Beavertail State Park
Jamestown, RI
A rugged headland at the southern tip of Conanicut Island, with granite shore, tide pools and a historic lighthouse. Bring a windbreaker and sturdy shoes for the rocks, and come at sunset for the light over the bay.
Beavertail State Park covers 153 acres (about 62 ha) at the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. At its heart is an active lighthouse; the present tower dates from 1856. As early as 1749 the architect Peter Harrison built a wooden tower here, which burned down in 1753. The assistant keeper's house of 1898 holds the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. A fort was built here in 1776, and in the Second World War Fort Burnside, with coastal artillery.
The state established the park in 1980 after the land was declared federal surplus. The coast is good for walking, picnicking and fishing, and there is also a naturalist program. Allow one to two hours. Sturdy shoes are advisable on the rocks, and it can be windy by the water.
- Nearest town
- Jamestown, RI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.4496, -71.3993
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp HoffmanCampsite8 mi from Beavertail State Park
- Wawaloam CampgroundMotorhome stopover14 mi from Beavertail State ParkMotorhomes
- Whispering Pines CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Beavertail State ParkMotorhomes
- Frosty Hollow Shelter Camping AreaCampsite19 mi from Beavertail State ParkTentsToilets
- Tefftweald at BirchenturnCampsite23 mi from Beavertail State ParkNo dogs
- Camp WightmanCampsite25 mi from Beavertail State Park
All campsites in Rhode Island · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Beavertail State Park?
Beavertail State Park is in Jamestown, RI, at GPS 41.4496, -71.3993. It is about 5 mi from Newport.
Can you camp near Beavertail State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Long Cove Campground, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Beavertail State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: The Breakers (5 mi), Newport Cliff Walk (5 mi), Point Judith Lighthouse (7 mi) and Bristol Historic Downtown (17 mi).
When is the best time to visit Beavertail State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)