Campsite James West

- G6H9+49, Hopkinton, RI 02873

Rhode Island locals looking for a deeply traditional and fully immersive group camping experience need look no further than Campsite James West. This spacious, dedicated tent site is a key part of the famed Yawgoog Scout Reservation, a sprawling 1,800-acre wilderness area managed by the Narragansett Council. Founded in 1916, Yawgoog is one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the nation, offering a century of history and a commitment to preserving the beauty of the New England outdoors.

Campsite James West is located within the Camp Sandy Beach section, which is recognized as one of the three independent camp areas on the reservation. The site is named in honor of James E. West, the first Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, a lawyer and tireless advocate for children's rights. The names of the campsites throughout the reservation, like James West, pay tribute to figures who championed the values of outdoor life and civic engagement.

While the reservation is best known for its vibrant summer program, Campsite James West serves as an excellent year-round base for local groups—including hiking clubs, youth organizations, and family camping units—to experience the vast trail systems and pristine Yawgoog Pond during the quieter off-season months (typically September through mid-April). The site is set up for traditional tent camping, providing a rustic, back-to-nature feel while ensuring essential amenities are within easy reach.

Campsite James West is situated within the expansive Yawgoog Scout Reservation, which utilizes the general address of Hopkinton, RI 02873, USA (with the main entrance at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road in Rockville, RI). The given coordinate reference, G6H9+49, points directly to the forested land in the Hopkinton area that comprises the Yawgoog reservation, placing it conveniently in the southwestern corner of the state.

The location offers excellent accessibility for Rhode Islanders. It is a manageable drive from most major cities, being approximately 35 miles from Providence and just 16 miles from Westerly. Local campers can easily reach the reservation via main thoroughfares like State Routes 138, 3, and 45. Upon arrival at the reservation entrance, visitors directed to Campsite James West will proceed into the Camp Sandy Beach sector. Sandy Beach is the largest of the three camps and is often referred to as 'The Powerhouse of Yawgoog.' The campsite is one of many named sites within the Sandy Beach area, offering a distinct and easily locatable basecamp for local groups.

Visitors utilizing the site in the off-season must follow specific camp procedures, which include checking in with the Campmaster located in the Bucklin Building upon arrival to ensure they have the latest information on site access and safety protocols.

As a traditional group tent site, Campsite James West provides the foundational elements for a genuine outdoor experience. Its location within the fully-developed Camp Sandy Beach sector of Yawgoog ensures that groups have access to necessary centralized services, particularly crucial during weekend and off-season use:

• Dedicated Group Tent Area: A pre-designated, cleared, and maintained area suitable for pitching multiple tents, accommodating the capacity of a standard group or unit reservation.
• Centralized Sanitary Facilities: Campers benefit from access to maintained, centralized shower and flush toilet facilities located near the main Camp Sandy Beach buildings (like Metcalf Lodge). Porta-Jons or other basic toilet options may be closer to the immediate site, depending on the season and specific location within the Sandy Beach area.
• Potable Water Access: A reliable source of safe, drinkable water is accessible from centralized taps near the main camp buildings, minimizing the need for groups to bring large amounts of water.
• Fire Safety Equipment: The site includes a designated fire pit or ring for controlled campfires, along with picnic tables for group meals and activities, adhering to the reservation's specific fire safety rules.
• Campmaster/Ranger Support: The presence of on-site staff, particularly the Campmaster during the weekend season, provides immediate assistance for logistical, maintenance, and emergency needs.
• Slab Wood Availability: In the off-season, slab wood is often made available for tent sites, supporting the traditional campfire experience for which Yawgoog is famous.

The true highlight of Campsite James West is the unparalleled access it provides to the vast recreational and educational features of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation:

• Yawgoog Pond Waterfront: The Camp Sandy Beach area has its own waterfront on the beautiful 165-acre Yawgoog Pond, allowing for activities such as fishing and, seasonally, boating including canoeing and kayaking.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The campsite is an excellent launch point for exploring the reservation's multiple miles of marked hiking trails. These trails connect the three camps and extend deep into the surrounding Rhode Island wilderness, offering varying levels of challenge.
• Shooting Sports Proximity: Sandy Beach is the hub for several specialized program areas, including the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range, David Anderson Archery Range, and the Trap Range (availability is seasonal and subject to reservation rules).
• Historical Context: Camping at a site named after James E. West connects local users to a foundational figure in American youth development, adding a layer of historical significance to the outdoor retreat.
• "Yawgoog Spirit" Atmosphere: The reservation fosters a strong culture of respect for nature, community, and friendly rivalry among the camps, providing a unique, uplifting, and memorable backdrop for any group outing.

For booking reservations, seasonal availability, and specific details regarding Campsite James West and off-season camping at the historic Yawgoog Scout Reservation, Rhode Island residents should utilize the central contact details:

Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA (The general reservation mailing address is the best point of contact, as Hopkinton is the closest town to the G6H9+49 coordinates.)

Phone: (401) 539-2311 (Camp Yawgoog Office)

Email: campyawgoog@scouting.org (General reservation inquiries)

Campsite James West is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to one of Rhode Island's most treasured and historic wilderness areas. For local residents, its suitability is rooted in several key factors: Proximity, Tradition, and Quality of Experience. The location in Hopkinton offers an easily accessible yet deeply restorative natural environment, far enough from urban noise to feel like a true escape but close enough to be practical for weekend trips.

By choosing this traditional group site, Rhode Island groups—from youth organizations to outdoor enthusiasts—are guaranteed a safe, well-maintained environment backed by the decades of operational excellence of the Narragansett Council. The established network of trails, the beautiful Yawgoog Pond, and the rich history of the reservation make Campsite James West a uniquely profound and enduring destination for any local seeking a traditional, fully-supported New England outdoor adventure.

Campsite James West

G6H9+49, Hopkinton, RI 02873, USA