Burlingame State Park
Activities
Those who visit Burlingame State Park can enjoy a wide selection of outdoor leisure activities during their time there. Reviewed below is an overview of some of the most fun things you can see and do whilst at the park.
Boating and paddling at Burlingame State Park
The sparkling waters of Watchaug Pond provides visitors with excellent opportunities for boating and paddling. If you have your own boat or watercraft you can launch them from the convenient boat ramp that is located within the park. The surrounding views from the middle of the pond are breathtaking. When you are on the water, you will need to ensure you adhere to the park’s safety rules and regulations. This includes having a lifejacket for every person on board your vessel. Should you not have a boat or watercraft at your disposal, you can rent them out from the park.
Swimming at Burlingame State Park
You should bring your bathing suit with you to the park as there is a lovely beach you can go to which allows for safe swimming. This beach is lifeguarded during the summer, so you will be able to enter the water with extra peace of mind.
Fishing at Burlingame State Park
Fishing is a popular activity at the park, with Watchaug Pond being a prime location for anglers. The pond is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, perch, and pickerel, and provides a tranquil setting in which to cast a line. Visitors must have a valid fishing license and follow both the park and the state’s guidelines regarding this practice. This includes practicing catch-and-release fishing and to use fishing gear that is appropriate for the species they are targeting. You can choose to fish from the shore or from any of the fishing docks that are dotted around the lake. Alternatively if you have a boat you can cast a line from the middle of the water. If you don’t have your own fishing gear you can rent them out at the park if needed.
Hiking at Burlingame State Park
For those into hiking, the park offers several trails that traverse through its wooded hills and wetlands. These trails vary in degrees of difficulty and length, but they all provide visitors with a marvelous opportunity to explore the park’s natural beauty on foot. The Watchaug Pond Trail, which circles the pond and provides scenic views of the water and surrounding countryside, is one of the park’s most popular trails. Another is the Burlingame Trail, which winds through the park’s wooded hills and offers scenic vistas of the surrounding area. If undertaking a hike, visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for inclement and changing weather conditions.
Birding at Burlingame State Park
With a variety of habitats and species to be found throughout the park, Burlingame State Park is a terrific destination for bird watching. The park’s diverse habitats, including woods, wetlands, and open fields, provide a home for a wide range of bird species. This includes woodpeckers, warblers, thrushes, orioles, and many species of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. Watchaug Pond is also home to several species of water birds, including great blue herons, green-backed herons, and egrets. Your best chance to see all these birds is with binoculars. So make sure you bring them with you to the park.
Pets at Burlingame State Park
Pets are welcome at Burlingame State Park, and visitors who follow the rules and regulations regarding pets can enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit with them. If you intend to bring your furry friends with you on your trip, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the park’s pet policy. The best way to do this is to contact the main office, as they will give you more detailed clarification.
Camping at Burlingame State Park
Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway in the great outdoors, or a family vacation filled with recreational activities, Burlingame State Park offers a great camping experience for everyone. A popular destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, the large campground here accommodates over 400 campsites. It is located in a wooded area that is surrounded by rolling hills and wetlands and provides visitors with a peaceful and scenic setting for their camping experience. Guests can choose to stay at tent or RV sites, as well as cabins. Amenities at the campground include showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. When camping at Burlingame State Park, visitors are required to follow the rules and regulations of the park, including the need for a camping permit, fire restrictions, and quiet hours. It’s also important to be aware of the park’s wildlife, including deer and other animals, and to properly store food and other items to prevent wildlife from entering the campground.
Park Location
Burlingame State Park 1 Burlingame State Park Rd Charlestown, RI 02813 Phone: 401.322.8910 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Burlingame State Park:
Rhode Island’s Largest Campground
Burlingame State Campground offers 700 rustic campsites and 20 cabins near Watchaug Pond–making it one of the largest public campgrounds in the northeastern United States.
🚧 2025 Construction Alert: Bathroom renovations ongoing through 2026. Campground operating at ~50% capacity. Expect weekday construction noise 7 AM – 5 PM (no weekend/holiday construction). New ADA-compliant bathhouses with private rooms under construction.
2025 Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Dates | April 11 – October 13, 2025 |
| Sites | ~350 available (50% capacity) |
| Cabins | 20 for rent |
| Hookups | None (restrooms/showers available) |
| Pets | Max 2 (rabies vaccination required) |
| Reservations | Up to 12 months in advance |
Watchaug Pond Beach
The freshwater beach provides swimming, and the park includes a boat ramp and canoe rentals. Amenities include a playground and arcade for families.
Note: Open fires (wood/charcoal) prohibited. Propane stoves with regulators permitted. No alcohol in RI campgrounds.
Will all sites be available in 2025?
No. Due to bathroom renovations, only about 50% of campsites will be available during 2025 and 2026. Book early to secure a spot.
Are campfires allowed?
No open fires. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited at Burlingame. Propane camp stoves with regulators are permitted.
