Picnic Areas & Shelters

You can reserve a picnic table or shelter at Colt State Park by calling the park office at (401) 253-7482 or going in person. From the second Saturday in April through October 31, state rules require a permit to use any picnic table at Colt: $5 per table per day, with covered shelters at $75, $100 or $150 a day. The rest of the year, tables are first come, first served and free.

What Is Available

RI DEM counts 51 multi-table picnic sites, 3 covered shelters and 1 ceremonial chapel area at Colt. Most sites have three or four picnic tables, and DEM notes that many of them look out over the water. A limited number of larger sites have up to 15 tables, and some sites include a shelter. The tables are spread across the park's three picnic areas, each with restrooms and parking nearby on DEM's map:

• Area 1, the west shore: sites 1–19, right along Narragansett Bay, with a shelter and restrooms.
• Area 2, the centre: sites 20–40 and 50–55, near the chapel, the playing fields, a shelter and restrooms.
• Area 3, by the entrance: sites 80–84, with a shelter and restrooms.

The park map shows where each group of numbers sits.

Do You Need a Reservation?

In season, yes. Rhode Island's state park regulation names Colt as one of four parks where no one may use a picnic table without first getting a permit. DEM's rental page sets the season: from the second Saturday in April to October 31 each year, reservations and rental fees are required for pavilions, shelters, gazebos, designated fields and picnic tables. Outside those dates, every area is first come, first served with no fee.

2026 Fees

These are the state's published fees for all state park areas, which apply at Colt:

• Picnic table: $5 per day
• L1 shelter, six picnic tables: $75 per day
• L2 shelter, six picnic tables and a play field: $100 per day
• L3 shelter, fifteen picnic tables: $150 per day
• Open field: $20 per day
• Banquet table: $10 per table

DEM's own park map repeats the table rate: "$5/day Picnic Table." Fee waivers for people with disabilities do not cover picnic table fees, according to the regulation.

How to Book

Colt's reservations are handled by the park office, not online. DEM says to contact the Colt State Park office at (401) 253-7482 or visit in person, whatever the time of year. Some other Rhode Island parks take online bookings through ReserveAmerica, but DEM lists Colt's reservations by phone only.

Paying and Getting Your Permit

DEM's rules for reservable sites: payment is due within 10 business days of booking, by cash, check or money order. Once the payment arrives, the park issues a permit for the site. Reservations not paid within 10 business days are canceled, and permit fees are not refundable. Bring your permit with you on the day.

Pick Your Site in Person First

DEM adds a warning specific to Colt: the locations of some sites changed as of 2020, and patrons are advised to check the location they want in person before reserving. If you are booking for a big family party, walk the area on a weekday first and note the number on the table you want.

Group Events Need More Than a Table Permit

If your gathering is an organized group event, DEM asks you to contact the park to find out whether you also need a Special Use Permit. State rules require organized groups of any size to get one for a public reservation. Questions can also go to RI State Parks headquarters at 401-667-6200 or DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov.

What to Bring, and What Not To

Rhode Island's state park rules do not allow alcoholic beverages, except at specially licensed events. There is no rule in DEM's Colt listing about grills, so ask the park office about cooking when you book. Restrooms are in each picnic area, and the plan your visit page has the full checklist.

Picnics Without a Reservation

Off season, from November 1 to the second Saturday in April, any open table is yours with no fee. In season, DEM's permit rule covers picnic tables, shelters, pavilions, gazebos and designated fields; if you are unsure whether your plan needs a permit, ask the park office. If you are going to Coggeshall Farm Museum next door, the museum welcomes visitors to bring a picnic lunch to its tables or its meadow over the salt marsh.

Weddings and Ceremonies

The open-air Chapel by the Sea is booked through the same office. See Chapel by the Sea for its fees.