Camping Policies

We aim to provide a consistent and standardized approach to the camping public as well as assist employees in meeting the needs of the camping public in a friendly and efficient manner.

In addition to the policies and procedures topics listed below, each campground may contain rules and policies specific to the individual campground and its resources. The Department of Environmental Management, through its Division of Parks and Recreation management staff, reserves the right at any time to suspend, discontinue or to change camping policies and procedures as necessary.

Rates

¹ Does not include a non-refundable reservation fee of $8.75 for reservations made through the Reserve America website or call center. Reservation fees do not apply for walk-in reservations at our camping facilities.

Rhode Island residency as it relates to rates is determined by:

• The address and state of residency of the customer, as entered in Reserve America; and
• Vehicle registration.

Campers who have reserved as a resident and are unable to provide proof of residency will be charged the non-resident rate at check-in.

• The camping daily rate covers six (6) persons per campsite and one vehicle pass for either a drivable camping unit or a vehicle towing a camping unit
• A second small camping tent for children or registered guests may be allowed depending on site size. However, total occupancy shall not exceed six (6) persons per site.
• A limit of two (2) visitor vehicle passes may be issued at any one time for each campsite.
• Each reservation includes one septic dump per week. Campers who require additional septic dumps and non-campers are required to pay the per vehicle septic dump fee.

Cancellations, Refunds & Changes in Reservations or Length of Stay

For cancellations, refunds will be issued as follows:

• Eight (8) days or more before arrival date – full refund less non-refundable reservation fee and an $8.75 cancellation fee
• Two (2) to seven (7) days before with one-night penalty fee, non-refundable reservation fee and an $8.75 cancellation fee
• Less than two (2) days before arrival– no refund

For changes in your stay or the length of stay:

• An additional fee of $8.75 will be charged to a reservation if a camper changes their reservation dates or length of stay prior to their arrival date to the campground. A camper will be unable to make any changes to their reservation through Reserve America any time after midnight on the day of their arrival. Any changes can be made through the permit office at the campground during your stay.

How to cancel a reservation:

• Campers may cancel their reservation online by logging into their Reserve America account or by contacting the Reserve America Call Center during their operating hours.

Exclusions to refunds:

• Refunds will not be issued for weather, site conditions, no-shows, cancellations, or early departures on or after the arrival date.

Camping is an outdoor experience, and refunds will not be issued due to the discomforts of nature.

Length of Stay

Minimum Stay

Peak Season (defined as the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend in May through the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in September of each year)

• Reservations made prior to June 1- The minimum number of nights that may be reserved before June 1 of each year is two (2) nights. A three (3) night minimum stay is required for Memorial Day, 4th of July (if it falls on a Friday or Monday) and Labor Day weekends.
• Reservations made after June 1 - Any campsite that has not been reserved by June 1 may be reserved for a one (1) night minimum stay.

Off-Peak Season (defined as Labor Day through the Wednesday before Memorial Day – A minimum stay of one (1) night is required for the Off-Peak Season

Maximum Stay

Peak Season - A maximum stay of fourteen (14) nights total is allowed within any twenty-one (21) day period during the Peak Season. Campers who stay for fourteen (14) consecutive nights must leave the campground along with the camping unit and/or equipment for seven (7) consecutive nights before rebooking. This leave policy is mandatory.

• Exception: A maximum stay of seven (7) nights total is allowed within any twenty-one (21) day period during the Peak Season at Charlestown Breachway State Campground and East Beach State Campground.

Please note that this policy will be strictly enforced. If a member of a camping party attempts to violate the mandatory leave policy by making multiple reservations with a different Primary Occupant and utilizing the same camping unit and/or equipment, they will not be allowed to check into the reserved campsite, the reservation will be canceled, and all fees will be forfeited.

Off-Peak Season - A maximum stay of twenty-one (21) nights within any twenty-eight (28) day period is allowed during the Off-Peak Season.

Check In/Out & Site Occupancy

Check In: Reserved campers can check in from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the first day of the reservation. This includes all registered guests and those holding a second car pass. Reserved campers who need to check in after 10:00 PM should call the park directly for after-hour check-in procedures.

