Rules & Regulations

Lincoln Woods State Park follows Rhode Island's state park regulations, written by RI DEM. The ones that matter most: the park is closed from sunset to sunrise, dogs must be on a leash of six feet or less and stay off the beach from April 1 to September 30, alcohol is not allowed, you may swim only at the designated beach, boat motors on Olney Pond are limited, climbers must sign a waiver, and you need a permit to use a picnic table from April through October.

Hours

No person or vehicle may be inside a state park between sunset and sunrise without official written permission (§8.1). DEM's map for Lincoln Woods says the same in plain words: open year round, sunrise to sunset. See hours.

Dogs, Horses and Other Animals

Domestic animals must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under a handler's control at all times, and the handler must care for the animal and clean up after it (§8.2). DEM lists Lincoln Woods as pet-friendly for leashed dogs. No animals other than service animals are allowed on a state bathing beach from April 1 to September 30, and animals are not allowed inside a designated swim area at any time. You may not wash animals in natural waters on state land. Horses are allowed only in designated areas and on bridle trails.

Trail Zones

DEM's park policy splits the trails at Quinsnicket Road. Zone A, west of the road, is for equestrian use only. Zone B, east of it, is multi-use and open to mountain biking. Stay on existing trails: you may not create or mark new ones without written permission. See hiking.

Alcohol

State rules prohibit possessing, drinking, selling or offering alcoholic beverages in state parks, except at a few licensed events named in the regulation, none of them at Lincoln Woods (§7.13). Private picnics and parties are not covered.

Swimming

Swimming and bathing are allowed only in areas specifically designated for them, and only at posted times (§7.18). At Lincoln Woods that means Frank Moody State Beach on Olney Pond, with lifeguards from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in season. Inside the swim area, ball games, frisbees, kites, snorkels, masks and scuba gear are not allowed, and no one may swim in an electrical storm. See the beach.

Boating on Olney Pond

The regulation has its own rule for Olney Pond (§8.4): no boats with motors of any kind, except electric trolling motors, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between the Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day, and no privately owned boats with motors over ten horsepower at any time without written permission. No power boats are allowed in a bathing area. See kayaking and boating.

Rock Climbing and Bouldering

Rock climbing, which the rules define to include bouldering and scrambling, is permitted in Rhode Island state parks except at Fort Wetherill and in Jamestown (§7.16). Every individual climber must sign a release and approved waiver of liability form before climbing. Organised groups of any size need a Special Use Permit, and every member signs the waiver. See bouldering.

Picnic Tables, Shelters and Fields

Lincoln Woods is one of four state park areas where you may not use a picnic table without first getting a permit (§8.9). DEM requires reservations from the second Saturday in April to October 31. Fees are $5 per table per day, $75 to $150 per shelter, $20 per field and $50 a season for the Little League field. See picnic areas.

Organised Groups and Events

Organised groups, school visits, field trips and large gatherings need DEM permits, and public meetings or handing out printed material need an official written permit (§7.14). Call the Lincoln Woods office at (401) 723-7892.

Drones and Model Aircraft

Engine-powered model airplanes, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), model boats, rockets and model cars may be flown or run on, over or from a state park only with official written permission, and drones may not be used to harass people or wildlife (§7.16).

The Loop Road

The Les Pawson Loop round Olney Pond has a one-way, counter-clockwise traffic pattern, except where the gates across the road are closed and between Twin River Road and the north parking lot, which are two-way (§8.16). Rhode Island traffic laws apply on park roads. See the Les Pawson Loop.

Bikes, E-Bikes and Scooters

Bikes, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are allowed unless DEM's regional manager finds conditions unsafe and orders them off (§8.3). Mountain bikes belong in Zone B.

Protecting the Park

• Do not feed wildlife, including ducks and geese (§7.16).
• Do not cut, remove or damage trees, stone walls, plants or natural features, boulders included (§7.20).
• Carry in, carry out. Bring no trash into the park to dispose of, use the bins provided, and in carry-in, carry-out areas take everything home (§7.19).
• Do not tamper with fencing.

Park Policies

DEM's regional park managers may issue written policies for individual parks on top of the regulation. If a sign at Lincoln Woods says something this page does not, the sign and the park staff win.