Best Tent Camping near Smithfield, RI
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Smithfield? Finding a place to camp in Rhode Island with your tent has never been easier. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Smithfield, Rhode Island (9)
2. Burlingame State Park Campground
10 Reviews•39 Photos•72 SavesCharlestown, Rhode IslandLocated next to Watchaug Pond in Charlestown, this spacious campground includes approximately 700 campsites, as well as 20 cabins. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. The campground features conveniently located restrooms with shower facilities, a playground, arcade, freshwater beach, boat ramp, canoe rentals and hiking trails. The camp store carries a wide variety of camping necessities, along with a large selection of souvenirs. The campground abuts the Burlingame Management Area and Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary and is located near numerous ocean beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach, Charlestown Breachway and East Matunuck State Beach.
6 New Cabin Sites will be available summer of 2022. Septic Dump Station Passes are available for a fee to non-registered campers to utilize both the dump and water filling stations. Main Camp is restricted to tent camping only.Address: 1 Burlingame State Park Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$18 - $75 / night
3. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
8 Reviews•67 Photos•92 SavesHull, MassachusettsBoston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.
Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.
Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat.
Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.
2023 camping reservations open on Wednesday, April 19!
Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.
Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat. Island Campgrounds
Peddocks Island tent campsites can accommodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and their dependent children. Group sites are also available and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Yurt campgrounds are also available on Peddocks Island. Yurts accommodate up to 6 people and feature bunk beds and electricity.
All campsites feature composting toilets and picnic tables. Running water and flush toilets are available at the Visitor Center near the ferry dock. Grills and shade shelters are available within close walking distance of most sites.
Resident staff live on the Island during the visiting season and provide Island supervision, emergency communication, park and campground management
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Yurts
- Glamping
$8 - $70 / night
4. East Beach State Beach
2 Reviews•4 Photos•74 SavesCharlestown, Rhode IslandSpecialty camping on three (3) miles of undeveloped beach frontage is available at East Beach State Campground, located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. This barrier beach and 10 site campground location offers four Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets for restrooms along with 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. A small portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. Special Camping/Vehicle Equipment requirements are required for camping at this location.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
$55 - $65 / night
5. Ginny B Camp Grounds
Be the first to review!•2 SavesFoster Center, Rhode IslandSwimming Small fry fishing 2 Recreation halls Fireplace & picnic table on each site State tested water Camp store Ice & wood available 8 Modern restrooms with free hot showers Coin operated laundry Pets on leashes are welcome Horseshoe courts Volleyball court Basketball court 2 Softball diamonds Lending library 200 sites with water & electricity Sewer sites available Playground 2 Dumping stations Adjacent to public golf course
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- WiFi
$46 - $50 / night
6. Camp Nihan Education Center
2 Reviews•9 Photos•52 SavesSaugus, MassachusettsCamp Nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. There's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. Explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
7. East Beach State Campground
1 Review•5 SavesCharlestown, Rhode IslandSpecialty camping on three (3) miles of undeveloped beach frontage is available at East Beach State Campground, located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. This barrier beach and 10 site campground location offers four Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets for restrooms along with 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. A small portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. Special Camping/Vehicle Equipment requirements are required for camping at this location.
All camping units MUST BE self-contained AND equipped with 4-wheel drive. A self-contained unit is defined as “A camping unit which contains permanent holding tanks for potable water, grey water and black water. Bathroom equipment must be permanently affixed to the unit.” Tow trailers or Fifth Wheels are not allowed. All campers MUST obtain a Barrier Beach Permit prior to their stay. Beach Vehicle Permits/Trail passes can be purchased from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) A beach parking fee will also be required for any vehicle using the East Beach Sand Trail during the summer beach season unless registered for a campsite. Closure of part or all of East Beach Campground may occur during the camping season due to the nesting of a tiny shorebird called the Piping Plover. The Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. If a closure should occur, reservations will be cancelled and refunded in full. Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass Fee Must show proof of active and valid reservation. Tent camping is not allowed. Pets are not allowed. Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass FeeAddress: East Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
- Trash
$28 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Smithfield, RI
679 Reviews of 9 Smithfield Campgrounds
- DDOROTHY R.
Scout
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Spring Camping
The best!! Our site was perfect for tent camping and pets!
Michael C.
Guide
West Thompson Lake Campground
West Thompson Lake Campground
We'll run and very clean. Nice wooded tent sites with activities and fishing.
- S
Scott I.Guide
George Washington State Campground
A wonderful escape
This is my second time here with my Airstream. Clean and well kept campground. I’d easily tent camping here. A lake and great trails to hike.
