Rhode Island 🇺🇸 may be the smallest U.S. state, but it offers beautiful RV road trips with Atlantic coastline, historic seaside towns, lighthouses, and scenic bays. Because distances are short, you can easily combine several coastal destinations in a single trip.
Here are several great RV road trip ideas across Rhode Island.
1. Newport & Ocean Drive Coastal Route
4
Route:
Newport → Ocean Drive → Cliff Walk → Newport
Distance: ~15 miles
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Scenic coastal drive along Ocean Drive
- Famous mansions like The Breakers
- Walking trails along the Atlantic cliffs
- Historic harbor and sailing culture
RV Stops
- Melville Ponds Campground
- Newport RV Park
2. Narragansett Bay Scenic Route
4
Route:
Providence → Jamestown → Narragansett
Distance: ~40 miles
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Scenic views across Narragansett Bay
- Historic Beavertail Lighthouse
- Beautiful beaches
- Waterfront seafood restaurants
RV Stops
- Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground
- Whispering Pines Campground
3. Block Island Coastal Adventure
4
Route:
Narragansett → ferry to Block Island
Distance: ferry trip + island exploration
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Dramatic cliffs at Mohegan Bluffs
- Historic Southeast Lighthouse
- Scenic biking routes
- Quiet beaches and coastal views
RV Stops
- Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground (before ferry)
- Narragansett area campgrounds
4. Historic Rhode Island Route
4
Route:
Providence → Bristol → Newport
Distance: ~40 miles
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Historic architecture in Providence
- Waterfront parks and marinas
- Colonial history in Bristol
- Cultural events like WaterFire Providence
RV Stops
- Oakleaf Family Campground
- Whispering Pines Campground
5. South County Beaches Route
4
Route:
Charlestown → Westerly → Watch Hill
Distance: ~30 miles
Ideal length: 1–2 days
Highlights
- Quiet Atlantic beaches
- Scenic coastal dunes
- Harbor views and marinas
- Historic lighthouse scenery
RV Stops
- Burlingame State Park Campground
- Charlestown Breachway Campground
6. Ultimate Rhode Island Coastal Loop
4
Route:
Providence → Bristol → Newport → Narragansett → Watch Hill → Providence
Distance: ~120 miles
Ideal length: 3–4 days
Highlights
- Coastal New England villages
- Lighthouses and historic mansions
- Narragansett Bay scenery
- Beautiful Atlantic beaches
✅ Quick Comparison
| Trip | Best For | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Newport Coastal Route | Mansions & ocean cliffs | 1–2 days |
| Narragansett Bay | Coastal towns | 1–2 days |
| Block Island | Island adventure | 1–2 days |
| Historic Route | Colonial history | 1–2 days |
| South County Beaches | Quiet beaches | 1–2 days |
| Ultimate RI Loop | Best of the state | 3–4 days |