Charlestown is a town located in Washington County, Rhode Island, with a population of 7,997 as of the 2020 census. Charlestown was incorporated in 1738 and named after King Charles II. Originally part of Westerly, the town was divided, and the area north of the Pawcatuck River became the town of Richmond in 1747.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Charlestown covers a total area of 59.3 square miles, with 36.8 square miles of land and 22.5 square miles, or 37.86%, consisting of water. Charlestown is bordered by Westerly to the west, Richmond to the north, Hopkinton to the northwest, and South Kingstown to the east. The village of Charlestown lies in the town's southeast, Quonochontaug is located in the southwest, and Carolina is on the northern border.

Charlestown is a town located in Washington County, Rhode Island, with a population of 7,997 as of the 2020 census. Charlestown was incorporated in 1738 and named after King Charles II. Originally part of Westerly, the town was divided, and the area north of the Pawcatuck River became the town of Richmond in 1747.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Charlestown covers a total area of 59.3 square miles, with 36.8 square miles of land and 22.5 square miles, or 37.86%, consisting of water. Charlestown is bordered by Westerly to the west, Richmond to the north, Hopkinton to the northwest, and South Kingstown to the east. The village of Charlestown lies in the town's southeast, Quonochontaug is located in the southwest, and Carolina is on the northern border.

In 2011, Charlestown became the first municipality in the U.S. to pass a ban on all types and sizes of electricity-generating wind turbines, covering both large commercial and small residential turbines. The revised ordinance, "Residential Wind Energy Facilities," aims to regulate the construction and operation of wind energy facilities as accessory uses for residential and agricultural purposes. It sets standards to ensure public health, safety, and welfare, while also minimizing the impact on the town's scenic, natural, and historic resources.

Ninigret Park, once home to the Naval Auxiliary Air Station Charlestown, is now a popular recreational area. It features a small beach, a bike track, sports fields, tennis courts, and the Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory. The park hosts many major town events, such as the Charlestown Seafood Festival, the Big Apple Circus, and the Rhythm and Roots music festival.

Charlestown boasts several beaches, often referred to as "Rhode Island's best-kept secret," offering miles of pristine, secluded sands for outdoor activities or quiet relaxation. Notable beaches include "Blue Shutters Town Beach" and "Charlestown Town Beach," as well as state-run areas like "East Beach State Beach" and "Charlestown Breachway State Beach."

Burlingame State Park and Campground, covering 3,100 acres of rocky woodland around Watchaug Pond, is entirely within Charlestown. Visitors can enjoy camping at one of 755 sites, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and hiking. The area north of Buckeye Brook Road near the Pawcatuck River is designated for hunting.

The Charlestown Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual seafood and lobster festival during the first week of August. Local businesses and vendors showcase various seafood offerings. This festival has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in America by the American Tour Bus Association in 1988, 1996, and 2008.