Welcome | Rhode Island State Parks

Photo: East Matunuck State Beach, South Kingstown. A. Grandchamp

Array of photos of people enjoying the outdoors from the 1950's

Spend your summer outside! Join our team of seasonal workers as a lifeguard, park ranger, naturalist, or behind the scenes in a clerical or facility operations role and help ensure an enjoyable experience for Rhode Islanders and other visitors to our world-class beaches and parks. Learn more and apply.

Counting down until summer? Now is the perfect time to buy your 2024 state beach season parking pass.

Upcoming Events

May 18

Surf State Lifeguard Certification Testing

Location: Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett

9:00am 3:00pm

May 21

Non-Surf State Lifeguard Certification Testing

Location: Lincoln Woods State Park Beach

12:00pm 5:00pm

May 23

Surf State Lifeguard Certification Testing

Location: Scarborough North State Beach, Narragansett

9:00am 3:00pm

Latest News

Get the latest updates for your Rhode Island state beaches, parks & campgrounds.

A group of hikers dressed for cold weather stand on a rock overlooking Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods State Park

Latest news Get the latest press releases, operational updates, and other information related to state parks, beaches & campgrounds.

A large group playing volleyball while others relax in the shade near Olney Pond beach pavilion at Lincoln Woods State Park

Hosting an event at a State Park? Schools, municipalities, companies, and other large groups planning trips to RI State Beaches must apply for a Special Use Permit at least 30 days in advance.

A crushed plastic cup lies in the sand next to a discarded cigar with a lifeguard chair and waves in the background atMisquamicut State Beach in Westerly

Carry in, Carry out Keeping our natural places clean is up to all of us! Show your love for RI's network of parks, campgrounds, and beaches by doing your part to keep them clean.

A lifeguard watches lifeguard qualification candidates standing in the surf while wearing a t-shirt that says "Scarborough Surf Rescue"

Do you have what it takes? Learn about lifeguard training opportunities, certification requirements, and testing dates.

Press Releases All press releases

DEM Announces That State Lifeguard Certification Testing Begins This Weekend

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that state lifeguard certification testing begins this weekend. ...

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Rhode Islanders Reminded to Be Prepared for Harmful Algae Blooms this Summer and to Avoid Contact with Little Beach at Slack’s Reservoir in Smithfield

Thursday, May 09, 2024

With recreational activities on the state’s lakes, ponds, and rivers set to increase in the coming weeks, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Envi ...

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DEM Announces $2.6 Million in Green Bond Awards to Help Communities Protect Open Space

Thursday, May 09, 2024

>PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the award of $2.6 million in grants to help communities and local conservation organizations prote ...

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All press releases

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The DEM Division of Parks manages over 8,200 acres of land, including parks, beaches, campgrounds, bike paths, historic sites, picnic areas, trails, athletic fields, dams, fishing access, and boat ramps.

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