🌤 Weather at Meshanticut State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–69 °F | 59–84 °F | 36–75 °F | 22–43 °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 Providence T F Green Airport, 4 mi away, elevation 60 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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 |
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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Meshanticut 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 Meshanticut 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
Park Location
Plan your gear for Meshanticut State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
