Best State Park Beaches in Rhode Island to Visit to Close Out Summer

As the days get shorter and summer fades away, many of us look forward to fall and all the season brings. But before we trade our flip-flops for boots and our shorts for long pants, we still have plenty of summer days to spend at the beach, soaking up the last summer sun on the sand.

Let's spend an afternoon at one of the best state park beaches in Rhode Island to close out the summer. What do you think?

Lincoln Woods State Park

Growing up in northern Rhode Island, Lincoln Woods State Park was always my family's go-to for a short drive to a beach. While the lakeside beach can get quite crowded during the height of summer on the hottest days, the crowd seems to fade away towards the end of summer, making it an ideal time to go — no more fighting for a spot on the sand, especially past Labor Day. What a great way to wrap up the summer season!

Goddard Memorial State Park

With no entry fee, Goddard Memorial State Park is a popular spot. Its beach can get a bit crowded with families on weekends during the summer, but it's certainly not as busy as many ocean beaches like Scarborough and Misquamicut State Beaches. Spend some time here in late summer; you should have no problem finding a spot on the sand.

Burlingame State Park

Home to Watchaug Pond, the 3,100-acre Burlingame State Park is a must during the summer months, especially for those who prefer freshwater swimming over saltwater. Watchaug Pond is one of the largest freshwater ponds in the state and offers a serene sandy beach with swimming and picnic areas. By the beach is a restroom facility open from May 1 through October 31.

East Matunuck State Beach

Located in South Kingstown on the shores of Block Island Sound, East Matunuck State Beach is the place to be for a dip in the ocean. The surf is strong —perfect if you enjoy surfing — and there's a large stretch of sand to park your stuff and yourself for the day. It's one of the most popular beaches during the hottest days of summer, but as the season comes to a close, you should find it to be a bit quieter.

Colt State Park

When I worked in Bristol, I would spend my lunch breaks at Colt State Park. My favorite time of the year was between the summer and fall seasons, as the tourist crowds thinned out, and I found the park to be quiet and more peaceful. This no-fee park is set on the shores of the Narragansett Bay, offering quintessential Rhode Island views as sailboats float by. While there is a beach here, it is tiny, and if you don't feel like lying out there for the day, Colt State Park has plenty of benches and areas on the lawn to spend a day at the bay.

Which of the best state park beaches in Rhode Island will you spend time at first as we close out the summer? For more outdoor adventure throughout the year, check out the best state parks in Rhode Island.