Burlingame State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Burlingame State Park |
|
|---|---|
Watchaug Pond
|
|
 Burlingame State Park
Location in Rhode Island
|
|
| Location | Charlestown, Washington, Rhode Island, United States |
| Area | 3,100 acres (13 km2) |
| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Established | 1930 |
| Named for | Edwin A. Burlingame |
| Governing body | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Parks & Recreation |
| Website | WWW.BOUND4BURLINGAME.COM [1] |
Burlingame State Park and Campground is a super fun place for outdoor adventures in Charlestown, Rhode Island. It's a big park, about 3,100 acres, where you can go camping, hiking, and enjoy water activities on Watchaug Pond. It's a great spot to explore nature in Rhode Island!
Contents
Park History: How it Started
Early Days and Naming
Burlingame State Park has an interesting history! Back in 1927, the Audubon Society set up the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary. This was a 29-acre area on the southern side of Watchaug Pond. Because of this, the State Parks Commission started buying land around the pond in 1930.
The park was named after Edwin A. Burlingame. He was the longtime leader of the State Parks Commission. The campground officially opened in 1934, ready for visitors to enjoy.
The Civilian Conservation Corps
During the 1930s, a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked at Burlingame. The CCC was a program that helped young men find jobs during the Great Depression. They built many parks and trails across the country. Burlingame was their main base for projects in Rhode Island, helping to shape the park we see today.
Nature's Wonders: Animals and Plants
Wildlife You Might See
Burlingame State Park is home to many different animals. If you're quiet and lucky, you might spot deer, rabbits, or even a mink! Other cool mammals living here include muskrats, foxes, otters, and weasels.
Birds and Reptiles
Birdwatchers love Burlingame because about 80 different kinds of birds nest here. Many more birds also stop by during their long migration journeys. The park also has reptiles and amphibians. You might see frogs, salamanders, or even an Eastern box turtle. Don't worry if you see a northern water snake—they are not venomous!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Camping and Picnics
Burlingame State Park is famous for its camping! The park has 713 campsites, including 20 cabins and one shelter. It's a perfect place to spend a night or a whole week under the stars. You can also enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
Water Activities and Hiking
Love the water? You can go swimming in the freshwater beach at Watchaug Pond. Fishing is also popular, and there's a boat-launch ramp if you want to bring your own boat. If you prefer to explore on foot, there are many hiking trails. These trails connect the campground to the Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary, offering great views and chances to see nature up close.
Park Amenities and Programs
The park has a camp store where you can get supplies. You can also rent canoes to explore Watchaug Pond. The Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary often holds educational programs throughout the year. These programs teach you more about the animals and plants in the park. The northern part of the park, along the Pawcatuck River, is mainly used for hunting.
