations. A visitor to Aces High observed, "It has a clean playground and well maintained pool as well as some walking paths, large grassy areas, pavilion and volleyball court."
Fishing opportunities: Family-friendly fishing spots exist at multiple campgrounds. One camper simply stated, "We fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires," indicating diverse recreational options available directly from campsites.
Nearby attractions: The region offers family-friendly activities within short drives. One visitor mentioned, "Nearby (5min drive) is also a fun looking place for mini golf," providing additional entertainment options during campground stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer varying site types. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, a camper advised, "Our site was a nice long, level pull-thru. Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel," highlighting the importance of choosing appropriate sites for your rig.
Seasonal site differences: Campgrounds may have distinct sections for seasonal versus short-term campers. One visitor observed, "It's a huge park with mostly seasonal/annual campers. Section A is right near the entrance and this is where most of the transient sites are."
Utility considerations: The reliability of hookups varies between campgrounds. A camper at Countryside RV Park noted, "Water, electric & sewer sites. Very quite, rules are in-forced," suggesting consistent maintenance of utilities and campground rules.
Connectivity issues: Cell and internet service can be problematic in some locations. One camper reported, "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon. They have Wifi at the park which I haven't tried," advising travelers to prepare for potential connectivity limitations.
