Roger Williams, a Puritan theologian, originally settled Providence in June of 1636. The settlement would later grow into one of the original thirteen colonies. More than a century after Providence was settled, its residents were some of the very first Patriots to spill blood during the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. In 1790, Providence was the last of the thirteen colonies to ratify the United States Constitution, only willing to do so if assurances were made that a Bill of Rights would be included in the document.
Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island and is currently its most populous, with roughly 191,000 residents. The majestic Providence River flows right into the bustling city, and visitors can explore it firsthand by taking an open-air boat tour. Providence is also somewhat of a hub for state parks. The Lincoln Woods, Rocky Point, Colt, Goddard Memorial, John L. Curran, and Snake Den State Parks are only a few of the many located in and around the city. These parks are all serene outdoor havens with a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
The city features a historic downtown area filled with stunning, well-preserved period architecture that you can see up close while strolling or driving through the area. When you feel the need to do some shopping, you can head to The Arcade. Built in 1828, The Arcade was America's first shopping mall, and it contains many locally-owned boutiques and galleries.
Anyone visiting Providence with the family will want to spend some time exploring Roger Williams Park Zoo, which is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Another popular destination is the Capitol Building, which boasts the fourth-largest self-supported dome in the world and some impressive architecture. While you're in town, you can also take a walk around the campus of Brown University. The prestigious college has been perched on College Hill since 1770, and visitors today can explore its campus on student-guided tours.
Rhode Island Caribbean American Heritage Festival – Visit the WaterFire Arts Center in late June for the annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival. The festive event showcases the amazing food, music, culture, achievements, and heritage of Caribbean-Americans.
Rhode Island Seafood Festival – The Rhode Island Seafood Festival takes place in mid-September at India Point Park. Attendees at the annual event will enjoy lots of amazing seafood, beverages, and live music all weekend.
Rhode Island BBQ & Blues Festival – This fantastic annual event takes place in mid-June at India Point Park. Come out to eat some tasty BBQ and listen to some great live blues music.
Foodies love Providence, RI. The Daily Meal rates the city as one of the top 50 cities in America for dining. The Downtown Food Tour is one of the most popular activities for foodies in Providence, RI. It's a three-hour excursion through some of the best restaurants, and the tastings and lunch are included in the price of the tour.
The Providence Ghosts, Phantoms, and Poltergeists Tour is for adults and children 13 years of age or older, and it lasts an hour. The tour is educational and entertaining for all.
Acadia National Park is the closest national park to Providence, RI. It lies a little more than 300 miles to the northeast in Maine. With 3.3 million visitors annually, it's one of the busiest national parks in the entire country. Visitors are drawn to the park for its nearly 160 miles of hiking trails, striking flora and fauna, and proximity to the ocean. Acadia National Park is also a renowned destination for birding as more than 300 species of birds frequent the park. Every spring, too, the Acadia Birding Festival takes place at Acadia National Park.
If you want a longer road trip, then you can head 475 miles south to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The park covers 300 square miles in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it one of the best locations for hiking and climbing in the country. There are 332 graded climbs in the park, including a baker's dozen that are rated 5.12a or higher. These are climbs for true experts in top physical condition. There are 274 combined miles of hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the park, and there are more than 90 mountain streams that contain more than 40 species of fish, so be sure to bring your rod and reel.
Drive further, 600 miles, and you will find Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. The main attraction at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a collection of more than 100 waterfalls within the park. The park has more than 125 miles of hiking trails, and many of these passes by one or more of those waterfalls. Within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there's also a 100-mile-long river that is great for fishing. Ohio fishing regulations are extensive, so it'd be a good idea to read them on the applicable national park website before fishing.
Lincoln Woods State Park is just six miles away. The park is popular for its dedicated bridle trails within the park's 627 acres. There are also multi-use trails that mountain bikers and hikers can enjoy. You can swim at or set forth in nonmotorized boats on the lake within the park. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
It's just 10 miles to the 1,000-acre Snake Den State Park. The park is intentionally underdeveloped, with only some hiking trails, along with a few administrative buildings. However, the flora and fauna are notable throughout the park, and you can photograph both wildflowers and wildlife therein.
Since 2014, Rocky Point State Park has been a passive-use park. You can fish from the beach, hike or bike the trails, and rollerblade on the boardwalk.
The Touro Synagogue National Historic Site, which is only 34 miles from Providence, RI, was the first synagogue built in North America. It predates the Declaration of Independence by a dozen years. It's not only historically significant as a symbol of religious freedom but is a wonderful example of 18th-century architecture.
The Roger Williams National Memorial in the city is dedicated to the founder of Providence. Wander around the four-acre site, and learn about the English minister and his life and philosophy, including his strong belief in the separation of church and state. Parking at the site is free for two hours.
Travel five miles south of Providence to the Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park in Pawtucket. The site is a tribute to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in America. Sites within the park include the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum of Transportation and the Old Slater Mill.
Just a 15-mile trip from Providence, RI, you'll find the Holiday Acres Campground, which has full hookups at each of its 200 RV-specific campsites. Some of the campsites accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. This campground has showers and restrooms in addition to playgrounds, sports fields, and through-the-year weekend activities.
Ashaway RV Resort is 41 miles from Providence, RI and has 260 RV campsites with full hookups. The campground also has a pool and a hot tub, not to mention showers and restrooms. This campground is unique for its racetrack of radio-controlled cars. During the right season, you can also take the family on hayrides around the area.
Wawaloam Campground is 27 miles from Providence, RI. This is a large RV resort that features 300 campsites with full hookups. The chief attraction at this campground is the water park and hot tub. Wawaloam Campground schedules activities throughout the year, mostly on weekends.
The Arlington RV Supercenter is 14 miles from Providence, RI. IT has a repair center as well as a dump station, which costs $10 to use.
It's 30 miles to the Melville Ponds Campground, which can accommodate RVs of any size. It is a great choice as a dumping station for large rigs. The cost is $20 for both visitors and registered guests.
At RVshare, you'll find the ideal RV rental for your adventure in Providence, RI. Exploring New England, especially Rhode Island, is fun with a rented RV. There are all types of RVs, from travel trailers to Class A motorhomes, for your trip through Rhode Island. Renting an RV is generally much less expensive than staying in a hotel, and some Class A motorhomes can fit eight adults comfortably.
If you have a smaller family, a campervan would be a good choice. Thor, Gulf Stream, and Forest River are three excellent RV brands that offer a wide variety of vehicles from which to choose. You could pick a motorhome, fifth-wheel trailer, or any other RV you like that'll fit your needs. One thing to consider each time you rent an RV is the maximum RV length permitted at the RV resorts or campgrounds you plan to visit.
When you visit Providence, RI, you will be near many places that make worthy road trips. It's only 50 miles to Boston, MA, for example. A trip to Newport, RI, which is steeped in sailing history, is just 34 miles. Then, to go to Mystic, CT, its 49 miles. A little more than 100 miles outside of Cape Cod, you'll come to Provincetown, MA.
On average, the price to rent a motorhome is $120-200 per day, $360-600 for three nights, and about $800-1,400 for a week. Some owners will give you a discounted price the more days you rent. Check the listing details or ask the owner directly if you plan to book a longer stay.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Providence, RI RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Providence, RI RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Providence, RI RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
