National park · United States
Arcadia Wildlife Management Park
Enter Arcadia for a day of mixed-use trails: drive to the headquarters, hike the 3‑mile Ridge Trail (2 h) in spring, or bike the 5‑mile Loop (1.5 h) in fall; entry fee $5 per adult.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
57 km² (22 sq mi)22 sq mi (57 km²)
approximate
Established
1998
Best months
Apr–May, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 13Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- New England ↗Major interstates (I-90, I-95, I-93) use cashless tolling; rental cars often charge via plate billing or transponder. Some state routes may still accept cash.
- New England ↗Many coastal inns, ferries and restaurants run Memorial Day–Labor Day only; confirm before booking off-season.
- Rhode Island ↗RIPTA buses cover 38 of 39 cities and towns from Kennedy Plaza in Providence; seasonal beach routes run in summer.
- Rhode Island ↗A car is the simplest way to reach the coast; state highways are often poorly signed, so use a map or GPS.
- South County ↗Town beaches charge non-resident day passes (2026 estimate US$10–20 per car or per person in season); state beaches are free but unguarded before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.
- South County ↗A car is the practical default. RIPTA buses run the main corridors but not to most beach lots.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 57 km² (22 sq mi)22 sq mi (57 km²)
- Park covers roughly 14,000 acres (≈57 km²); figures may vary by source.
- Established
- 1998
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Arcadia Wildlife Management Park is Rhode Island's largest multi‑use area, offering hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding across a varied landscape of forests, ponds and rivers.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1998.
Size and age
57 km² (22 sq mi)22 sq mi (57 km²) · national park since 1998
Park covers roughly 14,000 acres (≈57 km²); figures may vary by source.
Why go
- Large multi‑use area with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fishing.
- Extensive trail network on varied terrain, from easy loops to moderate ridge hikes.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, possible snow.
- FebCold, limited daylight.
- MarMelting snow, trails opening.
- AprMild temps, foliage green.
- MayWarm, low rain.
- JunWarm, occasional thunderstorms.
- JulHot, higher rain chance.
- AugHot, humid.
- SepCooler, dry.
- OctCrisp, foliage change.
- NovCold, early snow.
- DecCold, possible snow.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White‑tailed deer, wild turkey, songbirdsMar–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Visitor centre, map office, parking, trailheads for easy loops. | Open daily, entry fee required. |
| Ridge Trail area | Moderate elevation hike with views of Breakheart Pond. | Open to hikers; no permit needed. |
| Reynold's Horseman Area | Designated horseback‑riding campgrounds. | Camping allowed for riders with permit. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park website; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (headquarters) | US$5 | person | Day use, includes trail maps. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on designated trails only.
- Camping
- Only in designated horse‑rider area; backcountry camping prohibited.
- Firearms
- Hunting permitted in season with proper license; must follow state regulations.
Where to stay
Near the park
South County inns
Small motels and B&Bs within 15 km (9.3 mi) of the park entrance.Small motels and B&Bs within 9.3 mi (15 km) of the park entrance.
In the park
Campgrounds
Reynold's Horseman Area for riders; no other camping.
Safety
Heat and humidity in summer medium
Rapid weather changes medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Headquarters parking lot and short paved paths are wheelchair accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats.
- Pack out all litter; use provided recycling bins at the headquarters.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Arcadia Wildlife Management Park?
Entry is $5 per adult; children under 12 enter free.
What are the best hikes in Arcadia Wildlife Management Park?
The 3‑mile Ridge Trail (moderate) and the 5‑mile Loop (easy) are popular; both start at the headquarters.
When is the best time to visit Arcadia Wildlife Management Park?
Late spring (April‑May) and early fall (September‑October) offer mild weather and dry trails.
Can I camp in the park?
Backcountry camping is not allowed; only designated horse‑rider campsites are available.
Is swimming allowed at Breakheart Pond?
No; swimming is prohibited, but fishing and kayaking are permitted.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Arcadia Wildlife Management Park
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