Watch Hill
Westerly, RI
A small seaside village at Rhode Island's southwestern corner, with a harbor, shops, an old carousel and a nearby lighthouse and beach. Parking is limited in summer, so arrive early or visit in the shoulder season.
Watch Hill lies at the southwestern tip of Rhode Island, a village within Westerly on a peninsula in Block Island Sound. It got its name as a lookout during the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. The lighthouse was first built in 1745. The Flying Horse Carousel is considered the oldest operating carousel with suspended horses in the US and is a National Historic Landmark. The Ocean House was torn down in 2005 and reopened in 2010; the ruins of Fort Mansfield date from 1901 to 1909.
Napatree Point is a sandy spit about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long, good for birdwatching and surf fishing. The village had only 212 residents in 2020. Allow half a day for the village, carousel and Napatree together. Parking is scarce in high season, so come early in the day or outside the summer months.
- Nearest town
- Westerly, RI
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.3039, -71.8587
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
Campsites nearby
- Whispering Pines CampgroundMotorhome stopover17 mi from Watch HillMotorhomes
- Strawberry ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Watch HillMotorhomes
- Hidden Acres Family CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Watch HillMotorhomes
- Aces High RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Watch HillMotorhomes
- Frosty Hollow Shelter Camping AreaCampsite21 mi from Watch HillTentsToilets
- Ross Hill Park Family CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Watch HillTentsCaravans
All campsites in Rhode Island · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Watch Hill?
Watch Hill is in Westerly, RI, at GPS 41.3039, -71.8587. It is about 7 mi from Mystic.
Can you camp near Watch Hill?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mystic KOA Holiday, about 8 mi away; within 25 mi there are 44 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Watch Hill?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mystic Seaport Museum (7 mi), Montauk Point Lighthouse (16 mi), Point Judith Lighthouse (20 mi) and Beavertail State Park (26 mi).
When is the best time to visit Watch Hill?
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)