Campsite Backwoods

- Rockville, RI 02873

Introduction / Overview: Campsite Backwoods—A Classic Rhode Island Camping Experience

For decades, Campsite Backwoods has held a special place in the hearts of Rhode Island campers, particularly those associated with youth organizations. Located deep within the beautiful, forested expanse of the 1,800-acre Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Campsite Backwoods offers a distinctly traditional and immersive outdoor retreat. Unlike typical tent-only sites, Backwoods is celebrated for being one of the only campsites on the reservation that features rustic, three-sided Adirondack lean-to shelters, providing an authentic taste of wilderness living with built-in protection from the elements. This feature alone makes it a highly sought-after destination for groups seeking a more sheltered group camping option.

Backwoods is an established campsite within Camp Sandy Beach, the "Powerhouse" of the three camps that comprise the Yawgoog Reservation. This placement ensures that while groups are nestled in a true 'backwoods' setting, they still have convenient access to the modern infrastructure, vibrant program offerings, and the legendary community spirit of Sandy Beach. The reservation, operated by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, is dedicated to providing high-quality outdoor adventure and educational programs, ensuring that any group staying at Campsite Backwoods benefits from a well-managed and memorable experience.

Many local Rhode Islanders who grew up in organized outdoor programs recall Campsite Backwoods with immense fondness, citing it as the location of cherished memories involving campfire songs, boating, and deep-woods hiking.

Location and Accessibility: Secluded Comfort in Rockville, RI

Campsite Backwoods is located within the sprawling Yawgoog Scout Reservation, with a primary address in Rockville, RI 02873. The reservation itself is nestled in the state's scenic southwestern corner, offering a pristine wilderness setting that feels miles away from the city, yet remains easily accessible via major state routes, such as Route 138.

As a campsite within Camp Sandy Beach, Backwoods is strategically positioned to offer a sense of deep seclusion while maintaining crucial operational proximity. The campsite’s layout—a blend of lean-tos and tent space—is designed for group living. Accessibility to the site is managed via the reservation's internal road network. Although the atmosphere is rustic and 'backwoods' in nature, the administrative and dining facilities of Camp Sandy Beach (Metcalf Hall) are within a manageable distance, ensuring quick access to centralized resources. Parking is typically directed to nearby designated lots, allowing groups to transport their gear and settle in without disrupting the natural environment of the campsite itself.

This Rockville location offers a perfect balance for Rhode Island groups: the ease of a quick drive-in retreat combined with the authentic challenge and beauty of the state’s impressive forested terrain, complete with white pine trees and deep hiking trails.

Services Offered for Groups at Backwoods

As a developed group camping site within a premier reservation, Campsite Backwoods provides essential services tailored for organized units, especially during the off-season (September through mid-April) when the site is often available for general group reservations:

• Adirondack Lean-tos: The signature offering, providing multiple three-sided shelters (typically seven lean-tos, each accommodating four campers on stretcher bunks) for a semi-sheltered, rustic camping experience.
• Tent Camping Space: Designated flat areas adjacent to the lean-tos for additional tent setup, allowing the site to handle larger group capacities.
• Dedicated Parking: Parking is typically available directly at the site, which is a major convenience for groups transporting equipment for their stay.
• Water Access: Potable water is made available to campers. This may be on-site (particularly in the warmer months) or accessed via a short distance to the central water source at a main camp building like the Bucklin Building.
• Sanitary Facilities: The site is generally serviced by portable toilets (porta-potties) located on the Curtis Tract or nearby, with access to modern flush toilets and shower facilities available at a central location within the overall reservation area (like the Bucklin Building) during the off-season.
• Slab Wood Supply: During the off-season, slab wood is often made available by the camp to campers for use in the fire pit, streamlining the process of building a cooking or warming fire.

Key Features and Highlights of Campsite Backwoods

Campsite Backwoods is a top choice for local groups due to its unique features and access to the rich programming of Camp Sandy Beach and the wider reservation:

• The Lean-to Advantage: The presence of permanent Adirondack lean-tos offers a unique and highly popular form of group accommodation that is less common than simple tent sites, providing reliable shelter and a traditional scouting experience.
• Sandy Beach Proximity: Campers are near the facilities of Camp Sandy Beach, including its waterfront on Yawgoog Pond for boating and swimming (seasonally), the Metcalf Hall dining area, and the Shooting Sports ranges.
• Canoe Excursion Base: The site is perfectly situated to organize classic New England canoe excursions, such as the memorable overnight trip to Phillips Island—a cherished tradition for many campers.
• Fishing Opportunities: Local lore highlights the excellent perch fishing near King Phillips Island on Yawgoog Pond, an activity easily accessed by groups staying at Sandy Beach.
• Immersive Trail System: Groups can step directly onto the extensive trail network of the Yawgoog Reservation, which includes six main color-coded trails running through the woods, lakes, and notable landmarks of the 1,800-acre wilderness.
• Historical Community and Tradition: Being part of Yawgoog means being connected to a place steeped in over a century of history, marked by songs, cheers, and traditions—an enriching cultural experience unique to this Rhode Island institution.

Contact Information

For groups in Rhode Island interested in reserving Campsite Backwoods, especially for off-season weekend camping, inquiries should be directed to the Yawgoog Scout Reservation or the managing council:

Address: Rockville, RI 02873, USA (The full camp address is 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873)

Yawgoog Scout Reservation Phone: (401) 539-2311

Narragansett Council Phone: (401) 351-8700

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Rhode Island Locals

For residents and organized groups in Rhode Island, Campsite Backwoods at Yawgoog offers the ideal local camping solution. It masterfully combines a primitive, 'backwoods' aesthetic—enhanced by the popular, semi-permanent lean-tos—with the assurance of well-maintained support facilities. This is not a rough-and-tumble campground; it is a meticulously managed, historic reservation where safety and positive development are paramount.

The consistent, positive nostalgia expressed by generations of local campers underscores its status as a vital part of Rhode Island’s outdoor heritage. Whether it's a youth troop revisiting the legendary camp songs like "Flea, Flea Fly Flow" and the "Sandy Beach Song," or a local group simply looking for a convenient, high-quality, and deeply forested weekend getaway, Backwoods provides the perfect, authentic New England camping experience without ever having to leave the state. It is a local gem that promises adventure, tradition, and the building of lifelong memories right in the heart of Rhode Island’s beautiful wilderness.

Campsite Backwoods

Rockville, RI 02873, USA