Rhode Island state campgrounds hosted over 80,000 campers in 2023. Here are the most popular

Katie Landeck, Providence Journal
·2 min read

The Rhode Island state campgrounds, managed by the Department of Environmental Management, are one of the state's less talked about gems.

At the five campgrounds, which all have a different vibe, people can stay near the seaside with facilities and tennis courts, or head for a more primitive experience in the woods, or take their camper to undeveloped beach sites.

From biggest to smallest, the state's campgrounds are Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown, with 745 sites; Fishermen's Memorial State Campground in Narragansett, with 182 sites; George Washington State Campground in Glocester, with 80; Charlestown Breachway State Campground in Charlestown, with 75; and East Beach State Campground in Charlestown, with 15.

In 2023, 83,629 campers stayed at the state's campgrounds, according to DEM data.

Here are the two that were the most popular, according to DEM.

The campground that has the most campers: Burlingame

A thin, isolated, sandy beach offers a panoramic view of the 573-acre Watchaug Pond at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown.
A thin, isolated, sandy beach offers a panoramic view of the 573-acre Watchaug Pond at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown.

Its size gives it a definite advantage.

With 745 sites, Burlingame had "85-90% occupancy in July and 75-85% occupancy in August," DEM said, which means it had the most campers stay there out of all the state parks. Located on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown, the campsite has a playground, arcade, freshwater beach, boat ramp, canoe rentals and hiking trails. The campground is also near Misquamicut State Beach, Charlestown Breachway and East Matunuck State Beach. The campsites do not have water or electricity, but there are restrooms with shower facilities.

They also have several rustic cabins, but if you want to get one of those, you need to book early.

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The campground with the highest occupancy: Fishermen's Memorial

A view of the clam flats from a campsite at Fishermen's Memorial State Park in Narragansett.
A view of the clam flats from a campsite at Fishermen's Memorial State Park in Narragansett.

If you're hoping to camp here this summer, our tip is to reserve your spot now.

"Our most popular campground based on occupancy is Fishermen’s Memorial in Narragansett because it is fully booked for almost every day in the summer," DEM spokesman Michael Healey said.

The location and amenities make it easy to see why this campsite is so popular. Close to Scarborough, Roger Wheeler and Salty Brine state beaches, it's an easy launch point for a beach vacation. The camp also has family-friendly activities such as basketball and tennis courts.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Looking to camp in RI? Here are the most popular state campgrounds.