Colt State Park, Rhode Island
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Your RV road trip through the tiny state of Rhode Island has the potential for big outdoor fun. Although Rhode Island is indeed the smallest state in the country, its 40 miles of coastline put it in the top 20 for ocean frontage. RV campers visiting Rhode Island can enjoy tons of oceanside fun on one of the state’s eastern peninsulas at Colt State Park Beach in Bristol, Rhode Island.
The more than 460 acres on Bristol Harbor were originally preserved in the early 1900s as a luxury farm operation run by local magnate Samuel Colt, dedicated to producing the most prized cattle. Colt was never protective of this beautiful land, however, and was happy to welcome the public. When the state bought the property in 1965, it was forever designated as a public park where visitors could freely enjoy the sun and surf on Poppasquash Neck.
Get a lay of the land by venturing out on the Colt State Park Loop, nearly four miles of scenic ocean bay views. Whether you would like to walk, run, bike, rollerblade etc. is up to you since the path is smoothly paved. The maximum grade of the trail is also less than five percent, so it is easily enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities.
Along your trail adventure, you will follow the coast of the Narragansett Bay, keeping an eye out for the many seabirds that frequent the area. About mid-way through, you’ll turn in towards the rolling greenspace where the many prized cattle of Samuel Colt once roamed. To end your walk/ride, you’ll walk along the Mill Gut, a body of water that has been critical to shellfish revitalization efforts.
More than 180 species of birds have been observed at Colt State Park. It’s close proximity to the ocean, marsh land, and forests make it an excellent habitat for our avian friends. Spring and fall bring in a wonderful array of colorful warblers which are a delight to view among the manicured fruit trees on the grounds.
The ocean-associated birds are also plentiful including seven different species of gulls and few terns. One particularly fascinating resident is the osprey, otherwise known as the ‘sea hawk.’ These impressive predators are known for their amazing ability to stalk and catch fish from great distances. They are most frequently observed in the summer months and you just may be able to observe one of these incredible fish-grabs, yourself.
What the heck did I just mention? Is that a word? Hard-shelled clams, referred to as quahogs in these parts, are one of the most sought-after natural resources in Rhode Island and for good reason: they’re darn tasty. Many locals and visitors enjoy going hunting for these clams at low tide as they walk along the beach for a relaxing afternoon of family fun.
Colt State Park does indeed allow clamming along the Narragansett shore. Be on the lookout for signage, however, as these waters are not always open for quahog harvest. Starting in 2017, robust shellfish revitalization efforts were put in place to clean up and preserve the environment for future generations to enjoy. Of note, visitors must purchase a tourist shellfish license before they can harvest any quahogs.
The ample coastline on Narragansett Bay makes Colt State Park a fantastic saltwater fishing destination. Many anglers target aggressive predatory species such as stripers, bluefish, and snapper. To catch these fish, stick with fresh bait like minnows or clams or artificial lures like crankbaits and spinners.
In addition to shore fishing, the park does offer a fishing pier at its north end. This is a particularly good spot for schooling stripers. As is the case with all fishing you do out of state, make sure you purchase an appropriate fishing license.
Located essentially within the park, the Coggeshall Farm Museum is a fascinating stop for visitors of all ages. Its 48 acres are dedicated to a depiction of salt marsh farm life in the late 1700s when our country was in its infancy. Observe that museum staff as they carry out the daily duties that would have helped a family live and prosper on the New England coast.
Visitors will also see animals that would have likely been found on these farms including black pigs, cats for pest control, and egg-laying chickens. The gardens are also yearly filled with heirloom vegetables that would have been grown at the time including a variety of beans, cabbages, squashes, and more. The staff do a fantastic job trying to provide the most authentic experience possible and we’re certain that you’ll learn a lot.
Ten miles to the south, the Melville Ponds Campground is set up to offer campers tons of amenities and outdoor fun. It is also the closest full-service campground to Colt State Park. Here, you will find full hookup RV campsites, a well-stocked camp store, clean bathhouses, and access to a dump station, if desired. For fun, hike the onsite trails, fish the ponds, or play a few rounds of horseshoes. The campground is also just a few miles from Sandy Point Beach and within walking distance of a number of restaurants.
Down on Aquidneck Island, about 17 miles to the south, the Meadowlark RV Park has all of the essentials covered for RV campers. Its 41 sites are outfit with full hookups and the usual comforts (bathhouses, Wi-Fi, etc.). For avid beachgoers, Meadowlark is particularly attractive due to its close proximity to Easton’s Beach as well as Second and Third Beach.
If you are planning on heading west back toward the mainland after your visit to Colt State Park, consider setting up camp at the Wawaloam Campground (39 miles). On top of hundreds of full hookup sites, campers will love the thrilling entertainment which includes a waterslide, splash pad, mini golf, fishing pond, rec center and more. There is also a dining hall onsite where campers can enjoy a hot meal and meet new friends.
Also, back west on the mainland (39 miles), the Worden Pond Family Campground is a perfect place to stay with your family. All RV campsites are water/electric, and a dump station is available for your convenience. The unique position of the campground directly on Worden Pond provides campers with access to fishing, swimming, and paddle boarding. You’ll also be a mile or so from the coast, so beach access is a cinch.
Paradise Park RV Campground is a close camping option on Aquidneck Island (16 miles), although it is a fairly no-frills establishment. The small park (19 sites) does provide full hookup RV campsites and Wi-Fi. There are no bathhouses or restroom facilities, however. The grounds are quiet and within a mile of a number of beaches. In addition, Newport Vineyards is just a 10-min drive or so away.
Within the park itself, there unfortunately are no dining options. You should, however, consider enjoying a seaside picnic. In fact, this was one of the main reasons that the public would visit Samuel Colt’s manicured grounds. Be aware, however, that due to demand, there is a small fee of a few dollars to reserve picnic tables.
The historic town of Bristol just outside of the park’s borders offers a diverse array of options for hungry visitors. Apart from a nice variety of seafood restaurants, you can also find pizza, Italian, Thai, Ramen, steakhouses, and traditional American grills. Many of these restaurants are also right on the bay, so you can lock in a table with a heck of a view.
No matter where you stay, the quaint rolling grounds and seaside views at Colt State Park make it worth a stop along your RV road trip across the small, but great state of Rhode Island.