Burlingame State Park Picnic Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 23, 2026. The picnic pavilion shelter is available for reservation during the peak season from late May through Labor Day.

About

Burlingame State Park Picnic Area offers 31 acres of day-use recreation along the shores of Watchaug Pond, one of Rhode Island's largest freshwater ponds. The park consists of a peaceful wooded picnic grove surrounded by adjacent forest land, providing a scenic setting for family gatherings and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy approximately 20 first-come, first-served picnic tables scattered throughout the grove, or reserve the covered pavilion shelter for larger group events accommodating up to 50 people. The sandy shoreline features a designated swim area where visitors can enjoy freshwater swimming at their own risk. Four self-composting toilets serve the area, with one ADA-accessible unit available. A paved parking lot provides approximately 115 parking spots. The picnic area is adjacent to the Kimball Sanctuary and a state boat launch on Sanctuary Road, offering additional opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. Personal watercraft are prohibited on the pond per local ordinance. The park operates seasonally from late May through early September, with the pavilion shelter available for reservation at $75 per day during peak season. Day visitors can access the picnic tables and beach area on a first-come, first-served basis when the park is open. The location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Burlingame State Campground, East Beach State Beach, and Charlestown Breachway State Beach.

Directions

The entrance to Burlingame State Park Picnic Area is on the right approximately 0.6 miles off Prosser Trail, which you access from an exit off US Route 1 South in Charlestown, RI.

Nearby Campgrounds