Burlingame State Campgrounds

- 75 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813

For generations of Rhode Islanders, the summer isn't complete without a trip to the beach and a night spent under the stars. Burlingame State Campgrounds, nestled in the scenic Charlestown area of South County, is where many of those cherished memories are made. As one of the largest and most popular state parks in Rhode Island, Burlingame offers a quintessential New England outdoor experience, providing a vital, affordable, and accessible getaway for local families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.

This sprawling state park is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a vast, wooded playground encompassing over 2,100 acres of rocky woodland that surrounds the beautiful Watchaug Pond. With a massive capacity of over 700 rustic campsites and a selection of cabins, Burlingame has a lively, bustling atmosphere, especially during the peak summer months. It offers a unique blend of deep-woods camping with the convenience of being just minutes from the state’s famous coastal beaches. For those looking for a traditional, yet fully featured, family camping experience right here in the Ocean State, Burlingame State Campgrounds stands out as a prime destination.

The atmosphere is distinctly family-friendly, often described by local visitors as packed but respectful, with kids playing freely and everyone enjoying the great outdoors. While the sheer size means it gets busy, a strong presence of park rangers ensures a safe and managed environment, allowing Rhode Islanders to fully relax and enjoy their staycation.

Burlingame State Campgrounds is perfectly situated to serve Rhode Island residents, offering both seclusion and connectivity to some of the state's best attractions. The official address is 75 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA, placing it directly within the Charlestown Forest.

Accessibility is a significant draw for local users. The park is conveniently located just off U.S. Route 1, a major artery that makes travel from points throughout Rhode Island and neighboring states straightforward. This ease of access makes it simple for locals to pack up the car or RV for a weekend escape without enduring long, stressful drives.

A major highlight of the location is its outstanding proximity to the Rhode Island shore. Guests are just a short drive—approximately 15 minutes—from spectacular saltwater beaches, most notably Misquamicut Beach, but also Charlestown Breachway and East Matunuck State Beach. This combination of freshwater camping on Watchaug Pond and quick access to the Atlantic Ocean's sandy shores provides a two-in-one vacation experience unmatched by most other regional campgrounds.

The location also puts campers near the quaint charm of South County towns like Westerly and Narragansett, offering easy trips for dining, local shopping, and other amenities, ensuring a balanced trip between rustic outdoor living and modern convenience. The 'car-dependent' nature of the location is generally a non-issue for local Rhode Islanders planning a family camping trip.

Burlingame State Campgrounds, as a state-run facility, provides a comprehensive set of essential services and recreational rentals designed to ensure a comfortable and active stay for all visitors. The management focuses on the necessities of a large-scale, rustic park experience.

• Campsite Accommodations: Offering over 700 sites suitable for tents, small trailers, campers, and RVs, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill for cooking.
• Cabin Rentals: A number of rustic cabins are available, providing a shelter option with bunk beds (note: you must bring your own mattresses and bedding) and screens in the windows, offering a comfortable alternative to tent camping.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Strategically located throughout the extensive grounds, the campground features conveniently located restrooms with flush toilets and pay-metered shower facilities, which run on coins (quarters) and provide hot water.
• Freshwater Beach and Swimming: Direct access to Watchaug Pond, which features a nice, guarded freshwater beach for swimming during the season, providing a safe, clean alternative to the ocean waves.
• Camp Store and Arcade: A well-stocked camp store carries a wide variety of camping necessities, ice, basic groceries, and souvenirs. The recreation hall also includes an arcade, a popular feature for children and families.
• Watercraft Rentals: Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the camp store for enjoying a day out on Watchaug Pond.
• Firewood Policy: As a key piece of information for campers, Burlingame enforces a strict policy that prohibits outside firewood. Campfire wood must be purchased on-site, a rule implemented to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
• Septic Dump Station: A septic dump station is available for use by registered campers at no additional charge for one dump per week, with a fee for additional use or for non-registered campers.

The highlights of a Burlingame State Campgrounds experience are centered on its robust recreational offerings and family-friendly environment, making it a beloved institution for Rhode Island residents.

• Multi-Acre Rustic Environment: The park spans over 2,100 acres of wooded land, providing a genuine sense of being in nature with plenty of room for exploration and a break from the urban and suburban bustle.
• Watchaug Pond Access: This large, beautiful freshwater pond is a major focal point, offering boating, fishing, and swimming at the designated beach area, all within walking distance from most sites.
• Proximity to Ocean Beaches: Campers have the flexibility to enjoy the pond one day and take a short drive to the famous saltwater beaches like Misquamicut or the Charlestown Breachway the next, a combination that defines the South County vacation.
• Family-Focused Activities: Beyond the beach and arcade, the park offers a playground and hiking trails. The environment is widely celebrated by customers as being extremely family-friendly, where children are welcome and safe.
• Patrolled Security: Frequent patrols by park rangers and a staff committed to enforcing rules, including quiet hours and the ban on alcohol, contribute to a respectful and orderly environment, which is highly valued by families.
• Variety of Sites: The sheer number of sites (over 700) and the inclusion of rustic cabins mean there are camping options to suit different preferences, from tent camping to RV stays (note that utility hookups are not generally available on the rustic sites).
• Hiking and Nature Trails: The surrounding Charlestown Forest and Burlingame Management Area offer miles of trails for walking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, connecting campers with the state’s natural habitats.

Burlingame State Campgrounds is part of the Rhode Island State Parks system. For reservations, general inquiries, and contact, please use the information below.

Address: 75 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA

Phone: (401) 322-8910

Reservations: Campsites and cabins are extremely popular, particularly during the summer season (typically early April through early October), and should be booked well in advance through the state's official reservation system (ReserveAmerica or the RI State Parks website).

For residents of Rhode Island, Burlingame State Campgrounds represents the perfect staycation and a gateway to the best of South County’s outdoor recreation. It is suitable for locals for several compelling reasons, primarily centered on value and convenience.

Firstly, it offers an incredible recreational value. The opportunity to camp affordably on a freshwater pond while having world-class saltwater beaches just minutes away is a unique and valuable amenity. Secondly, the family-friendly, managed environment ensures a safe and enjoyable experience that local parents can trust. The commitment to maintaining a clean and orderly campground, despite its massive size, makes it a reliable choice year after year.

Ultimately, Burlingame State Campgrounds is a cherished piece of Rhode Island's recreational infrastructure. It provides a convenient, memorable, and tradition-rich environment for the Ocean State’s residents to unplug, connect with nature, and create lasting family memories without ever having to leave the state.

Burlingame State Campgrounds

75 Burlingame State Park Rd, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA