Our Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground guide covers practical planning for Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground Rhode Island — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.
As the Roam States editorial team, we’ve explored countless corners of the US, and we can confidently say that Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground Rhode Island stands out as a premier destination for coastal camping and easy access to some of the Ocean State’s most beloved attractions. This 91-acre "seaside village" campground, nestled on Point Judith in Narragansett, offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal base for exploring southern Rhode Island's stunning coastline and vibrant communities.
Why Visit Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground
We recommend Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground for its unparalleled location and comprehensive amenities. It’s not just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a gateway to a classic New England coastal experience. Imagine waking up just a short stroll from some of Rhode Island's most popular beaches, including Scarborough, Salty Brine, and Roger Wheeler State Beach. Our team appreciates that the park provides a comfortable and well-maintained environment, complete with neatly trimmed grass and tree-lined paths, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.
Beyond the immediate beach access, the park offers a wealth of on-site activities, from basketball and tennis courts to playgrounds and picnic areas with BBQ pits. For those who love fresh, local fare, a farmers market operates at the entrance every Sunday from May through October, a delightful bonus for campers. The park's historical significance, having once been Fort Greene during World War II, adds another layer of intrigue, with remnants of its past still visible, including ingeniously disguised 16-inch gun turrets.
Who It's Best For
Our team finds Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground to be an excellent choice for a diverse range of travelers. It's particularly ideal for families looking for a convenient and activity-rich camping experience, with playgrounds and easy access to calm, protected beaches perfect for young children like Roger Wheeler State Beach.
RV enthusiasts will appreciate the paved roads and spacious, designated parking pads, many with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer. Tent campers also have dedicated areas, offering a more traditional, tranquil experience under a light forest canopy. Anglers will find themselves in a prime location, with Point Judith Pond bordering the campground, offering exceptional fishing opportunities for striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, and perch. Kayakers and canoeists will also love exploring the pond's sandbars and gravel islands.
It's also a fantastic spot for those who want to explore southern Rhode Island without constantly packing up. The park's proximity to the Block Island Ferry and historic Newport means day trips to iconic destinations are incredibly easy.
Getting There & Parking
For travelers wondering how to get to Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground, the park is conveniently located at 1011 Point Judith Road (Route 108) in Narragansett, Rhode Island. From Providence, the drive typically takes about 45 minutes, involving Interstate 95 South to Route 4 South, then Route 1 South, and finally Route 108 South for approximately four miles until you see the campground entrance on your right. Public transportation options are limited in this area, so driving is the most convenient way to reach the campground.
Regarding parking, our team has noted that Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground offers well-designed parking with paved roads throughout its camping areas, making navigation easy even for larger RVs. Each campsite includes a designated parking pad, ranging from 25 to 50 feet, with many pull-through sites available. Day-use parking is also available near the playground and ranger station for visitors exploring the area's attractions. It’s important to remember that there is a two-vehicle maximum for all sites. Your reservation fee includes one vehicle, and an additional vehicle will incur a $12 fee for a second car pass. These passes can be purchased at the permit office. For those planning to visit Rhode Island's state beaches, season parking passes for 2026 are available for purchase at the LAZ Parking office located at Fishermen's Memorial State Campground.
Top Things to Do
There are so many things to do at Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground and the surrounding Narragansett area, our team finds it easy to fill any itinerary. Within the park itself, you can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Challenge your family to a game on the basketball or tennis courts, or gather for a picnic at one of the dedicated areas. For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll, the park’s tree-lined paths offer a pleasant environment.
The park's prime location means that some of the best things to do at Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground involve the water. You're just a short walk or bike ride from Scarborough State Beach for surfing and sunbathing, Salty Brine State Beach for family-friendly swimming, and Roger Wheeler State Beach, known for its calm, protected waters perfect for young children. Point Judith Pond, bordering the campground, is a haven for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Beyond the park, the charming fishing village of Galilee, just a mile away, offers fresh seafood restaurants and opportunities for charter fishing. From Galilee, you can also catch the Block Island Ferry for a day trip to explore Block Island's dramatic Mohegan Bluffs and pristine beaches. A mere 15 minutes away, historic Newport awaits with its magnificent Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and the scenic Cliff Walk.
Other nearby attractions in Narragansett include the iconic Point Judith Lighthouse, the historic Narragansett Seawall, and the striking Narragansett Towers.
Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground Hiking Trails
While Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is primarily known for its coastal access and camping, our team has found that it also offers opportunities for peaceful walks and light hiking. The park features a Woodland Trail that takes visitors through the forest, allowing for wildlife viewing, including whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and even bald eagles during the off-season.
For those seeking a more structured experience, the park hosts a self-guided ~1-mile loop hike, often highlighted during events like the annual First Day Hike on January 1st. This path largely follows paved and gravel roads, making it stroller-friendly. However, for more adventurous hikers, optional short side trails branch off to scenic overlooks and can include steep elevation changes. While a dedicated platform like Hiking Project currently lists 0 miles of formal trails for Fishermen's Memorial State Park, the presence of wooded paths and historical structures within the 91-acre property ensures there are pleasant routes to explore on foot.
