The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced that parking passes for the 2026 state beach season are now available for purchase. Passes can be bought online at www.beachparkingri.com, with options for residents, non-residents, and seniors.
Online passes may take up to 24 hours to become valid. Returning customers who have not changed their registration or contact details do not need to complete the verification process again. Physical passes are no longer issued; instead, license plate recognition is used for entry at state beaches. This system allows pass holders to use express lanes at most locations. Season passes provide access to all eight state beaches but do not guarantee parking, as spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
In-person purchases will be available starting Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the LAZ Parking office located at Fishermen’s Memorial State Park & Campground in Narragansett. The office will be open Wednesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and closed on weekends and holidays. Expanded hours begin April 6.
“During the cold days of winter, look ahead to this summer’s beach days by buying your 2026 state beach season parking pass,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The more beachgoers who buy their parking passes ahead of time, the faster we’ll all be able get on our beautiful state beaches during the busy summer ahead.”
Disability parking passes are available at no cost for eligible individuals by contacting RI State Parks Headquarters at 401-667-6200. Seniors aged 65 and older can obtain a discounted pass if they are present in the vehicle with identification; otherwise, standard day-use fees apply. All season passes are non-refundable and must be purchased according to residency status or age.
The DEM manages programs supporting agriculture, forestry, and land conservation throughout Rhode Island in partnership with other organizations and landowners (official website). Its administrative headquarters is located in Providence (official website), where it oversees services such as agricultural product registrations and forest stewardship planning (official website).
For further information about DEM programs or updates on parks and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow DEM on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), and Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem).