Best Campgrounds near Warwick, RI

Camping near Warwick, Rhode Island offers year-round options, with waterfront parks and wooded retreats within 20-30 miles of the city. The region typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures in the 80s and mild winters, though seasonal campgrounds generally close from November through March. Most sites in the area require leveling equipment due to the region's rolling terrain.

What to do

Fishing and hiking trails: At Melville Ponds Campground, campers can fish in the on-site pond and explore nearby woodland paths. "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," notes Ilana F.

Water activities: During summer months, Wawaloam Campground offers swimming, water slides and splash pads for families. "Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice," according to Cynthia K., who visited during an East Coast trip.

Beach access: Enjoy ocean swimming within a short drive from most campgrounds. At Fort Getty Campground, Steve T. mentions, "The private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms."

What campers like

Large private sites: Many campers appreciate the spaciousness of sites at Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground. A visitor notes, "Nice level site. Big pull through. Fireplace and picnic table are in good shape. Electric and water work. Bathrooms are spotless."

Kid-friendly amenities: Families enjoy campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Wawaloam Campground, Greg S. shares, "Large sites, great stone fire rings, full hookups, huge pool, waterslides, splash pad, playground, great camp store... this place brings a lot to the table for a very fair price of 60 bucks."

Convenience to attractions: The location makes day trips easy. "This is a great little campground that's easy to access. It's 20 minutes from downtown Newport and about 45 minutes to downtown Providence," notes Michelle C. about Melville Ponds Campground.

What you should know

Tent restrictions: Some campgrounds limit tent camping. At Wawaloam Campground, David V. points out, "This is a well kept RV Park with large sites. The do not allow tents at all so it should be called an RV Park. The charge extra for pets per day."

Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. Nick P. notes about Melville Ponds Campground, "They also had a slight downhill slope so it required some extra blocks to level out."

Reservation requirements: Burlingame State Park Campground is extremely popular, with over 700 sites that fill quickly. "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can. Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes," advises Jessica A.

Tips for camping with families

Off-season visits: For quieter family camping, avoid holiday weekends. Jessica A. recommends about Burlingame State Park, "Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed."

Check amenities beforehand: Shower facilities vary widely. Jessica A. notes, "Bath houses are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross."

Dog-friendly options: George Washington State Campground welcomes pets and offers additional recreation. Nick S. says, "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park."

Tips from RVers

Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. About Holiday Acres Campground, Michael K. warns, "The sewer on my site overflowed after only ~15-20 gallons of dumping."

Power protection: Bring a surge protector to safeguard your equipment. Bruce Y. cautions about Holiday Acres Campground, "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!!"

Site selection for size: Normandy Farms Campground offers varied site options. According to Nancy W., "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car."