Check-Out: Check-out is 11:00 AM SHARP at all campgrounds! This policy is strictly enforced to allow campground staff enough time to prepare the site for the next customer. Failure to vacate the campsite on time may result in a citation and anything left on the site after 11:00 AM may be disposed of as abandoned property at the owner’s expense.

Early Check-Out: If a camper has to permanently leave the park earlier than expected, they must be sure to check out at the campground office. If campground staff are informed of a camper’s permanent early departure and collect their camping permit, then they will not be held responsible for any misuse of or damage to the site which may occur after they’ve left.

Occupancy

A camping party is defined as the Primary Occupant and any person listed on the reservation and any of the equipment used by the party.

The Primary Occupant must be present to check-in and register for a campsite and must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. The Primary Occupant is responsible for compliance of the rules and regulations of the RI DEM and must:

• Present valid government issued photo identification and valid vehicle and camper registration information
• list the first and last names of each member of the camping party. Only the names listed can occupy the campsite
• If applicable, a current Rabies vaccination license is required for all pets and must be available for inspection by campground staff or law enforcement. Pet owners who are not in compliance will be asked to leave the campground with no refund.

Occupancy of the campsite is required on the first night of the reservation. A campsite unoccupied during this initial period is declared a “No Show” if the reserved camper has not arrived by the first day of the reservation or otherwise made contact to the campground notifying of their delay.

• In the instance of a “No Show”, the reservation will be cancelled, and all payment will be forfeited. The site is then available to be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please call the campground if you are not going to arrive on the first date of your reservation.

Subletting of campsites or cabins is strictly prohibited.

Pets

Up to two (2) total of a Primary Occupant’s dogs or cats are welcomed at Burlingame State Campground, Fishermen's Memorial State Campground and George Washington State Campground if they are well socialized and friendly, and have a current rabies vaccination. Pets are not permitted at Charlestown Breachway or East Beach Campgrounds, or at any RI state beach. (Does not apply to Service Animals. See Accessibility section below). Also see RI Gen. Law regarding pets in campgrounds

• Only two (2) pets (dogs or cats) per campsite are allowed.
• Pets must be on a leash, no more than 6 feet, at all times.
• All pets must be collared with owner contact information.
• Pets may not create a disturbance or nuisance. Excessive barking is a disturbance.
• Pets may not be left unattended in RV’s, tents, on campground sites, or in any vehicle.
• Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet(s). Pet owners who are not in compliance will be asked to leave the campground with no refund.
• A current Rabies Vaccination Certificate is required for all pets and must be available for inspection by campground staff or law enforcement.
• Visitors or guests may not bring pets into the campground.
• Certain campgrounds have pet restrictions. Please refer to the section “Campground Descriptions and Specific Requirements”.

Know Before You Go

Age Limitations

• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to rent a campsite.
  • No person under the age of eighteen (18) will be permitted to camp unless accompanied and supervised by a person 18 years of age or older.

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Alcoholic Beverages

• No person shall possess, drink, sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverages in campgrounds operated by the State of RI.
• Any person found to be in violation of this rule will be immediately removed from the campground. A refund will not be issued.

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Accessibility

The Division of Parks and Recreation is committed to creating recreational opportunities that accommodate people with disabilities. Parks has been working toward achieving accessibility for many years. However, most campgrounds within the Park system were constructed decades ago and predate the American Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed into law on January 1, 1990. Other structures built to meet the 1990 ADA code may no longer comply with today’s ADA rules. DEM is continually working to increase accessibility and further its compliance as it develops new or renovates facilities. Requests or inquiries regarding access may be made to the campground manager.

Service Animals – Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are allowed at all Rhode Island camping facilities when accompanied by an individual with a disability. oADA defines a service animal as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.

• Please note: The ADA does not recognize emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals as service animals and neither does the Division of Parks and Recreation. Please refer to the pet section of this policy for more information.
• In campgrounds where pets are prohibited, campers with service animals may be asked if the service animal is required because of a disability, and/or what task the dog has been trained to perform according to ADA compliance requirements.
• Service animals must be under the care and control of their handler at all times and should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or if the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. In that case, the visitor must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.
• The handler is responsible for caring for and supervising the service animal, including toileting, cleaning up after the animal and feeding.
• For health and safety reasons no service animals will be allowed in public swimming areas.

