Tent camping near Smithfield, Rhode Island offers several secluded camping locations within 30-40 miles of the town center. The area sits at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level, creating rolling terrain through mixed hardwood forests. During summer, average temperatures range from 65-85°F, with spring and fall camping seasons typically seeing cooler nights in the 40-55°F range.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: The Backpack Camping Area in Arcadia Management Area provides primitive sites close to several waterways. Paddlers can access the Wood River and Flat River Reservoir for day trips while using the campground as a basecamp.
Hiking trail systems: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers unique island-based camping with extensive trail networks. "Exploring the island was awesome. We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house... Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," notes camper Jess G.
Wildlife viewing: The Arcadia Management Area contains over 14,000 acres of protected habitat. Dawn and dusk provide opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Spring camping yields the best wildlife sightings before summer foliage becomes too dense.
Seasonal swimming: Camp Nihan Education Center offers proximity to supervised swimming areas. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," according to Michael V.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Buck Hill Campground provides genuine forest seclusion. Camper Greg R. describes it as "a great rural no frills campground" where visitors can "just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc."
Water access options: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at several campgrounds. At Buck Hill, visitors can enjoy Wakefield Pond with "clean and fine for swimming" water that has "a few areas that make for easy entry."
Multi-island exploration: From Peddocks Island in Boston Harbor, campers value the ability to visit multiple locations. "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," shares Martha H.
Uncrowded camping experience: Most Smithfield-area campgrounds maintain relatively low visitor numbers even on summer weekends. The Arcadia Management Area camping sites typically operate at less than 60% capacity on most weekends outside of peak holiday periods.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Frosty Hollow Camping Area requires advance reservations through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Many other area campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis with no reservation options.
Potable water limitations: Most tent sites near Smithfield require campers to bring their own drinking water. LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area, like many Arcadia campgrounds, provides no potable water sources on-site.
Transport logistics: Island camping requires additional planning. For Boston Harbor Islands, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle... We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds feature basic or no restroom facilities. Several tent campsites in the Arcadia Management Area contain pit toilets only, with no shower facilities available.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: Water's Edge Campground offers amenities suitable for first-time campers, including electric hookups, picnic tables, and proper toilet facilities within easy walking distance of tent sites.
Educational opportunities: Boston Harbor Islands provides excellent learning experiences for children. "On Peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station... This is a great adventure for kids," notes Martha H.
Close-to-civilization options: Camp Nihan offers a balance of woodland experience with nearby amenities. Michael V. describes it as the "Perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" and notes "the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods" while still being "less than 30 minutes from Boston."
Plan for insects: Spring and summer camping in Rhode Island's woodland areas requires insect preparation. Ticks are common from April through October, requiring regular checks after hiking activities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campgrounds near Smithfield cannot accommodate RVs due to narrow access roads and limited parking areas. Buck Hill and the Arcadia Management Area campgrounds have vehicle size restrictions prohibiting large RVs.
Amenity trade-offs: For RV camping options near Smithfield, many sites offer basic utility connections but limited recreation amenities. Several RVers recommend using RVs at more developed campgrounds and tent camping at primitive sites.
Access road considerations: Some tent campgrounds near Smithfield feature unpaved access roads that become challenging after heavy rainfall. Several Arcadia Management Area camping locations require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.
