Select an outdoor activity
State Parks State Parks
Colt State Park
(NR) Route 114. Picturesque three-mile drive around shoreline of former Colt family estate on east side of Narragansett Bay. Playing fields and picnic areas. Salt water fishing permitted open year round. For information call: (401)253-7482
[Return to top]
Beavertail Lighthouse
(NR) Beavertail Point, Beavertail State Park, the 1938 hurricane uncovered the original base of the third lighthouse established in America (1749), an interesting example of early Colonial stonework. The present granite tower, just north of the original light, was erected in 1856. The point also offers spectacular views of Rhode Island Atlantic coastline. Naturalist aquarium building representing area water, rocks and marine life. OPEN Aquarium: May 1 - October 31; Park: Dawn to Dusk. For information call: (401)423-3270, (401)884-2010
[Return to top]
Blackstone River State Park
(NR) Lower River Road, Quinnville. A river front park with walking paths, canoe portage, fresh water fishing. Historical walking tours along the canal tow path built in 1828. OPEN: Dawn to Dusk. For information call: (401)724-2200
[Return to top]
Fort Adams State Park
(NHL) Ocean Drive. The second largest bastioned fort in the U.S. Key to Narragansett Bay area defenses, 1799 to 1945. Designed to be the most heavily armed fort in America and to garrison 2,400 troops. Three tiers of guns defended Narragansett Bay's Eat Passage. For guided tour information call 841-0707. OPEN Sunrise to sunset: Picnic areas, bathing beach, fishing piers, boat launching ramps, soccer and rugby fields. For information call: (401)847-2400.
[Return to top]
Camping and Hiking in
Burlingame State park
Season: April 15 - October 31. Sites (730 total) (365 Tents) (365 Trailer). Facilities: On the shore of Watchaug Pond, located in the heart of this 2,100 acre park. Fireplaces, water, wash-rooms, picnic tables, toilets, showers, swimming and dumping station. Boating and fishing on Watchaug Pond. Hiking trails. Several outstanding Atlantic Ocean beaches just a few miles from the park. First come, first served basis. Camping with limited facilities, 2 week limit. For information call: (401)322-7994, (401)322-7337
[Return to top]
Charlestown Breachway
Season: April 15 - October 31. Sites: (75 Total) (75 Trailers). Facilities: Flush toilets, boat launching ramp, fishing and swimming. Sites for self-contained trails units only. First come, first served basis. One week limit with a four day break. For information call: (401)322-8910
[Return to top]
Fisherman's Memorial State park
Season: April 15 - October 31; winter November 1 - April 1. Sites: (182 Total) (35 tents) (147 trailers). Facilities: Near salt water beaches. 107 trailer sites have electric and water hookups. 40 trailer sites have electric, water and sewer hookups. Hot coin-operated showers. Flush toilets and dumping station. Tennis, basketball, horseshoe courts and children's playground. For information call: (401)789-8374
[Return to top]
Fort Getty Recreation area
Season: May 18 - October 1. Sites: (118 Total) (15 Tents) (103 Trailers). Facilities: Boat ramp, fishing dock, dumping station and two comfort stations (with showers). Water/electric hookups for all trailers. Water available in tent area. Pay phones. Pets must be leashed. For information call: (401)423-7211
[Return to top]
Bowdish Lake Camping Area
Season: April 30 - October 10. Sites: (325 Total). Facilities: Water, electricity, 5 dumping stations, miles of hiking trails, flush toilets, hot showers, rowboat, paddle boat, canoe rentals, fishing, playgrounds, 2 recreation halls and safari field. July and August programs include supervised swimming, sports contests, crafts and professional entertainment. For information call: (401)568-8890
[Return to top]
Hunting and Fishing in
Fresh Water Fishing
Anglers seeking fresh water fishing action don't have to look far while in Rhode Island. Our many rivers, lakes and ponds provide a wide variety of fresh water gamefish such as Largemouth bass, Northern Pike and Crappie. Trout and landlocked Salmon are stocked in waters throughout the state. Scenic rivers such as the Wood, Pawcatuck, Moosup and Falls located in southern Rhode Island, offer premier trout fishing throughout spring, summer and fall.
[Return to top]
Salt Water Fishing
From shore or boat, Rhode Island is a fisherman's paradise. The diversity and abundance of gamefish found in Rhode Island waters, combined with the ease of accessibility of our shoreline provides angling excitement throughout the year.
Bluefish and Striped Bass are the most common sportfish, both inshore and offshore. The bluefish, considered by many to be the finest fighting fish in the Atlantic, can be caught from May through November. These voracious feeders average 4 to 6 pounds, with 11 to 15 pounders not uncommon, especially in the Fall. Equally revered is the striped bass. Found all along our shores, particularly in rocky areas and in estuaries, salt ponds and rivers, this fighter can reach up to 65 pounds, with many 40+ pounders caught each year.
For offshore action, anglers can pursue several species of tuna, hark and cod. Also, prized billfish such as white and blue marlin and swordfish are caught annually. What makes Rhode Island offshore fishing so good is its relative closeness to the canyon fishing on the fertile Continental Shelf, allowing more time for fishing and less time spent traveling.
From beginners in the sport, to experts seeking big game species, or to ultra-light tackle and fly rod enthusiasts looking for world records - Rhode Island has it all. Whether in the tranquil waters of Narragansett Bay, in the surf of Block Island Sound or in the deep Atlantic, angers will find year round pleasure in the abundant salt waters of the Ocean State.
[Return to top]
Other Outdoor activities
also offers the following outdoor activities:
