Rangers patrol regularly through this state campground on Bowdish Lake, where sites range from lakefront spots to remote walk-in options requiring a half-mile hike. The 25 sites accommodate both tents and RVs, though without hookups except for scattered water spigots and a central dump station.
Site selection matters here. Ryan A. found tent site T5 offered "the most privacy and space, including a grassy area," while sites 19-24 sit on their own loop near the water. The remote A1-A7 sites require hiking 0.4 to 0.6 miles through uneven terrain. Several reviewers note the main roads handle larger RVs better than the loop roads, and leveling blocks help on less-than-perfect sites.
The man-made lake draws families for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with a designated beach area that gets busy during summer weekends. "Full water and electrical hookup and a very unique and fun play area for kids," notes allison W.. Multiple hiking trails wind through the surrounding state forest, including 2-mile, 6-mile, and 8-mile options. Pay showers require quarters at $1.50 for six minutes.
Road noise affects some sites, particularly the walk-in areas that sit closer to Putnam Pike. The campground operates seasonally from mid-April through Columbus Day, with reservations available. GPS may direct visitors to a maintenance facility two miles before the actual entrance. For additional camping choices in the region, campers can explore campgrounds around Pascoag.
Out-of-state visitors pay $36 per night plus fees, making this pricier than some alternatives. The combination of lake access, hiking trails, and well-maintained facilities appeals to families and RV campers willing to forgo hookups for a lakefront location.
Description
Located within the 4000 acre George Washington Management Area, and on the shores of Bowdish Reservoir, the 100 acre George Washington Memorial Camping Area is an overnight, primitive camping facility offering a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Gravel Sites
There are 45 well spaced gravel sites suitable for tents, trailers and RVs.
Electrical hookups are not available.
Water is available from the various shared spigots throughout the campground.
Bathrooms are either outhouses or pit toilets and there are no shower facilities.
Shelters
There are two Adirondack style Shelters available by reservation for group camping (limited to 20 persons each).
Angell Loop
Sites (A-1 thru A-7) require a .6 mile hike each way.
The 12'x12' tent platform campsites are available by reservation and limited to 4 persons and 2 tents per platform.
All camping materials must be carried in and carried out as there is no vehicular access to these sites.
Parking will be provided in the main campground.
There is no water available at these sites.
All tents must be set up on the platforms.
All fires must be contained in the fire rings provided.
*KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
RI State Parks has adopted rules and policies to protect campground areas for future generations as well as for the convenience and safety of current visitors. It is the camper's responsibility to read and follow the campground rules and policies.
Please review RI State Parks Campground Policies prior to reserving your campsite.
Customers that misrepresent information in order to circumvent reservation policies will not be accommodated upon arrival at the campground. Violation of any rule and/or regulation is grounds for revocation of the camping permit. If a permit is revoked, no refund will be issued. Any person or persons voided on a camping permit are not allowed to reenter any camping area for the duration of the camping season.
All reservation policies and restrictions apply to Internet customers. Prior to finishing a reservation transaction, the Internet customer is asked to "agree" to all the terms given. Refunds are not available for misunderstanding of terms.
Location
Public CampgroundGeorge Washington State Campground is located in Rhode Island
Directions
Directions From Providence - Take Interstate Route 6 West, to Route 295 North, to Route 44 West. Follow Route 44 West approximately 13.5 miles, the Campground entrance is on your right.
Address
2185 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, RI 02814
Coordinates
41.92927534 N
71.76121718 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 30 min from Providence, RI
- 31 min from Worcester, MA
- 36 min from Norwich, CT
- 1 hr 3 min from Springfield, MA






































