I mentioned last post that we were having trouble securing reservations in Newport.  The navy run Carr Point Recreation Area, located off base, has only six spots, and though it is very early in the season they could only give us one day in site #1, then the next day in #6, nothing on day three, and then a two day stay in #6 again.  And unlike most military bases, they claimed to have no overflow areas for dry camping.

The suspension bridge leading to Newport

They were kind enough to waive the deposit until we knew for sure if day three would open up, so we made the four hour drive from West Point ever hopeful, but determined to enjoy Newport regardless.  This was our second RV trip there, having really loved both the town and the seaside campground in 2016.  It is power and water only on gravel sites, a couple of which are difficult to level, but all of them have gorgeous views of the bay. 

Our site at Carr Point overlooking the Narragansett Bay 

Our first day there all we did was sit outside and enjoy the environment, having done a minimum set up in preparation for the next day’s site move.  We executed that the next morning, and after a bit of confusion because I misread the site numbers (which you would think impossible in a place with only six spots) we got settled.  We had a great day exploring the nearby rocky beach, checking out the nearby Melville Municipal Park just in case we needed a one nighter there, and perusing the wares at the on base thrift store.

We had been pretty good about limiting our restaurant expenditures, and with it looking like we might have to shorten our stay, we rewarded ourselves with an evening out.  We try to eat the regional food in the places we go, so for Newport it was seafood, and oysters specifically.   Our research led us to Midtown Oyster Bar, which does a Wednesday evening “Shells and Champagne” special wherein their oyster chef pairs different types with a specific beer, wine, and sparkling wine.  Purchase a glass and you get the three of the designated oysters.  Purchase a bottle of the wine or sparkling and you get a dozen.

We went with the bottle of wine, a savignon blanc, and had a great small meal splitting the dozen shellfish.  They are much smaller than the Apalachicola vareity, but quite tasty.  During the process we learned that this region has a god number of oyster farmers that create a growing variety of oysters types based on the breed they start with and then growing them in specific conditions.  Sort of like the craft brewers of the shellfish world.

Another view of part of Carr Point Recreation Area: one of three sections with plenty of room for overflow dry camping

The next morning we called the office to make one last check for an opening, but alas, no.  We had three options: move to the nearby county park (expensive,) stay in one of the overflow dry camping spots (apparently not yet authorized for use) or move on (shortening out stay in Newport from five to two days.)  We were really frustrated that Carr Point has four spots already already marked out for overflow, and yet no one in the office seems to know about them and could not approve us for a one night stay.  Speaking to our RV neighbors, it seemed like we would easily get away with stealth camping there since it is off base and they never send anyone out to check on it.

But still, there would be some stress involved, so we went with the third option, which you probably already new from the post title, and left for Maine, returning to Blueberry Pond for a short, restful stay.

Easton’s Beach