Backpack Trail Guide

Trails

Top Backpacking Trails in Rhode Island

1 routes. Each page shows when we last checked it. Updated October 2026.

Rhode Island has one backpacking trip on this site: the North-South Trail, which runs about 76 to 78 miles, depending on the source, down the state’s western edge from the Massachusetts line to Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown. Options for overnight trips here are limited. Rhode Island DEM’s rules allow camping in state management areas only with written permission, and one 2026 guide says there’s no legal dispersed camping along the route, so nights are spent at state campgrounds such as George Washington and Burlingame, private campgrounds, or the Frosty Hollow camping area in Arcadia.

The trail is mostly flat and passes through the Arcadia Management Area, by Stepstone Falls and a rough boulder field, but the same guide estimates that most of it follows paved roads. Campgrounds are seasonal, and Rhode Island State Parks has put 2027 campground reservations on hold while it chooses a new provider. Burlingame has fewer sites during restroom construction, which DEM expects to finish in April 2027. From September 12, 2026, through February 28, 2027, DEM requires fluorescent orange for everyone in management areas, and State Parks advises protecting yourself from ticks.

Quick picks

Western Rhode Island

Backpacking in Rhode Island: common questions

Do you need a permit to backpack in Rhode Island, and where can you camp overnight?

There's no general backpacking permit, but camping is tightly limited. Rhode Island DEM's rules for conservation management areas allow camping only with official written permission and close the areas from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise unless a permit allows otherwise, so plan nights at designated sites such as state campgrounds. State campgrounds take reservations through Reserve America (same-day online bookings close at noon, after which you book in person, first come, first served), and Rhode Island State Parks says all 2027 camping reservations are on hold while it picks a new reservation provider.

When is the best time to backpack in Rhode Island?

Plan around the state campground season. In 2026 George Washington, Charlestown Breachway, and Fishermen's Memorial opened April 10, East Beach opened in late May, and Burlingame opened in June after a delay for restroom construction; DEM's pages checked didn't give closing dates. Burlingame has fewer sites while construction continues (DEM expects it to finish in April 2027), and its campground beach is closed this season. Check with Rhode Island State Parks before a late-fall or early-spring trip.

Is it safe to backpack in Rhode Island during hunting season?

Hunting overlaps fall and winter trips, and DEM requires everyone in state management areas and undeveloped state parks to wear at least 200 square inches of fluorescent orange, such as a hat or vest, from September 12, 2026, through February 28, 2027 (archery hunters are exempt during archery deer season). During shotgun deer season, usually opening in early December, DEM requires 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange above the waist for all users. Check DEM's current hunting guide for this year's exact dates.

Do you need to worry about ticks and water in Rhode Island?

Yes on ticks: Rhode Island State Parks advises campers to protect themselves from Lyme disease and West Nile virus, and a joint DEM and Department of Health campaign recommends repellent, long sleeves and pants tucked into socks, permethrin on clothing (not skin), and a full tick check after every outing. For water, DEM says the hike-in Angell Loop sites at George Washington have no drinking water, and Burlingame's sites have no utilities, though the campground has restrooms with showers. No DEM guidance on natural water sources along the trail was found, so carry a filter and confirm campground water before you go.

Can you bring a dog backpacking in Rhode Island?

At most state campgrounds, yes. Rhode Island State Parks requires pets to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and allows up to two pets per site. Pets aren't allowed at Charlestown Breachway or East Beach campgrounds or at any state beach, so check the rules for each stop before you bring a dog.

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