Picnic Businesses at Rhode Island State Parks
Picnic Businesses interested in providing custom picnics within Rhode Island State Parks, must first obtain an Annual Picnic Business Permit.
Rhode Island State Parks has a carry in-carry out policy, which means there are no trash cans for general use. Picnic Businesses must provide a receptacle for the exclusive use of their customers.
Picnic Businesses are responsible for the setup, breakdown and complete removal of all items immediately after the event! If customers take any items to another location in the park after the conclusion of their event, we ask they be reminded to please help keep our parks clean and take their trash home with them.
Alcohol and cannabis-based products are prohibited on RI State Park properties, with the exception of specific locations, and through a license agreement, approved by the Rhode Island State Properties Committee.
Fort Adams State Park does not host this type of activity due to the significant number of events taking place at this park throughout the year.
Lincoln Woods State Park requires you or your customer to reserve a site for this type of activity.
It is your responsibility to reach out to the Regional Manager of the park you are interested in, to discuss your requested date, reserve a site (if required), and to receive any guidance or information. We ask that you reach out the Regional Manager of the park at least 5 days in advance of your event. Approval of events are at the discretion of Park Management.
This permit limits the attendance at these picnics to no more than 25 people. Picnics that exceed 25 people or are combined with any other activities or events may require a Special Use Permit.
You must receive prior approval from the Regional Manager in order to apply for a Special Use Permit. Plan ahead! Special Use Permit applications need to be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event. Submission of an application does not guarantee that your event will be permitted.
Picnic Businesses Hired for Private Events
1. Park patrons who wish to have a custom picnic set-up, must select a picnic business from our list of Approved Picnic Business Vendors, or ask their desired business to register to become an approved vendor.2. Event organizers must first contact the Park Manager at the RI State Park they are hoping to host their event. Approval of events are at the discretion of Park Management.
Approved Picnic Businesses
For a list of approved Picnic Businesses go to the RI Parks Events & Rentals-Special Use Policy & Permits Page
How Apply to for an Annual Picnic Company Permit
The permit remains active for one year from the date of approval, as long as the Certificate of Insurance (COI) we have on file for your business remains up to date.
It is your responsibility to verify that your customer has received permission for the specific type of service your are providing. If you are not certain whether they have permission, reach out to the Regional Manager of the park to confirm.
You are responsible for setup, breakdown and clean up immediately after the event.
1. Create your Community Profile with login and password. Once you're logged in, you can proceed. Every time you use the site, start by logging in.
3. You will need to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI). Email Insurance Certificates to Erin Rogers at erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov. Please see below for insurance requirements.
4. You will receive a $100.00 invoice for administrative processing costs, and an email from RI State Parks, when your permit has been approved.
UPDATE! We are currently in the process of switching credit card processing companies. Until further notice, all payments for Annual Picnic Company Permits must be made by check.Please make checks out to the State of Rhode Island and mail them to: RI/DEM, 1100 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. The name of your company and the invoice number should be noted in the memo line of your check.Once your permit has been issued, you will be listed on our website as an Approved Picnic Company Vendor.
The Description of Operations on your insurance MUST indicate: The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is named as additionally insured on a primary and non-contributory basis and subrogation is waived for the additional insured.
The Certificate Holder on your insurance MUST read: The State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908
If you have any questions, contact RI State Parks at 401-667-6200 or email erin.rogers@dem.ri.gov.
