East Beach

East Beach is a three-mile barrier beach in Charlestown, Rhode Island, run by RI DEM, that separates Ninigret Pond from the ocean. DEM calls it one of the least developed state beaches: a small gravel lot, composting toilets and a half-dozen changing rooms. Summer parking is $6 to $7 for residents and $12 to $14 for non-residents, and the lot fills early. Its small campground takes only self-contained four-wheel-drive campers.

The Beach

East Beach is the eastern end of Quonochontaug Neck, a long, narrow strip of sand between Ninigret Pond and Block Island Sound. DEM calls it one of Rhode Island's spectacular seaside treasures, and much of that comes from how little has been built on it. The State of Rhode Island built up this natural reserve with land purchases totalling more than 250 acres in 2006.

What you will find: a small gravel parking lot, composting toilets and a few changing rooms. Swimming, a seasonal lifeguard, saltwater fishing outside lifeguarded hours, and shellfishing (non-residents need a licence).

In-season hours: parking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, with lifeguards over the same hours. Gates close at sunset. DEM says parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny days, so buy your parking pass ahead and get there early.

Not allowed: alcohol, glass, fires, dogs or other pets, smoking, and RV or tent camping outside the campground. East Beach is day use only.

Parking Fees

East Beach is one of the eight state beaches covered by a state beach pass. 2026 rates: residents $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends and holidays, non-residents $12 and $14; seasonal passes $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents. In 2026 amenities opened May 23 and the off-season schedule began after Labor Day. Off season, the beach is open for walks, and swimming is at your own risk.

Habitat Restoration

DEM and Save The Bay are running a coastal habitat restoration project on the Ninigret barrier beach at East Beach. Expect fenced or signed areas where dune plants are being restored, and keep to marked paths.

Camping at East Beach

DEM's East Beach State Campground is specialty camping on three miles of undeveloped beach, reached only by four-wheel drive along the sand trail. DEM's pages describe it two ways, as two areas with ten sites each and as ten sites in total, so check the site count on Reserve America. The rules are strict:

• Fully self-contained, four-wheel-drive camping units only. Travel trailers, tow trailers and fifth wheels are banned, and so are tents.
• Barrier Beach Permit: every camper needs one before the stay. Beach vehicle permits and trail passes come from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC).
• No utilities at the sites.
• No pets.
• Piping plovers: part or all of the campground can close during the season when this threatened shorebird nests. If that happens, DEM cancels the reservations and refunds them in full.
• Maximum stay in peak season: 7 nights in any 21 days.
• Dump station: one free dump and water fill at Burlingame or Fishermen's Memorial after check-in.
• 2026 season started Saturday, May 23.

Vehicles using the sand trail in summer pay the state beach parking rate unless they are registered campers. Book through Reserve America (reservations); questions go to 401-322-8910.

Ninigret Pond and Quonochontaug

Ninigret Pond, behind East Beach, is Charlestown's largest body of water, and DEM notes it also goes by Pawaget or Charlestown Pond. DEM's boat launch at the Charlestown Breachway reaches both Ninigret Pond and Block Island Sound.

Quonochontaug is the neighbourhood and neck at the west end. DEM's history ties East Beach to the Quonochontaug summer colonies first built in the 1880s, and notes the beach stayed relatively untouched, perhaps because it is so narrow between the ocean and the pond. DEM's state boat ramp at the Quonochontaug Breachway, off West Beach Road, is a concrete plank ramp with about 3 feet of water at mean low tide.

Dogs

State rules bar animals from East Beach and the Ninigret Conservation Area from April 1 through September 30, except service animals, and DEM's beach page lists dogs as not allowed. Leave the dog at your campsite in Burlingame (dogs).

From Burlingame

East Beach is a short drive south of Burlingame. If the lot is full, try Charlestown Breachway, the town's Blue Shutters Beach on East Beach Road, or fresh water at the Burlingame Picnic Area. All options: Charlestown beaches.