- Myra B.
Traveler
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Very nice!
I haven’t been tent camping in years but this past weekend I stayed while attending the Levitate festival. I was very comfortable, the bathhouses were clean. Can’t wait to go back!
- Kimbo K.Traveler
Newport RV Park
Great staff
Wonderful staff clean tent site are amazing great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog
- Tom R.Scout
Burlingame State Park Campground
Nice state run campground
Book early before memorial day, sites fill up quick and around 4th of July. I went here for years with friends and family. Great sites. Flat level. Some of the best tent camping in the state.
- KKayla B.Traveler
Wilderness Lake Park
Best. Campground. In CT.
Man I love his place. Quiet rv and tent site park. Portopotties scattered about and showers and such near the entrance. Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed... Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available. I always get site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain. To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in. they'll also bring firewood to your site.the kid that works there is really nice but I always forget his name!
- CChris P.Scout
Ellis-Haven Family Campground
Convinient to Plymouth and cape cod
Overall, a well maintained campground with clean bathrooms and clean clear pond to swim in. Tent sites were good sized and not right on top of other people.
- TTristan L.Traveler
Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground and RV Park
Camping at the Cape
Beautiful grounds with all the amenities you’ll need. Un level grounds so specify what you need. Very tight tent sites and very very busy so not very private.
Ryan A.GuideGeorge Washington State Campground
An OK Campground but not Great
Camped out here for two nights after reading about this place in the"Best Tent Camping: New England" book. It's better than the other campgrounds in Rhode Island that I looked at (Burlingame, Fort Getty) but isn't my favorite campground. If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is$36/night. Is it worth it? Eh, probably not unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State.
It does have some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake. There are some tent-only sites which are numbered T1-T5. I stayed in T5 and it was the best of the bunch because it had the most privacy and space, including a grassy area. The other tent-only sites were fairly small and if you go to any mixed use sites you run the risk of having an RV next to you. 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. The next best group of sites would be 19-24 which are on their own small loop near the lake.
The things I didn't like were the streetlights over the port-a-potties that shine all night. There is a manned gate where you check in and you have to get let into the campground during the day, but at night the gates are wide open and it seems like some people know this because there are a few oddballs around in the early morning. There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty.
Overall the place was managed very well, the sites were cleanish and the grounds were taken care of. The employees drove by at least once an hour, I thought they were collecting trash from dumpsters but the only place with a dumpster is near the entrance. I couldn't figure out why they kept driving by so often. I had a good time, it was relaxing and scratched the camping itch.
Todd J.Traveler
Hopeville Pond State Park Campground
Great for families
Stay at least once or twice a year. Always a good time. RV and Tent sites with one cabin as well as canoe sites off the beatin' path. Public beach with another beach for campers. Store on site for firewood and ice.
- KKailie G.Traveler
Brialee Family Campground
Large Family Campground
Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn’t great so if you’re planning on working during some down time, this isn’t the place. Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families.
Will A.Scout
Mystic KOA
Great camping experience for all ages
Stayed at a great wooded tent site - quiet during the week and packed out by the weekend. Close to the bathrooms, with water spigot and electric hook up. Two small ponds with enough blue gill action to excite the kids. Worth checking out!
Brian G.Traveler
Pine Acres Family Camping Resort
Great Family Campground
Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored. Quiet time is quiet time which is great for families.
- Christina M.Traveler
Whispering Pines Campground
Whispering pines
Busy campground with a lot of RV sites on top of each other. Campsite was large and set in the back. Hike to the bathroom from tent site. Two sites right on top of each other but lots of room. Screaming children all night took away from the peacefulness.
- Larry N.Traveler
Fourth Cliff Recreation Area
Valium without the pill
This is a great place for military members. Full hook ups, houses to rent, tent sites, and lots to do. Once the season closes very quiet, lots of stores in the area close. The base it self is very clean and quiet with beach access during low tide.
Lyssa M.GuideHorseneck Beach State Reservation
Beachside RVs
This campground is primarily RVs, although we still had a nice time at our tent site. The beach is only a few hundred feet away, and the campground has basic facilities. The beach is small and quiet, and has some great shells and rocks. All in all, a quiet campground with the fundamentals.
- SSusan C.Scout
Wilderness Lake Park
RV park
$60 cash. Maybe tent sites less but not given the option. Not good value. (State parks in CT and MA requiring 24 hr advance rez.)Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area. A little swampy lake. Mostly permanent summer residents parked with big rigs and plastic decor. But, almost nobody around mid week August. As prev reviews, woodsy, moderately secluded up in tent area. Visited in the time of COVID. WEAR A MASK!
