Hours & Fees

Lincoln Woods State Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and entry is free. RI DEM's map says so in plain words: open year round, sunrise to sunset, no fee for entry. Within that, some things run on a season: lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer, restrooms are open May 1 to October 31, and picnic tables need a paid permit from the second Saturday in April to October 31.

Daily Hours

State park rules do not allow any person or vehicle inside a Rhode Island state park between sunset and sunrise without official written permission. There are no posted clock times, so the closing time moves with the sun and comes early in winter. Plan to be back at your car before dark. The rule also means no night hiking, night fishing or night climbing.

Swimming Season and Lifeguards

State rules set the bathing season from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend until 6 p.m. on Labor Day, unless DEM gives notice otherwise. DEM says lifeguards are on duty at Lincoln Woods from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seasonally and as staffing allows. Outside those hours, or on days without a guard, the rules require "No Lifeguard on Duty – Swim at your own Risk" signs. The beach guide covers the rest.

Restrooms

DEM lists restroom facilities at Lincoln Woods from May 1 to October 31. In the off-season, plan ahead: the plan your visit page lists what is open nearby.

Fees

There is no charge to enter or park. DEM's map lists the fees that do apply:

• Picnic table: $5 per day
• Game field: $20 per day
• Little League field: $50 per season
• Picnic shelter or gazebo: $100 per day

The state's fee regulation lists shelters at three sizes, $75, $100 and $150 a day, by the number of tables and whether a play field comes with it. Ask the office which one you are booking. The picnic areas guide explains how to reserve.

Permit and Reservation Season

Permits are required to use picnic areas and fields. DEM requires reservations from the second Saturday in April to October 31; outside that window tables are not reserved. Little League field reservations open on the first Monday in March. Call the Lincoln Woods office at (401) 723-7892. DEM has posted that the permit office keeps short spring hours, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid-May, with calls returned on Thursdays, so call early in the week.

Fishing Season

Rhode Island's trout season opens on the second Saturday in April and runs to the last day of February. DEM's accessible shoreline fishing area at Lincoln Woods is open from the second Saturday in April to Columbus Day. See fishing.

Boating Days

Motorboats are not allowed on Olney Pond on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, except electric trolling motors. On other days, motors must be under ten horsepower. Paddlers can launch any day the park is open; see kayaking and boating.

Winter

The park stays open all winter. DEM names Lincoln Woods as one of three state parks it tests for safe ice, and as a place for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in open areas. Never go on the ice unless DEM has posted it as safe.