Rules & Regulations

Burlingame State Park follows Rhode Island's state park rules and RI DEM's camping policy. The ones that catch people out: no alcohol in the campground, fires only in your site's ring or grill, no firewood from out of state, generators only from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Day-use areas close at sunset. Breaking a rule can cost you your camping permit, with no refund.

Alcohol, Cannabis and Smoking

• Alcohol: DEM's policy says no one may possess, drink, sell or offer for sale alcoholic beverages in a campground operated by the State of Rhode Island. That includes your own site.
• Cannabis: recreational marijuana is prohibited. The exception is edible or topical products used by someone with a current medical marijuana card, as prescribed.
• Smoking and vaping: allowed only on your own permitted site. They are banned in shared places such as playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, the nature center, fields, and within 25 feet of any building.

Fires and Firewood

• Fires, including charcoal, only in designated places: the fire ring or grill on your site.
• A responsible person must watch the fire the whole time, and put it out completely before leaving.
• Keep burning wood under 18 inches high.
• Do not bring firewood from out of state. DEM asks campers to buy firewood near the campground because out-of-state wood can spread harmful insects and tree diseases.
• Burn only firewood: no trash or pallets.
• Fire bans: when the National Weather Service issues red flag warnings, DEM may ban all fires. Check dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus before you check in. During a ban, only devices DEM specifically allows, such as some portable stoves, may be used.

Noise, Generators and Quiet Hours

• Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. in and around all camping areas.
• Generators: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. only. They may not sit under a neighbour's window or point exhaust at another site. Commercial-grade and diesel generators are banned, and staff can restrict a generator that is too loud.
• Medical devices such as breathing machines must run on batteries.

Weapons and Fireworks

Possessing or using firearms, bows and arrows or other weapons is prohibited in state campgrounds, and so are all classes of fireworks. Hunting happens in the separate Burlingame Management Area under DEM's hunting rules, not in the campground.

Pets

Up to two dogs or cats per campsite, on a leash of six feet or less, with a rabies certificate. No animals at the picnic area from April 1 to September 30. Full rules: dogs and pets.

Bikes, Scooters and Carts

• Golf carts, low-speed vehicles and other motorized devices that are not street-registered cars are banned in the campground, except mobility devices.
• E-bikes may ride on campground roads but not on trails, sidewalks, paths, fields or playgrounds.
• Skateboards, skates and scooters may be restricted when staff judge them unsafe.
• Riders and passengers aged 15 and under must wear helmets.

Water, Waste and Trash

• Grey water and black water may only be emptied at designated dump stations. Dumping it on the ground is prohibited.
• Do not wash dishes, clothes or yourself at water fountains or spigots.
• Use the campground's dumpsters and recycling. There is no curbside pickup at sites.
• Nearby state parks and beaches are carry-in, carry-out: take your trash home.

Protecting the Park

Do not damage or remove trees, plants, rocks or fossils, and do not disturb or feed wildlife or their nests. Do not damage picnic tables, grills, fountains, fences, stone walls or monuments. Campers are held financially responsible for damage.

Who Can Camp

• The person renting a site must be 18 or older.
• Anyone under 18 must camp with a supervising adult.
• Groups bringing youths need at least one adult for every ten children.
• No more than six people per site, and only those named on the reservation.
• Subletting a site or cabin is strictly prohibited.

Day-Use Rules

• State parks and beaches close between sunset and sunrise.
• Organized groups and events at the picnic area need to check with the park office or RI State Parks headquarters (401-667-6200) about a Special Use Permit.
• No loitering in or around restrooms.

Penalties

DEM can revoke a camping permit and evict you for any violation, with no refund, and anyone removed from a permit may not return to any camping area that season. Violations can also bring a fine of up to $100 each.

At the Beaches Nearby

The state beaches at Charlestown Breachway and East Beach ban alcohol, glass, dogs, smoking and camping outside their campgrounds. The town beaches ban alcohol, glass, fires, and boards and floats in the swim area.

For hours and fees, see hours and fees.