These Rhode Island Hidden Gems Are Easy Summer Escapes

Summer is a time for soaking up the sun, playing in the water and plenty of family fun. And getting away to do all that, doesn't have to mean going far.

While we are of course extremely lucky to have beaches all along the SouthCoast, sometimes you just want to get away and try something different.

Well this summer why not head into the woods of Southern Rhode Island where there are two action packed campgrounds you probably never knew existed.

Clearly camping isn't just setting up a tent and roughing it anymore, because these Hidden Gem campgrounds less than an hour away are anything but rough.

Whispering Pines in Hope Valley

At Whispering Pines you’ll find basketball courts, mini golf, a game room, snack bar, playground and a massive swimming pool among the towering pine trees.

There are spots for RVs or you can rent one of their air conditioned cabins for comfort.

READ MORE: One of the Best Non-Campers Campgrounds is in Rhode Island

Of course there is also a lake to swim in and nature trails to hike, because this is a campground after all.

Plus they plan a variety of weekend activities, to help make summer memories with other campers too.

Wawaloam Campground in West Kingstown

If the last campground didn't have enough amenities to spark your interest, Wawaloam is sure to do the trick. This woodsy site is just off a wildlife marsh, but its the 287-foot waterslide that really makes a splash.

You can also get wet on the campground's splash pad, hop in the huge swimming pool, play a round of mini golf, fish is their small pond, shoot hoops on the basketball court, climb on the playground and shop in their general store.

READ MORE: Have You Seen Steve Carell at His Massachusetts General Store?

The only downside is that Wawaloam is exclusively an RV park, so if you don't have a camper there's no other spot to stay the night.