Lake with Single Dock In Mountains

Slacks Pond Vacation Rentals

Swim in the clear, calm water with your kids at Slacks Pond near the charming town of Smithfield.

A Historic Freshwater Lake in Smithfield, Rhode Island

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Luxury rentals

Family-friendly

Why Rent On Slacks Pond

Slacks Pond covers 150 acres in Smithfield, Providence County, Rhode Island, about 20 minutes northwest of Providence. Built in 1823, this quiet reservoir sits in a town that was established in 1730 and carries the deep layered history of colonial New England in its architecture, institutions, and pace of life. The pond itself has a residential, community-centered character that makes it feel like a place people genuinely love rather than simply use.

Rent a Vacation Home and Settle In

Vacation rentals in the Smithfield area give families a comfortable home base in a part of Rhode Island that most out-of-state visitors never find. A lakeside cabin or vacation home with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space is a far better option than a Providence hotel for families who want to spend their mornings near the water and their evenings cooking together. Pet-friendly rentals are available, and the surrounding suburban-rural landscape is safe and pleasant for families with kids.

Fishing, Boating, and Greenlake Beach

Slacks Pond is stocked with crappie, sunfish, and perch, and the calm water is well suited to kayaking and canoeing throughout the warmer months. Greenlake Beach, the pond’s private swimming area, is available for Smithfield residents and makes the lake a genuine local asset for families staying in the town. The pond’s accessible, flat shoreline is easy to use for young swimmers and older relatives alike.

The Smith-Appleby House and Smithfield’s History

The Smith-Appleby House Museum is one of the most significant colonial-era house museums in Rhode Island, preserving a structure that spans more than 300 years of American domestic history. The Smithfield Historic District includes additional landmarks that give a walking tour real substance. For families interested in early American history, Smithfield is a genuinely rewarding destination on its own terms, and the pond adds a natural dimension that makes a multi-day stay worthwhile.

Between Providence and the State’s Quiet Interior

Slacks Pond sits at an interesting crossroads: close enough to Providence for a dinner or a museum visit, but far enough into Rhode Island’s western interior to feel separate from the city’s pace. For families who want a lake rental that combines historic character, freshwater access, and urban convenience within a compact geography, Smithfield and Slacks Pond offer a combination that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the state.

Best time to go
Visit Slacks Pond in late September, as summer's warmth lingers yet the crowds dissipate. The tranquil waters invite canoeing and fishing beneath golden autumn skies, while vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a painter's dream, offering serenity and reflection.
Water Quality
Slacks Pond's water exhibits a deep blue hue, indicative of low algae and suspended sediment levels, characteristic of an oligotrophic lake. The water clarity is ultra-clear, allowing sunlight to penetrate deeply, supporting a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Surface area (mi)
0.38
Max depth (ft)
20
Elevation (ft)
295.28

Popular activities

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Walking
  • Biking
  • Picnicking
  • Birding
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Slacks Pond has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Slacks Pond at this time. Greenlake Beach at Slacks Pond Reservoir is closed for the 2024 season and is only for use by Smithfield residents.

  • Slacks Pond is a popular destination because it offers a serene and natural setting. It provides opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking, with a peaceful atmosphere and calm waters that are particularly suitable for families and those seeking relaxation. The beach is also accessible to residents of Smithfield and Greenville.

  • Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in Slacks Pond, Rhode Island, if you are 15 years old or older. Exceptions include minors under 15, blind persons, and landowners or their family members fishing on their own property.

  • There is not a public beach at Slacks Pond; it is a private beach for use by Smithfield residents only. The beach is located on Slacks Pond Reservoir and is closed to the general public.

  • Slacks Pond is near the towns of Smithfield and Greenville. These towns are located in Providence County, Rhode Island, with Greenville being a village within the town of Smithfield. The pond is a significant recreational site for residents of these areas.