Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Rhode Island

Rhode Island might be the smallest of the 50 states, but that just makes it easier to travel between its extensive number of adventure hotspots and through a whopping 400 miles of sandy coastline. Camping in Rhode Island is more than worth it for the diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities alone. Within the 1,212 square miles they call home, Rhode Islanders can enjoy hiking the green, lake-speckled hillsides of the New England Uplands, explore the dozens of rivers in the north that feed into Narragansett Bay, venture south toward the Seaboard Lowlands to breathe in salty sea air, and head offshore to navigate 38 islands by boat, kayak, and more.

The Ocean State earned its nickname for a reason, and any fan of marine fun will especially love camping in Rhode Island. Make your way to historic Newport for a quintessential New England experience. Also known as the City by the Sea, the nine-village coastal community’s manicured mansions, cobbled streets, and pristine beaches make it the picture of Gilded Age resort life.

Visitors flock to Newport beaches like Easton’s for family picnics, kite flying, and boogie boarding. Head to Gooseberry for a calm and luxurious day of sunbathing. Visit the dog-friendly Fogland to enjoy a day of stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Don’t forget to stop by Sachuest (also called Second Beach) to find the longest beach in Rhode Island, surfable waves, and a shoreline RV campground with hot showers. Retreat to one of two state parks for quiet camping, or find community at nearby Melville Ponds Campground.

The belle of Newport’s ball sits at the north end of town on Narragansett Bay. Fort Adams State Park not only draws music-festival-lovers for the annual summer Jazz Fest and Folk Festival, but also attracts people year-round for swimming, kayaking, boating, and more.

The Department of Parks & Recreation runs five campgrounds throughout the state that make it easy to find camping in Rhode Island. Pitch your tent at Burlingame State Park, the state’s first official campground, which offers space for 700 rustic campsites and access to freshwater swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails beneath towering trees—as well as a camp store in case you left anything at home.

No matter how you want to go camping in Rhode Island, The Dyrt can help you find the best place for it.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Rhode Island (26)

    1. Burlingame State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "I've never camped in Rhode Island, so I was curious to see what a state park campground had to offer."

    "Good for pets, there are two dumping spots each with two dumps,I would definitely go back."

    2. Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

    30 Reviews
    Narragansett Pier, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 789-8374

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Fisherman’s Memorial State Park is a large 182 site campground in Narragansett, Rhode Island."

    "Layout is amazing, mostly pull through and pet friendly. Definitely a summer destination next year."

    3. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first:

    This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    4. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $70 - $140 / night

    "Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island!"

    "The campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed."

    5. Wawaloam Campground

    10 Reviews
    Richmond, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 294-3039

    $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. 

       "

    "The charge extra for pets per day. They have a huge clean pool and a water slide park (extra fee) and a mini golf course (extra fee). The bathrooms are very clean as are the pay showers."

    6. Whispering Pines Campground

    7 Reviews
    Rockville, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 539-7011

    $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."

    "of things to do - pool, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade, a small field to play frisbee or ball, mini-golf (mini-golf landscape needs to be refreshed a bit) there is even a very small fenced in dog"

    7. Fort Getty Campground

    6 Reviews
    Jamestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 423-7211

    "Perfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area."

    "Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming."

    8. Holiday Acres Campground

    6 Reviews
    Chepachet, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 934-0780

    $35 - $50 / night

    "The swimming area has a 'icky bottom' (kid term :)) 

    The entrance / office setup is confusing."

    9. Charlestown Breachway State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $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."

    10. Bowdish Lake Camping Area

    4 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    Website
    +1 (401) 568-8890

    $40 - $200 / night

    "This site is right next to the state park that’s nearby, so it’s fairly quiet. I think we are one of the only tent campers here this weekend, seems like a lot of seasonal camping with RVs."

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Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Rhode Island

190 Reviews of 26 Rhode Island Campgrounds



Guide to Rhode Island

Rhode Island offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here are some top choices for camping with pets in the Ocean State.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

  • Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground allows pets and features spacious sites, making it a great choice for families traveling with dogs.
  • Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and the proximity to beautiful beaches, perfect for a day out with your pet.
  • The campground offers amenities like picnic tables and firewood, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.

Pet owners like Wawaloam Campground

  • Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Wawaloam Campground has plenty of activities for kids and pets alike, including a splash pad and mini-golf.
  • The well-maintained grounds provide a safe environment for pets to roam and play while you relax.
  • With a variety of sites available, you can choose one that suits your needs, whether you’re in a tent or an RV.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near George Washington State Campground

  • Located near scenic hiking trails, George Washington State Campground is perfect for adventurous pet owners looking to explore the great outdoors.
  • The campground features picnic areas where you can enjoy meals with your pet after a day of hiking.
  • With its peaceful surroundings, you and your dog can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Rhode Island.