State Park · Rhode Island
The rocky southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown, where a historic 1749 lighthouse marks Narragansett Bay's entrance, saltwater fishing is outstanding, and coastal views stretch to Newport.
Field briefing
Beavertail State Park changes fast with season and elevation.
Before you go
The lighthouse museum handles the history, the shoreline scramble handles the adventure, and the fishing from the rocks is legitimately excellent for striped bass and bluefish in season. Park early on summer weekends as the small lot fills by mid-morning. The park is open sunrise to sunset year-round, and the rocky headlands reward off-season visits when the crowds clear out.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Cool and windy, with fog common off the bay. Highs in the 50s to low 60s F.
Pack Wind shell, layers, and sun protection for open rocky headlands.
75-85F
Warm and breezy, with highs 75 to 85 F and afternoon sea breezes keeping the coast pleasant.
Pack Sun protection, water, and closed-toe shoes for rocky shoreline scrambling.
Mild and often clearer than summer, with highs dropping to the 60s by October. Excellent light for photography.
Pack Light jacket and a camera. Lighthouse museum closes for the season in October.
30-45F
Cold and raw, with strong Atlantic winds and occasional storms. Highs 30 to 45 F.
Pack Full wind and rain protection. Trail surfaces may be icy on exposed rock.
Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum
One of the oldest lighthouse sites in the U.S., established 1749. The museum inside the keeper's building is free and open seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Columbus Day). Views of Narragansett Bay from the light are panoramic.
Rocky Shoreline Scramble
The park's worn coastal paths trace the southern point of Conanicut Island over fractured schist and gneiss outcrops, with surf crashing below. Outstanding for striper and bluefish fishing from the rocks.
Tidal Pool and Birding Circuit
The headlands at the southern tip attract migrating shorebirds and raptors in fall. Tidal pools at low tide hold sea urchins, hermit crabs, and sculpin. A favorite for wildlife photographers.
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Beavertail State Park, make Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum the non-negotiable, add Rocky Shoreline Scramble only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Tidal Pool and Birding Circuit as the flexible finish.
Turn Beavertail's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
2 quick tools, already seeded for Beavertail State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Beavertail State Park packing list
0 of 15 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
15 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Beavertail asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
There is no camping at Beavertail State Park. The nearest state park camping is at Fishermen's Memorial State Park in Narragansett, about 10 miles south, which has electric and water hookup sites reservable through the Rhode Island state parks system. Newport and Jamestown both offer hotels, inns, and vacation rentals within easy driving distance of the park.
Camping reservations
Beavertail is a day-use-only park with no overnight facilities. The closest Rhode Island state park campground is Fishermen's Memorial in Narragansett, about 10 miles to the south, with full-hookup RV sites and electric-only tent sites.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Rhode Island state park campgrounds book through the RI DEM reservation system. Summer sites at Fishermen's Memorial and Burlingame fill quickly and can be reserved up to several months in advance. Check the RI Parks website for the current booking window.
Where to book or verify
Official RI DEM portal for Fishermen's Memorial, Burlingame, and other state campgrounds.
Day-use info, conditions, and contact for the park.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Plan the handoff from arrival to shuttle.
Parking, pedestrian entrances, and shuttle timing decide how calmly the first morning starts.
Getting there
Arrival note
Beavertail is at the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown, reached by crossing the Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge from the mainland (Route 138) or the Pell Bridge from Newport.
Car strategy
From the bridge intersection on Conanicut Island, follow Beavertail Road south about 4 miles to the park.
Car strategy
There is no public transit to the park, so a car is required.
Pair this with lodging: sleep where the park transfer is simple, especially if your route needs an early start.
No. Beavertail State Park has no day-use admission fee and no parking fee. The lot is first-come, first-served. Arrive early on summer weekends as parking fills by mid-morning.
The museum is typically open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Hours vary by season; check with the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association at beavertaillight.org for the current schedule.
Yes. Saltwater fishing from the rocky shoreline is one of the park's main draws, with striped bass and bluefish the primary targets in season. A Rhode Island saltwater fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older.
There is no guarded swimming beach at Beavertail. The shoreline is rocky and the surf can be strong. Visitors wade or sit near the water's edge, but the park is not a designated swimming destination.