Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions people ask most about Burlingame State Park in Charlestown, Rhode Island, answered from RI DEM's own pages and the state's park rules. Short version: Burlingame has about 700 rustic campsites and 20 cabins with no hookups, from $18 a night for residents; the picnic area beach on Watchaug Pond is free; and 2027 reservations are on hold while DEM picks a new booking provider.
Quick Answers
Camping
Most questions are about the campground. The campground guide covers sites and amenities, reservations and rates covers booking, and cabins covers the 20 rental cabins.
Swimming and the Pond
Swimming is at the free picnic area beach on Watchaug Pond, with seasonal lifeguards. See picnic area and beach and Watchaug Pond.
Pets, Rules and Hours
See dogs and pets, rules and regulations and hours and fees.
Around Charlestown
For the ocean, see Charlestown beaches; for more to do, things to do in Charlestown.
Burlingame State Park Questions
Where is Burlingame State Park?
In Charlestown, Rhode Island, around Watchaug Pond just north of Route 1. The campground is at 1 Burlingame State Park Road, Charlestown, RI 02813; the day-use picnic area is off Prosser Trail and Sanctuary Road.
How many campsites are at Burlingame?
RI DEM lists about 700 rustic campsites and 20 rustic cabins. Fewer sites are offered while the restroom rebuild continues through April 2027.
Does Burlingame have electric or water hookups?
No. DEM says utilities are not available at Burlingame. There is a dump station and water filling station, and coin-operated hot showers in the new restroom buildings.
How much does it cost to camp at Burlingame?
A no-hookup site is $18 a night for Rhode Island residents and $36 for non-residents; cabins are $50 and $75. Online and phone bookings add an $8.75 reservation fee.
How do I book a campsite at Burlingame?
Through Reserve America, online or at 1-877-742-2675. All 2027 reservations are on hold while DEM selects a new reservation provider, and DEM says it will notify customers when booking reopens.
Can you swim at Burlingame State Park?
Yes, at the Burlingame Picnic Area beach on Watchaug Pond. It is free, with lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season as staffing allows. The campground beach was closed for 2026 because of construction.
Is Burlingame State Park free?
The day-use picnic area and beach are free; DEM charges no fee at beaches inside state parks. Camping is paid, and campground visitors pay $8 per vehicle per day.
Are dogs allowed at Burlingame?
At the campground, up to two dogs or cats per site are allowed on a six-foot leash with a rabies certificate. Animals are not allowed at the picnic area from April 1 to September 30.
Can you drink alcohol at Burlingame?
Not in the campground. DEM's policy bans possessing or drinking alcohol in any state-operated campground.
Do Burlingame cabins have beds?
Each cabin has two bunk beds with board bases. Mattresses, bedding, water and electricity are not provided; DEM recommends air mattresses.
What time is check-in at Burlingame?
1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check-out is 11 a.m. sharp. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Can you fish at Burlingame?
Yes. Watchaug Pond is a DEM-designated trout water with a state boat ramp on Sanctuary Road. Anglers 15 and older need a Rhode Island freshwater licence.
Is there hiking at Burlingame?
Yes. The John Vincent Gormley Trail runs nearly 8 miles around Watchaug Pond on yellow markers. Leashed dogs are welcome, and part of it crosses a hunting area.
Is the Burlingame campground under construction?
Yes. DEM is building six new shower and restroom buildings; three opened in June 2026 and the rest are due by April 2027. Weekday work runs 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What beaches are near Burlingame?
Charlestown Breachway and East Beach are state beaches a short drive south, with parking fees in summer. The town's Blue Shutters Beach takes non-residents; Charlestown Town Beach is for residents.
Can non-residents go to Blue Shutters Beach?
Yes. The Town of Charlestown accepts non-resident passes only at Blue Shutters, not at Charlestown Town Beach. Daily parking was $30 on weekdays and $45 on weekends in 2026.
Can you swim at Ninigret Park?
Ninigret Park, run by the Town of Charlestown, has Little Nini Pond with a town-operated beach. DEM named Ninigret Park as a swimming alternative for Burlingame campers in 2026.