Point Judith Lighthouse
Narragansett, RI
A squat octagonal tower on a rocky headland at the mouth of Narragansett Bay, still an aid to navigation. The grounds are open for views of the surf and ferries; the tower itself is generally not open to climb.
The octagonal, conical granite tower of Point Judith stands on the west side of the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It was built in 1856 and first lit in 1857; it is 51 feet (about 16 m) tall, with a focal height of 65 feet. The predecessor tower of 1810 was 35 feet tall and was destroyed by a hurricane in 1815. The Coast Guard automated the light in 1954; it still uses a fourth-order Fresnel lens and a fog horn. The lighthouse has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1988.
Nearby is the fishing village of Galilee, from where ferries run to Block Island. How close you can get to the tower depends on current Coast Guard rules, so check before you visit. The visit is short; allow half an hour and combine it with Galilee.
- Nearest town
- Narragansett, RI
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 41.3614, -71.4813
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp HoffmanCampsite9 mi from Point Judith Lighthouse
- Wawaloam CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Point Judith LighthouseMotorhomes
- Whispering Pines CampgroundMotorhome stopover18 mi from Point Judith LighthouseMotorhomes
- Frosty Hollow Shelter Camping AreaCampsite20 mi from Point Judith LighthouseTentsToilets
- Tefftweald at BirchenturnCampsite20 mi from Point Judith LighthouseNo dogs
- Camp WightmanCampsite23 mi from Point Judith Lighthouse
All campsites in Rhode Island · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Point Judith Lighthouse?
Point Judith Lighthouse is in Narragansett, RI, at GPS 41.3614, -71.4813. It is about 12 mi from Newport.
Can you camp near Point Judith Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Senior Hill, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Point Judith Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Beavertail State Park (7 mi), The Breakers (12 mi), Newport Cliff Walk (12 mi) and Watch Hill (20 mi).
When is the best time to visit Point Judith Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)