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!

2025 Season Notices

All state beaches are open daily for the beach season through Labor Day, except for Scarborough South, which is open weekends only. While the in-person sales office is closed for the season, daily passes at beach entrances and online season passes remain available.

Effective Saturday, August 17, outdoor showers and water are unavailable at Roger W. Wheeler, Salty Brine, East Matunuck, Scarborough North, and Scarborough South State Beaches until further notice. Please plan ahead, conserve water, and help protect our community’s resources. Learn more about the ban at www.narragansettri.gov

Reminder: School Groups and Summer Camps must apply for a Special Use Permit and only specific beaches are available for these group trips. Please contact RI State Park Headquarters via email or (401)-667-6200 at least 30 days before your intended visit.

Amenities & Experiences

Here you’ll find composting toilets and a small gravel lot.

Swimming
Saltwater Fishing (off-hours only)
Gravel Parking Lot
Composting Toliets
Shellfishing (license is required for non-residents)
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). 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 a day-use only area.

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

The history of East Beach is part of the story of the Quonochontaug summer colonies, first developed in the 1880s. East Beach has been relatively untouched, perhaps due to its narrow nature between the ocean and the pond. The State of Rhode Island began establishing this natural reserve in a significant way with land acquisitions totaling more than 250 acres in 2006. More history

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. Vehicles accessing the sand trail require a Barrier Beach Pass and are subject to state beach parking rates for entry. More about the campground

State Beach Parking

Headed to a state beach? Check here for the status of state beach parking lots. Remember, season beach parking passes are not available for purchase at beach entrances. Help reduce traffic delays by buying your season pass online.