a historic stay
Just off the coast of Newport, in the heart of Narragansett Bay, Rose Island offers a rare opportunity to stay overnight on a historic 18-acre island, home to a working lighthouse and a former military fort. Every accommodation is surrounded by sweeping ocean views and constant coastal breezes, with winding paths, quiet beaches, and a protected bird sanctuary just steps away. It’s a place where many “bucket list” visits become lasting traditions.
This is not a traditional stay—it’s a one-of-a-kind, off-grid experience shaped by the island’s history and natural rhythms. After arrival, tour, & orientation, guests explore and enjoy the island independently, without full-time on-site staff or additional services.
What to expect:
Arrival by boat (about a 12-minute ride)
A peaceful, low-impact environment powered primarily by solar energy and rainwater
Simple, historic accommodations (some without electricity or plumbing)
You must bring all your own food; there are no restaurants or stores
A lively island during the day, and a quiet, private retreat in the evening once day visitors depart
Immersion in nature, sharing space with birds, seals, and other wildlife
If you’re looking to disconnect, slow down, and experience something genuinely unique, Rose Island offers a stay unlike anywhere else.
BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH A BOOKING, WE ENCOURAGE YOU FULLY REVIEW OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW.
Spend a night in a lighthouse
The Rooms
Lighthouse museum
1st floor
For those looking for rooms with history and character, our first-floor Curt Bunting and Wanton Chase Museum rooms are offered together, for up to four guests in two full-sized beds. These rooms are on the first floor of the lighthouse museum, showcasing many interesting historical photos and memorabilia, and the common areas are open to the public from 10 AM – 4 PM each day. The rooms offer magnificent water views – Curt Bunting offers views of the northern part of the island and the Newport Bridge, while the Wanton Chase room shows views of the East Passage and Jamestown.
Rates start at $380 in season for 2 ppl (max 4). 20% off in April & October. Members always receive 15% off total booking fee.
Equipped with a small kitchen pantry
Lighthouse keeper’s apt.
2nd floor
Located on the second floor of the Rose Island Lighthouse, the Keeper’s Apartment is the most spacious accommodation on the island. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. The apartment features a queen-size bed, dresser, and a love seat in the bedroom, a full-size pull-out sofa in the living room, and a round table with four chairs in the dining room. It accommodates up to four guests comfortably, and with the adjacent bunk room, an additional two children may be accommodated.
Rates start at $585 in season for 4 ppl (max 6 with children). 20% off in April & October. Members always receive 15% off total booking fee.
Fully private, with full kitchen and bathroom
foghorn room
This room sits on a rock outcropping in front of the Rose Island Lighthouse where it housed the engine that powered the Foghorn which was used to help ships navigate in the fog. The Foghorn is now gone so guests can enjoy the peace and quiet this room offers. A staircase allows guests to climb up or down from this secluded hideaway. Sitting on a cliff with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, this charming 1912 building features a queen size bed, a small dining table and a working wood stove.
Rates start at $295 in season for max 2 ppl. 20% off in April & October. Members always receive 15% off total booking fee.
There is no electricity in this accommodation. Steep Stairs. Outdoor Bathroom & Shower.
fort hamilton barracks
Step back in time and stay in our historic Fort Hamilton Barracks room. Fort Hamilton is a first system US fort built by the government in 1798 as a barracks for soldiers. Just steps away from the curtain wall of the old fort and beach front, the fortified barracks room features newly restored windows and mahogany doors that open to a small patio, lawn area and Adirondack chairs. Sleep in the restored bomb-proof barracks room but in the comfort of a queen-size bed instead of a bunk. This room is suitable for up to four guests with two sleeping cots available to accommodate children or young adults.
Rates start at $235 in season for max 2 ppl. 20% off in October. Members always receive 15% off total booking fee.
There is no electricity in this accommodation. Outdoor Bathroom & Shower.
HOW TO CHOOSE?
All rooms offer ocean views and steady coastal breezes—amenities and comfort levels vary by personal preference.
OFF-GRID SIMPLICITY
For historic comforts → Lighthouse Museum (sleeps 2-4, heat, toilet, electricity)
For a home-like stay → Keeper’s Apartment (sleeps 4-6, full bath, seating area, electricity)
UNPLUGGED & RUSTIC
Simple & private → Foghorn Room (sleeps 1-2, no electricity, wood stove)
Most rustic experience →The Barracks (sleeps 1-4, no heat, no electricity, closest to a camping experience)
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for an overnight stay on Rose Island. We’re glad you’re here—take a moment to explore. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be rewarded with a truly memorable and one-of-a-kind experience.
Island Policies
All who visit Rose Island share in the responsibility of caring for this historic and environmentally sensitive place. We ask everyone to act with respect for the island, its wildlife, and one another.
