Camping near Westerly, Rhode Island ranges from large state park campgrounds to private RV parks with full hookups, all within a 30-minute drive. Burlingame State Park Campground, located in nearby Charlestown, stands as one of the largest facilities in the state with over 700 sites spread across 3,100 acres of woodland. Charlestown Breachway State Park offers waterfront RV camping with direct beach access, though it functions essentially as a parking lot with minimal amenities. For those seeking more developed facilities, Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut sits just across the state line, providing full hookups, recreational amenities, and proximity to popular attractions in both states.
Camping fees vary significantly between Rhode Island residents and out-of-state visitors, with non-residents often paying double at state parks. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round options. "Rates are reasonable for state residents, but quite high if you are out-of-state, given the amenities," notes one Burlingame visitor. Site conditions can be challenging at some locations, with many campers reporting uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when beach access is at a premium. Generator restrictions are common, typically limited to daytime hours between 8am and 8pm to maintain peaceful conditions.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings despite their proximity challenges. At Charlestown Breachway, sites 58-75 offer prime waterfront positions with easy beach access. Campers frequently mention the cooling ocean breezes that reduce the need for air conditioning even during summer heat. Family-friendly amenities are abundant at private campgrounds like Whispering Pines and Wawaloam, which feature swimming pools, splash pads, and organized activities. Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds and specific sites, with many reviewers noting close quarters at peak times. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 3-4 bars of coverage, making these locations suitable for remote workers needing connectivity while enjoying coastal New England.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$18 - $50 / night
"I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."
"Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything."
"This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island."
"The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
$18 - $28 / night
"Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."
"Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."
$60 - $120 / night
"It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"
"It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."
"This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
"Seaport RV is a great, spacious campground with many amenities and a location close to Mystic."
$60 - $80 / night
"The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non operational or locked up still. Bocce ball set was pad locked, no one working the rec hall for horse shoes, shuffle board was in op."
"The kids got to enjoy a brand new splash pad which was great and a small train ride around the park. Pretty tight turns and big hills for towing your trailer through but it fits."
$50 - $75 / night
"Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."
"Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.
Walked to Fort Trumbull.
Recommend Crockers."
$50 - $75 / night
"Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area.
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$18 / night
"It is nothing more than a parking lot with no hookups and only composting toilets available, but you get access to Block Island Sound and all that it offers. Sites 58-75 are waterfront."
"We were able to secure a spot at Charlestown Breachway in Charlestown, Rhode Island during peak season, July 17-19.. Due to Covid-19, Charlestown was forced to reduce capacity to 50 percent."
"It is a quick drive to the beach, we loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches. Lots to do in the area and stores if needed."
ScoutWe spent the weekend here with our 4 kiddos ages 8,6,4, and 3. The kids had a blast. The bathrooms are spotless. They are in the process if renovating but that didnt interfere with our visit. They have a playground, pool, and yard games for the kiddos to use. Wish they had bigger grass sites. I think they will have some in the future.
LegendThis is a great oceanfront campground located behind the dunes of Buzzards Bay. We booked early since the park only has 100 sites and we wanted a 50A site (not all sites have electric so pay close attention when you book). Our campsite has a picnic table and fire pit and was paved with a sand patio. The electric was good with both legs above 120 volts. The bathhouse was clean and is situated in the middle of the campground. There is a dump station which is easily accessible. Roads are one-way but the sites are angled so backing in was easy. Water spigots scattered throughout the campground, and we were close enough to one that we could have filled our tank, if needed. There is no shade and it can be quite windy. Dogs are allowed on the beach at the campground which is a plus. The sunsets were amazing. There is a small playground for kids but the beach is the draw.
The nightly price for Massachusetts residents is a bargain at $28 but it jumps up over $70 for non-Massachusetts residents. The beach is cobblestone/sand and there is a nice paved walking path that runs parallel. The beach by the campground is very rocky but there is another day use area to the west which gets raked and they remove all the rocks, but can be very busy. There is another hiking trail (about 2 miles) that you can walk to from the campground that goes out on a spit of land where you can walk back along the sandy beach. The beach access is easy since there are mobility mats connecting the campground to the beach.
