Foster is a town located on the western border of Providence County, Rhode Island, about 15 miles from the city of Providence. The town has a population of around 4,500 people. Initially incorporated with Scituate in 1780, it became a separate and distinct township in 1781. Foster is bordered by Glocester to the north, Scituate to the east, Coventry to the south, and Killingly and Sterling in Connecticut to the west. Foster spans around 50 square miles, with an average width of six miles from east to west and an average length of eight miles from north to south.
Foster was named after the first U.S. senator of Rhode Island, Theodore Foster. Theodore Foster was a Revolutionary War patriot and attorney born in 1752. The town features scenic beauty and sites for fun outdoor activities, including the Foster Country Club, one of Rhode Island's oldest golf courses. The country club features challenging terrain and beautiful views.
Foster also has a rich history and several historic sites, such as the Foster Meetinghouse, which was built in 1796. Foster Meetinghouse is accessible for tours and events. The town is also home to the George Washington Memorial Campground, the Ponagansett Reservoir for fishing, the Foster Public Library, and the Foster Village, a collection of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
Foster is also known for its annual fair, Old Home Days, which is celebrated on the last weekend of July. This fair gives visitors the opportunity to immerse in the local culture and feel the community spirit of Foster. The town also has several parks and recreational areas, including Foster Town Beach and Foster Town Park. In addition, Foster has a strong sense of volunteerism, with various local organizations and clubs like the Rotary Club of Foster, the Lions Club, and the Foster Garden Club.
Campgrounds Near Foster, Rhode Island
Holiday Acres is an attractive campground for RV owners and renters in Foster. This campground is located eight miles east of Foster and is open 24/7. Holiday Acres features 200 RV sites, all equipped with full hookups, and can accommodate 30- and 50-amp connections. The campground has scheduled weekend activities, sports courts, and a small fishing area to keep guests entertained.
Ashaway RV Resort is also a great nearby option. Located 37 miles south of Foster, this campground offers 260 RV sites with full hookups and options for 30- and 50-amp connections. Both back-in and pull-through sites are available for convenience. The campground also features a pool, hot tub, and showers. Moreover, various outdoor activities are available, including barrel train and hayrides, scheduled activities, a remote control car track, and a splash pad for kids to enjoy.
However, if proximity to Foster is a priority, Bowdish Lake Campground is just seven miles away and offers 200 RV sites, full hookups, and scheduled activities, including professional entertainment and lake fishing. All sites are pet-friendly, providing guests with a range of options during their stay in Foster.
State Parks Near Foster, Rhode Island
Pulaski State Park is located seven miles north of Foster. The park was established in 1939 and is situated within the Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area, a 100-acre park in the George Washington Management Area. Pulaski State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, biking, swimming, and cross-country skiing. The nearby towns of Scituate and Smithfield in Rhode Island and Putnam in Connecticut are all within a short drive from the park.
Just 12 miles east of Foster is Snake Den State Park, a farm transformed into a recreational destination. With minimal development, the park boasts abundant natural beauty, especially along the northernmost trail beyond Dame Farm, offering well-defined paths, breathtaking rock formations, cliffs, and streams.
Another great choice is Mashamoquet Brook State Park, which is located 12 miles west of Foster. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, from simply relaxing in nature to more active pursuits. Enjoy a scenic hike on the shaded trails, take a refreshing dip in the pond on a hot summer day, try fishing, have a picnic at one of the many scenic spots, or learn about the park's history at one of the park's historical sites.
National Sites Near Foster, Rhode Island
Located 21 miles east of Foster is Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, a collection of sites that commemorate the Industrial Revolution in the United States. It was here, along the Blackstone River, where the country's first textile mills began operations. You can better understand this critical moment in U.S. history by visiting these historical landmarks. The park offers a chance to see the landmark mills and self-guided walking tours through historic towns, beautiful trails for walking and hiking, and even riverboat tours for a scenic and educational experience.
Roger Williams National Monument is another national site located 20 miles east of Foster. The site honors the legacy of the state's founder and defender of religious liberty. Williams was forced to leave Massachusetts because of his beliefs. However, in 1636, he went on to establish Providence as a haven for those who could worship freely without state interference. His ideas were enshrined in the Rhode Island Charter of 1663. They went on to influence the principles of religious freedom in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
A little over 45 miles southeast of Foster is the Touro Synagogue National Historic Site. The arrival of Newport's first Jewish resident in the 17th century marked the beginning of a growing community in the area. A plot of land was acquired for a cemetery and a place of worship to meet the religious needs of the growing Jewish community, which led to the construction of the Touro Synagogue. Designed by the self-taught architect and British-American merchant Peter Harrison, the synagogue began construction in 1759 and was completed in 1763. You can visit Touro Synagogue and explore its grounds, learn about its history through a presentation and walking tour, and appreciate its architectural significance.
National Forests Near Foster, Rhode Island
Green Mountain National Forest, located 149 miles northwest of Foster, is a prime destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This national forest offers a variety of fun outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, hunting, and fishing. While exploring the forest, visitors can be on the lookout for moose, one of its most popular attractions. The stunning autumn foliage makes fall the most popular season to visit, and visitors can take scenic foliage tours by car. Beyond its stunning natural beauty, Green Mountain National Forest also boasts over 2,000 historical and archaeological sites, making it a fascinating place for those interested in studying the area's rich history.
Situated 187 miles north of Foster, White Mountain National Forest spans 800,000 acres across eastern New Hampshire and western Maine. During your visit, immerse yourself in breathtaking mountain vistas, lush hardwood forests, sparkling lakes and rivers, and diverse wildlife. The forest invites you to embark on outdoor adventures like fishing, boating, and camping. You can also explore the various hiking trails in the area, each offering unique experiences.
Finger Lakes National Forest, 339 miles away, is the next-closest national forest to Foster. Comprising just over 16,000 acres, this natural area in upstate New York is the second-smallest national forest in the country. Visitors can explore the area by hiking one of the six established trails that pass through shrublands, pastures, and hardwood forests. A portion of the 559-mile Finger Lakes Trail also passes through the forest and connects the Catskills with the Allegheny Mountains. Other popular activities in Finger Lakes National Forest include pond, lake, river, and stream fishing. RV camping and dispersed backcountry camping opportunities are also available.