Please review all the information on this page, as well as the visitor FAQs, prior to visiting to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
-
Rose Island is both a public destination and an overnight accommodation. Guests are asked to be mindful of shared spaces, respect posted boundaries, and be considerate of others enjoying the island.
Please help maintain a clean, welcoming environment for all.
-
Leave no trace. All guests are asked to strictly observe our Carry In–Carry Out policy. Please take all belongings, trash, and recycling with you when you leave the island.
Always pick up any litter or items that may cause harm to marine animals and wildlife. Your stewardship is essential to preserving the island for future visitors.
-
Rose Island is an active wildlife refuge.
During bird nesting season (March 1 through August 15), walking is limited to designated areas, including the lighthouse grounds, barracks, and adjacent beaches. After August 15, guests may explore the full island.
At all times, please respect all posted signs and do not disturb wildlife.
-
We regret that we cannot accommodate pets for overnight stays on the island. The only exception is for full-island rentals after bird nesting season ends on August 15, a maximum of two dogs are permitted and a $150 pet fee will apply.
This policy helps us protect the island’s sensitive wildlife and natural habitat.
-
The dock is only for use by Rose and the Jamestown–Newport Ferry.
Small watercraft may land on designated beaches during public open hours, landing fee applies.
-
Swimming is permitted from the island’s beaches; however, there are no lifeguards on duty. All swimming and water activities are at your own risk.
-
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Rose Island, including all beaches, grounds, buildings, dock areas, and aboard Rose. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices.
The use of live flame (matches, candles, fireworks, etc.) is strictly prohibited on the island (exception: designated uses such as the Foghorn Room wood stove and approved fire pit areas).
-
All visitors are responsible for their own safety while on the island. Terrain may be uneven, and conditions may change quickly. Please use caution when walking, climbing, or exploring.
-
In case of emergency, please call 911.
-
Rose Island is a preserved historic site and a working wildlife refuge. Its continued care depends on the actions of every visitor.
We ask all guests to act with care, respect, and awareness—leaving the island as they found it, respecting others’ experience, and helping protect this unique place for generations to come.
Know Before you Book
Rose Island is not a typical overnight stay—it’s a chance to step into a place shaped by history, nature, and the rhythms of the harbor. Take a moment to explore what that experience is like and see if it feels right for you.
-
Just off the coast of Newport, in the heart of Narragansett Bay, Rose Island offers a rare opportunity to spend the night on a historic 18-acre island featuring a working lighthouse and a former military fort. Surrounded by panoramic ocean views, rambling gardens, quiet beaches, and a protected bird sanctuary, it’s a place where many “bucket list” visits become lasting traditions.
This is not a traditional stay. It is a one-of-a-kind, off-grid experience where historic buildings and the natural rhythms of the island shape your time. After arrival and orientation, guests enjoy the island independently, without full-time on-site staff or typical hotel services.
You can expect:
A peaceful, low-impact environment powered by solar energy and rainwater
Limited electricity and simple, historic accommodations
A lively island during the day, with visitors from 10 AM – 4 PM
A quiet, private retreat in the evening
If you’re looking to disconnect, slow down, and experience something authentic and memorable, this is a truly special place.
-
Rose Island is an off-grid property primarily powered by solar. Electricity is limited and not available in all areas. There is no Wi-Fi on the island, though cell service is generally reliable. Visitors are encouraged to take this opportunity to disconnect.
-
Facilities vary depending on your accommodation and reflect the island’s off-grid systems.
Water is collected from rainfall and stored in cisterns. It is filtered and sanitized for washing and cleaning but is not suitable for drinking.
Drinking water is provided separately.
To conserve this limited resource, all guests must follow the Tinkle Tally system:
Three pees = one flush
One poo = flushEach flush uses approximately one gallon of water. This system helps save thousands of gallons annually and ensures the island can remain open to visitors.
The facilities you will use depend on your room. Use is monitored to ensure our electricity and water resources can support the bookings.
Keeper’s Apartment: full indoor bathroom and heated shower
Museum First Floor: indoor pump toilet, sink, and outdoor solar-heated shower
Foghorn & Barracks: two outhouses and solar-heated outdoor shower
-
Visitors should bring any food, drinks, and personal items they may need during their visit. There is no food service on the island.
A small gift shop operates on an honor system and offers a limited selection of snacks, sundries, and curated memorabilia and locally made art, but it should not be relied on as a source of supplies as inventory is not guaranteed.
Visitors must carry in - carry out all supplies, trash, and recycling.
-
Rose Island is an active wildlife sanctuary. During bird nesting season (March 1 through August 15), walking is limited to designated areas, including the lighthouse grounds, barracks, and adjacent beaches. After August 15, visitors are invited to explore the full island. Please respect all posted signs and avoid disturbing wildlife.
