Rules & Regulations

Colt State Park follows Rhode Island's state park regulations, written by RI DEM. The ones that matter most: the park is closed from sunset to sunrise, dogs must be on a leash of six feet or less, alcohol is not allowed, swimming is only allowed in designated areas, drones need written permission, and you need a permit to use a picnic table from April through October.

Hours

No person or vehicle may be inside a state park between sunset and sunrise without official written permission (state park rule §8.1). Colt's own map says the same thing in plain words: open year round, sunrise to sunset. See hours.

Dogs and Other Animals

Domestic animals must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under a handler's control at all times, and the handler must care for the animal and clean up after it. Horses are allowed only in designated areas and on bridle trails. No animals other than service animals are allowed on state bathing beaches from April 1 to September 30. You may not wash animals in natural waters on state land. The dogs page covers the details and the dog-free places next door.

Alcohol

State rules prohibit possessing, drinking, selling or offering alcoholic beverages in state parks, with narrow exceptions for licensed events. At Colt, the one named exception is mission-related fundraising events hosted by Coggeshall Farm Museum / Old Sturbridge Village under a license agreement with the state. Private picnics, parties and weddings are not covered.

Swimming

Swimming and bathing are allowed only in areas specifically designated for them, and only at posted times. DEM does not list a designated swimming area or lifeguards at Colt. Swimming is prohibited during electrical storms or when conditions are unsafe. The nearest beach is Bristol Town Beach, run by the Town of Bristol.

Picnic Tables, Shelters and Fields

Colt is one of four state parks where you may not use a picnic table without first getting a permit (§8.9). From the second Saturday in April through October 31, DEM requires reservations and fees for pavilions, shelters, gazebos, designated fields and picnic tables; the rest of the year they are first come, first served. Fees are $5 per table per day, $75–$150 per shelter, $20 per field. See picnic areas.

Organized Groups and Events

Organized groups using a state park must have official written permission in the form of a Special Use Permit, and the regulation also requires one for scientific, research, educational or volunteer activities. Contact the Colt office at (401) 253-7482 to find out whether your gathering needs one. The Chapel by the Sea has its own fee.

Drones and Model Aircraft

Engine-powered model airplanes, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), model boats, rockets and model cars may be flown or run on, over or from a state park only with official written permission. Drones may not be used to harass or disturb people, wildlife or natural resources. Kites, on the other hand, are part of the appeal: DEM points to the park's open fields for kite flying.

Bikes, E-Bikes, Scooters and Skates

Bikes, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are allowed unless DEM's regional manager finds conditions unsafe and issues an order banning them (§8.3). Rollerblading is one of the experiences DEM lists at Colt. Watch for posted orders and share the paths with walkers.

Vehicles and Traffic

Rhode Island's traffic laws apply on park roads. Motor vehicles may be driven only in designated areas, never off the roads where prohibited. The state regulation sets a designated traffic pattern for Colt State Park, shown on a map attached to the rule (§8.16), so follow the road signs inside the park.

Boats and Mooring

Boating follows the state's boating rules. No vessel may be moored, docked or berthed overnight except in designated areas, and the regional manager may post time limits (§8.5). The fishing and boating guide covers the ramp.

Protecting the Park

• Do not feed wildlife, including waterfowl and feral animals.
• Do not cut, remove or damage trees, stone walls, plants or natural features, and do not deface signs or structures. Colt's historic stone walls are part of what DEM protects.
• Do not create or mark new trails without written permission.
• Carry in, carry out where an area is posted that way.
• Metal detectors are restricted to designated areas and times.
• Do not tamper with fencing.

Park Policies

On top of the regulation, DEM's regional park managers may issue written policies for individual parks (§8.11). If a sign at Colt says something this page does not, the sign and the park staff win.