Colt State Park Parking
Public parking space
4.9 (14)
Unnamed Road, Bristol, RI 02809
Bay (Salt Water)RI
Colt State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Distinguish Colt State Park from adjacent Bristol Town Beach. Find town beach parking rates, access guidance, water-quality links and park photos.
Swimming restriction
Use adjacent Bristol Town Beach for a swimming visit and follow posted rules and closures. Swimming access from Colt State Park's shoreline has not been verified. Check Rhode Island Department of Health beach advisories before entering the water.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Bay (Salt Water)
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Bristol Town Beach seasonal parking: residents $10 weekdays/$20 weekends and holidays; non-residents $20/$40. Cash only; confirm current rates.
Best season
Confirm the town beach's swimming availability and staffing before traveling. Year-round park access does not imply year-round staffed swimming
Nearby towns
Bristol
Water body
Narragansett Bay
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Bristol
Access location not verified
BRISTOL, RI
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
A closer look
Photos of Colt State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Colt State Park and Bristol Town Beach
Colt State Park is in Bristol, Rhode Island. Its waterfront paths, picnic areas and bay views are separate from adjacent Bristol Town Beach on Asylum Road. For a swimming visit, use the town beach and check its current rules and water-quality notices. This guide does not verify swimming access from the state park's rocky shoreline.
Plan a beach visit
The town lists seasonal parking charges from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Daily vehicle rates are $10 weekdays and $20 weekends or holidays for residents; non-residents pay $20 weekdays and $40 weekends or holidays. Payments are cash only and rates can change. Confirm staffing and swimming availability with Bristol Parks and Recreation at 401-253-1611; parking hours alone do not establish swimming hours.
Facilities and rules
The town beach has seasonal restrooms and outdoor showers. The town recommends water shoes. Dogs are not permitted at the beach complex, unlike the pet-friendly state park. Check the town's full rules before traveling.
What the photos show
The gallery shows Colt State Park buildings and waterfront paths, not Bristol Town Beach or a verified water-entry point. A separate beach and access photo is still needed.
Getting There
Colt State Park is in Bristol, with access from Route 114. Bristol Town Beach is a separate destination on Asylum Road next to the park. Follow the town's beach directions and signs. No verified beach parking coordinate is provided here.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
State park paths and picnic grounds are not a substitute for designated beach access. Use Bristol Town Beach and its separate parking rules. The previous map pin was a town-level geocode and has been removed.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use adjacent Bristol Town Beach for a swimming visit and follow posted rules and closures. Swimming access from Colt State Park's shoreline has not been verified. Check Rhode Island Department of Health beach advisories before entering the water. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
East Bay Bike Path Public Parking
Parking lot
4.8 (11)
East Providence, RI 02914
Colt State Park
State park
4.8 (4843)
Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809
Park's 464 acres offers panoramic Bay views, groomed lawns, trails, picnic tables & a museum.
Barbecue grillBaseball fieldCycling lanesPicnic tables
Whispering Pines Campground
Campground
4.1 (341)
41 Sawmill Rd, Hope Valley, RI 02832
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Wawaloam Campground
Campground
4.4 (362)
510 Gardiner Rd, West Kingston, RI 02892
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Holiday Acres Camp Grounds
Campground
3.9 (170)
593 Snake Hill Rd, North Scituate, RI 02857
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Restrooms
Public bathroom
3 (1)
MH45+VW, East Greenwich, RI 02818
Restroom
Public bathroom
228 Valley St, Providence, RI 02909
Frequently Asked Questions About Colt State Park
Are Colt State Park and Bristol Town Beach the same facility?
No. The town beach is adjacent to the state park on Asylum Road and has separate rules and seasonal parking fees.
Do the photos show the swimming beach?
No. These are Colt State Park views. A town-beach and access photo is still needed.
How do I check water quality?
Consult Rhode Island Department of Health beach advisories and posted notices before entering the water. A beach facility can remain open while swimming is restricted.
Highlights
Expansive views of Narragansett Bay
Historical Chapel-by-the-Sea
Integration with East Bay Bike Path
Rich local wildlife
Seasonal foliage and photography opportunities
Unique Features
Narragansett Bay waterfront paths
Adjacent but separately managed town beach
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Check beach advisories and posted closures
- Do not treat calm-looking water as proof of safe conditions
- Confirm staffing, supervise children and avoid rocky shorelines during rough weather
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Part of the Poppasquash Farms Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Best spots include sunrise over Narragansett Bay, Chapel-by-the-Sea, and autumn foliage along the walking trails.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the park's natural and historic integrity.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Confirm the town beach's swimming availability and staffing before traveling. Year-round park access does not imply year-round staffed swimming.
Difficulty Level
The state park has paved paths; ask the town about beach accessibility and water entry.
Fee
Bristol Town Beach seasonal parking: residents $10 weekdays/$20 weekends and holidays; non-residents $20/$40. Cash only; confirm current rates.
Facilities
State park: picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms and an accessible fishing pier. Town beach: seasonal restrooms and outdoor showers. Confirm facility availability with the relevant operator.
Activities
Swimming
Phone
Colt State Park: (401)253-7482; Bristol Town Beach: (401)253-1611
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Nearby Attractions
- Bristol Town Beach - Town Beach
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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