Rhode Island campgrounds typically operate April through October, with higher rates during peak summer season. Most facilities near West Kingston sit within heavily wooded terrain at relatively low elevations, avoiding steep terrain while offering access to nearby coastal areas. Water features including ponds and small lakes dot the camping landscape throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking and biking: Melville Ponds Campground provides direct access to wooded hiking trails and a large pond. "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," notes one reviewer, making it convenient for campers seeking outdoor activities without driving.
Beach access: Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground sits steps away from Block Island Sound beaches. "There is a more 'private' sandy area near the water sites where we were able to pull up a chair and sit in the water. Minimal waves and lots of people watching," according to one camper who visited during summer.
Water recreation: Fort Getty Campground offers multiple water access points. "Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers...Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming," mentions a visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
Historical exploration: Nearby Newport contains numerous historical sites easily accessed from several campgrounds. From Wawaloam Campground, "Newport is about 35 min from the campground," making day trips convenient for history enthusiasts.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Wawaloam Campground receives consistent praise for site layout. "Large but well laid out park... adults have all their needs met," states one reviewer. Another specifically mentions, "The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away," highlighting the generous spacing.
Clean facilities: Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms were spotless. Hookups were awesome and easy. Layout is amazing, mostly pull through and pet friendly," reports a camper who secured a last-minute booking.
Family amenities: Whispering Pines Campground provides extensive recreational options. "The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!" mentions a recent visitor who found plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Natural settings: Despite being developed campgrounds, many maintain wooded areas. "There are pine trees everywhere in the park, so the owners don't cut down a lot of trees which makes it feel like a real campground and not a field of peoples RVs," notes a camper at Whispering Pines Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Burlingame State Park Campground changes dramatically based on timing. "We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet. Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly," shares a camper who visited in early fall.
Reservation requirements: Most dog friendly campgrounds near West Kingston require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Fishermens Memorial, one visitor notes, "This is a very popular place to come to during the summer, so make sure you are booking way in advance to get a spot."
Generator restrictions: For campgrounds without hookups, generator rules apply. Charlestown Breachway enforces specific hours: "The campground only allows generators to be run from 0800-2000," according to a camper who stayed there during summer heat.
Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary widely. At Charlestown Breachway, "No running water. No electricity hookup. No dump station. Only trash and outhouses," cautions a reviewer who still enjoyed the beachfront location.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: For summer visits, water features provide essential cooling. At Wawaloam Campground, "Large clean pool and a water slide park (extra fee) and a mini golf course (extra fee)," according to a reviewer who found the amenities worth the additional cost.
Playground options: Multiple pet-friendly camping areas near West Kingston include playground facilities. Newport RV Park offers "a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room," making it suitable for extended family stays.
Activity planning: Rainy day alternatives exist at several locations. "Camp store - well stocked," mentions a camper about Burlingame State Park Campground, providing backup entertainment options when outdoor activities aren't possible.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise. Fort Getty experiences issues where "Rules regarding quiet hours, no generators, number of tents per site and late arrival and setups were not enforced," according to a camper whose experience was impacted by large groups.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. At Newport RV Park, "Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together," reports one RVer.
Hookup availability: Full service options exist but vary by campground. Fishermens Memorial offers a range: "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 are decidedly not level."
Size restrictions: While most campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes, some have limitations. At Burlingame State Park Campground, "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open," indicating the importance of researching specific site details before booking.
Dump station access: For campgrounds without sewer hookups, plan accordingly. At Charlestown Breachway, a reviewer notes there's "No dump station" on site, requiring advance planning for longer stays.
Legend