The closest grocery is approximately 10 minutes away and there are a couple of restaurants closer. We took a drive to New Bedford to see the Whaling Museum and the National Park Service site– both were worth the stop. All in all, we really liked our stay at Horseneck Reservation and would return.
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
RangerWe stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
ScoutCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
RangerWe love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
Camping options near Westerly, Rhode Island include a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a short drive of the town's coastal areas. Burlingame State Park Campground in nearby Charlestown provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with drive-in and walk-in access. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground offers RV-only sites with electric and water hookups and boat-in accessibility. Private establishments like Ashaway RV Resort accommodate both short-term visitors and seasonal campers with varying levels of amenities. The camping landscape extends into neighboring Connecticut with facilities such as Mystic KOA and Strawberry Park offering full-service campground experiences.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April or May through October, with limited year-round options available. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when beach-going traffic increases demand. "Strawberry Park is one of the better campgrounds near Mystic with nice amenities like water hookups and showers, though the sites are very close together," noted one camper. Weather conditions remain relatively mild in this coastal area, though Atlantic storms can impact camping experiences, especially in fall months. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with better coverage at commercial campgrounds than at more remote state park locations.
The Connecticut and Rhode Island coastal region draws campers seeking beach access and maritime experiences. Fishermen's Memorial State Park Campground in Narragansett provides convenient beach proximity that receives positive reviews for its location. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 95 like Mystic KOA, where a visitor noted, "Due to its proximity to I-95 you hear traffic all day and all night." Water activities represent significant attractions with several campgrounds situated near ponds, rivers or ocean access points. Families particularly appreciate the organized activities at commercial campgrounds, while those seeking quieter experiences tend to favor state park locations. The regional camping infrastructure supports diverse camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with 50-amp service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What seasonal camping options are available at Jim's Beach in Misquamicut, Westerly?
Jim's Beach in Misquamicut offers limited seasonal camping options primarily for self-contained RVs, with most spots reserved for seasonal campers who return year after year. While specific details about Jim's Beach are limited in recent reviews, similar coastal options like Newport RV Park provide seasonal camping opportunities with excellent access to Rhode Island beaches. For those seeking seasonal alternatives near Westerly, Ashaway RV Resort offers seasonal packages with full hookups and resort-style amenities. Seasonal rates typically cover the summer period from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some parks offering shoulder season discounts.
What campgrounds are available in Westerly, RI?
Westerly, RI offers several camping options within a short distance. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground is one of the closest options, ideal for self-contained RVs with beach access and fishing opportunities. While technically in nearby towns, Burlingame State Park Campground is also a popular choice with 739 reservable campsites across 3100 acres. Additional options near Westerly include Whispering Pines Campground, Wawaloam Campground, and Ashaway RV Resort, all within a short drive and offering various amenities for different camping preferences.
Are there RV parks or RV-friendly campgrounds in Westerly, Rhode Island?
Westerly and its surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Wawaloam Campground provides a family-friendly environment with amenities suited for RVs in a wooded setting. Just a short drive away, Mystic KOA in nearby North Stonington, Connecticut (about 15 minutes from Mystic and within easy driving distance to Westerly) offers full RV hookups and is conveniently located near I-95. Additional RV options include Fort Getty Campground and Sun Outdoors Mystic. Most of these parks accommodate various RV sizes and offer water and electric hookups, though availability may be limited during peak summer months, so reservations are recommended.
Can you camp at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly?
Direct camping on Misquamicut Beach itself is not permitted. However, Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground offers camping opportunities near the coastline, about a short drive from Misquamicut Beach. Rates for out-of-state visitors are approximately $45 per night for a water/electric site. Alternatively, Whispering Pines Campground provides a private camping option with amenities like a pool and recreational facilities, making it a good base for day trips to Misquamicut Beach. For beachside camping experience in the region, consider the nearby Charlestown Breachway, which allows self-contained RVs.
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