Campsite Davy Crockett, Hopkinton, RI

Introduction / Overview: Campsite Davy Crockett—The Heart of Rhode Island’s Outdoor Tradition

Campsite Davy Crockett is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is an institution woven into the fabric of outdoor tradition for countless Rhode Islanders. Located within the historic and expansive 1,800 to 2,000-acre Yawgoog Scout Reservation, Davy Crockett is one of the distinct campsites nestled in the Camp Sandy Beach area—often nicknamed “The Powerhouse of Yawgoog.” This site is primarily known for its commitment to classic, high-quality tent camping, making it an ideal choice for organized groups, such as youth organizations, seeking a structured yet deeply immersive experience in the New England woods.

The entire Yawgoog Reservation, managed by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, has been a cornerstone of outdoor adventure and character development since 1916. Campsite Davy Crockett, named for a famous American frontiersman, embodies the spirit of exploration and self-reliance. It provides a foundational camping experience while ensuring easy access to the exceptional programming and infrastructure of the Sandy Beach camp area.

While the full reservation comes alive during its intensive eight-week summer program, Campsite Davy Crockett is often available for weekend and off-season group reservations (typically September through mid-April). This availability allows local Rhode Island groups and families to secure a highly sought-after spot and enjoy the tranquility and recreational opportunities of the reservation when the summer programs are not in session.

Location and Accessibility: A Hopkinton Address with Deep Woods Charm

Campsite Davy Crockett is geographically situated within the larger Yawgoog Scout Reservation, with its general location identifiable by the address: G6H9+49, Hopkinton, RI 02873, USA. Although the reservation spans parts of Rockville and Hopkinton, this specific address points to the deep woods of the southwestern corner of Rhode Island, a region known for its pristine forests, ponds, and quiet natural beauty.

The site’s position within the Camp Sandy Beach area is one of its key advantages. Sandy Beach, located somewhat to the north of Camp Medicine Bow, features its own unique infrastructure, including a dining hall (Metcalf Hall), a waterfront on Yawgoog Pond, and program centers. Campsite Davy Crockett offers a balance of peaceful seclusion typical of tent camping, paired with reasonable accessibility to these main communal areas, which is crucial for comfort and logistics during a group stay.

Accessibility to the broader reservation is straightforward for Rhode Island residents. The camp is conveniently located near major state routes, such as Route 138, providing a relatively short and direct drive from Providence, Warwick, or other parts of the state. While the drive-in offers convenience, the surrounding 2,000 acres of wilderness ensure that the moment you arrive at Davy Crockett, you are completely immersed in an authentic outdoor environment.

Services Offered at Campsite Davy Crockett

Campsite Davy Crockett operates as a high-capacity group tent site, providing core services necessary for a safe and successful outdoor unit outing, especially during the off-season when it is commonly utilized for weekend camping:

Designated Tent Platforms and Sites: The campsite is primarily equipped for traditional tent camping, featuring marked areas designed to accommodate groups.
Water Access: While the site is primitive, potable water is made available to campers, often accessible at a centralized location like the nearby Sandy Beach camp facilities or the Bucklin Building, depending on the season.
Sanitary Facilities: Access to restrooms is provided. During the full summer program, campers benefit from updated facilities within the camp. In the off-season, portable toilets (Porta-Jons) may be available on or near the site, with modern flush toilets and shower facilities accessible at a main camp building year-round.
Fire Pits: Designated fire rings are available within the site for safe and responsible campfires, adhering to all state and reservation fire regulations, including the annual spring fire ban (March 15 - May 15).
Slab Wood for Fires: During off-season reservations, the reservation often makes slab wood available, simplifying the fire-building process for groups.
Support from Campmasters: For weekend and off-season guests, the reservation employs Campmasters who check-in guests at the Bucklin Building and are available to assist with logistical needs during the stay.

Features and Highlights of Davy Crockett and Sandy Beach Access

Choosing Campsite Davy Crockett connects groups to the vibrant activities and unparalleled environment of Camp Sandy Beach and the wider Yawgoog Reservation:

Close Proximity to Program Areas: The site offers easy access to the extensive facilities located within Sandy Beach, including the Archery Range, the Lane Bliven Rifle Range, and the Trap Range, which are managed by the reservation's Shooting Sports department.
Yawgoog Pond Waterfront Activities: Campers can utilize the Sandy Beach waterfront for a variety of water sports (seasonally), including canoeing and boating on the 165-acre Yawgoog Pond—a central feature of the reservation.
The Trail System: Campsite residents gain immediate access to miles of well-marked hiking trails that span the reservation's 2,000 acres of deciduous and evergreen forest, connecting to various points of interest and other ponds like Wincheck Pond and Hidden Lake.
Rich History and Community Spirit: As a site within the "Youngest and Most Spirited" Camp Sandy Beach, groups partake in a rich cultural experience steeped in camp history, songs, and friendly rivalry that is unique to the Yawgoog tradition.
Group Capacity: Davy Crockett is structured to accommodate medium-to-large organized units, making it an excellent logistical choice for youth groups and educational retreats from across Rhode Island.

Contact Information

For organized groups and local Rhode Island residents seeking to reserve Campsite Davy Crockett for a retreat, all booking and inquiries are centralized through the reservation and its managing council:

Address: G6H9+49, Hopkinton, RI 02873, USA (Part of the larger 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873 complex)

Yawgoog Scout Reservation Phone: (401) 539-2311

Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America Phone: (401) 351-8700

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Rhode Island Locals

Campsite Davy Crockett represents the quintessential Rhode Island group camping experience. It offers a unique blend of deep-woods tent camping immersion and the logistical support of a world-class reservation. For local users, its Hopkinton location provides an accessible escape into a vast, protected wilderness that feels entirely removed from the clamor of everyday life. This is a place where new generations can follow in the footsteps of countless Rhode Islanders, developing character and outdoor skills within a safe, established, and tradition-rich environment.

The site's access to the unique recreational offerings of Camp Sandy Beach—from shooting sports to aquatics on Yawgoog Pond—means every visit, whether for a week in summer or a quiet weekend in the off-season, can be tailored to the specific goals of the group. Choosing Davy Crockett supports a local institution and ensures that Rhode Island residents have a premier destination for traditional, educational, and memory-making group adventures, all within a short drive from home.