Latest News and Updates | Rhode Island State Parks

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RIDOH Recommends Closing the Swimming Area at George Washington Campground

Thursday, July 03, 2025

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing the swimming area at George Washington Campground in Chepachet due to high bacteria counts. ...

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Red, White, and a Whole Lotta Blue - Buy Your State Beach Parking Pass Before the 4th

Monday, June 30, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – With the Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, Rhode Island’s beautiful state beaches are gearing up for a wave of visitors. ...

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Air Quality Alert: Unhealthy Ozone Levels Expected in Parts of RI Tomorrow

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) forecasts that air quality will once again reach UNHEALTHY levels due to elevated ground-level ozone on Wednesda ...

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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
Saturday, July 26: The parking lot at Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett will be temporarily closed during the Narragansett Lions Club’s 52nd annual Blessing of the Fleet celebration and will reopen after 1PM. The beach will remain open.

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:

The last night to make a reservation at East Beach is Sunday, August 31. The last night for Charlestown Breachway, George Washington, and Fishermen's Memorial Campgrounds is Thursday, October 30. The final night for Burlingame State Campground is Sunday, October 12. 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, you 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.