Spending your vacation in Charlestown, Rhode Island, often means exploring Ninigret Park, relaxing at East Beach, or watching the stars at the Frosty Drew Observatory. This town, with about 8,000 residents, also has a surprising dining scene, some quirky shops, and some of the state’s best bird watching.
An often overlooked spot to check out during your vacation is Burlingame State Park, a large, forested area that takes you deep into the wilderness while sitting minutes from Route 1. The park is also home to Watchaug Pond, a freshwater body offering swimming, fishing, and boating experiences.
Here’s a look at everything you should know about visiting Watchaug Pond and Burlingame State Park during your South County vacation.
Swimming
Naturally, your trip to Charlestown is sure to include time at the town’s oceanfront beaches. Blue Shutters, East, and Charlestown beaches are some of the region’s most scenic, and all offer soft sand, plenty of space, and on-site parking. There are lifeguards on duty at all three beaches in the summer, too, making them safe places for families.
However, there are significant waves at these beaches, so they aren’t the best for swimming. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out, though, because Watchaug Pond has a swimming hole that’s an extremely popular spot for locals looking to cool off in the afternoon.
This area is on the east side of the pond, right next to the boat launch, and features a sandy beach, picnic tables, on-site parking, and plenty of shade. There’s also a roped-off swimming zone and a lifeguard during the high season.
If you’re looking for a place with calm, warm water for your kids to swim, Watchaug Pond is worth a look.
Boating and Fishing
Swimming isn’t the only activity at Watchaug Pond, as it’s also an excellent spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing.
You can rent these boats from local retailer Breachway Bait and Tackle if you didn’t bring yours with you to South County, and they’ll even deliver them right to Watchaug Pond and pick them back up at the end of the day.
There’s an on-site boat launch right by the beach, too, making it easy to get started.
Those looking to put a line in the water for a few hours can pick up rods, lures, and bait at Breachway Bait and Tackle, as well. Fish species in Watchaug Pond include perch, bass, crappie, and pickerel, and you might even have some success fishing from the banks.
Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails
The hiking and mountain biking trails winding through Burlingame State Park are world-class, and you can easily spend multiple days exploring them.
The main pathway, the Vin Gormley Trail, is about eight miles long and will take you all the way around the pond. There are multiple places to begin your hike, including the beach, the north trailhead off Buckeye Brook Road, Kings Factory Road, Klondike Road, and the campground on the south shore of the pond.
This trail is a loop, so you can follow it all the way around before arriving back at your vehicle. Your hike will probably last close to four hours, although there are ways to extend it even further.
For example, smaller trails extend from the Vin Gormley Trail and take you even further into Burlingame State Park. These trails arrive at landmarks like the Pawcatuck River, Phantom Bog, and Poquaint Brook. You can even wander east through the woods to School House Road.
The trails through this area are well-marked, but the woods are dense, and it’s easy to get disoriented. Make sure you have a map, a GPS device, and a compass to ensure you get back to your vehicle safely.
Keep in mind that the trails throughout the park are also popular with mountain bikers. This area is a great place to go for a ride if you’ve brought your bike with you, or you can rent a mountain bike from Stedman’s Bike Shop in nearby Wakefield.
How to Get There
Reaching Watchaug Pond and Burlingame State Park is easy, as the park is just off Route 1 near the heart of Charlestown, RI. From Route 1, you can turn onto Prosser Trail and follow it to the sign pointing you to the Burlingame Picnic Area.
Reaching the north trailhead is a little more challenging, as you’ll follow Prosser Trail to Kings Factory Road and take a left. Kings Factory Road eventually turns into Shumankanuc Hill Road, and you’ll then turn left onto Buckeye Brook Road and follow it until you reach the parking lot.
No matter which part of the park you’re accessing, you’re never further than a ten-minute drive away when booking a vacation rental in Charlestown, making this spot a must-visit during your time there.