Go for croquet and cocktails on the Ocean House lawn .
Put on your summer whites and head to the Ocean House lawn in scenic Watch Hill for a six-wicket game of croquet . The meticulously manicured , championship-quality course overlooks the sea , and you can make the most of the view with a refreshing post-game cocktail in hand . oceanhouseri . com
Sunbathe in the buff at Dyer Woods .
Strip down to your birthday suit , lather sunscreen on the parts of you that have never seen the sun before and enjoy the freedom that comes when the clothes are off at this body-positive oasis tucked into Foster ’ s woods . If you ’ re new to social nudity , get comfortable at the quarry , a secluded area with great sunbathing spots and refreshingly cool waters , then join the more seasoned nudists by the pond . You ’ ll be slipping down the waterslide in no time ( hopefully sans skin-skid ). dyerwoodscampgrounds . com
Stow away at a secret beach .
No entry fees means scarce parking and minimal amenities , so get there early with your rolling cart and settle in .
Blue Beach , North Kingstown . Follow the leafy path from the lot to the sand . A favorite doggo spot , too ( don ’ t forget the leash ).
Andy ’ s Way , Block Island . Low tide at this harbor beach means curling your toes in the muck for a fresh littleneck or two . Bring a shucker and a steely stomach .
Black Rock Beach , Block Island . Once clothing-optional ; some brave souls still think so . Follow the path from Snake Hole Road .
Deep Hole , Matunuck . A rocky surfer ’ s paradise at the tip of Matunuck . Rough open ocean waters aren ’ t for the weary .
Reject ’ s Beach , Newport . If you can pay your way into tony Bailey ’ s , you ’ re not invited .
Little Nini Pond , Charlestown . Perfect for pooped out parents and babies . Calm , small and self-contained in Ninigret Park .
Go camping .
Not “ glamping .” This is dirty hair for days , hot dogs for dinner , C-A-M-P-I-N-G . Take a deep breath and pop up your tent at one of these primo spots . riparks . com
George Washington Memorial , Chepachet . Primitive digs ( read : no electricity or water on sites ; water by shared spigot ) overlooking Bowdish Reservoir . Swimming , boating , fishing , hiking .
Burlingame , Charlestown . On Watchaug Pond . Shared restrooms with showers , playground , naturalist center , arcade , beach , boat ramp , canoe rentals , hiking trails .
Fishermen ’ s Memorial , Narragansett . Tidy seaside village camping with family amenities including basketball , tennis , horseshoe courts and a playground . Close to beaches .
PHOTOGRAPHY THIS PAGE : COURTESY OF DYER WOODS ; COURTESY OF THE OCEAN HOUSE ; GETTY IMAGES . OPPOSITE PAGE : DISCOVER NEWPORT .
38 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JUNE 2021