Lincoln Woods State Park RV & Campground Guide
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At 627 acres, Lincoln Woods State Park isn't huge, but it's expansive enough to warrant exploration by either foot, bike, or horse. The park opened on its namesake's birthday in 1909, celebrating 100 years since the 16th president's birth. The land upon which Lincoln Woods State Park currently sits was called originally Caucaunjaivatchuck in the language of the local indigenous people. While there are no overnight campgrounds at the park, during your visit, you can enjoy swimming, paddleboating, bouldering, and more while immersed in the scenic beauty of nature.
Nearby Cities:
Pawtucket, RI
Providence, RI
Boston, MA
Fall River, MA
Spring 46-68 F
Summer 75-80 F
Fall 50-73 F
Winter 20-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lincoln Woods State Park
Campground Accommodations
There are no camping facilities at all in Lincoln Woods State Park.
Holiday Acres Campground
Since opening in 1945, Holiday Acres Campground has become a local favorite. Rates start at only $43 on weekdays and $49 on weekends, and you'll find discounts for those who stay for a full week.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Horseshoe pits, pool table, boat access, adult area, game room, laundry facilities
Ashaway RV Resort
Close to two major Rhode Island cities and the state park, Ashaway RV Resort opens in April each year and closes in October. Both monthly and weekly rates are available, but guests can also pay $85 per night on weekdays and $95 per night on weekends and holidays.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Swimming pool, dog park, camp store, splash pad, volleyball court, tennis courts, laundry room, miniature golf course
Melville Ponds Campground
Only 5 miles away from Newport, Melville Ponds Campground has sites for both RV and tent campers. Back-in sites cost $51 per night, and pull-through sites start at $61 a night.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Cable TV, horseshoe pits, dump station, fishing spots, basketball court, volleyball court, shady spots
Wawaloam Campground
The waterslides at the Wawaloam Campground help you stay cool during your summer vacation. With sites available for tents and campers, you'll find rates that range from just $5 to $20 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Waterslides, splash park, scheduled activities, breakfast bar, Friday night dinners
What to Do at
Lincoln Woods State Park
Horseback riding is the park's biggest claim to fame. If you're new to horseback riding but would like to try it, guided tours are available at the park. When riding, you should note that there is one group of trails that is set aside just for horses and another group of trails that is for either horses or mountain bikes. You can fish in Olney Pond, too, and have rustic picnics throughout the park.
Take your boat out onto Olney Pond, or just fish from the shore. Explore all the trails in the park, and cool off with a dip in the pond.
Inside Lincoln Woods State Park
If you want to hit the water, the REI Boathouse makes it easy to rent a kayak or canoe and get any required permits. You can rent a boat by the hour or for the full day. There's also a swimming beach where lifeguards are on duty from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the warmer season. Sunset Stables offers lessons for those who want to learn how to ride a horse and go on trail riding experiences. You'll also find fishing spots as well as trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking.
Hiking
Other than the trails set aside for horses and bikes, there are three hiking trails in Lincoln Woods State Park. The Les Pawson Loop and the Upper Pond Loop are both moderately difficult, and the Lincoln Woods Trail is easy. The Upper Pond Loop is nearly 7 miles long and climbs almost 800 feet, which is unusual terrain for this part of Rhode Island. Be sure to have sturdy boots for this trail. All three trails are good for birdwatching.
Flora and Fauna
You will be able to see more than 130 species of birds in Lincoln Woods State Park, from endangered cormorants to plentiful sparrows and finches. In the right season, you can see majestic swans with their 8-foot wingspans. On the ground, deer and bobcats interact with black bears and coyotes. Be aware when hiking as dusk falls as certain predators are crepuscular. Dogbane and crown vetch are two of the many wildflowers that grow in Lincoln Woods State Park. Others include springbeauty, marsh hedgenettle, and trumpetweed. These last three are all pink wildflowers of different shades, although springbeauty might also produce green flowers. Remember not to pick any of these flowers and simply to admire them and photograph them.
Swimming
You can swim in Olney Pond. Throughout the summer, the water is exceptionally warm and regularly approaches 80 F. Lifeguards are on duty from the end of May until the beginning of September, so that's the best time to take advantage of the warm, calm waters of the pond.
Boating
Motors are limited to 10 horsepower, and on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, motorboats are not allowed. Even on those days, however, you can always launch your kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and small sailboats into Olney Pond.
Climbing
Lincoln Woods State Park is known for its bouldering. There are several dozen bouldering problems within the park, from Beginner's Delight, rated V0, all the way to the expert Barbed Wire, rated V9. The only vertical climb in the area is 25 miles to the west at Hemlock Ledges. The sport climb there is for experts, and it's rated 5.10.
How to Get to
Lincoln Woods State Park
From Boston, take Route 95 south until you reach the exit for Attleboro and Route 1. Exit at Route 95, and then proceed south on Route 1 until it becomes Broadway in Pawtucket. Take Broadway until you reach Main Street where you will turn northwest. Continue on Main Street until you reach Broad Street. Then, turn north. A short distance ahead, turn west on Goff Avenue. Take Goff Avenue to Dexter Street, and turn north-northwest onto it. Follow Dexter Street to its connection to Lonsdale Avenue, which is also Route 122. Turn north onto Lonsdale Avenue until you reach Route 123. Then turn west. When you're on Route 123, watch for the signs for Lincoln Woods State Park.
From Woonsocket, RI, or Central Massachusetts, follow Route 146 south. There will be signs for Lincoln Woods State Park, so follow them.
Entering Lincoln Woods State Park
There is no charge to park. There is a $5 charge to use a picnic table, and there are additional charges for using the horse trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln Woods State Park
Summer is the best time because the water is at its most comfortable, the riding and hiking are enjoyable in the mild temperatures, and the fishing is at its best.
Aside from over 100 different bird species that you can spot flying around or nesting in the park, you will find small ground animals and deer. Sometimes, you might see a coyote or a black bear, but these animals are not commonly spotted as they tend to shy away from humans.
No, there are no campsites at all in Lincoln Woods State Park.
There are no camping facilities in the park and overnight camping is not allowed.
Yes, you may bring your pets. However, you must keep your dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet long and clean up after them. Make sure your dogs are well-behaved around horses, as there are likely to be several horses around when you visit the park.