Rhode Island River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Rhode Island

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Rhode Island River Map showing major rivers in Rhode Island, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Rhode Island State

Rivers and Waterways in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s river systems are relatively short but well-connected, flowing through rolling hills and coastal plains into Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Most rivers originate inland and move toward the coast, with several forming estuaries and tidal waterways near the shoreline. The state’s compact size means rivers are smaller but still vital for water supply and ecosystems. Reservoirs and natural lakes play an important role in providing drinking water and supporting recreation across Rhode Island.

Major Rivers in Rhode Island

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Blackstone River48 miNorthNarragansett Bay
Pawtuxet River35 miCentralNarragansett Bay
Pawcatuck River34 miSouthLittle Narragansett Bay
Woonasquatucket River19 miCentralProvidence River
Moshassuck River8 miNorthProvidence River
Ten Mile River22 miEastSeekonk River
Wood River28 miSouthPawcatuck River
Branch River19 miNorthBlackstone River
Clear River20 miNorthBlackstone River
Queen River20 miSouthUsquepaug River
Usquepaug River12 miSouthPawcatuck River
Chipuxet River9 miSouthQueen River
Hunt River14 miCentralNarragansett Bay
Sakonnet River18 miEastAtlantic Ocean
Narrow River15 miSouthAtlantic Ocean
Kickemuit River10 miEastMount Hope Bay
Annaquatucket River4 miSouthNarragansett Bay
Pettaquamscutt River5 miSouthNarragansett Bay

Major Lakes in Rhode Island

LakeTypeRegion
Scituate ReservoirReservoirCentral
Worden PondNatural lakeSouth
Johnson's PondReservoirCentral
Watchaug PondNatural lakeSouth
Tiogue LakeReservoirCentral
Bowdish ReservoirReservoirNorth
Silver Spring LakeReservoirCentral
Pascoag ReservoirReservoirNorth
Olney PondNatural lakeNorth
Carbuncle PondNatural lakeWest

Major River Basins in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s river basins are small but closely connected, with most draining into Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. These basins are essential for maintaining water quality and supporting coastal ecosystems.

  • Narragansett Bay Basin
  • Blackstone River Basin
  • Pawtuxet River Basin
  • Pawcatuck River Basin
  • Woonasquatucket River Basin
  • Ten Mile River Basin
  • Wood River Basin
  • Queen River Basin
  • Sakonnet River Basin

Rhode Island Rivers Facts

StateRhode Island
Total Rivers & Streams1,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversBlackstone, Pawtuxet, Pawcatuck
Total Waterway Length1,200+ miles
Main DrainageNarragansett Bay & Atlantic Ocean
Longest RiverBlackstone River
Shortest RiverAnnaquatucket River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesDrinking water, recreation, ecosystems
Longest River Within StatePawtuxet River
Number of River Basins6–9 Basins
Major ReservoirsScituate Reservoir, Johnson's Pond
Primary Water SourceReservoirs and surface water