Visit: July 3, 2016.
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Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground

4.4
·645 reviews·Narragansett, United States

A popular campground offering spacious sites, beautiful sunsets, and nature trails, with remnants of its military past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
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Visit: July 3, 2016.

Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A popular campground offering spacious sites, beautiful sunsets, and nature trails, with remnants of its military past.

4.4
(645 reviews)

"Magical place with marvelous sunsets, stars, and ocean breezes, despite shower fees."

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TIP

🎯 Book 12 Months Ahead

Reservations are essential and fill up fast! Plan your trip a year in advance for summer camping.

📏 Check Site Slopes

Some sites are steep. Look for level sites, especially if you have a larger RV.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spacious Campsites

Spacious Campsites

Area 1 (bottom of the hill)

Enjoy large, well-maintained sites offering privacy and ample space for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Stunning Sunsets

Stunning Sunsets

Overlooking the ocean

Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors, creating a magical atmosphere each evening.

Nature Trails

Nature Trails

Throughout the park

Explore scenic tree-lined paths perfect for leisurely walks, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Campsite Early!

Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is incredibly popular, with reservations filling up 12 months in advance. Plan your trip well ahead of time, especially for summer camping, to secure a spot. The booking system can be challenging, so be prepared for that.

Site Selection is Key

Campsite leveling can be an issue, particularly at the top of the hill. While sites at the bottom are larger, those higher up can be steep. Review site descriptions carefully and consider your RV or trailer size to avoid difficult slopes. Some sites also experience noise from a nearby windmill.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Fishermen’s Memorial?

🎯 Book 12 Months Ahead

Reservations are essential and fill up fast! Plan your trip a year in advance for summer camping. Reddit

📏 Check Site Slopes

Some sites are steep. Look for level sites, especially if you have a larger RV. Reddit

reddit.com

Favorite camping spots

reddit.com

Best spots for tent camping?

🚿 Shower Fees

Showers cost extra. Bring change for the shower machines. Reddit

🚗 Vehicle Limits

RV sites have limits on additional vehicles. Plan guest parking carefully. Reddit

reddit.com

Van life options in RI

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book 12 Months Ahead

Reservations are essential and fill up fast! Plan your trip a year in advance for summer camping. Reddit

📏 Check Site Slopes

Some sites are steep. Look for level sites, especially if you have a larger RV. Reddit

🚿 Shower Fees

Showers cost extra. Bring change for the shower machines. Reddit

🚗 Vehicle Limits

RV sites have limits on additional vehicles. Plan guest parking carefully. Reddit

🚫 No Alcohol Policy

Enjoy a quiet stay as alcohol is not permitted in the campground. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(645 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground for its spacious sites, beautiful natural setting, and welcoming staff, especially for those needing emergency shelter. The stunning sunsets and peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted. However, some guests find the extra charges for showers inconvenient and the booking system difficult to navigate. The noise from a nearby windmill and the challenge of leveling some sites are also noted drawbacks.

"Truly there's some very kind people who work here as we are homeless and needed a place to rest, some have treated us poorly, but not at this camp, they were welcoming to me and my best furry friend, and we are truly grateful to have this place as an emergency shelter. The area is just marvelous with the sunsets, the stars, the coyotes singing at night, the summer breeze with the ocean in the distance, it truly is a magical place. I only wish they didn't charge you a few bucks for every shower. What are we paying for with our booking if we can't take a shower once a day? That's my only complaint but it's not enough to lower a star. They turned off the free outdoor showers that should've instantly made the indoor showers free or something should've been posted to the website in advance since it claims to have free outdoor cold showers. It's kind of forcing us to pay. If they had a token system of one shower per day or something that would make more sense. Anyways, the sites are nice and spacious, maintenance keeps up with cleanliness quite well. There's plenty of trails for walks. The only other gripe I have is the massive windmill that is low on oil, yes I've worked on heavy machinery and can tell you this thing needs an oil change badly! It sounds terrible at night and it's only sometimes - why I know it's an oil issue. Please change this before the winter or you're going to have a seized motor on your hands. It's very very loud if your site is right there it sounds like a small airplane overhead all night. Still... Love this place too much to knock a star off. For what it lacks it makes up with it's nature and location."

