Rhode Island’s Best Freshwater Swimming Spots

Children at Spring Lake. Photo from Mount Pleasant Academy Facebook Page.

Little Nini Pond

Where: Inside Ninigret Park, Park Lane, Route 1A, Charlestown. Next to the playground and New Pavilion.

Good For: Families with kiddos. The spring-fed pond is shallow with warm, clean water. Park benches and picnic tables are available for relaxing and, of course, picnics! Free parking and admission.

Nearby Amenities: Frisbee golf at Ninigret Park, Frosty Drew Observatory, restrooms, tennis courts, playground, saltwater swimming and clamming at Ninigret Pond.

Watchaug Pond

Where: Burlingame State Park, Sanctuary Road, Charlestown.

Good For: Distance swimmers, as the pond itself covers 573 acres and boasts plenty of space to work on your backstroke.

Nearby Amenities: Picnicking area, restrooms and Dave’s Coffee.

Peck Pond

Where: George Washington Management Area’s Pulaski Recreation Area, 151 Pulaski Rd., Chepachet.

Good For: Hikers. Work up a sweat on the many trails, then cool off in the thirteen-acre freshwater pond. Free parking and admission.

Nearby Amenities: Fishing and picnicking area.

Spring Lake

Where: Spring Lake Beach Facility, 50 Old Hillside Dr., Glendale.

Good For: Beach bums. For a nominal fee, beach-goers can hang in the sun all day and swim in a warm, calm, eighty-acre lake. It’s just like our oceanside beaches — outdoor showers, lifeguards, even slides for the little ones! — but without all the salt. Burrillville residents $3, non-residents $6, children younger than three free; cash only.

Nearby Amenities: Penny arcade, concession stands, paddle boat rentals and restrooms.

Johnson’s Pond

Where: Zeke’s Bridge Fishing Access, Harkney Hill Rd., Coventry.

Good For: Fishing, jet skiing and swimming (duh!).

Nearby Amenities: Wildlife observing and hiking at the Audubon Society and the Woods Tavern.