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About Burlingame
Burlingame State Park encompasses over 3,100 acres in Charlestown, Rhode Island, making it the state's largest camping facility. Named after Edwin A. Burlingame, the long-standing chair of the Metropolitan Park Commission, the park has evolved from a wildlife preserve in 1930 to Rhode Island's premier campground with 755 campsites and 20 rustic cabins.
Located next to Watchaug Pond, the spacious campground features a boat ramp, freshwater beach, hiking trails, playground, and a recreation center with arcade games. Six distinct camping areas — Main Camp, 400 Area, 500 Area, Legiontown, Mills Camp, and Fish Camp — offer sites for tents, small trailers, large RVs, and motorhomes.
The area north of Buckeye Brook Road, abutting the Pawcatuck River, is primarily a hunting area. Watchaug Pond has become notable in recent years as a place to spot wintering bald eagles.
Activities
- 755 Campsites
- 20 Rustic Cabins
- Freshwater Swimming
- Fishing
- Boating
- Hiking Trails
- Playground
- Athletic Field
- Basketball & Volleyball
- Camp Store
- Recreation Center
A Rich History
Early Origins (1702–1930)
For nearly two centuries, the area along Rhode Island's Atlantic coast was home to the Narragansett Planters — large farms raising sheep, cattle, and the famous Narragansett Pacer horses. The shoreline crescent of sandy beaches backed by salt ponds went largely unappreciated for recreation until the late 19th century. Following the Audubon Society's creation of the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary in 1927, the Metropolitan Park Commission began acquiring woodland around Watchaug Pond.
Becoming a State Park (1930–1934)
The park was assembled from adjacent parcels, including a private club lodge (Chomowauke Lodge) and 498 acres. U.S. Senator Theodore Francis Green was the last private member. In 1930, the land began as a wildlife preserve; by 1934, it opened as Burlingame State Reservation — Rhode Island's first camping ground. It was named after Commission chair Edwin A. Burlingame.
The CCC Era (1933–1942)
During the Depression, Burlingame became home to the 141st Company of the Civilian Conservation Corps — the first and state headquarters of five CCC camps in Rhode Island. Young men built roads, trails, fireplaces, campsites, and picnic areas, while making recreational improvements to Watchaug Pond beaches. The CCC was disbanded in 1942 to support the war effort.
World War II & Beyond
Because of its proximity to the Charlestown Naval Air Station, Burlingame served multiple wartime roles: housing Naval personnel, serving as an army camp, a rest stop for British Navy personnel, and even a prisoner of war camp. After the war, “Legion Town” re-used CCC facilities as an American Legion youth summer camp from 1946 to 1961. For many years, all Christmas trees used at the State House came from Burlingame.
Modern Era (1991–Present)
A four-phase upgrade of camping sites, sanitary infrastructure, and maintenance amenities began in 1991, using National Park Service grants and state Recreation Area Development Funds to improve facilities dating back to the 1930s. Federal EPA and DEM funds have been used to study Watchaug Pond's yearly cycle, ensuring the cleanliness of the pond is maintained.
Camping Areas
Six distinct areas across the 3,100-acre park, with sites for tents (A), small trailers (B), large trailers & motorhomes (C/M).
Main Camp Area
Central camping area with a variety of site types close to the park entrance and facilities.
400 Area
West-central area with sites for tents, small trailers, and large RVs.
500 Area
Southwest section featuring a yurt and sites along Fish Camp Road.
Legiontown Camp Area
Southeast area with the camp store, recreation building, athletic field, basketball and volleyball courts, cabins, and playground.
Mills Camp Area
Southern area with well-spaced sites along Burlingame Park Road.
Fish Camp Area
Northeast area near Watchaug Pond, popular with anglers.
Campground Map
Map legend: A = Tents Only, B = Small Trailers, C = Large Trailers & Motorhomes, M = Motorhomes
Rustic Cabins
20 rustic cabins are located in the Legiontown Camp Area, offering a unique camping experience with a roof over your head. Perfect for those who want to be close to nature without a tent.
- Cabins are rustic with no utilities (no water or electric)
- Two bunk beds with springs/board base — mattresses and bedding NOT provided
- Air mattresses are strongly recommended
- Maximum 4 persons per cabin; cabin sites limited to 6 persons total
- One tent per cabin is allowed
- Located in the Legiontown Camp Area (Cabins C, F, H, I, J, K)
Wildlife at Burlingame
With 80+ nesting bird species and diverse mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, Burlingame is a wildlife haven.
Mammals
- White-tailed deer
- Eastern cottontail
- Gray squirrel
- Eastern chipmunk
- Muskrat
- Mink
- Raccoon
- Red fox
- River otter
- Short-tailed weasel
Birds (80+ nesting species)
- Canada Goose
- Wood duck
- Broad-winged hawk
- Great horned owl
- Downy woodpecker
- Blue jay
- White-breasted nuthatch
- House wren
- Hermit thrush
- Cedar waxwing
- Red-eyed vireo
- Ovenbird
- Scarlet tanager
- Chipping sparrow
- Wintering bald eagles on Watchaug Pond
Amphibians & Reptiles
- Wood frog
- Spring peeper
- Green frog
- Redback salamander
- Spotted salamander
- Eastern box turtle
- Northern water snake
- Eastern garter snake
Photo Gallery
Key Campground Policies
Important policies for your visit to Burlingame State Campground.
Check In / Check Out
Check-in: 1:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Quiet Hours
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Minimum Stay
2 nights during Peak Season (Memorial Day to Labor Day); 3 nights on holiday weekends
Maximum Stay
14 nights during Peak Season; 21 nights during Off-Peak
Pets
Cats and dogs welcome (max 2 per site). Must be leashed at all times. Rabies vaccination required. Not permitted at RI State Beaches.
Alcohol
No alcoholic beverages permitted in the campground.
Firewood
Do not bring firewood from out of state — buy local to prevent spread of invasive pests.
Reservations
Up to 12 months in advance. Same-day reservations available before 12:00 PM directly at the campground.
Age Requirement
Must be 18+ to rent a campsite. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Occupancy
One family per campsite. Non-family groups limited to 6 persons per site. First night occupancy required.
Additional Notes
- No utilities available in the campground (cabins are rustic with no water or electric).
- Septic dump station available at no charge for registered campers.
- Generators permitted between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM only.
- No fireworks or firearms permitted. Smoking prohibited within 200 feet of beaches, playgrounds, and facilities.
- All visitors must vacate the campground by 10:00 PM.
- Do not bring firewood from out of state — buy local firewood near the campground.
Experience Rhode Island's Premier Campground
From its CCC-era origins to today, Burlingame State Park offers 755 campsites on the shores of Watchaug Pond. Reserve your spot today.