Picnic Areas
Lincoln Woods State Park has 92 single picnic sites, 4 covered shelters and a ball field, all booked through RI DEM's park office. From the second Saturday in April to October 31, you need a permit to use a picnic table here, a rule written into the state's park regulations, which name Lincoln Woods. A table costs $5 a day, a game field $20 a day, and covered shelters $75 to $150 a day depending on size. Call the office at (401) 723-7892.
Picnics at a Glance
Do You Need a Permit?
Yes, in season. Rhode Island's state park rules say no one may use a picnic table at Lincoln Woods, Colt, Goddard Memorial or the Burlingame picnic area without first getting a permit. DEM requires reservations from the second Saturday in April to October 31. Outside that window, DEM does not take table reservations.
Fees
DEM's map and the state fee schedule list:
- Picnic table: $5 per day
- Covered shelter: $75 a day (six tables), $100 a day (six tables and a play field) or $150 a day (fifteen tables). DEM's map lists the shelter or gazebo at $100 a day, so confirm the size when you book.
- Game field: $20 per day
- Little League field: $50 per season
- Extra banquet table: $10 per table
How to Reserve
DEM's reservation line for Lincoln Woods is (401) 723-7892. DEM has posted that the permit office keeps short hours in early spring, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid-May, with calls returned on Thursdays. The permit office is just outside the main gate on Great Road (Route 123). Little League field reservations open on the first Monday in March.
Where the Sites Are
DEM's map numbers every site:
- Near the main entrance: sites 1 to 9, picnic shelters A and B, Pulpit Rock and the game field.
- North of the pond: sites 10 to 42, round Druid Circle and Tablerock Hill.
- Chimney Grove, by the Twin River Road entrance: sites 43 to 58.
- East side: sites 59 to 80, in the woods above the east shore.
- At the beach: site 76A, beside Field E and the bathhouse.
Match your permit number to the dots on the park map and park beside it.
Big Groups and Events
DEM requires permits for picnic areas and fields, and a Special Use Permit for organised groups, school visits, field trips and large gatherings. Contact the park office early. The rules page covers what a permit does and doesn't allow.
Grills and Fireplaces
DEM's history describes picnic tables with fireplaces as part of the park for over a century, and counts 134 fireplaces. Ask the office about fire rules on your day, and never leave coals behind.
What Not to Bring
- Alcohol. State park rules do not allow it at private picnics.
- More trash than you can take home. Rhode Island state parks are carry in, carry out.
- Dogs on the beach between April 1 and September 30. Leashed dogs are fine at picnic sites.
Make a Day of It
The beach, with lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season, is beside site 76A. See the beach, Olney Pond and hours.
Picnic Areas FAQ
Do you need a permit to picnic at Lincoln Woods?
To use a picnic table from the second Saturday in April to October 31, yes. State rules name Lincoln Woods as a park where a permit is required. A table costs $5 a day.
How much is a shelter at Lincoln Woods?
State fees are $75, $100 or $150 a day depending on the shelter's size; DEM's park map lists a shelter or gazebo at $100 a day. Confirm with the office when you book.
How many picnic sites are at Lincoln Woods?
DEM lists 92 single picnic sites, 4 covered shelters and a ball field.
How do you reserve a picnic table at Lincoln Woods?
Call the Lincoln Woods State Park office at (401) 723-7892. Reservations are required from the second Saturday in April to October 31.
Can you drink alcohol at a picnic at Lincoln Woods?
No. Rhode Island's state park rules do not allow alcohol at private picnics or parties.