Rhode Island is fantastic for seafood, beaches, and charming small towns…but tent camping?
Let’s just say the options are selective.
If you’re set on tent camping in Rhode Island, you’ll need to plan ahead, as sites are limited.
But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up the best camping spots in Rhode Island to make it happen.
Best Classic Camping Experience in Rhode Island
This is what camping is supposed to feel like…wooded sites, hiking trails, and just enough amenities to keep it from being totally primitive.
If you want a classic tent camping experience in Rhode Island, this is the place.
George Washington State Campground
A quiet, scenic spot for tent camping in Rhode Island.
📍Camping Location: Chepachet, RI
Website: George Washington State Campground Booking Information
For tent campers in Rhode Island who want to swap crowded campgrounds for a more off-the-grid feel, George Washington Campground is a solid pick.
Tucked inside the George Washington Management Area, it’s a no-frills, back-to-nature kind of place where the main attractions are towering trees, quiet trails, and the calm waters of Bowdish Reservoir.
Campground Amenities:
- 76 sites for tents and small trailers
- 4 rustic cabins that sleep four
- Swimming, fishing, hiking, and kayaking at Bowdish Reservoir
- Fire pits and picnic tables at each site
- Bathrooms & Showers- basic, but available (bring quarters for the shower)
Campsite Pricing:
- Tent sites: $18 per night (RI residents), $36 per night (non-residents)
- Waterfront Sites: $28 per night (RI residents) $55 per night (non-residents)
Pros & Cons of George Washington State Campground:
✅ Quiet & peaceful- no rowdy crowds
✅ Large, well-spaced campsites
✅ Great for hiking and fishing
✅ Sandy Beach with swimmable water
❌ Park and walk .4 miles to your site (Angell Loop)
❌ Limited facilities- just the basics
Things to Know About George Washington State Campground:
- Open for the season Mid-April- Mid-October
- Maximum of 6 people per site
- Check-in at 1 pm
- Check-out 11 am
- Do NOT bring Firewood from out of state
- Bring quarters if you intend to shower
Luxury camping more your thing?
You will love our roundup of the best Luxury Camping Resorts in New England.
Best Rhode Island Camping with Amenities
A campground with a few bonuses?
Yes, please.
From canoe rentals to a handy camp store, this campground in Rhode Island gives you the camping experience with just enough amenities to make things a little easier.
Burlingame State Park
Forgot something? Burlingame’s camp store has you covered.
📍 Camping Location: Charlestown, RI
Burlingame State Park is one of Rhode Island’s largest campgrounds, offering plenty of space for both tent campers and those looking for a rustic cabin stay.
With direct access to Watchaug Pond, it’s a go-to spot for families who want to mix camping with time on the water.
A camp store, playground, arcade, volleyball courts, and canoe rentals add to the convenience, making it an easy choice for a classic camping experience with extra perks.
Campground Amenities:
- Campsites and Cabins – 700 rustic tent sites and 20 cabins
- Recreational Facilities – Freshwater beach, boat ramp, hiking trails, camp store, canoe rentals, a playground and a small arcade.
- Camp Store – Wood, ice, groceries, ice cream, beach toys and more…
- Restrooms & Showers – Available, but can be hit or miss in terms of cleanliness (bring quarters for the shower)
Campsite Pricing:
- Tent sites: $18 per night (RI residents), $36 per night (non-residents)
- Cabins: $50 per night (RI residents), $75 per night (non-residents)
Pros & Cons of Burlingame State Park:
✅ Tons of campsites = easy to book
✅ Primitive Cabin options for those who want a solid roof.
✅ Lake access with swimming and boating.
✅ Camp Store with all the extras you might need.
✅ Family Friendly with lots of things for kids to do.
❌ Facilities can be outdated
❌ Gets crowded, especially in peak summer
Things to Know About Burlingame State Park:
- No hookups for sites or cabins, so come prepared
- Can be noisy on weekends, so light sleepers beware
- Make reservations early- it’s a popular spot
- Lines can get long at peak check-in time
Best Rhode Island Camping Near the Beach
Camping by the beach in Rhode Island isn’t easy to find, but this campground offers the next best thing…easy access to the sand and coastal views worth waking up for.
Fishermen’s Memorial State Park
Coastal camping with easy access to Narragansett’s beaches.
📍 Location: Narragansett, RI
Website: Fisherman’s Memorial State Park Booking Information
While true beachfront tent camping is rare in Rhode Island, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park gets you close.
Just minutes from Narragansett’s beaches, this campground is a great pick for campers who want to spend their days by the ocean and their nights under the stars.
Campground Amenities:
- Campsites for tents and RVs (some full hookups available)
- Close to Narragansett Beach, Scarborough Beach & Galilee
- Playground, basketball & tennis courts for extra recreation
- Bathrooms & Showers- better maintained than most
Campsite Pricing:
- Tent sites: $18 per night (RI residents), $36 per night (non-residents)
- RV sites: $35+ per night (depending on hookups)
Pros & Cons of Fisherman’s Memorial State Park
✅ Near the beach- easy drive or bike ride
✅ Well-kept facilities
✅ Family-friendly with sports courts and playground
❌ Gets booked fast- plan ahead
❌ Not technically beachfront camping
❌ Limited privacy between sites
Things to Know About Fisherman’s Memorial State Park:
- You’ll need a beach pass for parking and access to the local beaches
- It can be noisy in summer with lots of visitors
- Mostly an RV park with a loop dedicated to tents
- Best for campers who also want to explore Narragansett
- The best sites to be near the playground are #111, 109, 108 and 107
Need a break from the tent life?
Take a short drive to Providence, RI and check out this fun, Vintage-Inspired Day Trip—because sometimes, you need a meal that wasn’t cooked over a fire.
Finding the Right Spot for Camping in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s tent camping options may be limited, but each of these spots offers something different.
- If you want a campground packed with activities for kids -> Burlingame State Park is your best bet, with a playground, canoe rentals, and plenty of space to explore.
- If you prefer a secluded, back-to-nature experience -> George Washington State Campground offers quiet, wooded sites with access to hiking and fishing.
- If you’re all about beach days -> Fishermen’s Memorial State Park puts you just minutes from Narragansett’s best shorelines.
While the options for tent camping in Rhode Island may not be endless, these sites make the most of the state’s natural beauty.
Wherever you set up camp, you’ll be in for a true Ocean State adventure.
Happy Travels…
