Latest News and Updates | Rhode Island State Parks

Press Releases All press releases

DEM Offering $75K in Grants to Communities and Organizations to Provide Free Swimming and Paddlecraft Lessons to Low-Income Youth

Friday, November 08, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – Responding to the accidental drownings that impact families every year in the Ocean State, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is again offerin ...

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Final RI Mosquito Report of 2024: No Additional EEE or West Nile Virus Findings

Friday, October 25, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) are announcing that the most recent mosquito samples tested by the ...

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It's Deer Mating Season – Be Alert For Deer Crossing Roadways

Monday, October 21, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – With days growing shorter, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is cautioning motorists to be on high alert for deer crossing roadways, particularly ...

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All press releases

Operational Updates

Alerts

10/28/24: In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted.
New Shower and Restroom Facilities Project at Burlingame State Campground Begins in October
Boardwalk and Bulkhead Project at Roger Wheeler State Beach is Underway
Boaters Advised to Use Caution Traveling through the Charlestown Breachway

Current Operations

State beaches:

All state beaches are following regular off-season operations.
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 open for the season.
RI Naturalist Program: The Beavertail Aquarium is follow off-season operations.

State campgrounds:

Charlestown Breachway, George Washington, and Fishermen's Memorial are open through October 31; Burlingame State Campground and East Beach are closed for the season. Book your next stay here.

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.

Current Air Quality

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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.