Top state parks
State ParkBrenton Point State Park
State ParkGoddard Memorial State Park
State ParkLincoln Woods State Park
State ParkColt State Park
State ParkFishermen's Memorial State Park
State ParkFort Adams State Park
State ParkFort Wetherill State Park
State ParkHaines Memorial State Park
State ParkBeavertail State Park
State ParkBurlingame State Park
State ParkRocky Point State Park
State ParkCharlestown Breachway State Beach
State Parks by county
All state parks (14)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brenton Point State Park | Newport County | — | Jamestown | 5 |
| Goddard Memorial State Park | Kent County | — | East Greenwich | 7 |
| Lincoln Woods State Park | Providence County | — | Lincoln | 8 |
| Colt State Park | Bristol County | — | Bristol | 7 |
| Fishermen's Memorial State Park | Washington County | — | Narragansett Pier | 5 |
| Fort Adams State Park | Newport County | — | Newport | 7 |
| Fort Wetherill State Park | Newport County | — | Jamestown | 6 |
| Haines Memorial State Park | Bristol County | — | Barrington | 7 |
| Beavertail State Park | Newport County | — | Narragansett | 6 |
| Burlingame State Park | Washington County | — | Bradford | 5 |
| Rocky Point State Park | Kent County | — | Warwick | 7 |
| Charlestown Breachway State Beach | Washington County | — | Charlestown | 5 |
| World War II Veterans Memorial State Park | Providence County | — | Woonsocket | 7 |
| Snake Den State Park | Providence County | — | Johnston | 7 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.