Tent camping areas near West Kingston, Rhode Island range from primitive backpacking sites to developed campgrounds with water access. Most locations sit within a mixed hardwood forest ecosystem at elevations below 500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall camping offers cooler conditions with seasonal color changes. Campgrounds in this region tend to be situated along ponds, lakes, and rivers, providing water recreation opportunities.
What to do
Paddling on the Connecticut River: At Selden Neck State Park Campground, campers access the island via a 20-minute paddle across the Connecticut River. "You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car," explains Jason S. The island features four tent-only sites with no roads or development.
Castle exploration: Within driving distance of West Kingston, Gillette Castle State Park Campground combines camping with historical attractions. "Castle has tours at certain times," notes Todd J., making this location suitable for campers interested in mixing outdoor recreation with cultural experiences. The park provides boat-in camping options along the Connecticut River.
Fishing and swimming: Local ponds offer multiple recreation options for tent campers. "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')," a reviewer notes about Buck Hill Campground. The campground borders Wakefield Pond, which is "big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many tent campers appreciate the water-adjacent camping options. At Chapman Pond Preserve, campers enjoy "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view," according to Ben L. The preserve offers a true backcountry experience with basic amenities.
Rustic camping experience: For campers seeking a minimalist outdoor experience, Buck Hill Campground provides few amenities but plenty of natural surroundings. A reviewer describes it as "a great rural no frills campground" where you can "just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc. don't expect much else."
Scenic views: Riverside camping locations offer memorable vistas. At Gillette Castle State Park, Jackie G. reports, "It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset." Similar waterfront viewing opportunities exist at multiple campgrounds within driving distance of West Kingston.
Group camping options: Several campgrounds accommodate larger gatherings. Buck Hill Campground features "sites in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)" which works well for group outings. Similarly, Gillette Castle State Park has "a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent campgrounds in the West Kingston area provide basic amenities only. Water's Edge Campground offers more developed facilities with showers, toilets, and water hookups, while more primitive options like Buck Hill Campground have only "a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties."
Reservation requirements: Check ahead for booking requirements, as they vary by location. Selden Neck State Park requires advance reservations for its four campsites. At Deep River Landing, "Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day," notes Jason S.
Weather considerations: Coastal New England weather can impact camping plans. At Selden Neck State Park, one camper reported, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long." Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, so prepare appropriate shelter and rain gear.
Boat traffic noise: Waterfront campsites may experience some disturbance from watercraft. At Selden Neck State Park, a camper mentioned, "There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up." This consideration mainly affects river and lake camping locations during peak summer months and weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Island camping adventure: Selden Neck State Park Campground offers a unique experience for families comfortable with water transportation. "My 5-year-old and I camped at site 2, Hogback... Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit. There's a private outhouse. At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on," reports Jason S.
Swimming access: For families seeking water recreation, several campgrounds provide swimming opportunities. Buck Hill Campground features "a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything," allowing for supervised water play.
Campground clustering: Some campgrounds organize sites in clusters rather than individual plots. At Buck Hill Campground, "All the sites are in large clusters," which can work well for families camping together or provide opportunities for children to make friends with neighboring campers.
Weather preparedness: Pack appropriate gear for changeable New England weather conditions. When kayaking to Selden Neck State Park, a camper advises, "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: The best tent camping near West Kingston, Rhode Island generally lacks extensive RV facilities. Frosty Hollow Camping Area does offer electric hookups, sewer hookups, and water hookups for RVs, but most area campgrounds primarily accommodate tent camping.
Access constraints: Many local campgrounds have drive-in access limitations. Vehicle size restrictions and narrow access roads limit larger RVs at most facilities near West Kingston. Water's Edge Campground offers drive-in camping but may present challenges for larger rigs.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Frontier Family Camper Park operates from "May 1 to September 30," which is representative of the general camping season in the area.