-
Yes. Island Guides are available during public open hours to share the history of Rose Island and answer questions.
Visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace and engage with staff throughout their visit.
There is no staff on the Island after 4pm.
-
Yes. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish on Rose Island and can be obtained through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).
-
Rose Island is not handicapped accessible. Visitors must be in good physical condition and capable of climbing stairs, walking uphill on uneven ground, boarding a small boat, and walking moderate distances.
The island is not suitable for children under 5 years old.
-
Yes. Rose Island is an active historic site and community destination. During the day, visitors may include ferry and cruise ship passengers, school groups, summer camps, and special events.
In addition, seasonal wildlife protections—especially during bird nesting season—may limit access to certain areas of the island. These measures are essential to preserving the island’s role as a wildlife sanctuary.
If something may impact your stay after 5pm, we make every effort to communicate that in advance.
-
Because Rose Island is only accessible by boat, trips may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions for safety reasons.
If we cancel your trip, you will receive a full refund or the option to rebook within the same calendar year.
Guests should be prepared for changing coastal weather conditions during their stay.
-
Yes. The island is open to the public from 10 AM – 4 PM, and you should expect regular daytime visitors and activity in shared areas, including the grounds, lighthouse 1st floor museum, gift shop, beaches, and barracks museum.
The visitors that come to Rose Island for the day, in addition to overnight guests, are ferry and cruise ship passengers, school groups, camp programs, and special event celebrants.
Evenings are quieter and reserved for overnight guests.
-
Rose Island is a remote, off-grid environment with uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and limited services. For safety reasons, a minimum of two people must be present on the island at all times during overnight stays.
This requirement may be met by guests from multiple reservations. Bookings that would result in a single individual on the island may be adjusted, rescheduled, or canceled at the discretion of the Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan their stay with a companion to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
-
We require a 2-night minimum stay for all overnight accommodations that include the Lighthouse, but 1-night bookings become available 60 days in advance (on a rolling basis). Payment must be made in full at time of reservation.
Gap Nights:
If there’s a gap between 2-night stays, those nights automatically become available for booking. We encourage you to check back often or closer to the 60-day mark for 1-night availability.Please Note:
We do not make exceptions to the 2-night minimum prior to the 60-day window, but we’re happy to accommodate shorter stays when the opportunity arises. Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you! -
If you cancel:
30+ days: Full refund (minus fees)
14–30 days: 50% refund
Within 14 days: Non-refundable
Rebooking:
30+ days: $35 fee
14–30 days: $50 fee
Within 14 days: Not permitted
If we cancel (weather-related):
Full refund or option to rebook within the same calendar year
Pre-Arrival
A little preparation will help you feel at ease from the moment you step aboard and set the tone for a smooth, enjoyable stay. Try to resist over-packing, you’ll be glad you did.
-
We provide:
Bed linens, pillows, and towels
Drinking water
Cleaning supplies and trash bags
Outdoor grills and propane
First Aid kit and AED
Cooking equipment (Keeper’s Apartment & Museum First Floor only)
-
Most guests pack as they would for a beach day plus an overnight stay. You should bring:
Food, drinks, coolers, and ice (there is no full food service on the island)
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers strongly recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe, waterproof recommended)
Strongly recommended:
Flashlight or headlamp
Portable phone charger
Room-specific:
Firewood (Foghorn only, small logs under 14")
-
All overnight guests travel on our private boat Rose, which departs on a set schedule. You will receive an update about where in Newport you will be departing from before your stay. April guests depart from Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard and guests staying May-October from Fort Adams State Park. Any changes to your departure location (rare but possible) will be communicated in advance.
Departure to the island: 12:00 PM (please arrive 20 minutes early)
Return to Newport: 10:00 AM the following day
Travel time: approximately 12 minutes
Because this is a scheduled service, it is important to arrive on time. If you miss the departure, alternate transportation is not guaranteed, though the Jamestown–Newport Ferry may be available seasonally at your own expense.
PLEASE SEE FAQ BELOW FOR PARKING INFO
-
During the month of April, our boat Rose departs from Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard (One Washington Street, Newport).
Free overnight parking is available at the Newport Gateway Visitors Center (23 America’s Cup Ave). From there, walk across Washington Street to the shipyard guard station, where your captain will meet you and escort you to the boat. Dock carts are available at the guard station.
Please plan to arrive at the guard station by 12:00 PM with all luggage and supplies in hand.
If you are running late, call 401-847-4242 x2.
The boat departs on schedule and may not be able to wait. If you miss departure, transportation is not guaranteed and your stay is non-refundable.
-
All overnight guests depart from Fort Adams State Park in Newport. Please plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early to allow time for parking, purchasing a pass, and bringing your belongings to the dock.
