Tent camping opportunities near South Kingstown, Rhode Island extend beyond established campgrounds to include riverfront sites and island camping. Locations within a 35-mile radius offer diverse experiences from basic facilities to more isolated settings with access to freshwater swimming. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, creating favorable conditions for outdoor recreation from May through October.
What to do
Water activities on Wakefield Pond: Buck Hill Campground provides direct access to this natural body of water ideal for paddling, swimming, and fishing. "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')," notes camper Greg R.
River exploration: Selden Neck State Park Campground offers Connecticut River paddling and exploration from an island location. "It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island. If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags," advises Jason S.
Castle tours and hiking: Gillette Castle State Park Campground combines camping with historic site access. "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times," mentions Todd J., making this an option for those wanting to combine tent camping with cultural activities.
What campers like
Riverside tent sites: Chapman Pond Preserve offers simple accommodations near flowing water. "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view," reports Ben L., highlighting the straightforward setup for tent campers.
Secluded overnight options: Buck Hill Campground provides a no-frills experience in a heavily wooded setting. Greg R. describes it as "a great rural no frills campground" where campers can "just come and unwind, fish, cook" without additional amenities or distractions.
Waterfront views: Multiple tent sites feature water proximity, with Selden Neck offering particularly memorable settings. "The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up," shares Jason S. about the island camping experience.
Group camping arrangements: Several locations accommodate multiple tents in shared areas. Buck Hill Campground features "sites in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)" according to Greg R., making it suitable for scout troops or family gatherings.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites in the region provide basic amenities only. Buck Hill Campground has "a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties" without additional services, according to Greg R.
Weather considerations: Fog can affect water-access sites, potentially delaying departures. At Selden Neck State Park Campground, one camper reported being "completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long."
Access requirements: Boat-in locations require proper planning and equipment. For Selden Neck, "You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car," explains Jason S.
Permit regulations: Some locations require permits during peak season. At Selden Neck, "Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day," notes a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access: Look for locations with gradual water entry for children. Buck Hill Campground features "a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts" which provides easier water access for younger campers.
Private site clusters: Gillette Castle State Park Campground offers grouped sites that families can reserve together. "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal," recommends Jackie G.
Watercraft activities: Consider bringing kayaks or canoes for family recreation. "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset," shares Jackie G.
Covered areas for weather protection: Some tent camping areas include sheltered spaces. At Buck Hill Campground, "A few of the clusters have a covered patio area with electricity," which can provide protection during unexpected rain or shade during hot days.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only locations: Many camping areas near South Kingstown don't accommodate RVs. Locations like Chapman Pond Preserve with "good tent platforms" are specifically designed for tent camping without RV access or hookups.
Water access campsites: RV campers can use tent sites as secondary accommodations when boating. At Water's Edge Campground, boat-in access complements the main camping areas, allowing for water-based day trips from an RV base camp.
Seasonal variations: Most tent camping in the region operates May through September. Frontier Family Camper Park specifically lists a season from "May 1 to September 30," requiring advance planning for shoulder season visits when fewer facilities remain open.