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Bicycles, Electrically Or Gas Operated Propelled Vehicles, Hover Boards

• All electrically propelled devices, except those used to assist handicapped or disabled persons are prohibited on state property unless prior permission has been obtained by the Regional Manager.
• Operating or riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or other operator propelled vehicle or device in any portion of the campground may be prohibited if the Regional Manager determines that conditions are unsafe for the operation of such vehicles.
• Helmets are required on children aged 15 and younger who are operating or passengers on bicycles or using or operating skateboards, roller skates, scooters or inline skates as required by state law.

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Cabins

• Cabins are located at Burlingame State Campground & George Washington Campground. The cabins are rustic and include two (2) bunk beds with boards for the base.
• Mattresses and bedding are not provided. Air mattresses are strongly recommended.
• Cabins can only accommodate up to 4 persons.
• Cabins sites are limited to a maximum of (6) persons and the number of vehicles listed on the site description, no exceptions.
• One (1) tent per cabin is allowed. No RV’s, campers, trailers or pop-ups are allowed on the cabin sites.
• Pets are allowed in cabins.

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Campsites

• The maximum camper, RV or trailer length that a campsite can accommodate is shown on the Reserve America website. Campers, RV’s or trailers may not exceed the specified length. Campsites with a maximum vehicle length of 0’ in the site description are for tent camping only.
• Number of tents allowed on a tent campsite varies from campground to campground and can be found in the specific site description on the Reserve America website.
• Only one camper, RV, or Trailer is allowed per site.

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Emergency Closure

• In the event RI State Parks must close a park or campground (due to a named storm or other emergency) the affected campers will be given a refund of the unused portion of their reservation.
• If the campground remains open and the camper elects to leave, the action will be treated as an Early Departure and no refund will be given.
• Closure of part or all of East Beach Campground may occur during the camping season due to the nesting of a tiny shorebird called the Piping Plover. The Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. If a closure should occur, reservations will be cancelled and refunded in full.
• During certain emergency situations such as missing person, entrance gates may be secured and no entry or exit will occur during this time.

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Fires & Firewood

• Fires, including charcoal fires, are only allowed in designated areas or with written permission.
• Fires are restricted to the fire ring or grill provide on the site.
• No fires will be started or maintained unless under the constant supervision of a responsible person. All exterior fires must be fully extinguished by the campsite or cabin occupant prior to departure.
• Fires must be kept at a reasonable and safe height and size at all times. Wood that is actively burning must not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height in order to prevent fuel rollout.
• Please do not bring firewood from out of state! If you are planning to camp during an upcoming trip to RI, please help protect our public lands by buying local firewood near your destination campground. Firewood from out of state can spread harmful insect pests and diseases.
• Burning of trash, pallets, or any objects other than firewood is prohibited.
• Certain campgrounds have pet restrictions. Please refer to the section “Campground Descriptions and Specific Requirements”.

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Firearms & Other Weapons

The possession or use of weapons, including firearms, bow and arrow and other weapons, is prohibited in campgrounds operated by the State of RI.

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Fireworks

The possession or use of all classes of fireworks is prohibited in campgrounds operated by the State of RI.

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Generator Use

Generators can be excessively loud and / or may emit fumes that can be obnoxious to other campers. Therefore:

• Generator use is permitted between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM only.
• Generator quiet hours are between the hours of 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM (no exceptions).
• Generator cannot be situated under the window of the camping unit in the neighboring campsite. Generator exhaust cannot be pointed in the direction of neighboring campsite.
• Commercial grade or diesel generators are not allowed.
• If the use of a generator is deemed unreasonably loud by the facility staff, an individual’s use of the generator may be limited and/or prohibited.
• Medical devices such as breathing machines must be battery operated.

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Grey Water

The discharge of grey or black water in the environment has been found to be a significant risk to public health. Release of grey or black water is prohibited, except at designated dump stations.

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Group Camping

• Large clubs, organizations, scout troops etc. may be accommodated at some campgrounds under appropriate special conditions. Please call the campground directly for reservations and information.
• Any group bringing youths under the age of eighteen (18) into any campground or management area must provide adequate adult supervision for these youths and their activities. Adequate adult supervision is defined as no less than one (1) adult for every ten (10) children.