Upon arrival, follow signs to the Visitor’s Center, where overnight parking passes can be purchased.
Place the pass in your vehicle, then proceed to North Alofsin Pier (the middle pier, marked for shuttles and ferries), where our boat Rose departs at 12:00 PM.
Parking rates are currently $10 per night for Rhode Island plates and $20 per night for out-of-state plates.
If you are running late, please call the office at 401-847-4242 x2. The boat departs on schedule and may not be able to wait. If you miss departure, transportation is not guaranteed and your stay is non-refundable. In some cases, alternate transport may be arranged for an additional fee, or you may be able to use the Jamestown–Newport Ferry (seasonal) at your own expense.
What Is IN MY room?
-
5-gallon drinking water dispenser (potable; disposable cups provided)
Indoor toilet & sink
Electricity and outlets
Heat
Mini fridge
Hot plate
Microwave
Electric Kettle, Pour Over Coffee Maker (bring coffee grounds)
Flatware, plates, and cups
Flashlight (minimal ambient lighting at night)
Linens & supplies (sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels)
Access to grills, propane, and shared fire pit
Access to beach towels, chairs, games, puzzles, and books
-
5-gallon drinking water dispenser (potable; disposable cups provided)
Full bathroom (toilet & shower)
Electricity and outlets
Heat
Full-size refrigerator
Stove, microwave, and toaster
Kettle, Pour Over Coffee Maker (bring coffee grounds)
Cookware (pots & pans), flatware, plates, cups, wine glasses
Kitchen basics (bottle/wine openers, aluminum foil, salt & pepper)
Flashlight (minimal ambient lighting at night)
Linens & supplies (sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels)
Access to grills, propane, and shared fire pit
Access to beach towels, chairs, games, puzzles, and books
-
5-gallon drinking water dispenser (potable; disposable cups provided)
Wood-burning stove
Outdoor bathroom
Outdoor shower
No electricity or charging
Flashlight (minimal lighting; bring additional light recommended)
Linens & supplies (sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels)
Access to grills, propane, and shared fire pit
Access to beach towels, chairs, games, puzzles, and books
-
5-gallon drinking water dispenser (potable; disposable cups provided)
Outdoor bathroom
Outdoor shower
No electricity or charging
No heat
Flashlight (minimal lighting; bring additional light recommended)
Linens & supplies (sheets, blankets, pillows, toilet paper, paper towels, bath towels)
Access to grills, propane, and shared fire pit
Access to beach towels, chairs, games, puzzles, and books
-
Grills & propane
Fire pit
Beach towel supply
Beach chairs
Board games, puzzles, and books
Kayaks & life vests
On-island
Once you arrive, life slows down. Days are shaped by the water, the weather, and the quiet movement of the island around you. Knowing these FAQs will help you settle in and make the most of your time here.
-
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a guided orientation to help you understand the island, your accommodations, and important water and electrical systems (and some quirks of the place).
After that, your stay is self-directed. There is no full-time on-site staff, allowing you to experience the island independently and at your own direction.
-
When you arrive, your bed will have a packet of sheets, pillow cases, blankets, and towels for you to use during your stay. We ask that you follow the instructions on the bag and thank you in advance for participating in some light-house-keeping!
-
Not during bird nesting season (March 1 through August 15), when walking is limited to designated areas, including the lighthouse grounds, barracks, and adjacent beaches.
After August 15, guests are invited to access the entire island at their own risk, while being mindful of nature.
At all times, please respect all posted signs and do not disturb wildlife.
-
Swimming is permitted from the island’s beaches; however, there are no lifeguards on duty.
Kayaks and life jackets are available for overnight guests’ use. Life jackets must be worn at all times.
All swimming and water activities are at your own risk.
-
In case of emergency, call 911.
The island is remote, with uneven terrain, changing weather, and limited lighting at night. Guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and move carefully after dark.
-
In case of emergency, please call 911.
This is not a staffed stay. Island staff may be available to assist with some questions on-site during open hours, or you can reach the office at info@roseisland.org (M-F 9am-3pm).
-
Quiet hours are 10pm – 8am, please be mindful of other guests and avoid music or excessive noise during these hours.
-
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Before departure, guests must:
Clean their space
Strip beds
Bring trash, recyclables, and used linens to the dock
A $75 cleaning fee may apply if these steps are not completed.
-
Leave no trace. All guests are asked to strictly observe our Carry In–Carry Out policy. Please take all belongings, trash, and recycling with you when you leave the island.
Always pick up any litter or items that may cause harm to marine animals and wildlife. Your stewardship is essential to preserving the island for future visitors.
Please do not leave any items, food, or supplies behind, even if you think they could be useful to other guests.
A $75 cleaning/removal fee may be charged to the credit card on file for any items left on-island.