jonathan hyde

"The campground has electric and water hookups. They also have sewer hookups. The large campsites in area 1 were the best. Reservations are not easy to book, 12 months out they fill up. Bathrooms were very clean. Sites in area 2 were most unlevel. Firepit was at every site."

Caroline C

"This is a former military base turned state park. That helps explain the bunkers and look out tower.
Only speny one night there returning from a trip to Acadia. So, it was a place to rest our heads. However, our site was kind of ridiculous. It was a pull through that was curved, had a significant slope and some slant. Ours was bad, but others were worse. Do your best to avoid sites like ours.
Not a lot of amenities. But it is close to the ocean."

Jeff Haley

What People Like

Spacious and private sites
Beautiful sunsets
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Extra shower fees
Difficult booking system
Windmill noise

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It's accessible by car, and GPS navigation will guide you directly to the entrance. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so driving is the most convenient way to reach the campground. Reddit

Yes, parking is available. However, be aware of vehicle limits at campsites if you are bringing multiple vehicles or expecting visitors. Guest vehicles may incur a fee and have specific parking restrictions. Reddit

From Providence, take I-95 South to Exit 3A (Route 138 East). Continue on Route 138 East across the Jamestown Bridge and over the Newport Bridge. Take the exit for Route 114 South towards Middletown/Newport. Follow Route 114 South to Route 138 East towards Narragansett. The park entrance will be on your right. Reddit

The closest major airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, Rhode Island, which is about a 45-minute drive from the park. You would need to arrange for a rental car or taxi service from the airport. Reddit

While ride-sharing services might be available in the general area, their availability directly to the campground can be inconsistent. It's best to confirm with your chosen service beforehand or have a backup transportation plan. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 12 months in advance through the Reserve America website. Be prepared for a potentially challenging booking process. Reddit

Camping fees vary for Rhode Island residents and out-of-state visitors. Expect to pay around $28 for residents and $55 for non-residents per night, which typically includes water, sewer, and electric hookups. Reddit

While the campground requires reservations, day-use access to the park's general areas might have separate fees or be included with camping. It's advisable to check the official Rhode Island State Parks website for the most current day-use fee information. Reddit

Campgrounds typically have check-in and check-out times. While the park itself may have daylight hours, the campground operates 24/7 for registered campers. Specific check-in/check-out times should be confirmed during booking. Reddit

Unfortunately, the Reserve America system is known for being inflexible, often not allowing changes to dates or sites once booked. Contacting customer support might be an option, but changes are not guaranteed. Reddit

🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience

The campground offers electric and water hookups, and many sites also have sewer hookups. There are clean bathrooms, and fire pits are available at each site. Some areas have more level sites than others. Reddit

Yes, indoor showers are available, but they are not free. You'll need to pay for shower usage, typically using a change machine. Some visitors expressed disappointment that free outdoor showers were turned off. Reddit

The park features tree-lined paths for walking, tennis courts, lawns, and a playground for children. You can also enjoy fishing from the park near the lighthouse. Reddit

There is no direct beach access from the campground itself. You'll need to travel a short distance to nearby beaches, some of which may have fees and restrictions on dogs. Reddit

Yes, pets are generally allowed in the campground, and some visitors have had positive experiences bringing their furry friends. Always check specific park rules regarding pet leashes and designated areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants directly within the campground. However, there are dining options nearby in Narragansett, including ice cream shops and breakfast spots. Reddit

Yes, fire pits are available at every campsite, allowing you to enjoy campfires during your stay. Remember to check for any local fire restrictions. Reddit

