The Smithfield, Rhode Island region sits within the Blackstone River watershed and features numerous small lakes and ponds at approximately 400 feet elevation. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October with overnight summer temperatures averaging 60-65°F. Campsites within 30 miles of Smithfield range from basic tent areas to full-service RV parks with varying degrees of seclusion and natural surroundings.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: West Thompson Lake Campground offers catch-and-release fishing in both the lake and adjoining river. "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," notes one visitor to this Connecticut campground located about 25 miles from Smithfield.
Hiking trails: George Washington State Campground maintains several miles of hiking paths around its lake. A camper reports, "There are a few hiking trails around the lake and they're easy to navigate. They're great for wildlife viewing and provide a pleasant way to explore the park's natural areas."
Swimming options: Water activities vary by location, with some campgrounds limiting swimming. At Sutton Falls Camping Area, "There is a pretty, man-made lake with a beach area for swimming and paddling," though another visitor noted, "There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty."
Disc golf course: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities beyond swimming and hiking. "Hiking trails galore, disc golf, and swimming nearby" are available at West Thompson Lake according to one reviewer who appreciated the variety of activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: West Thompson Lake Campground receives high marks for site layout. "Large campsites, nice basketball court, decent bathrooms for a state campground," writes one camper who gave the facility five stars. Another visitor appreciated the "very small and quiet" atmosphere.
Clean facilities: Site maintenance varies widely among campgrounds in the area. At George Washington State Campground, a camper noted, "Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6 mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."
Pond and lake views: Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites with direct water access. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond," wrote a visitor to Sutton Falls Camping Area, located about 30 miles from Smithfield.
Quiet atmosphere: Less developed campgrounds near Smithfield tend to offer more peaceful settings. One camper at George Washington State Campground reported, "My family and I come here twice a season. It's quiet, calm, and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park."
What you should know
Price variations for non-residents: Several state parks charge higher rates for out-of-state visitors. At George Washington State Campground, a camper reported, "If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is $36/night... probably not worth it unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State."
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be challenging in some areas. At Sutton Falls, a camper noted, "Only problem was the cell signal. Without our antenna we had only 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. West Thompson Lake Campground typically runs from mid-May through early September, while others like Circle Campground Farm remain open from April through October.
Site leveling issues: Some campgrounds require additional work to set up comfortably. One camper at Sutton Falls mentioned, "The site we stayed at (47) took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water."
Tips for camping with families
Basketball and playgrounds: Holiday Acres Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "It has a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe," noted one visitor who appreciated the water access options.
Swimming beaches: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Stateline Campresort, a visitor mentioned, "Clean, wooded and open sites, some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. At Normandy Farms, a camper reported, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
Site selection for groups: Some campgrounds offer areas where multiple families can camp together. One visitor to Holiday Acres noted, "The sites were a little too close together. It was very loud," suggesting families seek more secluded areas if noise is a concern.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Circle Campground Farm offers reliable hookups for RVs. "No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try," reported one RVer who stayed for a week.
Big rig accessibility: Campgrounds vary significantly in their ability to accommodate larger vehicles. At Normandy Farms, an RVer stated, "Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big-rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car."
Dump station quality: Facilities for waste disposal differ between locations. One RVer at Echo Lake Campground reported, "The dump station was so unlevel that we had to stop on the turnpike to dump our tanks properly."
Site surface types: RV sites around Smithfield feature various surfaces. At Normandy Farms Campground, a visitor noted, "Both back-in and pull-thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun. Premium sites have paved patios while other sites are gravel. Roads are paved and plenty wide enough for big RVs to navigate."
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