Latest News and Updates | Rhode Island State Parks

Press Releases All press releases

Steer Clear of Harmful Algae Blooms this Summer

Friday, May 23, 2025

As we approach the summer months and recreational activities on the State’s abundant lakes, ponds and rivers increase, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Depar ...

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Wave Hello to State Beach Season

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – Memorial Day weekend kicks off state beach season with all state beaches ...

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State Lifeguard Certification Tests Begin this Weekend

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that state lifeguard certification testing begins this weekend. ...

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Operational Updates

Alerts

Burlingame State Campground: New shower and restroom facilities are being constructed and will impact this camping season.
Roger Wheeler State Beach: A construction project is currently underway to construct a boardwalk and upgrade the bulkhead. As a result, the opening of amenities will be delayed to June 14, and the beach experience may be impacted this season.
Charlestown Breachway: Boaters Advised to Use Caution Traveling through Charlestown Breachway / Find updates on Restructuring Development

Current Operations

State beaches:

All state beaches are following regular off-season operations. Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett are open Saturdays and Sundays only, weather permitting, from Saturday, May 10 through Memorial Day to accommodate early beachgoers. State beaches (except Roger Wheeler) will officially open daily from Saturday, May 24 – the traditional start of the summer outdoor recreation season – through Labor Day. Now is the perfect time to buy your 2025 state beach season parking pass.
East Beach Sand Trail: For information on the East Beach Sand Trail in Charlestown, including pricing, equipment requirements, and other regulations regarding barrier beach permits, is available on the CRMC website.

State parks: All state parks are open and operating under regular operations.

Golf: The Goddard Memorial Golf Course is closed for the season.
RI Naturalist Program: The Beavertail Aquarium is follow off-season operations.

State campgrounds:

Burligame, Charlestown Breachway, George Washington, and Fishermen's Memorial are open starting April 11; East Beach State Campground opens on Saturday, May 24. Book your next stay here.

Fishermen’s Memorial, George Washington, and Burlingame State Campgrounds offer a pre-check-in process to help campers “Camp More, Wait Less.” After booking through Reserve America system, they will receive an email to pre-register, which must be completed at least two days before arrival. Campers needing a second car pass can select and pay for it up to one day before their registration.

If you have a specific question/concern, please contact us at DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov.

Outdoor Safety Tips

Rhode Island's network of state parks, beaches, and campgrounds welcome close to 9 million visitors each year. Are you planning a visit? Knowing these safety tips will help you have a safe, fun, and relaxing time.

Find a State Park, Beach, or Campground

Looking for a State Park, Beach, or Campground near you? View the list of locations here or click on a location below to find more information on state beaches, parks, and campgrounds in your area.