The Best Swimming Spots in Rhode Island: Lakes, Rivers, and More

Rhode Island is the perfect destination for a summer vacation as it offers numerous swimming holes where guests can soak up the sun and cool off when it gets too hot. In addition, the state’s natural beauty makes a budget-friendly holiday feel like a luxury beach getaway. So, get that bathing suit ready because here are some of the best swimming spots in Rhode Island, including lakes, rivers, and more.

Best Swimming Holes in Rhode Island

While Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, there are many other swimming holes residents, and tourists can enjoy away from the beach. Luckily, the state has options for everyone; whether you want to play in the ocean’s waves or relax in the calm waters of a lake, Rhode Island has it all.

1. Watchaug Pond

This Pond is a beloved swimming hole in Burlingame State Park, Charlestown, Rhode Island. But, it is not just a popular swimming spot; Watchaug Pond is also one of the largest freshwater ponds in the state, covering 573 acres. While the majority of the pond sits in the State Park, there are a few areas where residents have private homes. Some of these houses are available on Airbnb, so if you want more time to enjoy this serene environment, there is accommodation.

2. Little Nini Pond

Little Nini Pond is fed by a spring and provides visitors with a soft, sandy beach where they can sit for hours and soak up the sun or take a dip in its cool and refreshing water. Swimmers can make the most of their time in the water as lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. But if you don’t feel like swimming, there are picnic tables and benches nearby. Furthermore, visitors have access to grills, so parents can host kids’ parties or family gatherings at the pond.

3. Ninigret Pond

Also located in Charleston, Rhode Island, Ninigret Park Beach offers visitors a freshwater swimming pond with free parking and lifeguards on duty during the warmer months. Additionally, for those who don’t want to take a dip, there is a 227-acre park with ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, a state-of-the-art playground, basketball courts, and a ten-speed bike course.

The Best Swimming Lakes in Rhode Island

While there are several swimming ponds and beaches in Rhode Island, a few lakes allow visitors to cool off in their waters. Some of the best swimming lakes in Rhode Island include:

1. Burrillville Spring Lake Beach

This natural swimming lake is located in Burrillville, Rhode Island. However, it is only open from June to September. This lake offers a 750-foot-long beach where guests can relax while tanning. In addition, there is a concession stand that sells snacks, outdoor showers, and restrooms. Burrillville Spring Lake has an admission fee but varies between residents and tourists.

2. Bowdish Reservoir, Chepachet

Located in Chepachet, Rhode Island, Bowdish Reservoir is an incredible swimming spot with doc spaces available to rent for boat enthusiasts. Swimming during the summer months is supervised by trained lifeguards, who also entertain your children with water sports and games.

3. Wallum Lake, Burrillville

This popular 208-acre swimming lake is located in Burrillville. Most of the northern half of the lake sits in Douglas State Forest, but the majority of the west shore is situated in Buck Hill Management Area. As a result, a large chunk of the shoreline is underdeveloped and protected. It’s obvious that Wallum Lake is a popular summer destination due to the large number of picnic tables available. In addition, there are lifeguards on duty keeping a watch from two lifeguard stands. And for those outdoor enthusiasts that don’t want to swim, there are several walking trails in the area.

Rivers

Sadly most of the rivers in Rhode Island are off-limits to swimmers due to their high bacteria content. But, there are two rivers that still provide residents and visitors with cool, clean water.

1. Wood River

One of the best swimming spots in Rhode Island is Wood River, which flows along several towns in the state. The river is around 25 miles long, so there are a few places where visitors can take a dip on a warm summer’s day. This is a great option for people looking for some seclusion away from the crowds. Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing on certain parts of the river.

2. Sandy Point Beach on Sakonnet River

This natural beach on the Sakonnet River is shallow enough for families to enjoy the water. It also offers facilities like changing rooms, picnic tables, restrooms, and lifeguards during the swimming season.

Beaches

Rhode Island is known for its breathtaking beaches, so it was hard to choose just three. However, these beaches over swimmers more than just cold, refreshing water.

1. Goosewing Beach, Little Compton

If you are looking for a wilder beach, Goosewing Beach in Little Compton is the perfect place. It is the perfect blend of beach, coastal pond, and dune environments. Furthermore, this beach is one of the state’s most scenic spots and is popular among tourists. When visiting Goosewing Beach, you are surrounded by meadows, farmlands, tidal marsh, sand dunes, and the ocean. Additionally, there are very few New England-style beach houses on this stretch of coastline, providing uninterrupted views of the natural landscape.

2. Easton’s Beach, Newport

This popular beach goes by many names, including Newport Beach and First Beach. Easton’s beach connects the peninsula in Middletown with Newport. This beach was made famous during the Gilded Age when aristocrats built luxurious mansions. However, it was also a holiday destination for city dwellers seeking relaxation and entertainment. Today, the wealth is still easy to see, but the beach is for everyone, and guests enjoy swimming in its refreshing waters.

3. Napatree Point Beach, Westerly

Swimming at Napatree Point Beach is a must when visiting Rhode Island in the summer. It is now a wildlife preserve, and popular beach, protected by the fire district and Watch Hill Conservancy, which monitor the area and protect the wildlife. But swimming is only one of the activities on offer; you can also sunbathe on its soft, white sandy shore, kayak, and hike the surrounding trails.

Water Parks

Although small, Rhode Island has one water park tourists can take advantage of while on summer vacation.

Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park

One of the best water parks in Rhode is the Yawgoo Valley Ski Area and Water Park, which is the only surviving ski resort in the state. It sits on a hill in Exeter, RI. It officially opened during the 1965 – 1966 season but is expensive to maintain as it relies heavily on artificial snow.

During the summer, this park transforms into an incredible waterpark, featuring two 600 feet waterslides with many twists and turns to amuse those thrillseekers. Furthermore, the park sports a full-size swimming pool and a kiddies pool for babies and toddlers. The water park at Yawgoo Valley is open from July to Labor Day Weekend.

Summary of the Best Swimming Spots In Rhode Island

Here are the Best Swimming Spots In Rhode Island:

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