Fort Wetherill State Park

Fort Wetherill State Park, situated upon 100 foot high granite cliffs across the water from Fort Adams State Park, is a former coastal defense battery and training camp.

Blue waters of Narragansett Bay meet the rocky shoreline of Fort Wetherill State Park

Known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill has been a popular sight for viewing the numerous Tall Ship Events and America’s Cup Races. The area is also a major attraction for scuba diving, with Diving Clubs from New York State, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island using the facilities at the boat ramp year round. Additionally, the park offers family and group picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking and exploring on the park’s 61.5 acres of property.

A green bench overlooks Narragansett Bay

Experiences

  • Sightseeing, Scenic Overlooks
  • Birding
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Walking, Hiking, and Running
  • Picnicking
  • Photography
  • Mountain Biking
  • Scuba Diving*

Amenities  

  • Pet-Friendly
  • Restroom Facilities (May 1 to October 31)

Fort Wetherill State Park History (1972)

On the Island of Conanicut (Jamestown), situated upon 100-foot-high granite cliffs across the water from Fort Adams State Park, Fort Wetherill State Park is a former coastal defense battery and training camp. Comprised of 61.5 acres, its history as a military site dates back to the American Revolution. As a prominent overlook to the East or Middle passage of Narragansett Bay, it has been a favorite site for viewing Tall Ship events and America’s Cup races.

Read more

Fort Wetherill State Park sign

Reserving Space

Scheduling a School Visit? Planning a field trip or gathering?

  • All planned large outings, picnics, group activities, weddings, and scuba groups must contact the office at Goddard State Park for scheduling arrangements. All Scuba Groups must provide a certificate of insurance.
  • Reservations and rental fees are required to utilize pavilions, shelters, gazebos, designated fields, and picnic tables from the 2nd Saturday in April to October 31, annually.
  • Outside of these reservation periods, all areas become first come/ first serve with no rental fee required.
  • Regardless of the time of year, you will need to contact the individual Park Office or contact RI State Park Headquarters at 401-667-6200 or by emailing DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov if you intend to use the parks for an organized group gathering or event to determine if the activity requires a Special Use Permit.
Two scuba divers in full gear walk along the rocky beach at Fort Wetherill State Park
A person sits on a bench overlooking sailboats in Narragansett Bay at Fort Wetherill State Park
Two people fishing from the pier at Fort Wetherill State Park
A concrete platform from the remains of a historic fort peaks out of the bushes at Fort Wetherill State Park
The remains of the historic fort at Fort Wetherill State Park can be seen in the distance with a grassy field in the foreground
Picnic tables in a field with shade trees at Fort Wetherill State Park