Outdoor Adventures

Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area is a compact day-use destination in northwestern Rhode Island where visitors can fish, swim, picnic and hike around 13-acre Peck Pond, then explore trails extending into the surrounding George Washington Management Area. This guide focuses on the details that matter before a visit: the exact entrance, seasonal activities, the no-boats rule, hunting-season visibility and what to verify on the day you go.

Pulaski State Park at a glance

• Official name: Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area; the state also uses Pulaski Memorial Recreation Area
• Address: 151 Pulaski Road, Chepachet, RI 02814
• Setting: a 100-acre day-use area within the 4,000-acre George Washington Management Area
• Water: 13-acre Peck Pond
• Primary activities: freshwater fishing, swimming, picnicking, hiking, game fields and cross-country skiing
• Important restriction: boats and all flotation devices are prohibited on Peck Pond

Getting there and parking

Use the park’s own street address—151 Pulaski Road in Chepachet—rather than the separate management-area mailing address. The official Rhode Island State Parks page lists an electric-vehicle charging station with a four-hour maximum while using the park or another facility. The charger does not reserve or guarantee a parking space on busy days.

Pulaski is a day-use park, not the overnight campground. Travelers looking for campsites should use the nearby George Washington State Campground guide, which covers its separate Putnam Pike entrance, primitive site types and Bowdish Reservoir access.

Fishing Peck Pond

Rhode Island State Parks specifically highlights spring trout fishing at Peck Pond. Fish from shore and keep the park’s strict watercraft rule in mind: boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other flotation devices are not allowed. Before casting, check the current Rhode Island freshwater fishing regulations, license requirements, trout-season rules and any posted closures. Conditions and stocking schedules can change during the year.

• Bring shore-fishing gear and plan to stay on established public-use areas.
• Do not assume a general state season or limit applies without checking the current regulation source.
• Clean footwear and fishing equipment between waters to help reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Give swimmers and other shore users generous space.

Swimming and summer day use

Swimming is an official summer activity at Peck Pond, but water-quality notices, staffing and temporary closures can change. Check Rhode Island DEM’s current water-safety information before leaving home and follow all posted signs on arrival. Never treat calm freshwater as risk-free: supervise children closely, stay within designated areas and leave the water if weather changes.

The park also lists a picnic area and game fields. Pavilion use requires a reservation; walk-in rentals may be accepted only when space is available. Groups, schools, companies and organizations may need a special-use permit, and the state asks for those applications at least 30 days ahead.

Hiking and winter cross-country skiing

Short hikes begin in the day-use area, while the winter cross-country ski network continues into the adjacent George Washington Management Area. The state describes about 10 miles of groomed trails when snow conditions support the program. Winter operations are weather-dependent, and trails close at 3:30 p.m.; call the park for current conditions before making a ski trip.

Carry a downloaded or printed trail map, allow extra time in short winter daylight and turn back before conditions deteriorate. Cell service should never be treated as your only navigation method.

Safety and seasonal rules

• Hunting season: fluorescent orange requirements apply to every park user when the rule is in effect. Check current dates and clothing requirements before hiking.
• Ticks and mosquitoes: use repellent, stay on maintained routes where possible and complete a tick check after the visit.
• Water: verify current swimming status and obey the prohibition on boats and flotation devices in Peck Pond.
• Winter: call ahead for grooming and closure information; bring layers and traction appropriate for current conditions.
• Facilities and access needs: contact the district office at (401) 723-7892 for the most current pavilion, accessibility and on-site facility details.

A simple half-day plan

Arrive with the exact Pulaski Road address, check posted notices, and start with a short walk along the wooded day-use area. Anglers can spend the morning shore fishing; summer visitors can pair a picnic with designated swimming when it is officially open. In winter, make the trail-conditions call first and choose a route that fits the available daylight.

Official planning links

• Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area
• Rhode Island freshwater fishing information
• Current freshwater fishing regulations
• Rhode Island DEM water-safety program

Information was verified August 24, 2026. Swimming status, trail grooming, fishing rules, pavilion availability and seasonal safety requirements can change; recheck the official sources immediately before travel.