7 Best Lakeside Towns in Rhode Island

Rhode Island and beautiful bodies of water go hand-in-hand. Known as The Ocean State, Rhode Island features over 400 miles of scenic ocean shoreline, hundreds of lakes and rivers, and an abundance of water-based recreation for visitors to enjoy. From the pristine freshwater ponds in Charlestown to the abundance of man-made reservoirs in Glocester, these charming lakeside towns showcase the best of what Rhode Island has to offer. Traveling in this area will be enjoyed with activities such as swimming, boating, and admiring the wildlife that relies on these local lakes. So anyone who feels long overdue for a little outdoor exploration, The Ocean State is waiting.

Cumberland

Home to the Diamond Hills Reservoir and the close-by Arnold Mills Reservoir, Cumberland, Rhode Island is an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. To get a good view of the 400-acre Diamond Hill Reservoir, head to the local Diamond Hill Park. Here, travelers can enjoy a wide range of park amenities including hiking, biking, picnicking, and searching for frogs. Climb the Diamond Hill Summit to find a selection of walking paths that offer clear views of the sparkling lake below.

The park also hosts various events, including food truck nights and free movie nights that are perfect for a budget-friendly family outing. Next, head to the Valley Falls Heritage Park to keep the outdoor exploration rolling. The heritage park lies within the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor and serves as a quiet space for walking, meditation, and admiring the man-made waterfall.

Burrillville

Wide open spaces, dense woodlands, and beautiful lakes are just a few of the appealing features Burrillville, Rhode Island has to offer. One of the best parts of this rural town is the 322-acre Wallum Lake which extends past Burrillville into Douglass, Massachusetts. Those interested in enjoying a day on the lake can head to the Wallum Lake Canoe launch in Burrillville.

Of course, Wallum Lake isn’t the only body of water in town. Travelers looking to enjoy a fun-filled beach day can head to Spring Lake Beach. Here, the pristine Spring Lake serves as a great spot for swimming and paddling. Also at the beach is a beautiful sandy area, food concessions, outdoor showers, and a penny arcade that is home to some of the oldest arcade games in the country. Visitors arriving in the fall can enjoy a thrilling outing at the Haunted Gallows—a local haunted house experience. Then, after a long day of exploring the town, head to Dev’s Tavern to unwind with drinks and pub fare.

Glocester

Glocester, Rhode Island, contains several stunning lakes, including the Bowdish Reservoir, the Ponaganset Reservoir, Coomera Lake, the Smith and Sayles Reservoir, the Burlingame Reservoir, the Waterman Reservoir, and a portion of the Pascoag Reservoir. A handful of smaller ponds and rivers also run through the town, making it a hot spot for water-based activities in every season.

Travelers looking to enjoy some of this lakeside action can head to the George Washington State Campground & Management Area. Here, visitors can set out on the Walkabout Trail Loop which will lead them to the beautiful Bowdish Reservoir where boating and life-guard supervised swimming are available. Also located within the George Washington Management Area is the Pulaski State Park And Recreational Area. Here park goers can enjoy fishing, picnicking, hiking, or swimming in Peck Pond.

Hopkinton

Hopkinton, Rhode Island is home to a handful of small lakes including Wincheck Pond, Yawgoog Pond, Long Pond, Blue Pond, Asheville Pond, and Locustville Pond to name a few. Long Pond is perhaps the easiest to visit and can be accessed through the Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking through the refuge’s rocky and steep terrain to arrive at vantage points that offer unbeatable views of the surrounding bodies of water. Another nearby attraction is the Canonchet Brook Preserve where hiking, bird watching, and exploring old ruins are all on offer.

Jamestown

When it comes to waterfront views, it’s hard to beat what Jamestown, Rhode Island brings to the table. The town is situated in the Narragansett Bay on a small island called Conanicut Island. In addition to the bay, Jamestown also features the Jamestown Reservoir—a 25-acre lake where visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and hiking the surrounding trails. In addition to the lake, Jamestown is filled with historic landmarks and stunning outdoor areas for travelers to enjoy. A few of the town's highlight attractions include the historic Jamestown Windmill, the Beavertail State Park and lighthouse, and Fort Wetherill State Park.

Charlestown

Charlestown, Rhode Island is an outdoor lovers' paradise, filled with sparkling beaches, parks, and wildlife refuges. One of the town’s main draws is Ninigret Pond which can be found within the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout the refuge, visitors can admire salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, ponds, and various flora and fauna. While here, visitors can hike the various trails or enjoy a few hours of fishing.

Other fun places to visit in Charlestown include East Beach, the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center, and the Fantastic Umbrella Factory. Additionally, Burlingame State Park is a wonderful Charlestown location offering access to sandy shores, Watchaug Pond, and plenty of cozy picnic areas.

Westerly

Roughly 13 miles from Charlestown, travelers will discover Westerly, Rhode Island. Often described as the ultimate beach vacation town, Westerly is home to the salty but stunning Winnapaug Pond. Along the shores of this shallow pond, travelers will find golf courses, beaches, and a few residential areas.

Of course with a reputation as the “ultimate beach vacation town,” there are far more sandy shorelines to enjoy in Westerly. Places like Atlantic Beach Park, Misquamicut State Beach, and Westerly Town Beach are all worth a visit as well. Misquamicut State Beach, in particular, is the town's most popular beach. Here, visitors can enjoy swimming, sunning, playground equipment, concessions, outdoor showers, and shaded gazebos. Before leaving town don’t forget to check out The Watch Hill Conservancy and the Watch Hill Lighthouse as well.

In Conclusion

Travelers looking to experience classic Rhode Island charm while splashing about and enjoying the local lakes will find all they’re looking for and more in these seven lakeside towns. From small freshwater ponds to large saltwater lagoons and plenty of manmade reservoirs, Rhode Island has more than enough lakes to choose from. Between activities like swimming and boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, travelers will never experience a dull moment by the water.