George Washington State Campground and Bowdish Lake Camping Area offer seasonal camping options with tent, RV, and cabin sites near Smithfield, Rhode Island. Both parks sit within the forested Glocester region at elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level. The campgrounds experience typical New England weather patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season, which runs from mid-April through mid-October depending on the location.
What to do
Hiking on marked trails: George Washington State Campground features multiple trail options through wooded areas. One visitor noted, "Has great hiking trails going around some lakes" and another shared it's "quiet and secluded."
Water activities beyond swimming: West Thompson Lake Campground offers fishing and boating opportunities on a 200-acre lake. A camper mentioned, "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."
Visit nearby attractions: Within a 30-minute drive of Smithfield, visitors can access numerous historical sites and outdoor recreation areas. According to one reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground, "You are just five miles from Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots) and Patriot Place (a hub for shopping and dining)."
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Bowdish Lake Camping Area offers private sites for those seeking a more isolated camping experience. A camper shared, "We're at site Red 24 and it's very secluded and flat. This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet."
Clean facilities: Some campgrounds near Smithfield maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At George Washington State Campground, a visitor commented, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Affordable rates: State parks typically offer lower rates compared to private campgrounds. At Burlingame State Park Campground, a reviewer noted it's "Very affordable (around $14 per night)" though prices vary depending on residency status.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campgrounds vary widely in site quality and privacy. At George Washington State Campground, one camper advised, "The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "Went camping in August 22', couldn't have fire due to drought but otherwise a pleasant experience."
Additional fees: Many campgrounds charge extra for out-of-state visitors. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground noted, "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. A visitor at Sutton Falls Camping Area shared, "Had a great time, kids had a blast with the boat rentals and fishing."
Consider noise levels: Family campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. At Burlingame State Park, a camper observed, "This is a great family campground. Lots to do and it is massive! You can bike for ever and go to the lake!"
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs or nearby educational sites. One visitor recommended, "About a mile from the campground is Foxboro State Park where you will find 20+ miles of hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling for RVs. At Wells State Park, a camper noted, "The site (or what we could see of it) seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway."
Limited hookups: Most state parks offer minimal services. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground explained, "Only one bathhouse so port-a-potties along the road. Another thing we found was that the park staff here and elsewhere in RI were very lacking in knowledge about basically anything."
Access considerations: Some roads and bridges may limit larger rigs. At Sutton Falls, an RVer shared, "There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues."
