Camping options near Lincoln, Rhode Island span from rustic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks within a 30-mile radius. This area of New England experiences seasonal variation with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Many campgrounds follow a mid-April to October season, though several remain open year-round with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Massasoit State Park Campground has excellent terrain for outdoor activities. "Great spot for running, walking, hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring! Beautiful, silent, and shows the power nature has," notes Katie D. The park recently reopened with significant renovations.
Water activities: Melville Ponds Campground offers fishing opportunities just steps from your site. "Great place to camp and fish and hike great place to take a dog," according to Kimbo K. The nearby pond provides a serene spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. A visitor at George Washington State Campground reported, "We enjoyed swimming and fishing. The beach area for children was nice. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe."
Sightseeing trips: Many Lincoln area campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for regional exploration. "We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth plantation spending no more than 1hr and 20 min at the most in the car," shares Donya B. from Circle Campground Farm.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor. At Bowdish Lake Camping Area, "The site was very secluded and very large which was awesome! Kids had a blast!" notes Stanley K. Sites in the Blue section receive particular praise for their seclusion.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," says Nick P. about his stay at George Washington State Campground.
Family amenities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA stands out for its abundant children's activities. Amy G. observed, "My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts." This campground serves families seeking structured recreation.
Waterfront access: Multiple campsites near Lincoln provide water access for various activities. Taylor B. enjoyed Bowdish Lake's location: "This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet. It appears that most of the sites are very private."
What you should know
Seasonal pricing: Non-residents typically pay significantly more at Rhode Island state parks. Michelle H. notes about George Washington State Campground: "No hook-ups yet it cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Holiday Acres Campground operates with a gated entry system. Michael K. explains, "All entrances are gated with key codes and there was a security guard on staff part of the time."
Site variations: Level sites can be scarce at some locations. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, Johnny W. found, "At first there was a little confusion at the office of where I was supposed to be. The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I wasn't too keen on staying literally on the pond."
Utility considerations: Electrical service varies widely between campgrounds. Bruce Y. warns about Holiday Acres: "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!" Always inspect connections before setting up camp.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Circle Campground Farm offers diverse recreation for children. "Nice little fishing pond on site, nice clean bathhouses and pool," notes Chris S. Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas during shoulder seasons when swimming isn't available.
Site selection: Families should research site location relative to bathrooms and amenities. Sean R. explains about Circle Campground, "Site size was adequate. I'm guessing these sites will be considered 'close' to 'moderately close' by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine."
Noise considerations: Campground atmospheres vary dramatically. Canoe River Campground has mixed reviews regarding sound levels. One camper observed, "This campground is fairly basic and on the older side with the playground and pool. We still had a great time."
Bathroom proximity: For families with small children, bathroom access matters. Ryan A. notes about George Washington, "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."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Lincoln area require leveling blocks. Brad B. reports about Melville Ponds Campground: "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Hookup quality: Full-service sites vary in utility reliability. Rick C. from Canoe River Campground reports, "We stayed a week. No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try. The campground is a little tight with a big rig (40' motorhome pulling a vehicle on a dolly)."
Maneuvering space: Roads at many campgrounds can present challenges for larger rigs. Sean R. observes, "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process. If those sites were occupied, that would have been real interesting."
Site size considerations: Upgrade site selection for more space with larger units. Janet P. advised about Boston/Cape Cod KOA: "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
