Charlestown Breachway

Charlestown Breachway is a RI DEM state beach and campground on Charlestown Beach Road, between Ninigret Pond and Block Island Sound. DEM calls it one of the best saltwater fishing areas in South County. In summer, beach parking is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends for Rhode Island residents, $12 and $14 for non-residents. The campground takes only 75 fully self-contained RVs: no tents, no pop-ups and no pets.

The Beach

DEM describes Charlestown Breachway as a golden sand beach with a panoramic view of Block Island Sound. The parking lot is small and fills quickly on hot days, but once you are on the sand there is room to spread out. DEM warns the surf can be strong at times.

Amenities: public restrooms and composting toilets, a swimming area, a gravel parking lot, and accessible beach wheelchairs in season. A boat and kayak launch nearby reaches both Ninigret Pond and Block Island Sound.

In-season hours: parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Lifeguards work the same hours in season. Gates close at sunset, and the beach is day use only.

Not allowed on the beach: alcohol, glass, dogs or other pets, smoking, and RV or tent camping (except at the campground).

Parking Fees and Passes

Charlestown Breachway is one of Rhode Island's eight state beaches, and a state beach season pass covers it. DEM's 2026 rates:

• Resident: $6 weekdays, $7 weekends and holidays; season pass $30
• Non-resident: $12 weekdays, $14 weekends and holidays; season pass $60
• Resident senior: $3 and $3.50; season pass $15
• Non-resident senior: $6 and $7; season pass $30

Fees apply during operating hours from the opening day in May through Labor Day. In 2026 the amenities opened on May 23, and the beach went to its off-season schedule after Labor Day. Entrances take cash, cards and tap-to-pay. Passes are tied to your license plate, and buying online at beachparkingri.com lets you use the express lane. DEM also closes the lot when the sand is full, even if parking spaces are open, to keep room for lifeguards and rescuers.

Off season, the beach stays open for walks, and anyone who swims does so at their own risk.

Camping at the Breachway

DEM's Charlestown Breachway State Campground sits on the east side of the breachway, within walking distance of the beach, with panoramic views of Block Island Sound. It is very different from Burlingame:

• Self-contained RVs only. DEM defines that as a unit with manufacturer-installed, permanent holding tanks for fresh, grey and black water. Aftermarket systems may need paperwork from the installer. Units that fail the rule are evicted without a refund.
• No tents, pop-ups, hybrids or anything with a canvas top, in the camping area or the day-use area.
• 75 sites, no utilities, Tier 3 rate: $18 a night for residents, $36 for non-residents, plus the reservation fee.
• Maximum stay in peak season: 7 nights in any 21 days (Burlingame allows 14).
• One extra vehicle per site, with a $12 second car pass.
• No open fires, wood or charcoal. Propane stoves with regulators are fine.
• No pets.
• Visitors pay the daily beach parking fee and park in the day-use lot.
• Dump station: registered Breachway campers can use the dump and water filling stations at Burlingame or Fishermen's Memorial once for free; extra visits are charged.
• 2026 season started Friday, April 10.

Book through Reserve America; 2027 bookings are on hold while DEM picks a new provider (reservations). Questions: the Breachway campground's seasonal line, 401-786-4223.

Fishing

DEM calls the Breachway one of the best saltwater fishing areas in South County. Fishing from the state beach is allowed only outside lifeguarded hours. The state boat ramp at the west end of Charlestown Beach Road is made of linked concrete slabs, with about 3 feet of water at mean low tide. You need a Rhode Island saltwater licence or an accepted equivalent. See fishing.

History

DEM's history notes that since the mid-1800s, Charlestown residents have valued Ninigret Pond, also called Pawaget or Charlestown Pond, as the town's largest body of water. The Town of Charlestown keeps an information page on the breachway's restructuring.

From Burlingame

The Breachway is a short drive south of Burlingame, across Route 1. Plan to arrive early on summer weekends because the lot is small. If it is full, try East Beach or the town's Blue Shutters Beach, or swim in fresh water at the Burlingame Picnic Area. All Charlestown beach options are compared on the beaches page.