George Washington State Campground and Management Area, Glocester, RI

About

For Rhode Islanders seeking a true escape into the Ocean State’s natural woodlands, the **George Washington State Campground and Management Area** is a cherished, local gem. Located in the heart of the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area, this destination in Chepachet offers a more primitive and rustic camping experience, allowing residents to unplug and reconnect with nature without ever leaving the state.

The campground is set on the scenic shores of the Bowdish Reservoir, providing a beautiful backdrop for a variety of outdoor pursuits. It is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and is known for its spacious, well-marked sites nestled among the trees. Unlike some commercial resorts, George Washington State Campground is designed for those who appreciate a traditional, woods-based camping adventure, focusing on the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, extensive hiking opportunities, and the tranquility of the water.

While this is a state-managed facility, providing an affordable option for families, visitors should be prepared for a more basic set of amenities consistent with a primitive camping area. For instance, utilities like electrical hookups are not available, embracing the 'dry camping' or 'boondocking' style popular among those who prefer an authentic outdoor experience. Despite the rustic nature, the core offerings—a clean reservoir, miles of trails, and a peaceful environment—make it a beloved and highly valuable resource for Rhode Island’s outdoor enthusiasts.

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Location and Accessibility

George Washington State Campground and Management Area is conveniently located in the northwestern region of Rhode Island, a short and easy drive for most residents across the state. The campground is situated off U.S. Highway 44 (Putnam Pike) in the village of Chepachet, part of the town of Glocester.

The specific address is 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814, USA. Its location places it firmly in the state's interior forestland, providing a genuine feeling of being 'away from it all,' despite the short drive. For residents in Providence County and Kent County, the drive is minimal, making it an ideal option for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer, hassle-free vacation. The Management Area itself spans 4,000 acres, ensuring that campers are fully immersed in Rhode Island’s largest contiguous forested area, with gravel roads and clearly marked trails for exploring beyond the immediate campground perimeter.

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Services Offered

The services at George Washington State Campground are focused on providing essential comforts for a rustic yet secure camping experience. They cater to a range of campers, including those with tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as groups.

Diverse Campsites: The facility offers a combination of over 70 well-spaced gravel campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (with no electric hookups), as well as hike-in tent-only sites on raised platforms for a more secluded experience.
Cabin Shelters: Two Adirondack-style sleeping shelters are available for group camping reservations (limited to 20 persons each), providing a unique rustic cabin option.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available from shared spigots located throughout the main campground area.
Restroom Facilities: The campground features a main bathhouse with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers, as well as solar-powered composting toilets and outhouses distributed across the property for convenience.
Waste Disposal: A Septic Dump Station is provided at no charge for registered campers only.
Camp Store: A camp store is generally available, carrying a variety of camping necessities, ice, firewood, and souvenirs.
Boating Access: A public boat ramp for the Bowdish Reservoir is available, accommodating small watercraft and boats with motors under 10 horsepower.

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Features and Highlights

The appeal of George Washington State Campground lies in its extensive natural features and the wealth of activities available within the 4,000-acre Management Area that surrounds it. It is a haven for true outdoor enthusiasts.

Bowdish Reservoir: This beautiful, 226-acre freshwater reservoir is the primary focal point, offering excellent opportunities for fishing (known for bass and panfish), non-motorized boating (canoeing, kayaking), and ice skating in the winter months.
Freshwater Beach: A designated swimming area with a small beach on the Bowdish Reservoir is typically staffed with lifeguards seasonally, providing a safe, natural spot to cool off during the summer. Please note: signage restricts pets from this specific area.
Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: The surrounding Management Area features miles of varied trails, including the scenic Walkabout Trail (a series of connected loops) and the Angell Loop Trail, which offer diverse terrain for hiking, walking, and mountain biking for all skill levels.
Group Picnic Areas: Two large, Adirondack-style shelters with picnic tables and BBQ pits are available for reservations, perfect for day use or group gatherings.
Primitive Sites with Space: Campsites are generally well-spaced and offer a good degree of privacy, with each site equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring (firewood must be purchased or brought in).
Nature Center and Naturalist Programs: The facility often features a Naturalist Center and programming, with staff available to share knowledge about the local wildlife and ecology, enhancing the educational aspect of the visit.

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Contact Information

For current season dates, reservation details, and specific policy inquiries regarding the George Washington State Campground and Management Area, please use the following contact information. Remember that as a state-managed facility, operating hours and services may vary by season.

Address: 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814, USA

Phone: (401) 568-6700

Management: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Parks and Recreation

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Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Rhode Island residents, the George Washington State Campground and Management Area represents the state’s best opportunity for an authentic, deep-woods camping experience that is both accessible and highly affordable. Its suitability for locals is found in its commitment to a rustic, back-to-nature atmosphere, which provides a refreshing contrast to the state’s bustling coastal beaches and urban centers. Located conveniently in the heart of Rhode Island, it serves as a year-round hub for fishing, hiking, and exploring the state’s largest preserved forestland.