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Loitering

Loitering is prohibited in and around restrooms.

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Protection Of State Property

• Campers / visitors will not deface, remove, destroy or injure any living tree, flower, shrub, fern or other plant, rock, fossil or mineral found or growing on state lands. Wildlife and their nests will not be disturbed or fed.
• Campers / visitors will not deface, damage or destroy any structure or property of the campground including, but not limited to, picnic table, grill, drinking fountain, fence, stone wall, monument or artifact.
• Campers / visitors will not deface, damage or destroy any structure or property of the campground including, but not limited to, picnic table, grill, drinking fountain, fence, stone wall, monument or artifact.
• Any person found to be in violation of this rule will be immediately removed from the campground and a penalty may be assessed. A refund will not be issued.
• Campers and their guests will be held financially responsible for any damage to state property and may be subject to legal action.

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Quiet Hours

Quiet hours will be maintained in and around all areas used for camping between the hours of 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM.

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Reservations

• The minimum online reservation window is same day by 12:00 PM.
• Customers that wish to reserve a campsite on the day of arrival after 12:00 PM must reserve the campsite directly at the campground on a first come, first serve basis.
• A maximum of three (3) campsite reservations, with the same dates and the same customer name, may be made at one time. However, there must be a different Primary Occupant listed for each reservation.
• All reservation policies and restrictions apply to Internet customers. Prior to finishing a reservation transaction, the Internet customer is asked to “agree” to all the terms given. Refunds are not available for misunderstanding of terms.

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Sanitation

• Campsites and cabins must be kept in neat, clean and sanitary conditions. Campers are not permitted to wash dishes, clothes or their own person at water fountains or spigots.
• Vehicles must discharge waste and wastewater only into the campground’s designated disposal stations.
• Campers must adhere to specific campgrounds recycling policies and procedures. Dumpsters and recycling containers are provided in all campgrounds. There is no campsite pick-up or curbside service.
• Campers who visit nearby Rhode Island state parks and beaches will be required follow the Carry-In/Carry-Out program and take the trash they bring into the park or beach out with them when they leave. Please plan accordingly.

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Smoking Prohibited

A person may not smoke tobacco or any other substance in, on or within 200 feet of a beach, playground, snack bar, shelter, business facility, enclosed area, public place or restroom.

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Vehicle, Passes & Registration

• All motor vehicles must be legally street registered, insured as required by state law and operated by a licensed driver.
• A valid vehicle registration may be required prior to checking into any campsite. Customers who present an invalid or expired vehicle registration will not be allowed to check into their campsite and will not be eligible for a refund.
• Vehicle passes are assigned to a specific vehicle and are not transferable. All sites are limited to two (2) non-transferable car passes. If a vehicle must be changed, then a previously issued car pass must be surrendered and that vehicle removed from the campground.
• The daily rate for a campsite includes one vehicle pass which would include a drivable camping unit or the vehicle towing the camping unit. The second vehicle pass will be an additional fee.
• This section in its entirety applies to motorcycles, motor scooters, and any vehicle that requires registration.

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Visitors

• A limit of two (2) visitor vehicle passes may be issued at any one time for each campsite. These passes are non-transferable and must be surrendered in order to allow additional passes to be issued.
• Campground managers reserve the right stop or limit campground visitors if campground or visitor parking facilities reach capacity or interfere with the safety and enjoyment of reserved campers.
• Visitors must register and obtain a vehicle pass at the campground office.
• All visitors must vacate the campground by 10:00 PM.
• Visitors must park in visitor parking areas as designated by the campground staff.
• Visitors are not allowed to bring pets into the campground.
• The Primary Occupant to whom the camping permit is granted shall be responsible for compliance of rules and regulations for his or her visitors.

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Violations & Penalties

• Customers that misrepresent name, address, number of occupants or any other information in order to circumvent reservation policies will not be accommodated upon arrival at the campground.
• Violation of any rule and/or regulation is grounds for revocation of the camping permit and eviction from the campground. If a permit is revoked, no refund will be issued. Any person or persons voided on a camping permit are not allowed to reenter any camping area for the duration of the camping season.
• Any person found to have violated any rule and / or regulation will be subject to a fine not to exceed $100.00 for each violation.

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