Rhode Island is fantastic for seafood, beaches, and charming small towns…but tent camping?
Letโs just say the options are selective.
If youโre set on tent camping in Rhode Island, youโll need to plan ahead, as sites are limited.
But donโt worry, weโve 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.
๐Camping 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, itโs 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:
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Quiet & peaceful- no rowdy crowds
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Large, well-spaced campsites
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Great for hiking and fishing
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Sandy Beach with swimmable water
โ Park and walk .4 miles to your site (Angell Loop)
โ 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? Burlingameโs camp store has you covered.
๐ Camping Location: Charlestown, RI
Burlingame State Park is one of Rhode Islandโs largest campgrounds, offering plenty of space for both tent campers and those looking for a rustic cabin stay.
With direct access to Watchaug Pond, itโs 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 –ย Wood, ice, groceries, ice cream, beach toys and moreโฆ
- 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:
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Tons of campsites = easy to book
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Primitive Cabin options for those who want a solid roof.
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Lake access with swimming and boating.
โ Camp Store with all the extras you might need.
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Family Friendly with lots of things for kids to do.
โ Facilities can be outdated
โ 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 isnโt easy to find, but this campground offers the next best thing…easy access to the sand and coastal views worth waking up for.
Fishermenโs Memorial State Park
Coastal camping with easy access to Narragansettโs beaches.
๐ Location: Narragansett, RI
Website: Fisherman’s Memorial State Park Booking Information
While true beachfront tent camping is rare in Rhode Island, Fishermenโs Memorial State Park gets you close.
Just minutes from Narragansettโs 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
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Near the beach- easy drive or bike ride
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Well-kept facilities
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Family-friendly with sports courts and playground
โ Gets booked fast- plan ahead
โ Not technically beachfront camping
โ Limited privacy between sites
Things to Know About Fisherman’s Memorial State Park:
- Youโll 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 Tripโbecause sometimes, you need a meal that wasnโt cooked over a fire.
Most Unique Rhode Island Camping Location
Looking for a camping experience thatโs a little different?
This Rhode Island spot isnโt your standard pitch-a-tent-and-call-it-a-day campground…it comes with a unique twist.
Fort Getty Park
Picnic with a viewโjust one perk of camping at Fort Getty Park.
๐ Location: Jamestown, RI
Website: Fort Getty Park Booking Information
For ocean views, coastal breezes, and a bit of history, Fort Getty Park in Jamestown is hard to beat.
While itโs mostly an RV campground, a few tent sites let you wake up to stunning Narragansett Bay views and camp among the remnants of a historic coastal fort…making for a stay thatโs as scenic as it is unique.
Campground Amenities:
- 26 tent sites + 75 seasonal RV sites
- Public boat ramp & dock for fishing/kayaking
- Walking trails along Fox Hill Marsh
- Restrooms & showers- basic but functional
Campsite Pricing:
- Tent sites: $35 per night
- RV sites: $70 per night (2-week minimum stay required)
Pros & Cons of Fort Getty Park:ย
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Amazing ocean views
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Great location near Jamestown & Newport
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Waterfront access for fishing and boating
โ Limited tent spots
โ Not much shade or privacy
โ Park and carry to tent sites (no vehicles directly at tent sites)
Things to Know About Fort Getty Park:
- No vehicle access to tent sites…park and carry
- Reservations open in March, so book early
- More of an RV-friendly spot- tent sites are limited
- 3-night stays over Labor Day and Fourth of July are $150
- 3-night stays over Folk and Jazz Fest are $250
Finding the Right Spot for Camping in Rhode Island
Rhode Islandโs tent camping options may be limited, but each of these spots offers something different.
- If you want a campground packed with activities for kids ->ย 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 youโre all about beach days ->ย Fishermenโs Memorial State Park puts you just minutes from Narragansettโs best shorelines.
- If you want coastal views and a unique setting -> Fort Getty Park delivers with its waterfront tent sites and historic fort remains.
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While the options for tent camping in Rhode Island may not be endless, these sites make the most of the stateโs natural beauty.
Wherever you set up camp, youโll be in for a true Ocean State adventure.
Happy Travelsโฆ