By offering primitive sites with no hookups, it specifically caters to the segment of the local camping community that embraces self-sufficiency and genuine wilderness immersion. This unique character, combined with the affordability of a state park and the abundance of natural resources like the Bowdish Reservoir, makes it a vital and cherished local escape. It allows Rhode Islanders to tap into the therapeutic quiet of the woods, ride the extensive trails, and teach their children the fundamentals of camping, all within a short, manageable drive from anywhere in the Ocean State.

Reviews

Beautiful location. Park had a lot of garbage everywhere. Cabins have no mattresses or table inside- so you must bring your own. We didn’t know this showing up. No info about this while booking. Trash from previous campers left in cabin when we arrived. Front desk person was pretty rude and unwelcoming. Bathrooms never very clean. Naturalist was super knowledgeable and nice, and nature center was beautifully put together! Lots of yelling and noise at night past quiet hours. If you are looking for a quiet camping experience, this is probably not it. Sunset at lake was beautiful, though.

Aug 22, 2025 · Julia Palmer

For rooms I rated 5 stars, but that really translates to campsites. They were all good sized and very clearly marked. I did walk around the property each day we were there and really only saw one or two sites that made me think gosh I'm glad I didn't pick that site. One of the restroom stalls (naturally the one I picked at 1am) was out of paper. That was annoying. Didn't love that the showers are coin operated and have no information on cost and how much time you get. I think I put in like $2 or $3 in quarters not sure. I just guessed. Even at laundry mats there are big signs on the driers that say for .50 you get x minutes. None of that present. I was disappointed that there wasn't a separate pet friendly area/beach. I really wanted to go hang by the water and couldn't because there were big signs indicating no pets were allowed. Overall nice campground, quiet no one bothers you, easy to get to, affordable.

Aug 23, 2025 · Jessie Grimmitt

We have been coming to this campground annually for at least 15 yrs. For 15yrs we arrive to a clean site. Clearly raked out area, fire pit clear of any ashes, wood etc. Nice, clean space to spend a week or 2 at. However this year and last when we arrived there were juice boxes and straws scattered around the site. Trash still in the barrel. Ropes still strung up from the trees from previous campers. The fire pit had half burnt wood sticking out of it. Ashes and cigarette butts filled the fire pit. The dirt area was not at all raked or cleaned up. All unoccupied sites were in this condition. Every single day the 2 young men drove around the campground with barrels rakes n bags sticking out of the golfcart but they never stopped, got out and cleaned, picked up trash or raked 1 site. The passenger had his leg up staring at his phone n the driver drove like a nut thru the campsite every day. They never cleaned 1 site, just cruised around the campground in the cart. There was a strange guy walking around the campground asking anyone he could find for a cigarette. This was always a beautiful get away. Not any more.

Sep 16, 2025 · MadWmn 3

I had a really good camping experience here. First off, there's a few different zones for you to reserve. The one that I ended up going with was one of the 'Angel Loop' campsites which requires a hike to access (and the only area I'm qualified to review). I was exhausted just hauling firewood and a tent. Getting to the campsites requires a relatively short but fairly arduous uphill hike, one that I saw firsthand some people weren't prepared for. In fact, the woman at check-in made a point to warn me that these sites require a hike to access (probably used to complaints). It's not terribly bad, just a half-mile of rocky uphill trail, but enough to impede wagons of firewood and definitely enough to where you should consider how much you're bringing if you're only staying a night or two. That said, once you're there, the sites are quite nicely established with a firepit with a grill, a picnic table, and a wooden platform to pitch your tent. The sites are a bit close together for my liking, and if people were being loud I could see it being annoying, but luckily we had polite neighbors and the only hint we had of other people in the woods was the light from fires. Also, I should mention there's a main road not too far across the reservoir to the south, so yeah, there's gonna be some road noise. Nearby, there's a great collection of well-maintained trails to walk plus a beautiful reservoir and some decent bathroom/shower/fresh water facilities. Altogether, I'd call this one of the best camping experiences you can get in Rhode Island and I plan to return.

Aug 13, 2025 · Neptune Break

We have stayed here a few times, mostly in the off-season and it was nice and quiet. Love the location and the sites are fine, but unless you come super early or late in the season get used to listening to generators in stereo sound for 12 hours of the day. There are no hookups which is part of the reason we come here to dry camp but constant generator usage at neighboring sites ruins the experience. We don't plan on returning...

May 25, 2025 · Chadstone Fieldingworth

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