Best Time to Visit
Our team considers the peak season for visiting Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground to be the summer months, particularly July and August. During this time, temperatures are comfortably warm, typically ranging from 75-85°F during the day and 60-70°F in the evenings, with refreshing ocean breezes. This is prime time for beach activities, swimming, shore fishing, and water sports. However, be prepared for crowds and know that campsite reservations during this period often need to be made up to a year in advance due to high demand.
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer a more tranquil experience with milder weather and fewer crowds. These shoulder seasons are ideal for peaceful coastal camping, hiking, and exploring the area without the summer rush. While beach use might be limited in early spring, the fall, especially after Labor Day, still provides continued beach access and pleasant conditions.
The campground operates year-round, but winter camping (December-February) means stark coastal views and limited services.
Where to Stay Nearby
While Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground lodging options are primarily focused on its 182 campsites, our team recognizes that some travelers might prefer alternative accommodations or find the campground fully booked. Fortunately, the Narragansett area offers a variety of hotels and other campgrounds to suit different preferences.
For those seeking traditional hotel stays, options near Fishermen's Memorial State Park include The Break Hotel, Scarborough Beach Motel, and the Aqua Blue Hotel, which is just 4 miles away. Other highly-rated choices include Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott South Kingstown Newport Area, Hampton Inn South Kingstown - Newport Area, and The Shore House. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, the Newport Harbor Island Resort, though a bit further, offers a 4-star experience with spa services and adventure sports nearby.
If you're interested in other camping experiences, several excellent private campgrounds operate nearby. These include Worden Pond Family Campground and Wawaloam Campground, which offer wooded lakefront sites and resort-style amenities, respectively. Other options like Meadowlark Campground in Middletown provide full-service camping close to Newport, while Charlestown Breachway Campground offers direct ocean access. Additionally, Burlingame State Campground, though experiencing some 2026 restroom construction delays for reservations, is another state park option nearby.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground and the surrounding Narragansett area:
Day 1: Coastal Exploration & Campground Comfort
- **Morning (Arrival & Beach Time):** Arrive at Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground, check in (after 1:00 PM), and set up your campsite. Once settled, head straight to one of the nearby state beaches. We recommend a leisurely walk to Scarborough State Beach for some sun and surf, or Roger Wheeler State Beach for calmer waters, especially if you have young children.
- **Afternoon (Local Charm & Lighthouse Views):** After lunch at your campsite or a casual bite in Galilee, drive to the iconic Point Judith Lighthouse for stunning coastal views and photo opportunities. Explore the charming fishing village of Galilee, perhaps enjoying some fresh seafood.
- **Evening (Campground Relaxation):** Return to the campground for an evening of relaxation. Utilize your campsite's fire ring for a campfire and enjoy a meal cooked outdoors. If it's a Sunday between May and October, check out the farmers market at the park entrance for local treats. Remember quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
Day 2: Island Adventure or Gilded Age Grandeur
- **Morning (Block Island or Newport):**
- **Option A (Block Island Adventure):** Take the Block Island Ferry from Galilee, just a mile from the campground. Rent a moped or bike to explore the island, making sure to visit the dramatic Mohegan Bluffs for breathtaking ocean vistas.
- **Option B (Newport Mansions & Cliff Walk):** Drive approximately 15 minutes to historic Newport. Immerse yourself in the Gilded Age by touring one of the opulent mansions, such as The Breakers or The Elms. Afterward, take a scenic stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk, offering stunning ocean views alongside historic estates.
- **Afternoon (Park Activities & Departure Prep):** Regardless of your morning choice, return to Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground. Enjoy some of the park's amenities you might have missed, like a game of tennis or a walk on the Woodland Trail. Begin packing up your campsite, ensuring you're ready for the 11:00 AM checkout the following morning if staying another night, or preparing for departure.
- **Evening (Farewell Dinner):** For your final evening, consider a dinner at one of Narragansett's local restaurants, sampling more fresh Rhode Island seafood.
Is It Worth Visiting?
Our team unequivocally believes that Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground is worth visiting. Its strategic location offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable, amenity-rich camping experience and immediate access to a wealth of coastal attractions. We appreciate that it caters to a wide audience, from families with young children seeking safe beach access to seasoned RVers looking for full hookup sites.
The ability to walk to popular state beaches, easily hop on the Block Island Ferry, or take a short drive to the historic grandeur of Newport makes Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Campground an exceptional value. The combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and proximity to cultural landmarks truly makes it a standout destination in Rhode Island. For anyone planning a trip to the southern Rhode Island coast, we highly recommend adding this park to your itinerary. For more ideas on exploring the state, check out our guide to the Best places in Rhode Island.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 by the Roam States team.