Bowdish Lake Camping Area Introduce
For local users searching within the 'camping near me' category in Rhode Island, Bowdish Lake Camping Area, located at 40 Safari Trail, Chepachet, RI 02814, USA, is an option to consider. They can be reached at (401) 568-8890 or their mobile number, +1 401-568-8890. However, it is crucial to note that recent reviews paint a concerning picture of this establishment, particularly regarding the behavior of the owner and the overall condition of the campground.
The environment of Bowdish Lake Camping Area is suggested by its name to be near Bowdish Lake. Bowdish Lake is a public body of water in Rhode Island, implying potential access for fishing and enjoying the lake's surroundings. One reviewer mentioned an encounter with the owner while attempting to fish on what they asserted was public property (Bowdish Lake and its environs), suggesting the lake is a local natural resource. However, the review does not provide details about the campground's immediate environment or its proximity to scenic areas beyond the lake itself. The mention of a "petting zoo" in one review indicates that the campground may have some animal-related features on its property.
In terms of services and features, the limited information available through the provided reviews raises significant concerns. One reviewer described the campground as "dingy," suggesting that the facilities may be old and not well-maintained, corroborating the observation of "loads of broken down old trucks" on the property. This lack of upkeep could extend to various amenities typically expected at a campground. The presence of a "petting zoo," albeit one with disturbing conditions as described in a review, indicates a potential feature aimed at attracting families. However, the negative experience associated with it overshadows any intended benefit. There is no mention of standard campground amenities such as restroom facilities, water hookups, electrical hookups, fire pits, or picnic tables in the context of positive experiences. The strong recommendation in one review to "go to the state campground" instead, citing "much better facilities," further implies that the services and features at Bowdish Lake Camping Area may be substandard.
The most prominent aspect of the provided reviews is the severely negative feedback regarding the owner's behavior and the overall management of the campground. One reviewer recounted an alarming incident where the owner allegedly tried to prevent them from fishing on public property, falsely claiming it as his own and even involving the police (who reportedly dismissed the owner's claims). This reviewer described the owner in highly disparaging terms and strongly advised against patronizing the business. The second review detailed a distressing experience upon arrival, where the first thing encountered was a dead sheep in the middle of the entrance road, reportedly from the petting zoo. This led the reviewer and their children to immediately turn around without even registering. The reviewer noted that this observation was consistent with other (presumably negative) reviews they had seen. The cumulative impact of these reviews suggests a severe lack of professionalism, disregard for guest experience, and potentially concerning conditions at the campground.
Features that might typically attract campers, such as recreational activities or well-maintained facilities, are conspicuously absent from any positive mention in these reviews. The petting zoo, which could have been a feature, is associated with a deeply negative experience. The proximity to Bowdish Lake, while a potential environmental feature, is also the site of a negative interaction with the owner. The overall impression from the reviews is one of a poorly managed and potentially unpleasant environment.
Promotional information is entirely absent from the provided reviews. Given the overwhelmingly negative nature of the feedback, it is unlikely that any positive promotional aspects would be highlighted by recent visitors. Local users would need to contact the campground directly to inquire about any potential deals or offers, but the strong negative sentiment expressed in the reviews should serve as a significant caution.
The consistent theme across both reviews is a highly negative perception of the management and the conditions at Bowdish Lake Camping Area. The incident involving the public lake access and the encounter with the dead animal at the entrance are particularly alarming. These experiences strongly suggest a lack of care for the property and a problematic attitude towards guests. The recommendation to choose a state campground instead further underscores the dissatisfaction of these reviewers.
For local users searching within the 'camping near me' category, Bowdish Lake Camping Area in Chepachet, RI, warrants extreme caution based on the severely negative experiences reported by recent visitors. The alleged behavior of the owner and the concerning conditions encountered on the property paint a picture of a campground that may not provide a pleasant or safe experience. Potential campers should carefully consider these reviews and perhaps seek alternative camping options in the Chepachet or surrounding Rhode Island areas, such as the state campground recommended by one reviewer, to ensure a more positive outdoor experience.
In conclusion, the introduction to Bowdish Lake Camping Area must objectively reflect the overwhelmingly negative feedback found in the recent reviews. While the location near Bowdish Lake might suggest some natural appeal, the reported issues with the owner's behavior, the dingy conditions of the campground, and the disturbing incident involving a dead animal at the entrance should be primary considerations for local users searching for 'camping near me'. It is strongly advised to exercise caution and consider alternative campgrounds in the area that have received more positive feedback regarding management and facilities.
Bowdish Lake Camping Area Photos










Bowdish Lake Camping Area Location
Bowdish Lake Camping Area
40 Safari Trail, Chepachet, RI 02814, USA
Bowdish Lake Camping Area40 Safari Trail
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Bowdish Lake Camping Area Reviews
Met the owner of this fine establishment this afternoon, tried to prevent a friend a I from fishing on public property belligerently asserting it was his (100% false, and it is a civil violation in RI to interfere with a licensed fisherman using a public resource: Bowdish lake and environs). He called the Glocester police and they laughed at it and we went back to fishing after speaking to them and confirming we had the right to fish where we were. What a hideous, self-entitled little clown of a man. I wouldn't let this man shine my shoes, never mind patronize his business. Not surprised to read so many bad reviews of his dingy little campground. A complete loser. Go to the state campground, much better facilities and you don't have to be ripped off by this shyster operation run by a dishonest jerk.
Aug 17, 2024 · D SCame here on 6-30-2023 to visit friends. We had our 3 kids in the car with us. We pulled into the entrance to register as a guest and upon arriving we were greeted by a dead sheep sitting in the middle of the road from their petting zoo. Our kids started crying and we turned around. Not sure what’s going on with this place. Before we saw the dead sheep we drove by loads of broken down old trucks. Very consistent with the other reviews……… Odd place!
Jul 01, 2023 · W WIt could be so much more. The land itself is gorgeous, natural woods, with access to two beautiful lakes and has big private sites. There are flush toilets and pay showers but they are not cleaned or supplied regularly (We ran out of TP in every stall during the 3 days 2 nights we were there) and there's no soap supplied at the sinks. The entrance is a dumping ground for old decaying trucks and power equipment. Some of the playgrounds are old and in derelict condition. There is no camp store. The pros: lots of playgrounds for the kids, big clean sites in a spralling park. The cons: no beach lake access unless you want to walk a 1/2 mile with your cooler and gear or you score a site near the beach with no bathroom access (There's no parking lot dedicated to their lake beaches). This campground is definitely geared towards RVs not so much tents.
Aug 25, 2020 · Therese SloaneHad been a seasonal camper for 6 years and my fiancé had been there longer (over 10). We were very disappointed in the lack of professionalism that the owners had with us. We as a family are very sad to have ended this chapter. This campground has gone downhill over the years and the heavy equipment that is placed all over the grounds makes it look awful! I’m sure it was beautiful back in the day and it’s too bad that it looks the way it does. 😢
May 12, 2018 · Alicia WhiteWhat a great family camping experience! My family has been camping here for over 20 years and I love coming up with my own children now. There are tons of activities, great beaches and awesome fishing! If you are looking for a weekend getaway or some summer long fun this is the place to be!
Jun 16, 2019 · Ryan Taft
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