Latest News and Updates | Rhode Island State Parks

Press Releases All press releases

No Touchy: DEM Urges the Public Not to Remove Fawns and Other Baby Animals from the Wild

Thursday, June 01, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is again cautioning the public not to assume that finding a baby animal means it needs to be r ...

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Air Quality Alert - Health Advisory

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is notifying the public that an unusual smoke event is expected to impact the state starting at appr ...

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State Beaches Open Daily Starting Saturday, But Beach Traffic Makes Everyone Salty. So, Buy Your Parking Pass Beforehand

Friday, May 26, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – Memorial Day Weekend is the official kick-off of the summer beach season, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is encouraging beachgoers to ...

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DEM Announces Bonuses of up to $1,000 for Lifeguards this Summer; Revs Up Recruitment for Key Seasonal Workforce to Staff State Beaches and Parks

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today that it is offering one-time sign-on and retention bonuses of $500 each and hourly pay increases ...

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Operational Updates

Current Operations

State beaches: All state beaches are following regular off-season operations. During the off-season RI State Beaches gates are open and it is free to park. No lifeguards are on duty and beach pavilions are closed. Portajohns are available at a majority of our locations and will remain as long as weather conditions allow. Check back for updates for the 2023 beach season!

For information on the East Beach Sand Trail in Charlestown including pricing, equipment requirements, and other regulations regarding barrier beach permits, visit the CRMC website.

Improvement Project at East Matunuck State Beach: An off-season project is occuring at East Matunuck State Beach in South Kingstown that adds another lane to the entrance and strengthens stormwater controls. During construction, the beach will remain open to pedestrians, but the parking lot may be closed.
Latest Project Update | Initial Announcement

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

State campgrounds: All state campgrounds are open except for East Beach which will open May 26. Book your 2023 season stay here.

Golf: The Goddard Memorial Golf Course is open the season.

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.

Fluorescent Orange Requirements

Getting outdoors at state management areas or designated undeveloped state parks? Wear orange so you stay visible to hunters! Hikers, bikers, birdwatchers, horseback riders, and others are required to wear solid daylight fluorescent orange at either 200 square inches (hat or vest) or 500 square inches (both) at certain times of the year. Learn More

COVID-19 Updates for RI State Parks

Find the latest information about COVID-19 from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

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.