Best Camping in Rhode Island

Camping in Rhode Island

By Alex Murphy

Rhode Island, best known as the smallest U.S. State, is just over 1,200 square miles, making it smaller than some U.S. cities and Yellowstone National Park! However, as with many New England states, Rhode Island is full of history and culture. Plus, a significant part of the state is made up of water and has an abundance of beach access for campers visiting Rhode Island campgrounds.

Here's a look at the best camping in the Ocean State.

See a map of all camping in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island State Parks

Not surprisingly, many Rhode Island State Parks along the coast offer camping and sightseeing along the Atlantic Ocean. Many of these State Beaches are some of the best Rhode Island Campgrounds.

Charlestown Breachway State Park is one of the more popular destinations with plenty of RV camping sites. This beach is located on the Block Island Sound, and visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing and ocean swimming during the peak camping season. Be sure to book camping reservations early because the park does fill up, and it's important to note that not all of Rhode Island's State Beaches offer camping, such as East Matunuck State Beach, which is only open for day use.

Slightly away from the coast, visitors will find another camping area at Burlingame State Campground, which also has hiking trails and water access on a local pond. This State Park has tent sites and dry camping RV sites.

Rhode Island RV Parks

Another way to enjoy water sports and swimming areas along the coast is while camping at Rhode Island RV Parks.

Both Melville Ponds Campground and Meadowlark RV Park are located on Aquidneck Island in the southeast corner of the state and are probably best known for cities like Newport and quaint New England harbor towns.

A few other RV parks are located further north in the state, including Oak Leaf Family Campground.

Rhode Island National Parks

When it comes to National Parks in Rhode Island, everything is focused on history, from the early settlers to the Industrial Revolution. Here are some of the spots to enjoy history.

  • Blackstone River Valley Historical Park is shared with Massachusetts and offers a glimpse into early textile mills and similar items as the Industrial Revolution began.
  • Roger Williams National Memorial commemorates the founding of the modern state that started with Roger Williams and the colonial settlement of Providence, which is now the state's largest city.
  • Touro Synagogue Historic Site is the oldest synagogue in the United States.

Free Camping in Rhode Island

Unfortunately, free camping in Rhode Island is not easy to come by, and the best options are across the state line in Connecticut.

Closest to the coast, you'll find North Stonington Rest Area Southbound. While the only thing provided is a parking spot, the area does provide easy access to get back on I-95.

Further north but still along the CT and RI state line is Beach Pond Boat Ramp Area that lets visitors enjoy picnic areas and a freshwater beach.

National Forests in Rhode Island

The National Forest Service does not manage any land in Rhode Island.

portable computer displaying map of camping locations
mobile device showing map of camping locations
Roadpass Pro
Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps.
Unlock pro campendium features
Ad Free Experience
Cell Service Overlays & Reports
Public Land Map Overlays
Trail Maps
Filter by Elevation
Pro icon Join Roadpass Pro

Recent Rhode Island Campground Reviews

Nov 02, 2023

"Large park with 4 Areas, each different in personality"

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
We stayed starting Labor Day. I booked our site a year in advance, a pull-thru in Area 4 that looked OK online. It was very tight getting around and into our site, and getting out pulling through was impossible, so we backed out. That was an adventure, to say the least. The site itself was very nice, some trees for a little outdoor shade, and...
Read More

Nawaa
25 reviews
Lincoln, RI

Twin River Casino

Sep 26, 2023

"One Of The Great Casino Lots!"

active staractive staractive staractive staractive star
After reading of a bad review, I called security to confirm RV parking was allowed, and it is. Directed to South Parking lot, which is Employee Parking. Security asked I visit casino, and I replied their food establishments were my main interest. That was fine with them. We ended up parking to the left of large beige maintenance building....
Read More

Denny
25 reviews
Sep 05, 2023

"Scary As Heck"

active starinactive starinactive starinactive starinactive star
Pulled into the southbound “rest area” to find no amenities, tons of trash everywhere, and glaring eyes from shifty looking characters. This is just a blacktop hot plate for a quick stretch session before heading back on the road. Noise from highway is very apparent as expected with little amount of trees to buffer the passing traffic. Decided...
Read More

camper-798767
24 reviews
Aug 18, 2023

"Mainly Permanent Residents "

active staractive staractive starinactive starinactive star
Kim and Ray were very friendly and helpful. I can tell that they are trying to keep things updated and clean. However, the sites were very difficult to back in and the roads and turns to get to them were super narrow. The tree limbs were not trimmed and one branch scratched the side of our trailer. I suppose if you are 32’ or smaller it would...
Read More

camper-717259
11 reviews
Lincoln, RI

Twin River Casino

Aug 03, 2023

" Very Rude!"

active starinactive starinactive starinactive starinactive star
I have been here many times in the past. They were very nice. This time they were very rude. I always patronize them. I just hadn’t gone in yet, when security knocked on my door and harassed me about being there. I will NOT be back. Ignore my first review!!

Brenda
5 reviews