10 Best State Parks in Rhode Island
Panoramic ocean views, ice fishing, naturalist programs, 100-acre beaches, lush forests, and much more. The state parks of Rhode Island are not to be missed, and we will explore the best ones right here. Here are our 10 favorites.
Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, RI
This popular state park boasts a public recreation area of 627 acres that envelopes Olney Pond in a small town next to Pawtucket. You’ll find boat access, picnic areas, baseball and basketball courts, a beach with access to swimming and fishing, hiking and horseback trails, and, in the winter time, it is open to ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling.
Colt State Park, Bristol, RI
Colt State Park is a 464-acre reserve on what is called the Poppasquash Neck, a spit of land not far from Narragansett. The lands of the park are said to have been once owned by industrialist Samuel P. Colt, and beautifully landscaped fruit trees and manicured lawns give way to picnic areas, bike paths, and an open-air chapel.
Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
Strategically set at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers unobstructed panoramic views of Newport Harbor. In fact, the spot offered such unobstructed views that it was once even an active military base from 1841 through the mid-20th century. Now, it serves as the location for the largest annual jazz and folk music festival in the country and had done so for over 25 years.
Goddard Memorial State Park, Warwick, RI
Goddard Memorial State Park is 490 acres public recreational area on the shores of Greenwich Cove and Greenwich Bay. Offering a salt-water beach and plenty of lawns and fields, as well as some forested areas, there is an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Plus, there is a nine-hole golf course, an equestrian show area, and 18-miles of trails.
Brenton Point State Park, Newport, RI
At only 89 acres, Brenton Points sits on the southwestern-most tip of Aquidneck Island. And, as you can imagine the park offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. However, it also offers picnic areas, access to hiking trails, fishing, and swimming opportunities, and respite for road-weary drivers.
East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown, RI
With over 102 acres of saltwater beaches, East Matunuck State Beach is managed by the State Parks Department and offers plenty of parking and around 25 picnic tables. The culmination of managing and acquiring lands after several hurricanes, this modern beach facility and park area now totals more than 144 acres and includes several walking trails.
Burlingame State Park, Charlestown, RI
Perhaps the most rustic and certainly the largest of the parks featured here, this 3,100-acre park consists of the rocky woodlands that envelop Watchaug Pond. Featuring a tucked-away campground with 700 campsites and 20 cabins, you will find modern shower facilities, an arcade, a playground, and a freshwater beach with canoe rentals.
Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, RI
Located just off from Jamestown, Beavertail State Park offers some of the most spectacular views of open water in the entire state, and the reserve is 153 acres at the southern end of Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. The island is accessible by road and the drive offers four seaside overlooks. Once there, you will find saltwater fishing opportunities, a naturalist program, and lots of hiking trails that offer views of the Atlantic.
Fishermen's Memorial State Park, Narragansett, RI
This state park and campground is a 91-acre reserve on Point Judith and it is said to exude a seaside village-like atmosphere where guests will encounter enchanted tree-lined paths, resort-like manicured grass, and an island-like warmth and hospitality. By all accounts, visitors are quite sociable and gathering around the campfire at night is encouraged.
Blackstone River State Park, Lincoln, RI
This riverfront park offers historical walking tours, bike paths, trails, canoe ramps, and freshwater fishing. Plus, there is an on-site museum and informational plaques along each path. Moreover, the Blackstone Visitor's Center is a 9,700-square-foot colonial post and beam structure that was completed in 2006.
