Camping options near Smithfield, Rhode Island sit primarily in a humid continental climate zone, with warm summers averaging 80°F and winters typically dropping below freezing. The region features relatively flat terrain with several small bodies of water suitable for recreation. Most campgrounds in the greater Smithfield area remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability at select RV parks Smithfield, Rhode Island visitors can access year-round.
What to do
Hiking at Douglas State Forest: Access trails directly from Douglas Forest RV Resort, located 25 minutes from Smithfield. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," notes camper Tye G.
Beach access: Drive approximately 40 minutes to coastal spots from Smithfield area camping facilities. "We launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water," shares Nancy W. about activities near Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer pond fishing without needing a special license. "We fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires. We could of lived off of the land if so inclined," reports John H. about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate parks offering room between neighbors. "Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves," warns Mara S. about navigating at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.
Dog-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated facilities. "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," shares Ilana F. about Newport RV Park.
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high among camper priorities. "The bathrooms and shower house are located in the middle of the park and were very clean," notes Nancy W. at Newport RV Park, adding "there is a small camp store, large playground, basketball court, and open air covered pavilion with picnic tables."
What you should know
Site conditions vary dramatically: Most campgrounds feature a mix of level and sloped sites with various surfaces. "We chose a site in the open because the winds were projected to be 40-50 mph while we were there and we did not want falling branches on the coach," explains a reviewer about Newport RV Park.
Military-only options exist: Carr Point Recreation Facility offers limited sites for military personnel. "There are only 6 spots, so it's guaranteed to be a pretty peaceful, quiet place. Nice water views and close to a walkable beach," reports Laura R., noting "given that its military only, you cant beat the price."
Cell service challenges: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon. They have Wifi at the park which I haven't tried. I believe - although- I'm not sure that you have to pay for it," reports Mara S. about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.
Tips for camping with families
Look for pool and recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. "My kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play," notes Happy Camper L. about Ashaway RV Resort.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly parks enforce quiet hours and rules. "This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach," reports Arno W. about Meadowlark RV Park, indicating location sometimes outweighs other considerations when traveling with children.
Playground quality matters: Facilities vary between parks, with some needing updates. "The playground was a hit for our kids!" shares alissa T. about Thousand Trails Sturbridge, providing a straightforward assessment of this important family amenity.
Tips from RVers
Advance planning for big rigs: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," notes April L. about Aces High RV Park, adding "some seasonal sites but all were tasteful and not trashy looking."
Watch for utility variations: Hookup quality differs between parks. "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)," reports Matt S. about Aces High RV Park.
Check dump station availability: Not all parks offer on-site disposal. "No sewer hookups or showers. The closest sewer dump is not far, but they charge you $10," warns Laura R. about Carr Point Recreation Facility, highlighting an important consideration for RVers planning longer stays.
