Book A Dreamy Campsite Near Rhode Island’s Waterfront and You Won’t Be Disappointed

Camping on the water is a hallmark of a Rhode Island summer, and Burlingame State Park offers the state’s most idyllic campsites. Sitting on a magnificently beautiful 3,000 acres in Charlestowne, Rhode Island, the park’s crown jewel is Watchaug Pond. This recreation area is far from a hidden gem, yet compared to some of New England’s other summertime spots, it’s far less crowded. Campgrounds are well-maintained, the facilities are clean, and the setting is simply unmatched.

Watchaug Pond is one of the largest freshwater ponds in the state of Rhode Island, and its gentle water and beautiful, rugged shoreline are perfect for hosting all kinds of summer activities like fishing (if you’ve got an RI Freshwater Fishing License), swimming, and paddling. One of the best ways to explore the pond is by taking the Vin Gormley Trail, a 7.8-mile loop that will take you around the entirety of the pond, running through Burlingame and the Kimball Wildlife Refuge. The terrain is a mix of rocky sections, woodsy stretches, boardwalks, and sometimes on the road, but hikers agree the variety is welcome.

Burlingame State Park Campground features over 700 campsites, including 26 cabin sites as well as walk-up sites not listed online. The camping season runs between April and October, and this year, due to ongoing bathroom construction, the campground will run at about 50% occupancy. On the one hand, this will provide campers with even more seclusion, but it also means you’ll want to reserve your site as soon as you can. This helpful guide offers an overview of many of the available campsites to make the booking experience as seamless as possible. Weekends are the busiest time to book, so if you have some flexibility, consider a mid-week camping trip instead!

Campers agree that this is a top-quality campground, with many having visited with their families for years, or in some cases, decades. The facilities are well-maintained, the staff is friendly, and the grounds are kept clean. Plus, there’s a camp store on-site with everything you’ll need for a comfortable camping experience. The sites are mostly wooded, but you’ll love waking up just a quick walk from the water. One glowing review explains the many perks of camping at Burlingame:

“One of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen! Campsites are great, good space, great shadows for tents, love the fire pit made by stones. The restrooms are super clean, very good shower. Amazing view from the lake and great hiking trails. Plus it’s super close [to] the beach.”

What are some of your favorite camping destinations in Rhode Island? If you’re ready to plan a summer adventure, be sure to send this article to a fellow outdoor enthusiast and let the planning begin! For more information, be sure to visit the official Burlingame State Park website.