Second Beach Family Campground, Middletown, RI

For Rhode Islanders, a true summer escape often involves the salt air, the sound of the Atlantic surf, and the convenience of being close to the water without the hassle of daily drives. Second Beach Family Campground in Middletown, RI, delivers exactly this experience, establishing itself not just as a place to stay, but as a premier seasonal waterfront community. Situated on Sachuest Point Road, this unique campground offers a serene, beach-camp atmosphere for those who genuinely love the ocean and desire an extended, peaceful stay right on the classic New England coast.

The campground operates with a clear focus on long-term comfort and a simple, yet stunning, beachside lifestyle. The Town of Middletown facility is known to be open primarily for seasonal campers, a detail that is important for locals planning their summer residence. This seasonal focus cultivates a stable, friendly community vibe, with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that emphasizes moderate sociability among residents. The management's goal is to provide a tranquil environment, which includes posted quiet hours, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking relaxation.

The setting of Second Beach Family Campground is nothing short of incredible. Located directly across from the main parking lot of Sachuest Beach—universally known to locals as Second Beach—campers enjoy direct walking access to one of the most beautiful and well-maintained stretches of sand in Rhode Island. Furthermore, the campground is uniquely bordered by the stunning Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge and the access road to the quieter, more protected Third Beach. This unparalleled proximity to three distinct coastal attractions—a major surfing beach, a calm cove, and a vast wildlife refuge—is what truly sets this RV haven apart for Rhode Island residents. It’s an idyllic setting that perfectly blends convenient coastal living with preserved natural beauty.

Location and Accessibility

Second Beach Family Campground’s address at 474 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, places it in one of the most desirable coastal locations in the state. For residents of Rhode Island, the ease of access to both natural wonder and historical attractions is a major advantage, making it a highly practical seasonal destination.

The location is a stone’s throw from the shoreline. Campers literally cross the road to reach the expansive, mile-long Second Beach, known for its pristine white sand and reliable surf culture at the area locals call "Surfer’s End." Just a short walk further down Sachuest Point Road, campers can access Third Beach, a more sheltered cove with calmer waters, perfect for paddle-boarding and smaller children.

Critically, the campground is strategically located near the historic and vibrant city of Newport. A quick, approximately ten-minute drive opens up a world of active nightlife, charming restaurants, diverse shopping, and cultural landmarks. Rhode Islanders can enjoy a peaceful beach day and then easily transition to exploring the iconic Cliff Walk, the Gilded Age mansions, or the bustling waterfront of Newport.

Furthermore, the entire peninsula is a gateway to nature exploration. The campground borders the 242-acre Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, offering miles of easy nature trails through salt-spray shrubland, providing incredible opportunities for hiking and bird watching year-round. This concentration of amenities, entertainment, and nature preserves in one easily accessible coastal locale makes the Middletown setting second to none for Rhode Island residents seeking the ultimate summer base.

Services Offered

As a seasonal campground primarily dedicated to recreational vehicles, Second Beach Family Campground offers a comprehensive suite of utility and support services to ensure a comfortable, long-term stay. The services are tailored to maximize the convenience of RV living by the ocean.

Full Utility Hookups: All 44 available sites are exclusively for RVs and are equipped with electricity (30-amp and 50-amp options), sewer, and water hookups, making extended stays convenient and hassle-free.

On-Site Restrooms and Showers: Clean and conveniently located restrooms and hot shower facilities are available, which is a great comfort after a long day at the beach or a walk through the refuge.

Laundry Facilities: The site includes coin-operated washer and dryers, an essential amenity for seasonal residents and those planning an extended stay by the beach.

Ice Locker and WiFi: An ice locker is provided on-site for convenience, and Wi-Fi access is available, allowing campers to stay connected to necessary services or manage personal entertainment.

On-Site Management: Campground management is on site, ensuring prompt attention to maintenance issues, facility cleanliness, and the enforcement of quiet hours and community rules.

No Tent Camping or Pets: It is important to note for local users that the campground maintains strict rules of no tent camping and no pets, ensuring the environment remains focused on the RV community and clean beach access.

Features / Highlights

The true value of Second Beach Family Campground lies in its location-driven features and its focus on a specific, high-quality camping experience. The highlights are centered around coastal access, community living, and easy enjoyment of the surrounding area.

Direct Beach Access: The most significant feature is the literal walking access to both Second (Sachuest) Beach and Third Beach. Campers can leave their RV and be on the sand in minutes, a major convenience given the high cost and difficulty of daily parking at these popular coastal spots.

Proximity to Wildlife Refuge: Being bordered by the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a truly unique feature. Guests have immediate access to miles of pristine natural habitat for peaceful walking, hiking, and bird watching right outside their campsite.

Seasonal Community Atmosphere: The seasonal-only structure creates a tight-knit and quiet community, which many Rhode Island residents seek for a familiar summer retreat. The emphasis on moderate sociability and posted quiet hours ensures a tranquil, relaxing stay.

Ideal Basecamp for Newport Exploration: The short, ten-minute drive to Newport allows campers to enjoy the quiet solitude of the beach and then easily visit the city’s historical sites, like the Gilded Age Mansions, the Cliff Walk, and the bustling wharves, without needing to stay in the higher-traffic urban area.

On-Site Recreation: The campground maintains simple, traditional recreation areas, including a swing set for children, picnic tables, and a fire pit located on the campground green, fostering evening community gatherings.

Surfing and Water Sports: Campers have convenient access to the prime surfing location at Surfer's End of Second Beach, where surfboard rentals and lessons are often available during the season, as well as easy access to the calmer Third Beach for kayaking and paddle-boarding.

Contact Information

Second Beach Family Campground

Address: 474 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA

Phone: (401) 846-6273

Mobile Phone: +1 401-846-6273

Since this campground operates primarily as a seasonal-only facility, interested local residents should use the contact information provided to inquire about seasonal site availability and the waitlist process. The season typically runs from May 1st through Columbus Day. Securing a spot often requires forward planning, but the rewards—a summer of coastal living just steps from the sand—are well worth the effort for a Rhode Islander.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Second Beach Family Campground is perfectly suited for Rhode Island residents looking to elevate their summer experience from simple day trips to a complete coastal lifestyle. The primary draw is location; for locals, having an affordable, full hookup RV site directly across from Sachuest Beach is a coveted advantage that cuts out the struggle of summer beach parking fees and traffic congestion. It allows for an immediate, everyday connection to the ocean—from sunrise walks with their feet in the sand to evening strolls past the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.

Moreover, the seasonal-only commitment by the Town of Middletown creates a stable, tranquil environment. This model appeals strongly to the local resident who seeks a predictable, low-stress summer retreat where they can establish roots and enjoy the company of other seasonal campers. It provides a clean, well-serviced 'home away from home' that is an essential luxury for enjoying the short but beautiful New England summer season. In short, Second Beach Family Campground offers Rhode Islanders a unique and valuable opportunity to secure a high-demand, full-service seasonal spot in the heart of the state’s most desirable coastal area, providing the peaceful, beach-camp atmosphere that is a treasured part of living in the Ocean State.