Latest News and Updates | Rhode Island State Parks

Press Releases All press releases

Power Line Work Begun Today Will Limit Access on Strech of East Bay Bike Path in Warren this Week

Monday, March 20, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that work to explore moving existing overhead power lines underground that began today

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DEM Announces that Early Sales for 2023 State Beach Season Parking Passes are Now Available Online

Thursday, January 05, 2023

PROVIDENCE, RI -- The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that 2023 State beach season parking passes and gift certificates are available

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Rhode Islanders Invited to Kick Off the New Year with #FirstDayHike at Fort Wetherill State Park

Thursday, December 29, 2022

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and America’s State Parks are inviting everyone to start the new yea

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Don't Let the Cold of Winter Stop You from Exploring the Outdoors - Sign Up for a DEM Outdoors Course

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

PROVIDENCE, RI -- Whether you’re ready to bundle up and get outside or curl up on the couch and tune in virtually, the Department of Environmental Manage

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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 following off-season operations. Book your 2023 season stay here.

Golf: The Goddard Memorial Golf Course is closed for 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 a 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.