East Beach
One of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, East Beach is one of Rhode Island’s most spectacular seaside treasures.
East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. As the easterly extension of Quonochontaug Neck it is a three-mile-long barrier beach that separates Ninigret Pond from the ocean. East Beach is one of Rhode Island’s spectacular seaside treasures. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. Be sure to plan and purchase your parking pass ahead of time!
Amenities & Experiences
Here you’ll find composting toilets and a small gravel lot.
- Swimming
- Saltwater Fishing (off-hours only)
- Gravel Parking Lot
- Composting Toliets
- License required for non-resident shell fishing
- No alcohol or fires permitted
- Lifeguard on duty (Seasonal)
- Make a campground reservation at East Beach (Seasonal)
Know Before You Go
In-Season Hours & Parking: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday - Friday and 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends & holidays. Gates close at sunset.
Restrictions: No alcohol, glass, dogs/pets, smoking, RV camping, or tent camping allowed (see East Beach State Campground information). Vehicles accessing the sand trail require a Barrier Beach Pass and are subject to state beach parking rates for entry. East Beach State Beach is day-use only.
Lifeguard on duty 9:00 AM (8:30 AM weekends/holidays) to 6:00 PM (Seasonal)
Tide Chart: View local tides and surf conditions. Break the grip of the rip! Learn about rip currents.
History Of East Beach (2006)
The history of East Beach is part of the story of the Quonochontaug summer colonies first developed in the 1880s. Although Quonochontaug Neck was settled as early as the 17th century, it wasn’t until two centuries later that it gained any significant habitations, and then only in its central and western portions. East Beach was relatively untouched, perhaps due to its narrow nature between the ocean and the pond. The State of Rhode Island began setting up this natural reserve in a major way with land acquisitions totaling more than 250 acres in 2006.
Camping At East Beach
Specialty camping at East Beach is offered in two areas which contain ten sites each. Campsites can only be accessed by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground.
State Beach Parking
Headed to a state beach? Check here for the near real-time status of parking lots at our busiest state beaches. Remember, season beach parking passes are not available for purchase at beach entrances. Help reduce traffic delays by buying your season pass online.
East Beach
