🌤 Weather at Burlingame State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–67 °F | 59–82 °F | 38–74 °F | 24–45 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Westerly State Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 81 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
Explore More Rhode Island State Parks
Burlingame State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Rhode Island. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Rhode Island guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Insider Tips
Rhode Island’s largest campground: Burlingame has 755 campsites — the largest campground in Rhode Island and one of the largest in New England. Pro tip: Watchaug Pond offers warm-water swimming and kayaking. Beach: The park provides easy access to nearby Charlestown Town Beach on the ocean.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Camping and beach season. Fall: Foliage and quiet camping. Spring: Wildflowers. Winter: Closed for camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many campsites does Burlingame have?
Burlingame has 755 campsites spread across multiple camping areas — making it the largest campground in the Rhode Island state park system. Sites range from basic tent sites to those with electric hookups. The campground fills quickly on summer weekends — reserve well in advance through ReserveAmerica.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, East Beach State Beach is a short drive away, and Misquamicut State Beach is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Burlingame State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Approximately 700 rustic campsites across multiple loops/areas (200 Area, 300 Area, 400 Area, 500 Area, EM Area, Fish Camp, Legiontown, Main Camp, Mills Camp, New Camp); no electric, water or sewer hookups at any site; Main Camp loop is restricted to tent camping only. RI DEM daily rate tiers apply sitewide: Tier 3 no-hookup sites $18 resident/$36 non-resident; Tier 2 electric+water and/or drive-through trailer access $24/$45; Tier 1 waterfront views and/or electric+sewer+water and/or drive-through trailer access $28/$55 (plus a non-refundable $8.75 Reserve America reservation fee, waived for walk-in bookings made at the campground). |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 20 rustic cabins, rate $50 resident/$75 non-resident per night (Primitive Cabin tier, no water or electric). Cabins have two bunk beds with boards for the base; mattresses and bedding are not provided (air mattresses recommended). Maximum 4 persons inside the cabin; cabin site overall limited to 6 persons and the number of vehicles listed in the site description. One tent per cabin site is allowed; no RVs, campers, trailers or pop-ups permitted on cabin sites. Pets are allowed in cabins. |
| Pets | Up to two dogs or cats per Primary Occupant are welcomed at standard campsites. Pets must be leashed (max 6 feet), have a current rabies vaccination certificate available for inspection, may not be left unattended, and owners must clean up after them. |
| Reservations | Book online via Reserve America (reserveamerica.com) or call 1-877-742-2675; reservations open up to 12 months in advance. Non-refundable $8.75 reservation fee per booking. Cancellations 8+ days before arrival: full refund minus the reservation fee and an $8.75 cancellation fee. 2-7 days before arrival: one-night penalty fee plus reservation and $8.75 cancellation fees. Less than 2 days before arrival: no refund. Check-in 1:00 PM-10:00 PM; no check-ins before 1 PM or after 10 PM; check-out 11:00 AM sharp. |
| Special sites | Septic Dump Station Passes available for a fee ($20/vehicle) to non-registered campers for the dump and water filling stations. Second vehicle pass $12; visitor day pass $8/vehicle/day. Restrooms with shower facilities, playground, arcade, freshwater beach, boat ramp, canoe rentals and hiking trails on site; camp store sells firewood and camping necessities. Group camping (clubs, organizations, scout troops) accommodated by calling the campground directly. An interactive campsite map is available online. |
| Season notes | As of an April 2026 notice, the 2026 season start date was TBD and the release of 2026 reservations was delayed due to an ongoing restroom and shower facilities construction project, with a further update expected after May 1, 2026. Peak Season is defined as the Thursday before Memorial Day through Labor Day Sunday; Off-Peak Season runs from Labor Day through the Wednesday before Memorial Day, with a one-night minimum stay. |
Camping questions about Burlingame State Park
Can you camp at Burlingame State Park?
Approximately 700 rustic campsites across multiple loops/areas (200 Area, 300 Area, 400 Area, 500 Area, EM Area, Fish Camp, Legiontown, Main Camp, Mills Camp, New Camp); no electric, water or sewer hookups at any site; Main Camp loop is restricted to tent camping only. RI DEM daily rate tiers apply sitewide: Tier 3 no-hookup sites $18 resident/$36 non-resident; Tier 2 electric+water and/or drive-through trailer access $24/$45; Tier 1 waterfront views and/or electric+sewer+water and/or drive-through trailer access $28/$55 (plus a non-refundable $8.75 Reserve America reservation fee, waived for walk-in bookings made at the campground).
How do you reserve a campsite at Burlingame State Park?
Book online via Reserve America (reserveamerica.com) or call 1-877-742-2675; reservations open up to 12 months in advance. Non-refundable $8.75 reservation fee per booking. Cancellations 8+ days before arrival: full refund minus the reservation fee and an $8.75 cancellation fee. 2-7 days before arrival: one-night penalty fee plus reservation and $8.75 cancellation fees. Less than 2 days before arrival: no refund. Check-in 1:00 PM-10:00 PM; no check-ins before 1 PM or after 10 PM; check-out 11:00 AM sharp.
Are there cabins at Burlingame State Park?
20 rustic cabins, rate $50 resident/$75 non-resident per night (Primitive Cabin tier, no water or electric). Cabins have two bunk beds with boards for the base; mattresses and bedding are not provided (air mattresses recommended). Maximum 4 persons inside the cabin; cabin site overall limited to 6 persons and the number of vehicles listed in the site description. One tent per cabin site is allowed; no RVs, campers, trailers or pop-ups permitted on cabin sites. Pets are allowed in cabins.
Are pets allowed at the Burlingame State Park campground?
Up to two dogs or cats per Primary Occupant are welcomed at standard campsites. Pets must be leashed (max 6 feet), have a current rabies vaccination certificate available for inspection, may not be left unattended, and owners must clean up after them.
Source: riparks.ri.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Burlingame State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Domestic animals are allowed in Rhode Island state parks but must be leashed and under a handler's control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no more than 6 feet in length required (up to 25 feet in state management areas)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No animals allowed on any state bathing beach, East Beach/Ninigret or Burlingame Picnic Area from April 1 through September 30
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- No cabin lodging program; camping allows a maximum of two pets (dogs or cats) per campsite, but pets are not permitted at Charlestown Breachway or East Beach campgrounds
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Current rabies vaccination certificate required for camping pets; e-collars/e-leashes do not count as leashed
Are dogs allowed at Burlingame State Park?
Domestic animals are allowed in Rhode Island state parks but must be leashed and under a handler's control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via rules.sos.ri.gov. More: Rhode Island state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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