Robert L.TravelerWilderness Lake Park
How did I not know about this place?
Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground.
While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites.
The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70).
- aaliyyah A.Traveler
Normandy Farms Campground
Very Enjoyable 1 night stay
We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.
We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.
We will return.
- KKerrie C.Scout
Old Holbrook Place - Closed Til Spring 2022
For Sale
Lovely quiet campground on cove of Manchaug Lake. Great Tent sites in Hollow as well as seasonal RV and visiting RV’s,Canoe-Boat (row or troll) , beach and picnic area for day visits.
Adjacent to an outer lake Family Activity Campground/Sutton Falls
Previous Manager/Owner/Operators had a parent decease a while ago and saddened to see it up for sale
- MMatthewScout
Wells State Park Campground
Hiking Gem in Sturbridge
Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts. The hiking is some of the best I have seen from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked. These trails vary greatly in terms of difficulty, a few of the trails are doable in less than 15 minutes if you maintain a quick pace. The harder trails, including the one going up to Carpenter's Rocks are more strenuous and feature a good amount of elevation gain, rocky terrain, and very worthwhile views for the trouble.
Not usually too busy on the trails, though expect hordes of people at the parking lot especially during the warmer months. Firewood is easily available, if a bit pricey, and the tent sites are generously sized with plenty of room for multiple shelters. Have spotted beavers deep into some of the water-adjacent trails, as well as many species of birds.
Definitely give this one a try if you're in the area. Rental fees for the tent sites are very reasonable, and it's worthwhile to come for the trails and views alone.
Michelle C.GuideNewport RV Park
Quiet, small, bigger sites, no amenities
This is a cute little campground that’s easy to access. It’s 20 minutes from downtown Newport and about 45 minutes to downtown Providence.
It’s well shaded, has a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room. My biggest complaint is the dryers are terrible. I had to dry my clothes 3 times ( that’s 3 hours). Nobody has time for that. Also if you’re tent camping, the bathrooms are very inconvenient.
Finally, our site was not angled and that made it tougher to get in to it.
- Megan F.Traveler
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Small Issues
I would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.
- JJohn C.Traveler
Thousand Trails Sturbridge
Campsite
I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site. It had a great new fire ring and the campsite was very clean/cleared. Running showers and flushable bathroom was very close. I dinged a star from this review because I have seen campgrounds with cleaner bathrooms
- Jordyn T.Traveler
Normandy Farms Campground
Busy but worth it
Mostly geared toward families, especially with kids. Most of the campground is RV sites. There a a handful of tent sites in the back (no hookups). Bathrooms and showers are very clean, general store and pools are nice and convenient. It’s a perfect distance away from Gillette (a couple miles) if you’re looking for an alternative to staying in a pricey hotel. Definitely not a place I would go to “get away from it all.” You can hear the highway from the sites.
Jacob D.Guide
Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
Somewhere to stay, not the best
$18/night if you live here, but $36 if from out of state. Large tent campground with lots of spaces, so everyone is in pretty close together. My main concern is there are showers in the bathrooms you can pay for, but ones outside that are free, but cold water and no curtain, so you literally have no privacy.
Guide to Smithfield
Tent camping near Smithfield, Rhode Island offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or something with a few more comforts, there are options to suit your needs.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Buck Hill Campground, you'll find large clusters of sites that can accommodate multiple tents, perfect for group camping.
- East Beach State Beach provides essential amenities like picnic tables and showers, making it a convenient choice for families.
- For a more secluded experience, Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers rustic camping with yurts and tent sites, along with drinking water and toilets.
Tips for tent camping near Smithfield
- Bring your own water and supplies when visiting Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, as the camping is rustic and requires some planning.
- If you're heading to East Beach State Campground, remember that a self-contained vehicle is required, so pack out everything you bring in.
- For a peaceful retreat, consider Buck Hill Campground, where you can unwind in a heavily wooded area with minimal amenities.
Tent campers should check out East Beach
- East Beach State Beach is known for its beautiful shoreline and essential amenities, making it a great spot for a relaxing camping experience.
- Enjoy the scenic views and the chance to build a campfire at East Beach State Beach, perfect for evening gatherings.
- With its peaceful atmosphere, East Beach State Beach is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Smithfield, RI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Smithfield, RI is Buck Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Smithfield, RI?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Smithfield, RI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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