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The Ocean State lives up to its name. With over 400 miles of coastline and more than a hundred fresh and saltwater beaches, Rhode Island is all about the water. Swimming, boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing opportunities abound in the ocean surf or calm inland waters. The diverse seafood, from deep-sea tuna to crabs and oysters, paired with produce from local farms, provides a bounty of fresh ingredients for home cooks and inventive chefs.
The smallest state in the nation is filled with culture, history, and attractions along with natural beauty, from the vibrant city of Providence and renowned universities to colonial-era towns and the gilded mansions of Newport. Its compact size means that you can tour the state from one central base, making it a great RVing destination. Rhode Island state parks offer four campgrounds for RVs. (A fifth, East Beach, is accessible only to four-wheel-drive, self-contained units.) Hookups are available at only one park, but all can accommodate RVs around 40 feet. The parks highlight the best of the state—camping on the ocean sand, around a pond in peaceful woodlands, or in the center of a small fishing town.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit rhodeislandstateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or call 877-742-2675.
Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
For reservations made prior to June 1, a minimum of two nights on weekends and three nights over holidays is required. One-night reservations can be made after June 1.
Peak season is defined as the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend through the Sunday of Labor Day weekend of each year.
Campsite sizes
All four state park campgrounds that can accommodate RVs have some sites for rigs up to 40 feet. Three of the four parks have a limited number of sites for larger RVs.
Sites are searchable and bookable by RV length in the reservation system.
Accessibility
Call the park directly for information on ADA-accessible sites and facilities.
Hookups
Partial and full hookups are currently available only at Fishermen’s Memorial Campground. Sites with hookups are searchable and bookable online.
Connectivity
In general, WiFi is not offered. If connectivity is a priority, contact the park directly to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay during peak season is 14 nights in a 21 day period. Campers must vacate for a minimum of 7 nights before returning.
At Charlestown Breachway State Campground and East Beach State Campground, the maximum stay is 7 nights during peak season.
During the offseason, the maximum stay is 21 days in a 28 day period.
Additional facilities
Campgrounds are rustic and all about experiencing their natural surroundings. Restrooms and showers are available, except at Charlestown Breachway. This beach campground requires all camping units to be self-contained.
Dump stations are available at Burlingame and Fishermen’s Memorial campgrounds, and can be used by registered campers from other parks. Additional facilities at these two parks include a camp store, a playground, sports fields, and watercraft rentals.
Cost
Campsites are sorted into three tiers: Tier 3 for no hookups ($36); Tier 2 for electric, water, and/or pull-through ($45); and Tier 1 for full hookups and/or waterfront site and/or pull-through ($55). State residents receive a 50 percent discount on each.
Additional Fees:
State park entrance fee: $8 for nonresidents
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $8.75
Cancellation fee: $8.75
Cancellations within 7 to 2 days of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee.
Cancellations less than 2 days prior to arrival are nonrefundable.
Pet policies
Dogs and cats are allowed at Burlingame State Campground, Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, and George Washington State Campground. Pets are not allowed at any Rhode Island state beaches.
Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and cannot be left unattended even inside your RV. A maximum of 2 pets is allowed per campsite. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 2 vehicles, 6 people.
- Check-in time: 1 p.m. Check-out time: 11 a.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Prohibited.
- Generator use: Permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Prohibited.
Featured Campgrounds
Burlingame State Campground
Burlingame State Park Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
With close to 700 RV-friendly campsites, Burlingame State Campground is a great choice for a centrally located base to tour Rhode Island. Just a few miles from several ocean beaches, the campground is in a wooded setting on Watchaug Pond, with swimming, boating, and fishing available. Additional recreational amenities include a playground, volleyball court, arcade, and naturalist programs. The Kimball Wildlife Rescue visitor center is next to the park and can be reached by hiking trail. Restrooms, showers, a camp store, potable water, and a dump station are available. There are no hookups, but the sites are well spaced apart, shaded, and provide a nice respite after a day at the beach.
Charlestown Breachway State Campground
Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813
Rhode Island is all about beaches, and Charlestown Breachway State Campground provides the opportunity to park your RV right at the shore. Located on a barrier island, the campsite area has uninterrupted panoramic views of Block Island Sound and is within walking distance to Charlestown State Beach. There are three rows of 75 campsites. Sites are close together, and only one row is directly on the beach, but all sites are on the sand and just steps away from the ocean and the calmer waters of Ninigret Pond. Boating, kayaking, fishing, beachcombing, and bird-watching are all popular activities at the park. Note that there are no facilities provided—all RVs must be self-contanined. This is a high-demand destination in the summer and the campground can get crowded. The offseason may not be warm enough to swim, but provides a more peaceful environment to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
1011 Point Judith Road, Narragansett, RI 02882
This state park campground is located in the charming town of Narragansett, in walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. The Block Island Ferry, Point Judith Lighthouse, and several premier beaches are nearby, and the city of Newport is a scenic 30-minute drive away. The park’s open campground has over 140 sites for RVs and is the only state park campground to offer both partial and full hookups. Facilities include a dump station, ranger station, playground, restrooms, and sports courts. This is an ideal location from which to see the highlights of Rhode Island and enjoy a peek into small-town life. It’s also extremely popular, so early reservations are recommended.
Rhode Island state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Burlingame State Campground
Charlestown Breachway State Campground
Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
George Washington State Campground
For more information on Rhode Island state park campgrounds, visit riparks.com.
