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Burlingame State Park

4.3
·2k reviews·Charlestown, United States

Rustic lakeside camping with spacious sites, scenic trails, and a refreshing lake beach. Enjoy nature's tranquility.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late September

Fall colors & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Burlingame State Park - Image 1

Burlingame State Park

Best Time

Late September

Fall colors & fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Rustic lakeside camping with spacious sites, scenic trails, and a refreshing lake beach. Enjoy nature's tranquility.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Awesome place to relax, camp, and enjoy the outdoors with everything you need for a perfect getaway."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Quarters for Showers

Hot water is metered; bring plenty of quarters for your shower needs. :moneybag:

Water Shoes Recommended

The lake beach can be sandy in parts and mucky in others. Water shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 1,600 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chapman Pond Lake

Chapman Pond Lake

Central lake area

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing on the small beach, or simply relaxing by the water. Perfect for a refreshing dip.

Scenic Walking & Biking Trails

Scenic Walking & Biking Trails

Throughout the park

Explore peaceful, scenic paths winding through nature. Great for all skill levels, offering opportunities to spot wildlife.

Spacious Campsites

Spacious Campsites

Various campgrounds

Find ample space for tents or RVs, with options for shaded seclusion or open, sunny spots.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Rustic Charm

Burlingame State Park offers a true rustic camping experience. While some bathhouses are being updated, be prepared for potentially basic facilities like port-a-potties that may need more frequent cleaning. Bring quarters for showers and water shoes for the lake beach.

Respect Quiet Hours

While many campers enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, some reviews mention issues with noise, particularly generator use outside of designated hours. Be prepared to report disturbances to staff if you seek a quiet camping experience.

Best Times

When
Late September
Why
Fall colors & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful trails & quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for lake swimming
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Food and activities suggestions near Burlingame State Park

We are going to RI for the first time (we were in Newport for less than 24 hours) so I considered this as our first time actually spending time there. We are camping in Burlingame State Park end of September and are looking for suggestions for food and activities. Based on my…

Bring Quarters for Showers

Hot water is metered; bring plenty of quarters for your shower needs. :moneybag:

Water Shoes Recommended

The lake beach can be sandy in parts and mucky in others. Water shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Locals, send tips!

Spending a long weekend in Charlestown with our kids. Ages 6-12. Looking for recommendations on scenic walks, places to go bike or things to see while we are there. We live in CT and spend most of our summer in Maine but somehow have always missed RI- so we are excited to go! We…

reddit.com

Good places for stargazing

Does anyone know good places within Rhode Island to camp out in your car and stargaze? Preferably with free overnight parking

Pack Insect Repellent

Enjoy the nature without the bugs! Especially important during warmer months. :bug:

Report Rule Violations

If quiet hours or other rules are broken, staff suggest making an official complaint. 📝

reddit.com

Camping Recommendations

Does anyone have any good CT camping spots they can recommend? I would like to take my son (10) camping this summer. We are first time campers and would like a spot with some fun activities either at the site or in the area. Appreciate your help!

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Quarters for Showers

Hot water is metered; bring plenty of quarters for your shower needs. :moneybag:

Water Shoes Recommended

The lake beach can be sandy in parts and mucky in others. Water shoes are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:

Pack Insect Repellent

Enjoy the nature without the bugs! Especially important during warmer months. :bug:

Report Rule Violations

If quiet hours or other rules are broken, staff suggest making an official complaint. 📝

Explore Local Cuisine

Don't miss trying Rhode Island clam chowder nearby! :spoon:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Burlingame State Park is lauded for its spacious campsites and beautiful natural setting, particularly its lake and trails, making it a great spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. However, some visitors note that restroom and shower facilities could be better maintained, and occasional issues with noise and rule enforcement have been reported.

"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."

Sasha der

"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."

Christine Futch

"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!!"

BUTCH Littell

What People Like

Spacious campsites
Lake and beach area
Scenic trails

What People Dislike

Restroom cleanliness
Noise disturbances
Facility maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Burlingame State Park is located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. It's accessible by car via Route 1. Many visitors use GPS navigation. Parking is available within the park for day-use visitors and campers. Reddit

Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for the best access and flexibility when visiting Burlingame State Park. Reddit

The park has a network of roads for vehicles and well-marked trails for walking and biking. Maps are usually available at the park entrance or ranger station. Reddit

The closest major airport is Providence T.F. Green Airport (PVD), which is about a 45-minute to an hour's drive away. Reddit

From Providence, take I-95 South to Exit 92 for RI-2 N toward Westerly, then follow signs for Burlingame State Park. From Boston, take I-93 S to I-95 S. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically a day-use fee for visitors who are not camping. Camping fees vary by site type and season. Check the official Rhode Island State Parks website for current pricing. Reddit

The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and visitor centers have seasonal hours. Day-use areas are typically open from dawn to dusk. Reddit

Campsites can usually be booked online through the Rhode Island State Parks reservation system or by phone. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Reddit

Discounts may be available for Rhode Island residents or specific groups. It's best to inquire directly with the park or check their official website for any applicable discounts. Reddit

Payment methods can vary. While some fees might be payable by card, it's advisable to have cash on hand, especially for smaller fees or if you're arriving during off-peak hours. Reddit

🎫 🏕️ Camping & Accommodations

The park offers tent and RV campsites, as well as basic cabins. Campsites vary in terms of shade, seclusion, and proximity to facilities. Reddit

Yes, there are bathhouses with showers and restrooms. However, some older facilities may be run-down, and the park also utilizes port-a-potties which some visitors find need more frequent cleaning. Reddit

Quiet hours are typically enforced from 10 PM to 8 AM. Generator use is also restricted to specific hours. Reddit

Campfires are generally permitted in designated fire rings. Be sure to check for any fire restrictions or burn bans that may be in effect. Reddit

Pets are usually allowed in campgrounds and on trails, but they must be leashed at all times. Always check the park's specific pet policy. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming and relaxing at the lake beach, hiking and biking on scenic trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Reddit

Yes, Chapman Pond has a small beach area that is suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Some areas are sandy, while others can be mucky. Reddit

Yes, the park is family-friendly and includes a playground for children. Reddit

Visitors have reported hearing owls and turkeys at night, and seeing deer at the edge of campsites. Birdwatching is also popular. Reddit

Yes, there is a handy convenience store located within the park, which is useful for basic supplies. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no full-service restaurants within the park itself. However, there is a convenience store for basic needs. Reddit

The nearby towns of Charlestown and Westerly offer various dining options, from casual eateries to seafood restaurants. Reddit

Rhode Island is famous for its clam chowder (New England style), stuffies (stuffed quahogs), and Del's frozen lemonade. Reddit

Yes, you can cook at your campsite using your own equipment. Fire rings are provided, but they do not typically come with a cooking grate. Reddit

Yes, the park has plenty of picnic tables available for day-use visitors and campers. Reddit

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