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Burlingame
Overview
Burlingame State Park offers a classic Rhode Island camping experience nestled within 3,100 acres of rocky woodland. Located in Charlestown, this sprawling park is a cornerstone of New England outdoor recreation, providing a serene escape into nature. Travelers will find a rustic atmosphere that prioritizes the natural beauty of the South County region. It is one of the largest campgrounds in the state, offering a traditional woodland setting for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the quiet sounds of the forest near the Atlantic coast.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated primarily along the shores of Watchaug Pond, a large freshwater lake that serves as the centerpiece for many park activities. The landscape is characterized by dense forest, granite outcrops, and winding trails that showcase the unique ecology of coastal Rhode Island. While the park feels secluded, it is perfectly positioned just a short drive from the saltwater beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. This unique mix of freshwater and saltwater environments makes the location highly versatile for water enthusiasts.
Amenities & Park Features
Burlingame is a dry camping destination, meaning it does not offer water, sewer, or electric hookups at the sites. However, it provides essential facilities including restrooms with showers, a camp store for supplies, and a dump station for RVers. Recreation features include a swimming beach on the pond, a boat ramp for non-motorized and small motorized vessels, and several playgrounds. Extensive hiking and biking trails weave through the woods, offering miles of exploration directly from your campsite. The park also features a picnic area and educational programs during the peak season.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the stunning Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge or spend a day at the popular Misquamicut State Beach. The nearby town of Charlestown offers charming local seafood shacks and boutiques. For a historical outing, the Watch Hill Lighthouse in Westerly is a short drive away, offering scenic views and coastal charm. Nature lovers can also visit the Kettle Pond Visitor Center to learn about the unique glacial geology that formed this beautiful region. The Charlestown Breachway is also close by for excellent saltwater fishing.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and families who enjoy a traditional, back-to-basics camping experience. Because there are no hookups, it is best suited for RVers with self-contained rigs or those comfortable with boondocking-style stays. It is a fantastic choice for paddlers and hikers who want immediate access to the water and forest. If you prefer the rustle of leaves over the hum of resort amenities, Burlingame provides the perfect coastal Rhode Island retreat.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Christine Futch
Really nice campground. Spacious site, good tree cover. I finished tent camping in all 50 states here so it was a good place to complete this goal. Heard all kinds of birds at night - owls, turkeys etc & saw deer at edge of campsite.
Jessica Spragg
The campground is rustic with many different site options available to suit your needs. Some camp areas are crowded and loud while others provide privacy. Some campsites are very shaded and secluded While others are open and exposed to lots of sunlight. The cabins are basic but well maintained. The quite hours are strictly enforced. There are limited bathhouses provided. The space in between is serviced by port-a-potties. Unfortunately the port-a-potties are not cleaned as well as they should be. The bathhouses also are extremely dirty. They are updating many of the bathhouses but the old ones are so run down that they are almost unusable. If you plan to use the showers bring quarters and flip-flops. The fire rings do not come with any kind of cooking grate. The swim area is Sandy in some areas and Mucky in others. You may want to bring water shoes. All in all this is a good place for rustic camping.
BUTCH Littell
This campground was decent, IN THE PAST. Not anymore. Security is useless. Quiet hours for generator use are 8pm to 8am. Multiple times security drove by our neighbors site and ignored the generator use. They used the generator until 10:30 pm. So much for a nice relaxing evening around the campfire. In addition, individuals just walk right through your site like they own it and even let their dog poop on my site without picking it up. Stay away if you expect to enjoy yourself. When I spoke with staff, I was told that I needed to officially complain. Seriously, they drive by the situation and unless I complain, they ignore it. Shame on the security guards for not doing their job and enforcing the basic rules so others can enjoy their camping experience. We left 3 nights early on a holiday weekend!!
Sasha der
Burlingame State Park is an awesome place to relax, camp, and enjoy the outdoors! This park has everything you need for a perfect camping getaway. There are plenty of picnic tables and great spots for camping, whether you’re in a tent or an RV. One of the best parts is the lake, which comes with a small beach — perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun. There’s also a playground for kids, which makes it very family-friendly. The park is well-equipped with showers (just remember to bring three quarters for 4 minutes of hot water), and the bike and walking trails are excellent — peaceful, scenic, and fun for all skill levels. Overall, Burlingame State Park is a hidden gem. Whether you’re into camping, hiking, biking, or just relaxing by the water, this place has something for everyone. Highly recommended! One downgrade is The bathrooms(portable toilets) )need to be cleaned more often (some of them you can’t even use them because of smell and they are full.
Amy Nesbitt
We accessed the park via Kings Factory and walked down Cold Spring Rd. Formerly the Pastore Leisure Center. We came around dusk early July and the sun was just beginning to set. It was an absolutely stunning sunset. This time of year be prepared for the mosquitoes. The hike down to the water is a paved road making access easy. It isn’t too long of a hike down to the pond. It’s a great spot for a picnic on the little beach. There was no one there except some fishermen out on the water fishing. I didn’t see any restroom facilities in the area so take note. It also has a very cool venue from yesteryear. I could totally see a theatre or dance performance around this fire place. Neat Octagonal shape and invokes the camp vibe. Overall, I nice little walk with a tremendously beautiful view!