Fort Wetherill State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Wetherill in Rhode Island stands across the water from Fort Adams, and these two batteries of guns protected Narragansett Bay as part of the Third Line of America's coastal defenses in the 18th and early 19th centuries. When the New York Yacht Club had a stranglehold on the defense of the America's Cup, the races took place near Fort Wetherill, and people would watch the races from the top of the 100-foot cliffs upon which the fort stands.
Nearby Cities:
Newport, RI
Providence, RI
Boston, MA
Fall River, MA
Spring 41-55 F
Summer 72-90 F
Fall 47-57 F
Winter 15-21 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Wetherill State Park
There are no campsites of any kind at Fort Wetherill State Park.
Fort Getty Park & Campground
Fort Getty Park & Campground is a town-owned park nestled at the terminus of Fort Getty Road just 7.3 miles west of Newport. The facility prides itself on offering comparable amenities for RV parking and camping without sacrificing that "rustic" feel. Fort Getty boasts over 26 tent sites and 83 seasonal RV sites within minutes of Fort Wetherill State Park, and it offers easy access to delicious seafood and shopping. While here, don't miss the chance to sail aboard an American's Cup racing boat and enjoy a surreal water trip from Newport.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Community playground, soccer field, modern recreation complex, pier
Melville Ponds Campground
Melville Ponds Campground is perched on Aquidneck Island in Portsmouth close to the stunning beaches. This campground is less than 25 minutes from the state park while being conveniently situated by everything Jamestown has to offer. Rates start at $48 for full hookups.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Restroom, full-service showers, dog park, laundry
Second Beach Family Campground
Drive 10.2 miles east of Fort Wetherill State Park, and you'll discover the fantastic Second Beach Family Campground. This RV park is bordered by the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, one of Rhode Island's five wildlife refuges and home to over 400 species of shorebirds, raptors and songbirds. Each of the 44 RV sites is pull-through and can allow vehicles of up to 40 feet long. While here, be sure to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Newport, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Second Beach.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: No • Other amenities: On-site ice locker, hot showers, vault toilets
Paradise Park RV Campground
The best way to enjoy the state park is to stay at Paradise Park RV Campground, which is located just a mile from your choice of three gorgeous beaches and 3 miles to downtown Newport. Whether you're stopping by en route to Fort Wetherill or just coming for the weekend, you'll enjoy the convenience, tranquility and top-of-the-line amenities that this campground offers. Rates start at $75 per night.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Extra-large RV pads of up to 40 feet long
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What to Do at
Fort Wetherill State Park
You can stroll through the park's 61 acres and have picnics. If you dive, then there are three areas where you can use your scuba gear. Of course, if you fish, then you will have ample opportunity in both Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Chase stripers, have a picnic, and then take a brisk walk around the park.
Inside Fort Wetherill State Park
Fort Wetherill State Park is a tourist's paradise because of the number of fun outdoor activities within its gates. There are a few hiking trails inside the park, most of which are under a mile long, and there are also several 100-foot-high granite rocks on which the park stands, offering spectacular hikes. You can also paddle, kayak, and scuba dive on the waters at Fort Wetherill. The park also offers some of the best opportunities for spearfishing in the entire Jamestown vicinity. If you fancy learning more about the region, then head out to the abandoned Fort Wetherill; it contains coast artillery, military bunkers, and more.
Hiking
The single hiking trail is short at a little less than a mile, but it's a moderately difficult route. Birders like to stroll along this loop trail to see the many species that flock in the area.
Flora and Fauna
Deer are rare, but they make an appearance occasionally. Squirrels are slightly more common, but the big wildlife draw is the large assortment of songbirds and sea birds that frequent the park. Jays, cardinals, and finches mix with gulls, loons, and terns. The cliffs are a great place to watch birds catch updrafts.
Geocaching
There is a single geocache hidden within the boundaries of Fort Wetherill State Park.
Fishing
You can fish the bay, the ocean, or the nearby streams. You can catch trout in the streams, striped bass and Boston bluefish in the ocean, and tautog and red drum in the bay. Make sure that you have the proper licenses for the species in question. Also, pay attention to the applicable fishing seasons for each species because they differ.
Boating
The boat ramp at Fort Wetherill State Park is only for car-top boats. It's steep, so exercise caution when launching your boat.
Swimming
There are two rocky beaches near the boat ramp. There are no lifeguards on duty, so be cautious while swimming. Be safe, and never swim alone. Contact the park staff for more information about scuba diving in the area.
How to Get to
Fort Wetherill State Park
From Boston and points north, take Route 90, which is otherwise known as the Massachusetts Turnpike, west until you reach Route 95. Drive south on Route 95 until you reach Providence. From Providence, proceed east on Route 195 until you reach the East Shore Expressway, which is also Route 114. Take Route 114 south. The second bridge you cross, which is the Warren Bridge, takes you into Warren. From Warren, continue south on Route 114. Cross the Mount Hope Bridge. Continue south on Route 114 to Newport.
In Newport, turn west on Maple Avenue, and continue on Maple avenue until you reach the JT Connell Highway. Take the JT Connell Highway south-southwest, and follow it to the roundabout. Exit the roundabout onto Admiral Kalbfus Road. Take that east. You will cross under the Route 238 bridge. Take the next south turn, which will become Route 138. Take route 138 across the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. Once you cross the bridge, exit Route 138 onto Bayview Drive, which you will take south. Bayview Drive becomes Conanicus Avenue. Continue in the same direction on Conanicus Avenue until it merges with Walcott Avenue. Drive south on Walcott Avenue until you come to a fork in the road. Take the eastern branch, which is Fort Wetherill Road. That will take you to the various parking lots of Fort Wetherill State Park.
From any other direction, the easiest way to drive to Fort Wetherill State Park is first to reach Providence and then follow the directions outlined above from there.
Entering Fort Wetherill State Park
Day-use parking costs $7 per day for any vehicle.
Fort Wetherill State Park Day Pass : $7.0
Fort Wetherill State Park Season Pass : $60.0
Get excited to tour one of Rhode Island's most historic state parks. While here, you're guaranteed to have fun no matter what you like to do inside or outside the park. Remember to tag RVshare in your social media posts or shoot the team your favorite snapshots at [email protected]. The site might just feature your post on its blog or social media profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Wetherill State Park
Summer is the best time to visit Fort Wetherill State Park. The water is at its warmest, so your swimming and scuba diving will be comfortable. Additionally, it's the best time for fishing.
Sea birds make up most of the creatures in Fort Wetherill State Park. Terns, gulls, and petrels all visit the park and the water around it. Petrels, in particular, are interesting because they only return to land to breed. Keep an eye out for various songbirds, such as sparrows, cardinals, and red-winged blackbirds.
There are no camping facilities of any kind at Fort Wetherill State Park.
You can't reserve campsites because there aren't any. However, you can rent pavilions, specific picnic areas, and other buildings. You have to make these reservations from the second Saturday in April until October 31. You even have to reserve picnic tables, which cost $5 to rent. If you'd like to rent an open field, such as for a game of ultimate Frisbee, then it costs $20. There are various and sundry costs of other items at Fort Wetherill State Park, and you should contact the park staff for further information.
Pets are permitted, and you must keep them on a leash no more than 6 feet long if they're outside your vehicle or their tent. You must also clean up all applicable messes.
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