Blackstone Valley's rivers and parks offer lovely fresh water beaches

George Washington Management Area

2185 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 02814 Phone: 401-568-2013

A 3,000-acre state-managed area for swimming, camping, and hiking connected to the Casimir Pulaski Memorial Park on the Burrillville-Glocester border. Primitive tent and trailer camp sites in a wooded area overlooking Bowdish Reservior. Swimming and hiking trails. No pets allowed Fees: Residents, $8; non-residents, $12. Permits issued by the park ranger on a first-come, first-served basis. Shelters: $20 per night. Camping Season is April 11 to October 15.
To Find It:On Route 44, 2 miles east of the Connecticut state line, 5.4 miles west from the junction of Routes 44 and 102.

Georgiaville Pond Beach

St. Michael’s Way Smithfield, RI 02917 Phone: 401-949-4590

Public beach, freshwater swimming. Stickers required to park, launch a boat, use a trailer. Georgiaville Beach located on Georgiaville Pond is open to the general public. Beach pass required by the Smithfield Recreation Department. Non-resident parking, boat sticker, and trail sticker are $20 each. Georgiaville Pond Stickers on sale at Smithfield Ice Rink, 109 Pleasant View Avenue, Smithfield.

Governor Notte Park

North Providence, RI 02904 Phone: 401-233-1445

The park has full recreational facilities including a freshwater beach, paddleboat rentals, ample parking, tennis courts, ball field, swings for children, picnic sites and a peaceful waterfall. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer.

Lincoln Woods State Park

2 Manchester Print Works Road Lincoln, RI 02865 Phone: 401-723-7892

Located between routes 146 and 123, Lincoln Woods State Park is A short ride from Providence, Pawtucket, and Cumberland. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, playing ball, hiking, jogging, horseback riding, or just relaxing under a shade tree. A new addition to the park is the Eastern Mountain Sports kayak school (800-310-4504).

Mountaindale Beach

Smithfield, RI 02828 Phone: 401-949-4590

Public beach, freshwater swimming.

Pulaski State Park

Putnam Pike / Route 44 Glocester, RI 02814 Phone: 401-568-2085

Park has 100 acres with lake. Swimming beach, picnicking, pavilion (reservation required). Open late May to early September.

Spring Lake Beach

Harrisville, RI Phone: 401-568-9474

Recreational facility with 750 feet of beach front offering volleyball court, food concessions, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, entertainment, arcade. Admission fee.

Steere’s Pond

Glocester, RI 02814 Phone: 401-568-6209

Public beach, freshwater swimming.

Swimming Holes

Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info

World War II Memorial State Park

Social Street Woonsocket, RI 02895 Phone: 401-762-9717, seasonal

This state-run park is in downtown Woonsocket off Social Street. The park has a man-made pond that is used for freshwater swimming July 1 through Labor Day. Restrooms, pavilion, picnicking. Lifeguards on duty 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Open year round from sunrise to sunset; swimming, July 1 through Labor Day.