Top 15 Scenic Lakes to Visit in Rhode Island

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the USA, may surprise visitors with its vibrant cultural and historical richness, as well as its geographic diversity. Despite its size, it stands as the second most densely populated state in the nation. The state comprises two primary natural regions: the lowlands of Narragansett Bay and the New England Upland, as part of the Northeastern coastal forests.

The official moniker of Rhode Island is ‘The Ocean State,’ reflecting its abundance of oceanfront beaches, extensive bays, and inlets. The state contains hundreds of bodies of water, 75 percent of which are artificial lakes, while the remainder consists of natural lakes and saltwater coastal lagoons. While some of these lakes serve as habitats for wildlife, others are less prominent on the map. If you are interested in exploring the state’s lakes, consider the following fifteen exemplary lakes in Rhode Island.

1. Wallum Lake; Providence County

The southern portion of Wallum Lake is situated within Rhode Island, while the northern portion is part of Massachusetts. Surrounding the Rhode Island side of the lake is the Buck Hill Management Area, while the Douglas State Forest borders the northern side, creating a peaceful setting.

Wallum Lake features three boat ramps, with one located at the southern tip in Burrillville, allowing for convenient access for fishing largemouth bass, bluegills, and yellow perch.

The Buck Hill Management Area is primarily forested and offers excellent hiking opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a prime spot for birdwatching, featuring numerous bird species residing in the vicinity.

2. Worden Pond; Washington County

This lake, Rhode Island’s largest natural body of water, spans an area of 422 hectares. Though referred to as a pond, Worden Pond is located in the southeastern part of the state and is recognized as a popular destination for anglers.

With a rich history dating back to the late 1600s, this shallow lake offers year-round fishing, particularly favored for catching largemouth bass, northern pike, and perch.

Worden Pond also provides an exceptional setting for swimming, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing. The northern end of the lake is adjacent to the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area, which features hiking trails, wildlife observation opportunities, and cycling paths.

3. Scituate Reservoir; Providence County

Located centrally in the state, Scituate Reservoir serves as the largest freshwater body in Rhode Island, supplying drinking water to 60 percent of the state’s population.

This Y-shaped lake covers 1,400 hectares and is enveloped by forest. Managed by the Providence Water Supply Board, the area is protected to ensure water quality and conservation.

This preservation renders the surroundings free from development, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation, meditation, or simply enjoying the scenery.

4. Miscoe Lake; Providence County

While Miscoe Lake extends into Massachusetts, the majority of its 20 hectares is within Rhode Island. Much of the land surrounding the lake is privately owned, yet visitors who rent lakeside accommodations can experience its beauty.

This lake supports a variety of wildlife, making it a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife species include beavers, herons, swans, turtles, and cormorants.

The historical Grant’s Mill once stood at the southern end of the lake, where the current Miscoe Lake Dam is located. Adjacent to the dam is Diamond Hill Park, which offers picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails.

5. Boone Lake; Washington County

Accessible exclusively to residents, Boone Lake is a private lake regarded as one of the finest in the state. Tourists may access it by renting a lakeside home.

This 19-hectare artificial lake, established in 1885 with the completion of Boone Lake Dam, is dedicated solely to recreational activities. Swimming, fishing, and boating are permitted as long as the vessel belongs to a resident.

The management responsibilities for Boone Lake, including its maintenance, fall to the residents themselves.

6. Spring Lake; Providence County

Spring Lake is home to one of Rhode Island’s few freshwater beaches—Spring Lake Beach. This facility is popular among both local residents and visitors.

The Spring Lake Beach Recreational Facility offers a swimming dock, picnic areas, a playground, and a concession stand, and is notable for its arcade that features some of the oldest arcade games nationwide.

Visitors can rent kayaks and paddle boats, while purchasing items such as sand pails, sunglasses, sunscreen, and beach attire from the shop. Please note that a nominal entrance fee is charged for the beach, which operates exclusively during the summer months.

7. Olney Pond; Providence County

This freshwater lake lies within Lincoln Woods State Park, situated in the northeast region of Rhode Island. The park serves as a popular recreational space for visitors throughout the state.

Olney Pond features a beach with a lifeguard present, making it a family-friendly destination. Amenities include a boat ramp and a fishing dock, complemented by numerous picnic areas.

Lincoln Woods State Park remains open year-round, although lake-based activities are seasonal. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking along the park’s extensive trail system.

8. Diamond Hill Reservoir; Providence County

Diamond Hill Reservoir was formed by damming the Abbott Run watercourse to supply water to the city of Pawtucket. It remains a vital water source while also offering an aesthetic locale for recreation.

As you travel along Reservoir Road, you can enjoy the exquisite views of the 158-hectare lake. The vista is particularly stunning from Diamond Hill Park.

Diamond Hill Reservoir is especially striking at sunrise and sunset, often drawing joggers, walkers, and cyclists along Reservoir Road to appreciate the picturesque scenery.

9. Bowdish Lake; Providence County

This public lake is situated in the northwestern part of the state, near the Connecticut border. Bowdish Lake is recognized for its rich ecosystem and extensive camping grounds.

On the lake’s shoreline, there are two camping areas: George Washington Campground and Bowdish Lake Campground, as well as a trailhead along the eastern side of the lake.

George Washington Campground, located on the southeast shore, provides swimming, boating, fishing opportunities, and features 45 gravel campsites. Conversely, Bowdish Lake Campground, positioned on the northeast side, offers over 100 campsites alongside various amenities.

10. Echo Lake; Providence County

Commonly referred to as Pascoag Reservoir, Echo Lake is distinguished by its superior water quality, making it highly favored for recreational activities. Swimming, boating, and fishing are particularly popular here.

During the summer months, water skiing, jet skiing, and tubing are enjoyable activities on the 141-hectare lake, especially for those residing in the lakeside accommodations. Additionally, a campground located on the west side features 200 sites for visitors.

The Echo Lake Campground serves as the primary public access point, offering facilities such as a store, picnic areas, fishing spots, and expansive recreation fields.

11. Point Judith Pond; Washington County

This six-kilometer-long water body is located along the southern coastline of Rhode Island, positioned behind the beaches and sand dunes of Point Judith Harbor. It is the largest and most frequented salt pond in the state.

Point Judith Pond hosts the port of Galilee, which serves as the largest commercial port in Rhode Island. The opening of the pond is also home to several ocean beaches that attract numerous visitors each summer.

Moreover, the pond is a significant hub for charter boat services sailing around the Atlantic Ocean, featuring multiple marinas and year-round ferry services to Block Island, celebrated for its beautiful beaches.

12. Ninigret Pond; Washington County

This saltwater lagoon, the largest of nine lagoons in southern Rhode Island, lies along the state’s southern coastline. The lagoon is primarily utilized for recreational endeavors, attracting numerous tourists annually.

East Beach extends nearly five kilometers along the southern shoreline of Ninigret Pond and is recognized as one of the least developed beaches in the state. Visitors can either stay at one of the 20 camping sites or frequent the beach on sunny days.

Ninigret Pond is part of the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 250 bird species year-round, including migrating Canada geese, black ducks, and diving ducks.

13. Quicksand Pond; Newport County

Situated at the southeastern tip of the state, Quicksand Pond is entirely encased by critical habitats, marking it as a protected zone. This area remains among the most pristine and picturesque coastal sections in Rhode Island.

This 150-hectare lake features a seven-kilometer shoreline, half of which remains in its natural, undeveloped state. On the southern end lies Goosewing Beach, renowned for its stunning dunes formed approximately 12,000 years ago.

The Benjamin Family Environmental Center, located along the southern shoreline, offers programs and exhibits that highlight the diverse habitats found in the area.

14. Winnapaug Pond; Washington County

This saltwater lagoon is well-known for hosting Misquamicut State Beach, a public recreational beach that stretches along a sandbar separating the lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean.

Misquamicut State Beach is notably popular among families, offering picnic areas, a gift shop, shaded gazebos, and seasonal lifeguard services.

Due to its shallow waters, Winnapaug Pond is an excellent venue for kayaking. Many visitors also enjoy golfing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.

15. Trustom Pond; Washington County

Trustom Pond is one of nine coastal lagoons in southern Rhode Island, covering an area of 73 hectares. It is situated within the Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge and is recognized as the only undeveloped salt pond in the state.

This area serves as a national wildlife reserve, providing habitat for over 300 bird species, making it a favored location for birdwatching. The refuge also hosts 40 mammal species alongside 20 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Nearly five kilometers of trails meander through and around the lake, featuring multiple informative panels to educate visitors about the region and its wildlife.