Camping on Block Island sounds like a dream, and it mostly is. Waking up on a small Atlantic island, riding your bike to the beach before anyone else is awake, eating a lobster roll at the harbor for lunch. The experience has a certain magic that hotels and inns simply can’t replicate.
That said, camping here takes some real planning, because the options are limited and they fill up fast. Here’s the practical, honest guide to camping on Block Island.
Where Can You Camp on Block Island?
There is one main camping option on Block Island: Seaview Campground, also known as Block Island Family Campground. It’s located on Corn Neck Road, the main road that runs north from Old Harbor toward the northern tip of the island. The campground sits within easy biking distance of the ferry landing and within reach of the northern beaches, including the long stretch of Crescent Beach.
Seaview offers tent sites, RV hookups, and basic amenities including bathrooms and showers. It’s a genuinely no-frills operation, which fits perfectly with the spirit of camping on a small island. The staff are friendly, the location is convenient, and you wake up somewhere genuinely special.
There is no dispersed or backcountry camping on Block Island. The island is small and largely either privately owned or protected as conservation land managed by the Block Island Land Trust. Seaview is your option, which makes choosing your dates simple even if it doesn’t give you a lot of flexibility.
How to Book
Seaview Campground takes reservations through their website. Sites in July and August go fast, and we mean it. If you’re dreaming of a summer camping trip on Block Island, April or May is already feeling late for peak weeks. Spring and fall dates are much more available and often easier to enjoy anyway, with cooler evenings perfect for campfire weather and far fewer people on the beaches during the day.
What to Pack for a Block Island Camping Trip
Packing for island camping is a little different from packing for a mainland site. A few things to keep in mind:
Stock up before you ferry over. Everything is more expensive on Block Island than on the mainland. Food, beverages, sunscreen, bug spray, and any camping gear or supplies should be purchased before you board the ferry. The island has a grocery store and a handful of shops, but you’ll save real money by bringing your own staples.
A good tent matters here. Block Island is exposed to the open Atlantic, and wind is a constant companion even in summer. A three-season tent with quality stakes will serve you well. A lightweight festival tent in 20 mph island winds is not a fun experience, especially at 2 in the morning.
Layers, always. Even in the middle of July, evenings on Block Island have a chill to them once the sun drops. A fleece layer or light jacket is always worth packing.
Bikes. You don’t need to bring your own, but having a bike dramatically upgrades the camping experience. Bike rentals are available right at the Old Harbor ferry landing and are reasonably priced by the day. A bike unlocks the whole island and makes getting to beaches, farm roads, lighthouses, and sunset overlooks feel completely effortless.
What Does Camping on Block Island Actually Feel Like?
Block Island camping tends to attract an adventurous, self-sufficient crowd. People who want the full island experience at a fraction of the cost of an inn. You’ll meet solo travelers, couples who’ve been doing this for years, and families who treat the annual camping trip like a sacred summer ritual. The atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and friendly.
The daily rhythm writes itself. Bike to Crescent Beach early before the crowds arrive. Grab breakfast somewhere in the village. Explore Mohegan Bluffs in the afternoon. Head to one of the island’s casual restaurants for dinner rather than cooking every night. Watch the stars after dark. Block Island has genuinely dark skies by East Coast standards, which makes stargazing a real attraction from the campground on clear nights.
Tips for a Great Trip
Reserve early. Arrive on the first ferry of the day to get settled and start exploring before the afternoon rush. Rent bikes immediately after getting off the boat, before the rental shops get backed up. Make at least one dinner reservation at a sit-down restaurant for a proper island night out.
And if the camping experience sounds great but you’re not quite ready to commit to a tent, our full where to stay on Block Island guide covers every option on the island, from inns and hotels to beach house rentals. There’s a right fit for every kind of traveler here.
