Parking & Directions
Parking at Goddard Memorial State Park is free. Rhode Island charges no entrance fee at its state parks, and RI DEM says there are no fees to use the beaches inside them, so the beach lot at Goddard costs nothing either. The park's address is 1095 Ives Road in the Potowomut section of Warwick (DEM's map uses the East Greenwich, RI 02818 mailing address), and it is open sunrise to sunset every day.
Parking at a Glance
Where the Entrance Is
DEM's site rental map shows the main entrance on Ives Road, with the permit office just inside it. From there the park road runs past the first picnic fields, loops around the golf course in the middle of the park, and continues to the picnic groves at the far end.
Directions From Providence
The City of Warwick's page on the park gives this route from Providence: take Interstate 95 south to Route 4 south, take the East Greenwich exit, turn right onto Division Street, follow it to Route 1 south and then follow the signs to Goddard Memorial State Park. If you use a GPS, either "1095 Ives Road, Warwick" or "1095 Ives Road, East Greenwich" brings you to the same place; DEM uses both.
Where to Park Inside the Park
DEM's map is a map of rentable picnic sites rather than a parking map, but it shows the park road reaching every area, and you can park near what you came for:
- Picnic fields A to E and Areas 1 and 2: close to the main entrance and permit office, with a restroom by Areas 1 and 2.
- Areas 3 to 7, Shelters F and G: along the road on the far side of the golf course from Ives Road, with a second restroom by Area 6 and Shelter F.
- Fields H to L, Areas 8 to 10, the Oak and Maple picnic groves: at the western end of the park road.
- The beach: on the park's shoreline, with a seasonal bathhouse (the City of Warwick lists its phone as (401) 884-9620).
- The golf course: in the middle of the park; tee times are by phone only (see the golf course guide).
If you have reserved a picnic site, DEM's site rental map shows where each lettered field and numbered area is.
Busy Days
DEM calls Goddard Rhode Island's most popular Metropolitan Park, and the searches people make for it peak in July. On hot summer weekends the beach lot and the picnic areas fill first. Arrive early, and remember that from April 1 to October 31 the picnic tables, shelters and fields need a permit; on a busy day, the Oak and Maple picnic groves are rented the same day on a first-come basis (see picnic areas).
Boat Trailer Parking
DEM lists an accessible boat ramp at Goddard. State park rules say only vehicles launching or landing a boat may park in boat trailer areas, and parking is limited to 72 hours in a row. See fishing and the boat ramp.
Horseback Riders and the Equestrian Area
The Goddard Memorial Equestrian Area runs from April 1 to November 30, and groups that bring horses need a special use permit. C and L Stables runs guided trail rides from the park (it lists its address as 1095 Ives Road); see horseback riding.
Gates Close at Sunset
Rhode Island's state park rules do not allow people or vehicles in a state park between sunset and sunrise without written permission. Plan to be back at your car before dark. The hours page has office hours and seasons.
Parking & Directions FAQ
Is parking free at Goddard Park?
Yes. Rhode Island has not charged entrance fees at its state parks since July 1, 1998, and RI DEM says there are no fees to access beaches within state parks, so parking at Goddard is free. Picnic sites, shelters and fields need a paid permit from April 1 to October 31.
What is the address of Goddard Memorial State Park?
1095 Ives Road. RI DEM lists it as Warwick on its rentals page and as East Greenwich, RI 02818 on its park map; the park is in the Potowomut section of Warwick.
How do I get to Goddard Park from Providence?
The City of Warwick gives this route: I-95 south to Route 4 south, the East Greenwich exit, right onto Division Street, then Route 1 south and follow the signs to the park.
Can you park at Goddard Park overnight?
No. State park rules close Rhode Island state parks to people and vehicles between sunset and sunrise unless you have written permission.
Does Goddard Park beach charge for parking?
No. Goddard's beach is inside a state park, and RI DEM says there are no fees to access beaches within state parks. The paid state beach lots are at the state beaches, not at Goddard.