Rhode Island campgrounds welcome outdoorsy people on vacation

Accommodations at Rhode Island campgrounds are a good option for outdoor-loving people and children and families to enjoy a RI vacation at a reasonable cost. Almost every part of the state has campgrounds, many of them within state parks. Amenities include easy access to swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, as well as docks, showers, and electrical hookups.

Blackstone Valley Newport South County
Blackstone Valley top of listings

George Washington Management Area

2185 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 02814 Phone: 401-568-2013

This wooded parcle of 3,000 acres offers swimming, camping and hiking. Camping options include 45 trailer spots, primitive tent & trailer campsites. Swimming is allowed in the fresh-water Bowdish Reservior. Hiking trails. Cost is $8 for Rhode Island residents and $12 for non-residents. Camping permits are issued by the park ranger. Shelter fee is $20 per night. The camping season is early April to Mid-October.
Newport top of listings

Fort Getty Recreational Area

Fort Getty Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-7264

Open: May 22 - October 6

Sites for 20 tents, as well as 86 seasonal RV sites and 19 daily RV sites. Fort Getty also features a boat ramp and fishing dock. Dumping station, showers, water, electricity for trailers. Reservations taken by phone or by written correspondence.

Melville Ponds Campground

181 Bradford Avenue Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-840-8212

Open: April 1 - October 31

Spots for up to 60 tents and 68 trailers. Facilities include free hot showers, water, electricity, rest rooms, fishing, campfire areas, playground, beach privileges, and some camp items sold.

Middletown Campground

Paradise Avenue Middletown, RI Phone: 401-846-6273

Open: May 18 - September 21

This municipal campsite is for trailers only and has 44 sites. Toilets, sewer hookups and hot showers. Camping permits are issued at the park office.
South County top of listings

Burlingame State Park

Sanctuary Road (Route 1) Charlestown, RI 02813 Phone: 401-364-8910, seasonal

With 755 sites at Watchaug Pond and near swimming, this campsite features washrooms, showers, fireplaces, and picnic areas.

Charlestown Breachway

Charlestown Beach Road Charlestown, RI Phone: 401-364-7000

Campsite for 75 trailers only, no tents. Site holds flush toilets and is near a boat launch, fishing and swimming areas. Fees are charged. Open April 15-October 31.

Fishermen's Memorial State Park

1011 Point Judith Road, Route 108 Narragansett, RI Phone: 401-789-8374

Divided into three areas, the park offers 182 tent and trailer sites, some with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Showers, toilets, dump station, recreational area. Varying fees are charged depending on residency and type of hook-up. Open year-round.

Legrand G. Reynold's Horsemen's Camping Area

Escoheag Hill Road Exeter, RI Phone: 401-539-2356

This is a campsite for people with horses only. It includes 20 campsites with water, fireplaces, pit toilet, horse show ring, and riding trails. Open year-round.