Rhode Island’s Primitive Forest Campground — 45 Wooded Sites on 226-Acre Bowdish Reservoir, 4,000-Acre Management Area, Adirondack Shelters, Hike-In Tent Platforms
George Washington State Campground is a state campground at 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, Town of Glocester, Rhode Island. The campground features 45 well-spaced gravel campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs (no hookups), 7 hike-in tent-only platforms on the Angell Loop requiring a 0.6-mile carry-in, 2 Adirondack-style group shelters, swimming beach on the 226-acre Bowdish Reservoir, and location within the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area.
George Washington is Rhode Island’s premier primitive camping destination — situated within 4,000 acres of continuous forest in the state’s rural northwest corner. The 45 wooded campsites are well-spaced along gravel pads (20–45 feet) with shared water spigots but no electrical or water hookups — this is real camping, not glamping.
For the most adventurous campers, the Angell Loop offers 7 tent-only platforms requiring a 0.6-mile hike-in — carry-in, carry-out with no vehicle access. The 226-acre Bowdish Reservoir provides fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming from a designated beach area.
Camping
| Site Type | Count | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites | 45 | Gravel pads 20–45 ft, tents/trailers/RVs, no hookups |
| Angell Loop (Hike-In) | 7 | Tent platforms, 0.6-mi carry-in, carry-in/carry-out |
| Adirondack Shelters | 2 | Group camping — by reservation |
Season: Second weekend of April through end of October. Reservations via RI State Parks system.
Things to Do
- Primitive camping — 45 wooded sites, no hookups
- Hike-in camping — Angell Loop tent platforms
- Fishing — 226-acre Bowdish Reservoir
- Kayaking/canoeing — reservoir access
- Swimming — designated beach
- Hiking — 4,000-acre management area trails
- Mountain biking — designated trails
- Bird watching — extensive forest habitat
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI |
| Management Area | 4,000 acres — George Washington Management Area |
| Reservoir | Bowdish Reservoir — 226 acres |
| Season | 2nd weekend April – end October |
| From Providence | I-6 W to Rt 295 N to Rt 44 W — ~13.5 mi |
| Managed By | RI Dept of Environmental Management |
| Coordinates | 41.9175° N, 71.6814° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
George Washington SC — in the George Washington Management Area. The campground’s hardwood forest, pond, and trails support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds.
Nearby Attractions
Chepachet — nearby. Glocester — surrounding.
Does George Washington Campground in Rhode Island have hookups?
No — George Washington State Campground in Chepachet, Rhode Island, is a primitive camping facility with 45 gravel sites but no electrical or water hookups at individual sites. Shared water spigots are available throughout. The campground sits on the 226-acre Bowdish Reservoir within the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area. Season runs from April to October.
What is the Angell Loop at George Washington Campground?
The Angell Loop is a set of 7 tent-only platforms at George Washington State Campground that require a 0.6-mile hike-in from the main campground. These are carry-in, carry-out sites with no vehicle access — ideal for campers seeking a more remote, primitive experience within the 4,000-acre management area in Glocester, Rhode Island.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Pulaski State Park is a short drive away, while Snake Den State Park lies a short drive away.
Park Location
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