Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Rhode Island (With Travel Guide)

Rhode Island, known as the "Ocean State," may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty, coastal charm, and outdoor adventures. Despite its size, Rhode Island offers a surprising variety of landscapes—from sandy beaches and rocky coastlines to lush forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes—making it a hidden gem for campers, hikers, and nature lovers.

Whether you're seeking oceanfront camping, inland lake retreats, or scenic woodland getaways, Rhode Island's 10 best camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences just a short drive from each other.

Below are the 10 best camping destinations in Rhode Island, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging, transportation)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Colt State Park (Bristol) – Coastal Beauty & Farm Views
🏖️ Highlights:
Narragansett Bay shoreline (panoramic ocean views)
Farm fields & stone walls (historic New England charm)
Hiking & biking trails (3.3-mile loop around the park)
Boating & fishing opportunities
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for beach & bay activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for swimming & boating
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds & scenic foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Colt State Park Campgrounds
Bristol (5 mins) has supermarkets, gas stations & restaurants
Providence (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Bay swimming has designated areas only
Popular in summer—arrive early for campsites
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

2. Misquamicut State Beach (Westerly) – Sandy Beaches & Ocean Fun
🏖️ Highlights:
Misquamicut Beach (long stretch of sandy shoreline)
Ocean swimming & surfing
Boardwalk & amusement area (nearby in summer)
Fishing & kayaking
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
July–August (peak beach season, 80-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - mild but less beach activity
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Westerly (5 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Providence (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check lifeguard flags
Beach parking fills up quickly in summer
Bring sunscreen & water shoes

3. Lincoln Woods State Park (Lincoln) – Forest Lakes & Trails
🌲 Highlights:
Olney Pond (swimming, kayaking & fishing)
Lincoln Woods Trail (popular mountain biking & hiking)
Rhode Island’s largest freshwater lake (for paddling)
Scenic waterfall (Lincoln Woods Falls)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & lake activities, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Lincoln Woods State Park Campgrounds
Lincoln (5 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Providence (20 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Mountain biking trails can be challenging
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

4. Burlingame State Park (Charlestown) – Forest & Wildlife Retreat
🌳 Highlights:
Watchaug Pond (boating, fishing & swimming)
Wildlife viewing (deer, foxes, birds)
Hiking trails (Burlingame Loop, Campground Trail)
Peaceful forest setting
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for camping & hiking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Burlingame State Park Campgrounds
Charlestown (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Newport (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Pond swimming has designated areas only
Bring layers—forest mornings can be cool
Secure food properly—wildlife is present

5. Fort Adams State Park (Newport) – Historic Fort & Harbor Views
🏰 Highlights:
Fort Adams (historic coastal fortress)
Newport Harbor views (yachts & sailboats)
Cliff Walk (scenic coastal path nearby)
Fishing & kayaking
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for harbor activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for boating & sightseeing
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - mild but less touristy
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Newport (5 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Providence (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming is not allowed near the fort
Popular in summer—book tours of Fort Adams in advance
Bring a jacket—even in summer, harbor breezes can be cool

6. Ninigret Conservation Area (Charlestown) – Salt Marshes & Wildlife
🌿 Highlights:
Ninigret Pond (saltwater fishing & kayaking)
Birdwatching (ospreys, herons, migratory birds)
Hiking trails (Ninigret Park Trail)
Historic Cold War bunker (hidden gem)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for birdwatching & kayaking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for paddling
Fall (40-60°F) - fewer crowds & migratory birds
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming marsh flowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Charlestown (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Newport (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Salt marshes can be muddy—wear waterproof shoes
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
Check tide conditions for kayaking

7. George Washington Management Area (Glocester) – Hunting & Fishing Haven
🏞️ Highlights:
George Washington Pond (fishing & kayaking)
Deer & turkey hunting (seasonal)
Hiking trails (George Washington Trail)
Scenic woodland views
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
September–November (hunting season, 40-70°F)
Spring & Fall (50-70°F) - peaceful forest hikes
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for fishing
Winter (20-40°F) - quiet & serene
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Glocester (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Providence (45 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Hunting areas have restrictions—check seasons
Bring layers—forest temperatures vary
Secure food properly—wildlife is present

8. Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge (South Kingstown) – Pristine Pond & Wildlife
🌊 Highlights:
Trustom Pond (saltwater pond for birdwatching)
Wildlife viewing (bald eagles, ospreys, shorebirds)
Hiking trails (easy loops around the pond)
Peaceful, undeveloped nature setting
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for birdwatching, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for hiking
Fall (40-60°F) - fewer crowds & migratory birds
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
South Kingstown (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Newport (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
No swimming allowed in the pond
Bring binoculars for birdwatching
Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife

9. Colt State Park (Bristol) – Coastal Farm Views & Bay Access
🏖️ Highlights:
Narragansett Bay shoreline (panoramic views)
Farm fields & stone walls (historic charm)
Hiking & biking trails (3.3-mile loop)
Boating & fishing opportunities
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for bay activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm for swimming & boating
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds & scenic foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Colt State Park Campgrounds
Bristol (5 mins) has supermarkets, gas stations & restaurants
Providence (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Bay swimming has designated areas only
Popular in summer—arrive early for campsites
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

10. Fishermen’s Memorial State Park (Narragansett) – Rocky Coast & Ocean Views
🪨 Highlights:
Narragansett Bay & Atlantic Ocean views
Rocky shoreline (unique coastal hiking)
Fishing & kayaking
Historic fishermen’s memorial
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for coastal hikes, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for ocean views
Fall (40-60°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (40-60°F) - mild & scenic
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Narragansett (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Providence (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Rocky shores can be slippery—wear proper footwear
Ocean swimming is not recommended
Bring a jacket—coastal breezes can be cool
Final Tips for Camping in Rhode Island
✔ Reservations are recommended in summer & fall (especially near beaches & parks)
✔ Weather changes quickly—pack layers & rain gear
✔ Wildlife is present—secure food properly
✔ Some areas have limited services—bring supplies

Rhode Island’s compact size makes it easy to explore multiple camping destinations in one trip, from oceanfront retreats to forested inland lakes. Whether you want bay swimming, wildlife watching, or historic forts, these 10 destinations will give you an unforgettable Rhode Island outdoor experience. 🏕️🌊🌲