Yes, there are grocery stores in the nearby town of Narragansett where you can purchase food and supplies for your camping trip. Reddit

Visitors have recommended Aunt Carries for ice cream and a surf/coffee/breakfast place across the road for strong coffee. Exploring Narragansett will offer more diverse dining choices. Reddit

No, alcohol is not permitted in the campground, contributing to a quieter and more family-friendly atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The park offers beautiful opportunities for photography, especially during sunset over the ocean. The natural landscapes, tree-lined paths, and the general campground setting can also make for great shots. Reddit

The park has remnants of its past as a former military base, including bunkers and a lookout tower, which can be interesting subjects for photography. The natural coastal scenery is also a major draw. Reddit

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photography. The clear skies at night also provide excellent opportunities for stargazing photos. Reddit

The large windmill is a prominent feature, but be aware that it can be quite loud when operational and may detract from the tranquility of your photos if it's a focus. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always respect private property and other visitors' privacy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is a solid choice for families. The park offers a playground, basketball court, and tennis courts, providing plenty of entertainment for children. The spacious campsites allow families to spread out and enjoy outdoor activities. While there's no direct beach access, nearby beaches are a short drive away, and the park's natural setting offers opportunities for exploration. Reddit

Be prepared for the shower fees, as this might be an added expense to factor into your family budget. Also, ensure you book your campsite well in advance, as family-friendly spots fill up quickly. The no-alcohol policy contributes to a safe and peaceful environment for younger campers. Reddit

🚗 RV & Trailer Campers

The campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups at many sites, making it convenient for RV and trailer campers. Area 1 is particularly recommended for its larger and more level sites. However, be mindful of the vehicle limitations: RVs are restricted to one additional vehicle, while trailers can have two. This is crucial if you plan to bring a towed vehicle or have multiple cars. Reddit

Site leveling can be a challenge on some of the steeper, upper-hill sites, so research your chosen spot carefully. The dump station is available but might be inconveniently located high up for low-profile motorhomes. Despite these considerations, the amenities and natural beauty make it a popular choice for longer stays. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Campground

Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is known for its spacious sites, particularly in Area 1 at the bottom of the hill. These sites are generally larger and more level, offering a comfortable experience for RVs and trailers. However, sites higher up the hill can be quite steep and challenging to level, requiring careful selection. Many sites come equipped with water and electric hookups, and some even offer sewer connections, making it a convenient option for longer stays. Reddit

Be aware that the campground has a strict policy regarding additional vehicles. If you're in a self-propelled RV (Class A, B, or C), you're limited to one additional drivable vehicle on your site. Trailer campers have a bit more flexibility with two additional vehicles. This can be a point of contention for visitors with multiple cars or those expecting overnight guests, as extra vehicles may need to be parked off-site at a daily fee. Reddit

Maintenance is generally praised for keeping the park clean. However, a significant drawback for some is the noise from a large windmill located within or near the park. If your site is close to it, the sound can be disruptive, especially at night, described by one reviewer as sounding like a small airplane overhead. This is something to consider when choosing your site, particularly if you are a light sleeper. Reddit

Understanding Fees and Amenities

While the campground offers a beautiful natural setting and essential hookups, some amenities come with additional costs. Showers, for instance, are not included in the camping fee and require payment via a change machine. This has been a point of frustration for some visitors, especially when free outdoor showers were previously available and then discontinued without clear communication on the website. Reddit

The park also features several recreational facilities. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground, making it a good option for families. For those interested in fishing, you can cast a line from the park near the lighthouse. While there isn't direct beach access from the campground, several beaches are a short drive away, though some may charge an entrance fee and have restrictions on pets. Reddit

It's worth noting that the park has a former military base history, which explains the presence of bunkers and a lookout tower, adding a unique historical element to the landscape. This blend of natural beauty and historical remnants makes Fishermen's Memorial State Park a distinctive destination. Reddit

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