Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Rhode Island
1

Rhode Island State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Rhode Island
Newport Region
Beavertail State Park
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Keep On Leash © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
BEAVERTAIL STATE PARK
BEAVERTAIL STATE PARK
Beavertail Road
Jamestown, Rhode Island   02835

Phone: 401-884-2010
Beavertail State Park, located in Jamestown, Rhode Island, is known for offering some of the most beautiful vistas along the New England coastline. The Park attracts people from all over the country, to enjoy its pristine environment. Beavertail's most popular activity is sightseeing, and can be done from the comfort of a vehicle, in one of the four overlooks or on foot, from the rocky coastline. Beavertail also provides some of the best saltwater fishing in the area, along with offering hiking trails, and a naturalist program that attracts hundreds of people each year.
History of the Area
The first Beavertail Lighthouse was built in 1749 and was the premier lighthouse in Rhode Island, third in the country following the 1716 Boston Harbor light and the 1746 Great Point light on Nantucket. Although this wooden tower was burned to the ground just four years later, the rubble tower which replaced it lasted until the present granite lighthouse was constructed in 1856. The base of the older tower was exposed by the Hurricane of 1938, and today is marked by a granite plaque erected by the Jamestown Historical Society.

Known for many years as the Newport Light, the Beavertail beacon was first to witness the triangular trade which contributed to Newport's prominence before the Revolution, when ships carried molasses, rum, and slaves between the colonies, the West Indies and Africa. The British damaged the building in their retreat from Rhode Island in 1779, but a few years later, the light was reactivated to guide vessels of Rhode Island merchants engaged in the trade with China.

The Lighthouse and Lighthouse Museum are now operated by the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association.
Fishing
Located in Jamestown, the park offers both shore and boat fishing. Anglers can catch striped bass, bluefish or tautog. The area is also known for its summer flounder population. Fishing gear rentals are available on-site.



Picnicking
Beavertail State Park offers picnic tables and grills, with stunning ocean views. No reservations are needed for these facilities.
Nature Programs
MARINE BIOLOGY:

Tidal Excursion - An introduction to the tidal life and ecology. Walk to a nearby tidal pool during low tide to discover the plant and animal life found there.
Aquarium Activities - Aquarium scavenger hunt or special programs relating to crabs, fish, whales or intertidal zones.

GEOLOGY:

What rocks tell us - Explore the geological history of Beavertail. Walk the fault line and learn how to read the story written there.
The Beavertail Aquarium schedules group activities. Facilities and Programs are available to groups 7 days a week. No fees are assessed for the the use of facilities at Beavertail State Park.
Birding
The park offers excellent birding opportunities, especially during migration seasons. It's home to various species including hawks and songbirds. The area is particularly known for its hawk watching in the fall season. Visitors can also spot seabirds along the coastline throughout the year.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Wawaloam Campground
510 Gardiner Road
Richmond, RI
401-294-3039
Worden Pond Family Campground
416A Worden Pond Road
Wakefield, RI
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

state route ranger badge
Rhode Island
1

Rhode Island State Parks

X