Urban Camping in Rhode Island

Urban Camping

Camping in urban RV parks in Rhode Island melds traditional camping with the availability of modern amenities offered by large urban areas. The cities in Rhode Island are near fun attractions, like miles and miles of ocean beaches and shores along the Atlantic Coast. Further inland, you will find lakes, rivers, and nature preserves, many of which are easily accessible at various state parks. City conveniences often include free or inexpensive transit access to the areas you would like to see and can make your trip much easier to plan. Visiting Rhode Island is a great trip in any season, but autumn in New England is especially beautiful because of the fall foliage.

A river reflects a tall cityscape under pink clouds and a blue sky.

Urban RV Parks in Rhode Island

Melville Ponds Campground

Melville Ponds Campground is located on Aquidneck Island in Portsmouth and is only five miles from historical Newport, Middletown, Tiverton, Bristol, and Sandy Point Beach. The campground features spacious full-hookup RV sites that are shaded and have fire rings and tables. Family-friendly amenities include a playground, horseshoes, basketball, a well-stocked store, Wi-Fi, showers, a dog park, and a pavilion. You can purchase ice and firewood, and there is a dump station. The city of Newport is home to a multitude of historic mansions, and you can walk along the Cliff Walk, bike on the 10-mile scenic drive on the coast, play on the beaches, and visit the shops and restaurants.

Paradise Park

Paradise Park is a quiet and peaceful RV park that is just minutes from historical Newport. You can walk to the beaches and Newport’s downtown. On-site amenities include Wi-Fi and a dog-friendly policy. Visitors can walk or drive to nearby Bristol and Middleton, frolic on the beaches, and tour the historic mansions. Notable points of interest include the Cliff Walk and The Breakers, a summer house that was owned by Cornelius Vanderbilt III. 

Water’s Edge Campground

Water’s Edge Campground is located on Johnson’s Pond in Coventry, a few miles south of Providence. Johnson’s Pond is a seven-mile-long lake that is a popular spot for boating, wakeboarding, skiing, and fishing, and the lake is the site of annual events that include a July Fourth fireworks display, water concerts, and a ski show. The campground is next to the New England Greenway Bike Path, which is a trail in development that will eventually be a 3,000-mile trail system from Canada to Key West, FL. As of 2021, 47% of the Rhode Island section is completed. The campground has showers, two playgrounds, a beach area, a skateboard park, tennis and basketball courts, four baseball fields, and a bike path to Paine Field. 

Ashaway RV Resort

If you like being close to the beaches along the coast of Rhode Island, then Ashaway RV Resort is a great place to stay. This RV resort is just a few miles away from the beaches of Narragansett, Charleston, Misquamicut, South Kingston, and Blue Shutters and is only a few miles north of the city of Westerly. The resort offers many family-friendly amenities, such as Wi-Fi, a game room, athletic fields, a laundry facility, a dog park, horseshoes, sporting courts, a playground, a general store, miniature golf, a swimming pool, and planned activities and events. Westerly has ample shops and eateries, and the lighthouse at Watch Hill and the famous carousel of Atlantic Beach are definitely worth a visit. 

Fishermen’s State Park and Campground

Fishermen’s State Park and Campground is located in Narragansett on Point Judith. The park has a “beach town” atmosphere and is close to popular State Beaches, such as Roger Wheeler, Salty Brine, and Scarborough. The park is a mile from the Block Island Ferry Dock. Amenities include a playground, a volleyball net, and basketball and tennis courts. Proof of vehicle and trailer registration is required, and proof of rabies vaccination for your pets is also required.

Where to Urban Camp in Rhode Island

While Rhode Island is a small state, it has several fairly large cities, many of which have historical sites and landmarks that date from colonial times. These cities were popular destinations for the well-heeled of the 1800s and early 1900s, and famous families like the Vanderbilts had vacation homes near the beaches. Today, it is an easy matter to find an RV campground near an urban area, such as Newport, Westerly, Narragansett, and Providence. 

Urban Camping in Rhode Island

It does not require extensive planning when researching where to find urban RV camping in Rhode Island. There are miles of ocean beaches along the coast, and you can enjoy the recreational opportunities you will find at the rivers, lakes, and forests throughout the state, all while being near the available services and attractions of a major city.

Since you will be camping near a city, you probably do not have to bring a lot of your usual camping supplies, but it is still a good idea to pack the basics. A good working list should include seasonal clothing, a first aid kit, bug spray, linens, detergents, propane, a toolbox, umbrellas and rain gear, sturdy shoes, and food and drinks. Visit our helpful blog for additional RV travel tips and ideas before you begin your urban RV camping trip in Rhode Island.

With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.

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