5 Great Camping Spots

Saturday, September 03, 2011

GoLocalProv Features Team

Early fall may be the best season there is for camping, so grab a tent and some sleeping bags (or score an RV) and take advantage of these 5 great camping areas... all within an hour's drive.

Best rustic camping

Peeper Pond Campground, Exeter
You will feel the beauty of this intimate 70-acre wooded campground in Exeter with a full modern bathhouse with free hot showers, not to mention some old-fashioned volleyball, badminton, and horseshoes. And shhhh, but there's a data port if you need to check your email. See if you can snag Site 1-A, which faces the the pond itself, home to the place's namesake frogs, as well as otters, beavers, and herons. 159 Liberty Church Rd, Exeter, 294-5540.

Best beach camping

Charlestown Breachway Campground, Charlestown
You're going to need an RV, but it might be worth it to get to sleep out at one of the state's most unspoiled beaches. Great for saltwater fishing and challenging body surfing or boogie boarding, and a long strand of sand for that early

morning walk with your fresh coffee. Plus, a drop-dead view of Block Island Sound, and the feeling of being a million miles away. No tables or fireplaces, so come prepared. No pets. 75 trailer sites available, for fees and more information call 364-7000 or read online, here. Camping reservations available through ReserveAmerica.

Best view camping

Fort Getty Campground, Jamestown
Often recommended for its historical aspect, this Jamestown site of the original military fort is really fantastic for its open, grassy tent sites, some of which have perfect views of the ocean. Walk the local trails through salt marsh, and enjoy the local beach. You may never even notice that Newport is just across the bridge. Go here for rules, fees, and reservations, or call 423-7211 for more information.

Best remote camping

Burlingame State Park and Campground, Charlestown
You won't believe a place this big exists in Rhode Island. 3,100 acres of rocky, forested, hilly terrain, bordering 1,000-acre freshwater Watchaug Pond. More than 80 species of birds. All kinds of wildlife, including mink and river

otter. The campground itself is huge as well: 755 sites, including rustic cabins, but no electricity. The hiking is wonderful, including an eight-mile circumnavigation of the pond, and the swimming is excellent. There's even a great camp store. You'll want your mail forwarded here and stay put 'til they close on Halloween. For more information call 322-7994 or go online here.

Best old-school camping

Holiday Acres Campground, North Scituate
Hosting families for a half century, this is a rural RI gem. Enjoy the village atmosphere with lots of activities for kids and adults, including lake swimming, fishing, and (motorless) boating. 591 Snake Hill Rd, North Scituate; for more information/reservations call 934-0780 or check online here.

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