Meshanticut State Park

75 Firethorn Lane, Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

Available Activities

Swimming
Fishing
Picnicking
Kayaking
Canoeing

By America's State Parks Editorial TeamOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 6, 2026 · Updated May 16, 2026

🏆 Official Guide: Meshanticut State Park — A quiet 20-acre urban green space in Cranston, Rhode Island, centered around the 12-acre Meshanticut Lake — featuring a peaceful ~1 mile walking path circling the lake, spring trout stocking for recreational fishing, hand-carry boat access (kayak/canoe), picnic benches, and a tranquil neighborhood escape. Free admission.

Meshanticut State Park is a neighborhood gem in Cranston — a small but serene urban park wrapped around the 12-acre Meshanticut Lake. It’s not a wilderness destination but rather a peaceful local retreat for walking, fishing, and enjoying nature minutes from downtown. The Rhode Island DEM stocks the lake with trout each spring, making it a popular spot for casual anglers.

Visitor Information

Detail	Information
Location	Cranston, Providence County, RI
Size	20 acres — 12-acre Meshanticut Lake
Admission	Free — open sunrise to sunset
Parking	Limited on-street parking
Restrooms	None on-site
Swimming	NOT permitted in the lake

Activities

Activity	Details
Walking/Jogging	~1 mi path circling the lake — peaceful, flat
Fishing	Trout (spring stocking), bass, panfish — beginner-friendly
Kayak/Canoe	Hand-carry launch — small gravel access
Nature Watching	Waterfowl, songbirds — urban oasis
Picnicking	Benches along the lakeside path

💡 Pro Tip: Meshanticut is best enjoyed as a quick, peaceful escape — the ~1 mile lake loop is perfect for a morning jog or afternoon stroll. Spring is prime fishing season when the lake is freshly stocked with trout. Bring a kayak or canoe via the small gravel launch for a quiet paddle. Note: there are no restrooms and no swimming is allowed. It’s a simple, charming neighborhood park — set expectations accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Meshanticut State Park?

No — swimming is not permitted in Meshanticut Lake. The park is designed for walking, fishing, and passive recreation only.

Is there good fishing here?

Yes — the Rhode Island DEM stocks Meshanticut Lake with trout each spring, making it a popular local fishing spot. You can also catch bass and panfish. It’s beginner-friendly with easy shore access.

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Snake Den State Park is a short drive away, and Haines Memorial State Park is a short drive away.

About the Author

America's State Parks Editorial Team

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

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Last updated: May 16, 2026