Warwick is positioned along Narragansett Bay's western shore, making it a strategic base for Rhode Island camping. The region experiences moderate temperatures, with summer averages of 80°F during peak camping season and coastal humidity that can intensify heat. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Warwick operate from April through October, with state parks typically closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Wawaloam Campground offers a well-maintained fishing pond where campers can spend peaceful hours. As one guest mentioned, "Wonderful staff, clean tent site are amazing, great place to camp and fish and hike, great place to take a dog."
Hiking trails: George Washington State Campground features multiple woodland trails bordering Bowdish Lake approximately 30 minutes from Warwick. A visitor noted: "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."
Beach access: At Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground, campers stay about a mile from Narragansett's beach area. A reviewer shared: "About a little over a mile walk to Narragansett, an adorable beach community with lots of shops and places to eat as well as close to the ferry to Block Island."
Water recreation: Burlingame State Park Campground offers pond swimming and water activities for families. According to a camper: "Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly. Bring quarters for the showers."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wawaloam Campground maintains well-kept amenities that visitors consistently mention. As one reviewer stated: "Staff is very friendly and professional. Camp ground is quiet. Lots of activities for the kids. Large water park on the grounds with two swimming pools, a slash pad and large water slide. Well stocked store."
Spacious sites: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Warwick offer generous camping spaces. At Wawaloam, a camper noted: "Lots of stuff to do for kids…tons. Pools close at 8pm so that's a bummer and wood is super expensive but overall a nice campground with lots of very big sites. The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away."
Local attractions: The campgrounds provide convenient access to Rhode Island highlights. About Melville Ponds (Newport RV Park), a visitor commented: "We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing."
Natural setting: Despite proximity to urban areas, campgrounds maintain wooded environments. At Burlingame State Park, campers appreciate that it's "in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car. Hiking and biking for miles."
What you should know
Non-resident fees: Many Rhode Island state parks charge substantially higher rates for out-of-state visitors. A camper at Fort Getty Campground noted the price difference: "I read the reviews and was excited to be in a state park near the water for such a reasonable price. Imagine my surprise when we found out that a water/electric site for an out of state camper was $45 per night!"
Seasonal differences: Most facilities operate only during warmer months. Burlingame State Park campers recommend: "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."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels, especially on weekends. A Fort Getty visitor warned: "Loud music, bright lights until 3am. Zero enforcement of 10pm curfew in sites 16 and above. Complaints to guard only got softer music. Their lights lit up our tent."
Site variations: Campgrounds often have distinct camping areas with different amenities. At Fishermens Memorial, "There are four areas, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Area One has the best views and full hookups but there is no bathhouse; Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough (about 30 minutes from Warwick) offers extensive aquatic amenities. A camper shared: "Four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room (with elliptical, treadmills, bikes, machine and free weights), creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building."
Playground facilities: Wawaloam Campground features kid-friendly spaces. One visitor mentioned: "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."
Safety considerations: For families concerned about security, some campgrounds offer enhanced measures. At Holiday Acres Campground, "All entrances are gated with key codes and there was a security guard on staff part of the time."
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, consider facilities location. At Massasoit State Park, "The comfort stations (indoor bathroom and shower and outdoor sink area) were clean and well maintained and close to all the sites."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Newport RV Park (Melville Ponds) offers various connection types. A reviewer explained: "The park has over 100 sites and spread out over many acres. Roads are gravel and easy enough any size RV to navigate. Some sites are set beneath large trees in an attractive wooded setting while others are in an open grassy area with pads being both gravel and grass."
Leveling requirements: Pay attention to site terrain when booking. At Fishermens Memorial, "Area Two also has full hookups, no view and some of the sites (55-65) are decidedly not level."
Power protection: Always use surge protection when connecting to campground electrical systems. A Holiday Acres camper warned: "Be very careful when you hook into their power, make sure you have a surge protector!!! We learned the hard way after staying Memorial day weekend."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. At Holiday Acres, "The entrance/office setup is confusing. If you come in from the West you'll see an entrance, if you pull in you'll then be able to see signs that tell you to go another 1/4 mile to the office to check in. This area doesn't have enough room to make a u-turn unless your rig is pretty small."
