The Ocean State might be known for its beautiful beaches, but some of Rhode Island’s best swimming spots aren’t even on the ocean. Who doesn’t love a nice dip in a cool freshwater lake or saltwater pond? Here are nine awesome places to go swimming in Rhode Island that you should definitely check out this summer.

1. Watchaug Pond, Burlingame
Watchaug Pond, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
Madhu Madhavan/Flickr
This freshwater pond is found in Burlingame, one of the state's most beautiful parks. The pond consists of hundreds of acres of amazing swimming space that is also ideal for fishing and plenty of other awesome things to do.
2. Wallum Lake, Burrillville
Wallum Lake, United States
42.0087089°N, 71.768403°W
C.C. Chapman/Flickr
This massive lake sits on the border of Rhode Island and Massachusetts and is a lovely place to swim and canoe or kayak in northern Rhode Island.
3. Ninigret Pond, Charlestown
Ninigret Pond, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
Ninigret Pond has several amazing beaches along its shores that are perfect to visit on a warm summer's day, plus a wonderful park to explore or in which to have a picnic when you're not in the water.
4. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln
Lincoln Woods State Park, Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI, USA
Flickr/Sean Benham
Spend your afternoon hiking and exploring the park and then cool off at the freshwater beach. Sounds like a great summer day in this fantastic state park doesn't it?

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5. Potter Pond, Matunuck
Potter Pond, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
Kimberly SnyderFlickr
Potter Pond is a saltwater pond that is one of the best swimming spots in the area while exploring all that South County has to offer in the summer.
6. Wood River
Wood River, Rhode Island, USA
Peter Rintels/Flickr
Wood River is a 25-mile river that flows between Rhode Island and Connecticut. It offers some of the most beautiful places for swimming in the state, at several locations along its route.
7. Ashville Pond, Hopkinton
Ashville Pond, Hopkinton, RI 02833, USA
Zane Steel/AllTrails - May 11, 2023
This 30 acre pond is found in the Rockville Management Area off Cononchet Road in Hopkinton, and we think it's one of the best swimming spots around.
8. Bowdish Reservoir, Chepachet
Bowdish Reservoir, Glocester, RI 02814, USA
Sal Gnomesman2011/Flickr
Bowdish Reservoir offers some of the most amazing freshwater swimming to be found in the state. You can even camp at the reservoir to maximize the fun.
9. Peck Pond, Chepachet
John Halloran/Google Reviews
This 30 acre pond is found in the heart of Pulaski State Park and recreational area. It is not only well maintained, but also the perfect place to cool off after a great hike.

 

What do you think are the best places to go swimming in Rhode Island? Tell us your favorite places to go swimming on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

 

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More to Explore

Swimming In Rhode Island

Katie Lawrence | May 30, 2022

What are the best lakes in Rhode Island?

When it comes to the best lakes in Rhode Island, Wallum Lake definitely comes out on top. This 322-acre reservoir extends northward into Massachusetts, and it's surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. With three boat ramps and epic hiking and birdwatching opportunities, this Ocean State gem is every angler and birdwatcher's dream.

Where are the best places to go swimming in Rhode Island?

As a coastal state, Rhode Island boasts nearly 400 miles of pristine shoreline - and more than 100 beaches, to boot. If we could only pick one of the best swimming spots in Rhode Island, it would probably be Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly. This tourist destination is where all the action happens, so to speak. A seven-mile stretch of pearly white sand, the beach offers everything from jet ski and paddleboat rentals to surfing lessons to amusement park rides and water slides. A trip here promises to make your summer epic!

What are the best waterparks in Rhode Island?

Typically open from early July through Labor Day weekend, Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park is easily one of the best waterparks in Rhode Island. The park boasts two exhilarating waterslides, each one almost 400 feet long. There's also a full-size swimming pool, plus a shallow, one-foot wading area specifically designed for the little ones. If you get hungry - which you will, since swimming tends to work up quite an appetite - Ryder's Tiki Bar offers burgers, nachos, and other classic eats, plus ice cream and even alcoholic beverages for the adults.

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