Archives

Hopeville Pond State Park

They have a medium swimming area with a sand beach, and there are some shaded picnic areas as well.  The beach was fairly crowded for 4pm on Monday, so it is likely a popular area. There wasn’t a fee when we were here, but there may be at certain times.  Dogs are allowed on the […]

Burlingame State Picnic Area

There is a small roped swim area with a sand beach, though people were swimming outside of the marked area.  They have picnic sites with grills, and a beautiful rustic pavilion that you can rent.  They have a long list of contact numbers, so please visit their website for more information. http://www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationBurlingame.html

Warwick City Park, Buttonwoods Beach

This is a very nice town park with beautiful views.  They have a long sandy beach, and playground and picnic areas are available.  There was a large marked swimming area, and further down the beach people were playing outside the ropes as well. Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach.  There is […]

Burrillville Spring Lake Beach

This is one of the nicest town beaches we’ve been to.  They have a water slide, diving platform, large swimming areas, sand beach, shaded patio, a penny arcade and concessions.  It was crowded during our visit, but we were here on a holiday.  Dogs are not allowed, which is why we don’t have that many […]

Quaddick State Park

There is a large swimming area, with clear water and a sand beach. We were here on Father’s Day so it was very crowded, but that may not always be the case.  There are shaded picnic spots, and dogs are allowed in the grassy areas. http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325252&deepNav_GID=1650

Lincoln Woods State Park, Olney Pond

This is a large park with multiple activities to explore, including kayak rentals, playing fields, and fishing.  There is a jogging/walking trail going around the whole lake, which is a great feature. The main beach has a large swimming area and sand shore, and the water is very warm.  People do swim at other points […]

Governor John Notte Memorial Park, Wenscott Reservoir

This is a scenic little park, with some thoughtful landscaping.  There is an arched wooden bridge overlooking lily pads and water spouts, and swans resting in the shade.  The swimming area is large, with a sand beach and tannic water. There are tennis courts and a playground are available, and the facilities are well maintained. […]

Goddard Memorial State Park

This is the fanciest state park that we have seen, and it feels more like an estate or resort.  They have a golf course, an equestrian center with rentals, and lovely facilities.  There is a large sand beach with multiple lifeguards, and pretty views. http://www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationGoddard.html  

Georgiaville Pond

This park is a little confusing, because they have lovely landscaping and facilities, but it seems a little abandoned.  There are conflicting signs saying that the park is closed when lifeguards aren’t present, but also that if no lifeguard is present then it is “swim at your own risk.”  We were here on a weekend, […]

Douglas State Forest, Wallum Lake

The park was very crowded during our visit, but we were here on Father’s Day.  The amount of picnic tables and shelters indicate that it might be popular in general though, so arriving early would be wise.  There is a large swimming area with double lifeguard stands and a sand beach.  The park also has […]