Burlingame Campground: New Shower and Restroom Facilities Project

UPDATE: Burlingame State Campground opens for the 2026 season on Friday, June 12. Reservations start at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, June 10. Scroll down for a map of available campsite.

Note: All 2027 camping reservations are temporarily on hold while we are developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a reservation services provider for 2027 and beyond. To stay informed, please ensure your contact information and profile details in Reserve America are accurate and up to date. Thank you for your patience.

Rendering of the bathhouse facilities being built at Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is excited to announce the start of a construction project to build six new shower and restroom facilities at Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown. This project will enhance the camping experience with modern, sustainable, and accessible amenities.

Project Overview

Phase 1 (2023-2026):

Replacement of outdated facilities in the Mills Camp, Midpark North, and Fish Camp areas.

Phase 2 (2026-2027):

Replacement of facilities in Legiontown, Midpark South, and Main Camp.

The new facilities will include:

ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility.
Each shower and restroom facility will come with a completely separate room which includes a toilet, sink, shower, and changing table. This room will be completely ADA accessible and for any families with small children or anyone who would like additional privacy.
Coin-operated indoor and outdoor hot water showers.
Energy-efficient lighting and water-conserving plumbing fixtures.
Upgraded Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS/Septic) for environmental sustainability.

Project Details

Design: Caputo & Wick, an East Providence-based design firm, prepared the design plans using modern systems and materials to better meet the needs of campers.
Construction: Tower Construction Corp. of Cranston will manage the demolition of existing facilities, remove the old systems, and construct the new facilities and OWTS facilities.
Funding: The $18 million project is funded primarily through the voter-approved 2021 Beach, Clean Water, and Green Economy Bond and a $2 million federal grant.
Timeline: Completion is anticipated by April 2027.

Impact on Campers

DEM appreciates campers' understanding and patience as we work to enhance the camping experience at our RI state campgrounds.

Fewer campsites will be available while construction continues on three additional bathhouses at Main Camp, Midpark South, and Legiontown.
The new bathhouses include a separate family room with a toilet, sink, and changing table; however, the shower will be completed at a later date.
Expect weekday construction from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including equipment noise and vehicle traffic.
No construction work will be scheduled on weekends or holidays.
For public safety, the beach area will remain closed for the season due to the construction of the Main Camp bathhouse.
Policies: Note that regular campground policies will be in effect for cancellations, refunds, and reservation changes.

Map of campsites open and closed due to ongoing construction of bathhouses in the campground for the 2026 season

It is VERY IMPORTANT that you review this map when making your reservation, as some of these sites are adjacent to construction zones and may be more impacted by noise, traffic, and interruptions.

How to Stay Informed

DEM will provide updates on this page as the project progresses. Campers can contact RI State Parks with any questions or concerns.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve Burlingame State Campground for future seasons.