Fort Getty Park and Campground
Historic coastal park with ocean views, fort ruins, and walking paths. A hidden gem for nature lovers and history buffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Off-leash dogs & easy parking
Fort Getty Park and Campground
Best Time
Off-leash dogs & easy parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic coastal park with ocean views, fort ruins, and walking paths. A hidden gem for nature lovers and history buffs.
"A hidden gem with ocean views and trails, great for kayaking and walking the shoreline."
🐾 Off-Leash Dog Paradise
Enjoy un-leashed dogs from Oct 1 to May 15. Summer requires leashes.
📸 Stunning Ocean Views
Capture breathtaking views of Dutch Island and the lighthouse. Perfect for photographers!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Fort Getty Ruins
Within the park
Explore remnants of coastal defense, offering a glimpse into the past with ocean vistas.
Oceanfront Walking Paths
Shoreline
Stroll along saltwater beaches and rocky shores with views of Dutch Island and the lighthouse.
Osprey Nesting Sites
Near the shoreline
Observe osprey families in their natural habitat, especially during warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Off-Season Charm & Dog Policies
Camping vs. Day Use
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visiting Jamestown
🐾 Off-Leash Dog Paradise
Enjoy un-leashed dogs from Oct 1 to May 15. Summer requires leashes.
📸 Stunning Ocean Views
Capture breathtaking views of Dutch Island and the lighthouse. Perfect for photographers!
Camping in RI
Excited to camp in Rhode Island
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Cast a line from the shore for a relaxing fishing experience.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shoreline
Walk the beach, rocks, and paths; look for wishing stones.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Off-Leash Dog Paradise
Enjoy un-leashed dogs from Oct 1 to May 15. Summer requires leashes.
📸 Stunning Ocean Views
Capture breathtaking views of Dutch Island and the lighthouse. Perfect for photographers!
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Cast a line from the shore for a relaxing fishing experience.
🚶♀️ Explore the Shoreline
Walk the beach, rocks, and paths; look for wishing stones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fort Getty Park is lauded for its stunning ocean views, historic fort ruins, and beautiful shoreline, making it a picturesque spot for walks and photography. While the park itself is a gem, the tent camping facilities are considered less developed compared to the RV sites. Visitors appreciate the off-leash dog access during the off-season and the peaceful atmosphere.
"Love this campground and park, a hidden gem with ocean views and trails. Favorite time is in the off season when there is access and parking. Lots of history here with fort. Great place to kayak and walk the shore line and rocks. Views of Dutch island and the lighthouse. Fishing too. There are dogs here , and they are not always leashed as they are supposed to be. Short ride to Beavertail and fun to explore Jamestown and Fort Wetherill."
Steve Thompson
"Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case.
THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality.
THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms? 🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍
The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice; the park is great and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enjoy the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem really necessary."
Paul Kelly
"This is a very nice town park (between town beach and Beavertail State Park). It is wondering winter (Oct. 1 to May 15) when off leash dogs are allowed. It is mostly wide open spaces with the occasional short walking path (one an Eagle Scout project). Lots of views of Dutch Island and the West Passage between Jamestown and North Kingston. There are Osprey nesting sites for views of both adult and adolescent Osprey.
Summers you can go but most of the open area is set up for RV and Campers (have power and potable water hookup)"
Bill Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Getty Park and Campground is located on Conanicut Island (Jamestown). If you're visiting from mainland Rhode Island, you'll likely cross the Jamestown Bridge. Rideshare services are available in the area, but having a car is recommended for exploring Jamestown and nearby attractions like Beavertail State Park.
Public transportation options directly to Fort Getty Park are limited. It's best to plan for a car or rideshare for convenient access, especially if you intend to explore other parts of Jamestown.
From Providence, take I-95 South to RI-4 South, then follow signs for RI-138 West across the Jamestown Bridge. Continue on RI-138 West, which becomes Conanicus Avenue, then turn right onto Fort Getty Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Fort Getty Park itself is generally free. However, there are fees associated with overnight camping and RV parking. Day-use parking may also have fees during peak season.
The park is typically open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like the campground and day pavilion may vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official town of Jamestown website for the most current information.
Campsites, particularly for RVs, can be booked through the town of Jamestown's official channels. Tent sites are sometimes considered less developed, so confirm availability and booking procedures in advance.
While the park is free to enter, parking fees may apply during the summer season. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for potential parking charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic fort ruins, walk along the beaches and rocky shoreline, fish, kayak, and observe osprey nesting sites. It's also a great spot for photography with views of Dutch Island and the lighthouse.
Yes, families can enjoy the open spaces for play, exploring the fort, and walking along the water. The park offers a natural setting for outdoor activities.
Dogs are welcome at Fort Getty Park. They are allowed off-leash from October 1st to May 15th. During the warmer months (summer season), dogs must be kept on a leash.
Fort Getty is a historic coastal defense fortification, offering visitors a chance to explore its remnants and imagine its past role in protecting the Narragansett Bay.
The park's location on the West Passage makes it suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering a unique perspective of the coastline and surrounding islands.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Fort Getty Park itself does not have on-site restaurants. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or plan to dine in nearby Jamestown or other towns on Conanicut Island.
Jamestown offers several dining options, from casual cafes to seafood restaurants. Exploring the main street of Jamestown will provide various choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Yes, Fort Getty Park is an excellent spot for picnics. There are open spaces and designated areas, making it ideal for enjoying a meal with scenic views.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers fantastic photo opportunities, including the historic fort ruins, panoramic ocean views, the lighthouse, Dutch Island, and osprey nests. The shoreline with its stones and driftwood also makes for interesting shots.
The park's coastal location provides beautiful light for both sunrise and sunset photography, offering dramatic skies over the water and surrounding landscapes.
You can photograph osprey in their nesting sites, various seabirds, and potentially marine life in the surrounding waters. The off-season also offers opportunities for photographing dogs enjoying the park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the summer, ensure dogs are leashed for safety. The park is a wonderful spot for a family picnic with beautiful views. Consider visiting during the off-season for a more relaxed experience, though amenities might be limited. The nearby town of Jamestown also offers family-friendly dining options.
🐶 Dog Owners
During the peak summer months, it's crucial to adhere to the leash laws for the comfort and safety of all visitors. Even on a leash, dogs can still enjoy the scenic walks and ocean breezes. Always be prepared to clean up after your pet.
📸 Photographers
Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly the osprey nesting sites, which provide unique opportunities for bird photography. The varied shoreline, with its stones and driftwood, adds texture and interest to landscape shots. The park's open spaces also lend themselves well to capturing the grandeur of the sky, making it a versatile location for various photographic styles.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Fort Getty
Many visitors appreciate the historical aspect of Fort Getty, finding it a fascinating place to learn about military history. The fort's location also provides elevated viewpoints, allowing for expansive vistas of the surrounding waters, including Dutch Island and the West Passage. This combination of history and scenic beauty makes it a compelling part of the Fort Getty Park experience.
Camping Experience at Fort Getty
Despite these criticisms, the campground does offer a place to stay within a beautiful setting. RV sites are noted to have power and potable water hookups. For those prioritizing the park's natural beauty and historical elements over premium camping amenities, it can still be a viable option, especially during the off-season when the atmosphere is more relaxed.
Best Times for Photography and Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is another major draw. The park is known for its osprey nesting sites, offering excellent opportunities to observe these magnificent birds. During the off-season (October 1st to May 15th), dogs are allowed off-leash, which can lead to some amusing and candid photo opportunities. The shoreline itself, with its stones and driftwood, is also a subject of interest for photographers looking for natural textures and details.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit