What You'll Find at Fishermen's Memorial

Fishermen's Memorial State Park is a 33-acre waterfront park in Point Judith, Narragansett, built specifically for anglers and their families. The park sits on a working fishing pier where commercial boats dock, giving you direct access to Point Judith Pond and the Atlantic Ocean beyond the breakwater. You can fish from the pier, launch a boat, or camp in one of 64 sites within walking distance of the water.

The park's defining feature is that it exists at the intersection of commercial fishing and public recreation. You're not isolated from the working waterfront—you're part of it. Fishermen unload their catch, fuel their boats, and repair nets while you fish the same waters. This makes it a practical base for saltwater fishing rather than a scenic retreat.

Key Takeaways

  • Fishermen's Memorial offers pier fishing, boat launch access, and 64 campsites all within the same location on Point Judith Pond.
  • The park is open year-round for day use, but camping runs from mid-April through mid-October, with reservations filling quickly for summer weekends.
  • You can fish for striped bass, bluefish, and flounder from the pier without a boat, or launch your own vessel to reach deeper water and offshore grounds.
  • The pier charges a separate day-use or fishing fee beyond campground rates, and commercial fishing activity means the environment is working and sometimes loud.

Fishing Access and Species

The public fishing pier extends into Point Judith Pond and allows access to both the pond's interior and the Atlantic waters beyond the breakwater. From the pier, you can target striped bass (spring and fall), bluefish (summer through early fall), flounder (summer), and scup (summer and fall). Pier fishing requires no boat and works well for anglers who want to fish without launching their own vessel.

If you bring a boat, the park's launch ramp gives you access to deeper offshore grounds where you can fish for the same species plus cod, haddock, and sea bass depending on the season. Point Judith is known as a departure point for charter boats heading to Block Island and offshore wrecks, so the water supports serious saltwater fishing. Striped bass season peaks in May and September; bluefish are most reliable June through September.

Rhode Island saltwater fishing does not require a license for residents or non-residents fishing from shore or a public pier. If you launch a boat and fish for certain species (striped bass, for example), check current state regulations before you go, as rules change annually.

Campground Layout and Amenities

The 64 campsites are arranged in two loops near the water. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) available at many locations. The park provides a boat launch, parking for day-use visitors, restrooms with showers, and a small camp store. Sites are close together—this is not a remote camping experience—but the trade-off is immediate access to fishing and the water.

Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The park allows pets on leash, and there is a designated dog area. Because the park sits on an active commercial fishing pier, expect noise from boat engines, hydraulics, and dock activity, especially early morning and late afternoon when fishing boats arrive and depart. This is part of the park's character, not a drawback if you're there to fish.

Reservations and Seasonal Timing

Camping reservations open in early January for the season and can be made through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) website. Summer weekends fill within days of opening, so plan ahead if you want July or August dates. The campground operates from mid-April through mid-October, though the park itself is open year-round for day-use fishing.

Spring (May) and fall (September through early October) offer the best combination of fewer crowds and strong fishing for striped bass and bluefish. Summer is busier but reliable for flounder and scup. Winter day-use fishing is possible, but no overnight camping is available. Nightly rates vary by season and hookup level; check the DEM website for current pricing.

Boat Launch and Parking

The park maintains a single concrete launch ramp suitable for boats up to roughly 25 feet, though larger trailers can launch with care. There is a parking area for boat trailers and day-use vehicles. Launch fees are separate from camping rates and are charged per vehicle per day. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, especially during peak fishing season, so arrive early if you plan to launch.

If you don't have a boat, the pier is the main fishing option. Day-use parking and pier access also carry a separate fee. Parking fills on summer weekends, so arrive before 9 a.m. if you want a spot.

Nearby Services and Logistics

Point Judith is part of Narragansett, a small coastal town with restaurants, bait and tackle shops, and fuel docks within a few miles. The closest full-service town is Wakefield, about 10 minutes inland, with grocery stores and additional services. Fuel and ice are available at the park or nearby marinas.

The park is about 45 minutes south of Providence and roughly 90 minutes from Boston. If you're driving from the north, take I-95 south to Route 4, then follow Route 1 and local roads to Point Judith. Parking and access can be tight on summer weekends, so consider visiting in shoulder seasons if you want a more relaxed experience.

What to Bring and Expect

Bring standard saltwater fishing gear: medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods, 20- to 30-pound test line, and terminal tackle for the species you're targeting. Live bait (mackerel, herring, eels) works well for striped bass and bluefish; clams and squid work for flounder and scup. Bait is sold at local shops and sometimes at the park store.

The pier is exposed to wind and weather, so bring sun protection, rain gear, and layers. If you're camping, note that the park is on the coast and can be windy. The commercial fishing activity means the environment is working and sometimes smells like fish and diesel fuel—this is authentic Point Judith, not a manicured park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish from the pier?

No. Rhode Island does not require a license for saltwater fishing from shore or a public pier for residents or non-residents. If you fish from a private boat, check current state regulations, as some species may have additional requirements.

Can I fish year-round at Fishermen's Memorial?

The park is open for day-use fishing year-round, but camping is only available mid-April through mid-October. Winter fishing is possible, but you'll need to stay elsewhere or visit as a day-use angler.

What's the best time to fish for striped bass?

May and September through early October are peak striped bass season at Point Judith. Spring fish are moving north; fall fish are feeding heavily before winter. Summer is slower for stripers but good for bluefish and flounder.

How far in advance should I book a campsite?

Reservations open in early January, and summer weekends fill within days. If you want a July or August weekend, book as soon as reservations open. Spring and fall dates are easier to secure but still book up several weeks ahead.

Is there a boat launch fee separate from camping?

Yes. The boat launch and day-use pier access charge separate fees beyond the nightly campground rate. Check the DEM website for current pricing, as fees vary by season and vehicle type.