George Washington, Hopkinton, RI

Introduction / Overview

For Rhode Island residents looking to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the state’s natural beauty, the George Washington State Campground and Memorial Camping Area offers one of the most authentically rugged and wooded experiences available. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, in the small town of Chepachet (part of the larger George Washington Management Area), this destination is a favorite for those who appreciate primitive camping. Encompassing approximately 4,000 acres of beautiful, dense forestland, the park's 100-acre camping area sits right on the tranquil shores of the Bowdish Reservoir.

The campground is an official Rhode Island State Park facility, managed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and is dedicated to preserving a rustic, back-to-nature atmosphere. While it embraces this primitive feel—you won't find full utility hookups here—it still provides essential comfort facilities that have been significantly updated, including a modern bathhouse. It’s a popular spot for both tent and self-contained RV campers, offering a chance to feel miles away from the city while still being within an easy drive for most of the state's population. It is often described by visitors as having the feel of being in the woods of New Hampshire, a testament to its unspoiled character and quiet seclusion.

Location and Accessibility

The George Washington State Campground is strategically situated for easy access from most points in Rhode Island, making it an excellent weekend getaway for locals. The physical address is 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI 02873, USA, although it is frequently associated with the nearby town of Chepachet, off U.S. Highway 44 (Putnam Pike) in Providence County.

Its location in the northwest corner, close to the borders of Connecticut and Massachusetts, is ideal. It is only about a 30-to-40-minute drive from Providence, and easily accessible via major highways like I-295 and I-395. This proximity is a huge advantage for local campers who want to spend less time traveling and more time relaxing. The surrounding area is part of the state's largest protected forest areas, offering an expansive playground for outdoor enthusiasts. While the internal roads are primarily gravel, the main access roads are generally well-maintained, welcoming both tent campers and RVs.

Services Offered

As a state-run, primitive campground, George Washington focuses on providing well-maintained essential services to support an authentic outdoor experience. The park is open annually from the second weekend of April through the end of October.

Campsites: Approximately 76 well-spaced sites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (with gravel pads up to 45 feet in length in the main area). Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available from shared spigots scattered throughout the campground loops for filling containers.
Restroom Facilities: Modern comfort stations are available, featuring flush toilets and hot showers (note: showers may require quarters for operation). Additionally, porta-potties are sprinkled among the sites for convenience.
Sewage Disposal: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for registered RV campers.
Group Camping: Two large Adirondack-style shelters are available by reservation, ideal for organized groups or large families (limited to 20 persons each).
Boat Launch: A boat ramp provides easy access to the Bowdish Reservoir, though a 10 horsepower motor limit is enforced.
Generator Use: Generators are permitted during restricted daytime hours to accommodate RV travelers who need to power their units.

Features / Highlights

The features of George Washington State Campground emphasize recreation, natural beauty, and a quiet, woodsy environment, making it a distinctive state park destination.

Bowdish Reservoir Access: The campground’s location directly on the reservoir provides opportunities for swimming at the designated beach area, fishing (known for small panfish and bluegill), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Extensive Trail System: The campground is the hub for a network of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails within the 4,000-acre Management Area. Notably, sections of the famous North-South Trail run through the park.
Hike-in Tent Sites: For the most adventurous tent campers, the Angell Loop offers remote, hike-in sites with raised wooden platforms, requiring a carry-in/carry-out approach for maximum seclusion.
Privacy and Spacing: Campers consistently praise the large, spacious, and shady sites, which are well-separated by trees and natural brush, providing a sense of privacy often missing in larger campgrounds.
Historic Significance: The area’s history is preserved through the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) activity cabin and historic structures, offering a glimpse into the park’s past development.

Contact Information

As a Rhode Island State Park facility, reservations and inquiries are managed through the official Rhode Island DEM system.

Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI 02873, USA (Note: While this address is in the same general area, the campground is often cited as 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI for the main entrance.)

Phone: Rhode Island State Parks (General Inquiries and Reservations) - Locals are encouraged to check the official RI State Parks website for the most current reservation system and direct contact number for the George Washington facility. A typical number for RI DEM Campgrounds is (401) 568-6700, though this can vary. Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

George Washington State Campground is perfectly suited for Rhode Islanders because it offers an authentic, accessible escape into the wilderness without demanding a long drive out of state. For a Rhode Island resident, the heavily discounted resident rate for camping makes it an incredibly affordable, high-value choice for a family getaway.

Its “primitive” nature is its biggest strength—it provides the sense of truly roughing it with the necessary security of clean, modern restroom facilities. It’s an ideal base camp for a long weekend focused on active recreation: exploring the extensive trail system on foot or by mountain bike, spending a quiet day fishing on the Bowdish Reservoir, or simply unwinding by a campfire under the stars. Whether you are a Providence-area resident seeking a quick 35-minute drive to total quiet, or an outdoor enthusiast looking to hike a segment of the North-South Trail, George Washington offers the space, the scenery, and the genuine outdoor experience that makes our state’s parks such a treasured asset. It is a genuine, forested sanctuary, right in our own backyard.