Washington County, Rhode Island
Black Rock Beach
Black Rock Beach is the clothing-optional beach on Block Island, Rhode Island — a small island about 13 miles off the coast of Point Judith, accessible only by ferry.
- Day use
- Island
About this place
Black Rock Beach is the clothing-optional beach on Block Island, Rhode Island — a small island about 13 miles off the coast of Point Judith, accessible only by ferry. The C/O area is on the island's southwestern shore, at and around the black rock outcropping that gives the beach its name. The beach here is rocky and rugged, typical of the island's south and west coast character, with Atlantic swells and a more exposed, wild feel than the sandy eastern beaches.
Block Island itself is a state-designated scenic area, with over a third of its 11 square miles protected as conservation land. The island has no traffic lights, limited car access, and a culture of outdoor recreation — hiking, cycling, kayaking — that makes it a popular escape from the Rhode Island and Connecticut mainland. The nude beach tradition at the southwestern shore is long-established and locally accepted.
Getting to Block Island requires a ferry from Point Judith (State Pier, Galilee, RI) — about 55 minutes for the traditional ferry. High-speed service is available from Providence and Newport in summer. From the New Harbor, Black Rock Beach is reached by walking or cycling to the island's southwest — roughly 2.5 miles from town, most of it on quiet roads or trails.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Outdoor-oriented crowd: hikers, cyclists, naturists who combine the beach with a day of island exploration. Mix of Rhode Island and Connecticut day-trippers and weekenders staying at Block Island's inns.
How to find it
Ferry from Point Judith (Interstate Navigation, State Pier, Galilee RI). From New Harbor on Block Island, head southwest toward Black Rock Point — follow Corn Neck Road south, then west toward the Mohegan Bluffs area. About 2.5 miles. Bike rental available near the ferry dock.
Things to watch out for
The southwestern shore is exposed and rocky — bring shoes for the approach, not just flip-flops. Ferry parking at Point Judith fills early in summer; arrive by 8am on weekends. Ferries book out on holiday weekends — reserve in advance.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Informal C/O tradition — no signs or designated markers. Keep nudity away from the main walking paths where textile hikers pass. Island community is small; behave accordingly.
Know this spot?
Report an update
Beach closed? Parking price changed? Section moved? Send a short note and we'll check it.
Also in Rhode Island
