Coastal Vibes, Quaint Towns, and Hidden Nature in the Ocean State
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it’s surprisingly rewarding for van lifers and car campers — especially those who love beaches, seafood, history, and charming coastal views. With a strong mix of state parks, oceanfront drives, quiet campgrounds, and stealth-friendly spots, the Ocean State offers a low-key but memorable van life experience.
Here are the 10 best places to enjoy van life or car camping in Rhode Island, including both overnight spots and day destinations worth visiting.
🌊 1. Burlingame State Park
Location: Charlestown, RI
Cost: ~$18–$35/night
This is the largest and most van-friendly campground in Rhode Island, with spacious wooded sites and access to Watchaug Pond.
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🏕️ Over 700 campsites with van access
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🚿 Showers, water stations, and dump sites
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🛶 Great kayaking, canoeing, and fishing
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🌲 Private, shaded campsites
💡 Great basecamp for exploring southern RI or relaxing off-grid.
🏖️ 2. Fishermen’s Memorial State Park
Location: Narragansett, RI
Cost: ~$25–$40/night
Located just minutes from the beach, this is a perfect spot for a coastal van life vibe.
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🌊 Near Scarborough and Roger Wheeler State Beaches
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🏕️ Smaller but well-kept campground
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🐟 Walking distance to Point Judith and fishing piers
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🍤 Great seafood nearby
🛤️ 3. George Washington State Campground
Location: Chepachet, RI (northwest)
Cost: ~$20–$30/night
Tucked into the forested northwest, this is the most rustic, secluded camping option in the state.
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🔥 Fire rings, pit toilets, and picnic tables
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🧭 Near trails and Bowdish Reservoir
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🚐 Good for self-contained van setups
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🏞️ A peaceful escape from coastal crowds
🚐 4. Rhode Island Welcome Center (I-95 Southbound)
Location: Richmond, RI
Cost: FREE (overnight parking allowed)
This is one of the few legal overnight rest areas in the state for van lifers passing through.
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💤 Quiet, clean, and patrolled
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🧼 Restrooms, picnic tables, and vending machines
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✅ Overnight stays typically allowed for up to 12 hours
🛳️ 5. Fort Getty Campground
Location: Jamestown, RI
Cost: ~$30–$50/night (seasonal)
Overlooking Narragansett Bay, this town-run campground has epic views and ocean breezes.
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🌅 Stunning sunsets from the bluff
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🐚 Beachcombing and fishing
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🚐 Sites available for vans and small rigs
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🏕️ Seasonal only: May–October
🏞️ 6. Colt State Park (Day Use + Nearby Campgrounds)
Location: Bristol, RI
Cost: FREE day use
While there's no overnight camping in the park, it’s one of the best coastal spots to explore by van during the day.
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🛣️ Scenic drives and bike paths along Narragansett Bay
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🧺 Perfect for picnics, walking, or just relaxing
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🚐 Camp nearby at Melville Ponds or state park options
🍂 7. Arcadia Management Area (Rustic Camping Nearby)
Location: Exeter, RI
Cost: Nearby private/primitive ~$10–$25/night
A huge expanse of protected forest and ponds, Arcadia is ideal for hiking, biking, and low-key nature getaways.
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🥾 Extensive trail systems and wildlife
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🚴 Quiet roads for cycling and exploring
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🏕️ Some small campgrounds and forested RV parks nearby
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🚐 Great stop for self-sufficient vans
🚿 8. Wawaloam Campground
Location: West Kingston, RI
Cost: ~$30–$50/night
A clean, well-managed private campground that’s van life–friendly and close to many South County beaches.
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🏊 Pool, bathhouses, and full amenities
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🎣 Fishing pond and family-friendly atmosphere
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🚐 Flat access, level pads, and hookups available
🏖️ 9. East Beach / Charlestown Breachway (Day Use + Off-Season Stealth)
Location: South County RI
Cost: Day use or ~$20–$40 at nearby spots
These locations offer gorgeous, raw Atlantic beach views and some overnight options nearby, especially off-season.
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💤 In off-season (October–April), stealth is more feasible
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🛶 Surfcasting, swimming, and quiet coastal drives
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🚐 Best for early risers and off-grid setups
🛻 10. Walmart or Cracker Barrel (Limited Availability)
Location: Seekonk MA (just over the border), or Warwick RI
Cost: FREE (if permitted)
Rhode Island has limited stealth options, but a few Walmarts just outside the state (in Massachusetts) are often used by van lifers.
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✅ Always call ahead or ask inside
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🛒 Convenient for resupply nights
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🧼 Pair with Planet Fitness (Warwick or Cranston) for showers
🔧 Van Life Tips for Rhode Island
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Best Season: May–October (summers are gorgeous but popular)
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Winter: Cold and wet — best for brief stops
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Stealth Camping: Challenging in-state, easier off-season or in nearby MA/CT
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Showers: State parks, private campgrounds, or gyms (Planet Fitness, YMCA)
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Apps to Use: iOverlander, Campendium, FreeRoam, Google Maps
Final Thoughts
Rhode Island may be small, but it’s full of character, coastline, and cozy places to park your home on wheels. With its accessible beaches, lush forests, and quaint New England towns, the Ocean State offers a short but sweet van life experience that blends relaxation with adventure.
It’s a great stop for those traveling up or down the East Coast — especially when paired with Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York for a full New England loop.
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