Campsite Lewis and Clark, Hopkinton, RI

Introduction / Overview: Campsite Lewis and Clark at Historic Camp Yawgoog

For decades, Campsite Lewis and Clark has served as an exceptional destination for organized group camping, firmly established within the expansive and historic grounds of the Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Rhode Island. As one of the premier campsites in the Northeast, Lewis and Clark is utilized extensively throughout the reservation’s famous eight-week summer camp season, and remains a popular option for weekend camping rentals during the off-season months (typically September through mid-April). The campsite is specifically part of the "Campcraft Pavilion and Tent Site" area, offering a more developed and structured camping experience compared to primitive sites.

Located in the heart of Rhode Island’s beautiful southwestern wilderness, Camp Yawgoog spans over 1,800 acres and is operated by the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America. It is a place of deep tradition, high standards, and significant historical value for local Rhode Islanders, having been in operation since 1916. Lewis and Clark is consistently reviewed as an "excellent campsite" by those who have spent their summer weeks there, highlighting its quality and ability to support robust, multi-week programs or weekend retreats.

Whether you represent a scouting troop, a school outdoor club, or another large youth organization in Rhode Island, the Lewis and Clark campsite provides a superb foundation for adventure, leadership development, and enjoying the tranquility of the great outdoors without venturing far from home.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Base in the Wilderness

Campsite Lewis and Clark is physically situated on the greater Yawgoog Scout Reservation property, which has the official mailing address of Rockville, RI 02873, placing it in the town of Hopkinton, near the Connecticut state line. The site is notable because it is adjacent to the highly useful Campcraft Pavilions, indicating its placement in a well-developed sector of the reservation, specifically within the Camp Medicine Bow or a central programming area.

For Rhode Island residents, Camp Yawgoog is conveniently accessible via major state highways, notably Route 138 off of I-95, making the trip from Providence, Warwick, or South County relatively easy. Once within the reservation, the proximity of Lewis and Clark to key facilities and the designated Sandy Beach parking lot (as indicated by the Campcraft Pavilion's information) ensures that arrival, set-up, and access to central services are streamlined for large groups.

This advantageous location strikes a perfect balance: it offers the deep woods ambiance and wilderness necessary for an authentic camping experience, while maintaining close, practical access to necessary infrastructure, a critical feature for adult leaders planning a stay for youth groups.

Exclusive Services Offered at Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Campsite and its adjacent Campcraft Pavilions are equipped to support intensive group programs. The services available, particularly for off-season weekend rentals, are often more comprehensive than those at purely primitive sites:

Integrated Shelters and Tent Space: The site is linked to the Campcraft Pavilion area, which includes seven permanent Adirondack-style shelters, each capable of sleeping four campers in stretcher bunks, alongside ample space for additional troop tents. The total capacity in the Adirondacks alone is approximately 28 people.
Kitchen and Dining Support: The adjacent Campcraft Pavilions include four buildings that feature electricity, picnic tables, and often a propane stove/oven, providing vital indoor cooking and dining space, especially useful during inclement weather or cooler off-season months.
Water and Sanitary Facilities: Campers have access to water, typically from the nearby Bucklin Building or other designated sources, depending on the season. Porta-jons (portable restrooms) are often placed on-site or nearby during the off-season. During summer camp, access to flush toilets and showers is available at the nearest major camp facility.
Electric Access: The Campcraft Pavilions include electrical hookups, a significant benefit for groups requiring power for charging devices, lighting, or operating minor equipment.
Sports and Recreation Proximity: The site is located adjacent to a dedicated basketball court and a sports field, offering immediate recreational space for troops to use during free time.
Firewood Availability: Slab wood is typically available for purchase or acquisition by registered groups for use in fire pits, adhering to the annual fire ban protocols (e.g., March 15 - May 15 restrictions) when applicable.

Key Features and Highlights for Local Campers

Campsite Lewis and Clark stands out among Rhode Island camping options for its hybrid offering of traditional tent camping combined with highly practical permanent structures and utilities:

The Campcraft Advantage: The unique combination with the Campcraft Pavilions is the key feature. This setup provides essential covered, indoor space with electricity and cooking amenities, elevating the quality and functionality of the group camping experience far beyond a basic tent site.
High Group Capacity: With space for approximately 28 people in the provided Adirondacks, plus room for numerous additional tents, this is an excellent choice for large local troops, crews, or organized groups seeking to camp together efficiently.
Dedicated Recreational Facilities: The adjacent sports field and basketball court mean that physical activity and teamwork are easily facilitated right next to the sleeping and cooking area, ensuring a well-rounded program for youth.
Deep Yawgoog Tradition: As a unit within the historic Yawgoog Scout Reservation, the site is steeped in a century of tradition and quality outdoor instruction, a value recognized and respected by the local community.
Flexible Group Lodging: Offering both the rustic charm of tent sites and the convenience of Adirondack shelters provides flexibility for campers with varying levels of comfort or specific weather requirements.
Accessibility to Program Areas: Located within the reservation’s developed area, the site allows convenient access to Yawgoog’s extensive network of hiking trails, Yawgoog Pond, and centralized program centers like the Nature Center and Archery/Shooting Sports facilities.

Contact Information

For all booking inquiries, availability information for Campsite Lewis and Clark, and general information about the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, local Rhode Islanders should utilize the main contact details for the Narragansett Council:

Address: Rockville, RI 02873, USA (Physical location is within the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, 61 Camp Yawgoog Road)

Yawgoog Scout Reservation Phone: (401) 539-2311

Narragansett Council Office Phone: (401) 351-8700

Conclusion: Why Lewis and Clark is Suitable for Rhode Island Locals

Campsite Lewis and Clark is an ideal camping destination for Rhode Island locals, particularly those connected to youth and organizational groups, for several critical reasons. It provides a level of quality and integrated amenity that is rarely found in traditional public campgrounds. The combination of ample tent space, permanent Adirondack shelters, and the adjacent Campcraft Pavilions with electricity and kitchen access makes planning a successful group outing—from a weekend retreat to a multi-day training session—incredibly manageable and enjoyable.

For parents and leaders in the local community, choosing Lewis and Clark means utilizing a trusted, well-maintained facility with a proven history of excellence, evidenced by the high praise from past campers. It is a true “Adventureland Forever” in the Ocean State, allowing groups to focus on leadership, nature education, and team-building against the backdrop of Yawgoog’s preserved wilderness, all while enjoying the necessary comforts that make group camping less stressful and more enriching.