Rules & Regulations

Goddard Memorial State Park follows Rhode Island's state park regulations. The ones visitors run into most: the park closes at sunset, alcohol is not allowed, dogs must be on a leash of six feet or less and stay off the beach from April 1 to September 30, fires are allowed only in designated areas, and picnic tables need a permit from April 1 to October 31.

Hours

No person or vehicle may be inside a state park between sunset and sunrise without official written permission (Part 8, §8.1). See hours and fees.

Alcohol

Possessing, drinking, selling or offering alcohol is prohibited in Rhode Island state parks (Part 7, §7.13). The exceptions written into the rule name specific places under licence agreements — Fort Adams, Beavertail, Colt State Park and some state beaches — and do not include Goddard. Public drunkenness is also prohibited. This applies to weddings and parties at the carousel too.

Dogs and Other Animals

• Domestic animals must be on a leash of no more than six feet and under control at all times; the handler cleans up after them (§8.2).
• No animals on a state bathing beach from April 1 to September 30, except service animals (§8.2).
• No animals in a designated swim area at any time, except service animals (§7.18).
• Horses are allowed only in designated areas and on bridle trails unless you have written permission (§8.2).

More on the dogs page.

Swimming

• Swim only in designated areas during posted or permitted times (§7.18).
• Inside the swim area: no ball playing, frisbees, kite flying, snorkels, face masks or scuba gear, and no flotation devices except Coast Guard–approved life jackets.
• No swimming during electrical storms or when conditions are unsafe.
• Where a bathing area is open without a lifeguard, signs warn "No Lifeguard on Duty – Swim at your own Risk", that under-18s should be with an adult, and that no one should swim alone (§8.12).

See the beach guide.

Fires and Grills

No open fire, including a charcoal fire, except in designated areas or with official written permission. From March 15 through May 15, no open fires between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. without a burning permit from the local fire department (§7.11). Goddard's rental sites mostly include a fireplace.

Picnic Tables, Fields and Events

• No one may use a picnic table at Goddard without first getting a permit (§8.9); DEM requires reservations from April 1 to October 31.
• Organised groups need a special use permit (§8.10). DEM asks anyone planning a group gathering or event, in any season, to contact the Goddard office at (401) 884-2010, ext. 1.

See picnic areas.

Drones, Model Aircraft and Metal Detectors

Engine-powered model airplanes, unmanned aircraft (drones), model boats, rockets and model cars may be flown or run only with official written permission, and drones may not be used to harass people or wildlife (Part 7). Metal detectors are restricted to designated areas at specified times.

Bikes and E-Bikes

The regional park manager can prohibit bicycles, scooters, skateboards and e-bikes where conditions are unsafe; follow any posted order (§8.3).

Boats and Trailers

Only vehicles launching or landing a boat may park in boat-trailer areas, and parking is limited to 72 consecutive hours. No overnight mooring, docking or berthing except in designated areas (§8.5). See fishing and boating.

Trash

Do not bring trash into the park to dispose of it; put waste in the receptacles provided, and in carry-in/carry-out areas take it with you (§7.19). The City of Warwick's page on Goddard says all trash there is carry in, carry out.

Where to Read the Full Rules

The regulations are published by the Rhode Island Secretary of State as 250-RICR-100-00-7 (General Provisions for State Parks and Conservation Management Areas) and 250-RICR-100-00-8 (State Parks), both effective May 12, 2025. Rules can change; the posted signs at the park and DEM's staff have the final word.