Rhode Island resident here…Charlestown Breachway normally I would give you 5 stars but lately more like 1 star…
Whenever it is beach season, I ALWAYS drive down to Charlestown Breach-way and usually get there a little early. When I do get there early there is a big sign that says something to the degree of “No waiting, turn around”. I obey the signage (as you should) if I arrive early, I just come back when the gates open at 8:30a (on weekends). Today I had planned a nice beach day with my mother, brother and nephew (My nephew has never been to the beach). We left our houses at 7:35a with the drive being about 55mins. I arrived a little earlier than my mother, brother and nephew at 8:28a expecting to have to turn around and come back because I know there’s a sign tells you not to wait. When I arrive there is an extremely long line already. My mother was only about 5 cars behind me, and only I was able get one of the last parking spots and my mother had to turn around and leave with my nephew and brother because there were no more spots. Due to them leaving, I left as well because our beach day was ruined. Are Rhode Island state park employees not enforcing signage? If a sign says no waiting why are you allowing cars to wait starting at 8:00a? If they can’t read then make them turn around and come back. For people who time themselves to get there on time for when the gates open, it is not fair. If you’re not going to enforce the sign then don’t leave it out. Next time I’m going to leave my house at 4:45a and get there for 5:40a and park my car at the entrance and I better not hear a single “sir you can’t wait here”…. DO YOUR JOBS! My only day off during the week and only beach day I planned so far and it was a waste.