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George Washington Memorial Camping Area
Overview
The George Washington Memorial Camping Area provides a serene, back-to-basics experience within the 4,000-acre George Washington State Management Area. Situated on the shores of Bowdish Reservoir in Chepachet, this park offers a quintessential New England forest setting for travelers. It is a place where the sounds of the wind through the pines and the gentle lap of water against the shore replace the noise of highway traffic, making it a premier choice for those seeking a tranquil wilderness retreat in Rhode Island.
Location & Surroundings
Deep in the northwest corner of the state, the park is surrounded by a dense canopy of hardwoods and evergreens. The Bowdish Reservoir serves as the centerpiece of the landscape, providing a picturesque backdrop for many of the campsites. While the park feels deeply secluded, it is conveniently located near the historic village of Chepachet, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural isolation of the woods without being too far from local supplies or a charming afternoon of exploring colonial-era streets.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a primitive camping facility, meaning it is specifically designed for RVers who enjoy dry camping. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the individual sites. However, the park provides well-maintained gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings at each location. Visitors have access to pit toilets and shared water pumps throughout the grounds. The park also features a boat ramp, allowing campers to easily launch kayaks or small motorboats into the reservoir for a day on the water.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activity, starting with the Angell Loop Trail and other hiking paths that wind through the management area. Just a short drive away is Pulaski State Park, which offers additional swimming and picnicking facilities. The reservoir itself is a popular spot for freshwater fishing, particularly for bass and pickerel. For a change of pace, the nearby village of Chepachet offers unique antique shops and local dining options that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for the self-contained RVer who values privacy and nature over luxury resort amenities. If you prefer a quiet night under the stars to the bustle of a commercial park, this is your destination. It is particularly popular with kayakers and anglers who want immediate access to the water. While some sites can accommodate larger rigs, the park is most comfortable for those in smaller travel trailers or camper vans looking for an authentic woodland experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
MadWmn 3
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.
Jessie Grimmitt
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.
Julia Palmer
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.
Neptune Break
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.
Chadstone Fieldingworth
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...
RJerry Batista
Love the place. Not crowded. Beach area is nice. Lovely lake 🛶 , Bathrooms clean (just bring lots of quarters for hot water). Nice staff. No hookups. Walmart nearby. Firewood nearby. Nice trails. Lots of trees. Avoid connected sites if you are not in a group. Gravel roads, maybe not that suitable for bikes. Active park rangers. Peaceful place♥️
Brent Cooper
Went there for my brothers memorial had a great time.
Titan Ret
Nice camp ground. Most site have good space between them. Swimming area is nice.
Jason malo
Perfect for a rustic trip. Nice bath house but smaller capacity. Friendly staff
Matthew Harrell
Love to hike here. well marked and good all around trails.