Campsite Neil Armstrong

- Rockville, RI 02873

Nestled deep within the serene and expansive Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Campsite Neil Armstrong offers Rhode Island residents a truly authentic and traditional wilderness camping experience. Far from the hustle and bustle of commercial campgrounds, this specific site is a named group camping area located within the Camp Sandy Beach section of the reservation. For over a century, Camp Yawgoog, encompassing over 1,800 acres of beautiful New England forest and waterways, has been a sanctuary for outdoor education and adventure, making sites like Neil Armstrong a cherished local resource.

While Campsite Neil Armstrong is primarily utilized by organized youth groups, particularly during the summer camp season, its availability during the off-season provides an unparalleled opportunity for other local groups and families to secure a highly sought-after, semi-primitive tent site. Named in honor of the famed astronaut and a nod to the spirit of exploration, the campsite embodies a sense of quiet adventure and a chance to disconnect. The atmosphere is one of simplicity and tranquility, focusing campers on the essential elements of the great outdoors—campfires, forest sounds, and star-gazing that rivals the view from any space station. It is this commitment to a rustic, back-to-basics environment that resonates so strongly with Rhode Islanders seeking a genuine escape right here in the western part of the state.

Campsite Neil Armstrong is situated in the Camp Sandy Beach area of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, located in Rockville, Rhode Island, 02873. This location places the campsite in the southwestern region of the state, a relatively convenient drive for residents across the entire state, offering a feeling of deep woods seclusion without demanding a multi-hour journey.

The main access point for the entire reservation is 61 Camp Yawgoog Road. Upon arriving at the reservation, visitors must follow established camp procedures, which often involve checking in at the Bucklin Building (located in the Camp Three Point area) with a campmaster, especially for weekend and off-season use. While the general area of Camp Sandy Beach is well-known, Campsite Neil Armstrong itself is typically reached via internal camp roads or trails, ensuring a secluded experience. Campers should anticipate parking in designated lots and a short, manageable carry of gear to the site—a small trade-off for the privacy and deep-woods ambiance. The proximity to Yawgoog Pond and the vast trail network makes this site’s location ideal for exploring the natural beauty of the Rhode Island woods.

As a traditional, non-commercial camping area designed for group use, Campsite Neil Armstrong emphasizes essential, rustic services to maintain its natural charm. Campers benefit from the surrounding infrastructure of the larger Camp Sandy Beach and Yawgoog Reservation:

• Group Tent Camping Area: A defined, wooded space capable of accommodating multiple tents, suitable for a scout troop, church group, or extended family gathering.
• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with designated facilities for safely cooking meals and enjoying the quintessential campfire experience.
• Restroom Access (Proximal): While the campsite itself features basic facilities, flush toilets and shower facilities are accessible within the main camp structures, such as the Bucklin Building or the Sandy Beach service areas.
• Potable Water Supply: Fresh drinking water is available from central locations within the reservation, often requiring a short walk from the campsite, maintaining the rustic feel while ensuring safety.
• Access to Dining and Trading Post: Camp Sandy Beach operates its own dining hall and trading post during the summer season, providing convenient access to essential supplies, snacks, and camp necessities.
• Year-Round Availability (Off-Season): While the summer is reserved for youth programs, the site may be available for general public group reservations during the cooler months, offering a unique opportunity to experience the quiet beauty of the Rhode Island woods in autumn or spring.

The true highlights of Campsite Neil Armstrong are the features of the surrounding Yawgoog wilderness, which are easily accessible from this specific location within Camp Sandy Beach. These features make it a standout destination for local outdoor lovers:

• Camp Sandy Beach Waterfront Access: Camp Sandy Beach maintains its own waterfront on Yawgoog Pond, offering activities like swimming (seasonally) and non-motorized boating, including kayak and paddleboard rentals.
• Extensive Trail Network: Camp Yawgoog boasts numerous marked trails, identified by colored chevrons (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, White), running throughout the 1,800-acre property. Campsite Neil Armstrong serves as an excellent starting point for day hikes and long treks.
• Shooting Sports Facilities: The Sandy Beach area is home to the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range, the David Anderson Archery Range, and a Trap Range, which are available to groups under proper supervision and scheduled use, adding a unique activity element to the camping trip.
• Close to Program Centers: Camp Sandy Beach houses the Campcraft/Outdoor Skills center, making it a perfect hub for groups interested in learning traditional outdoor skills and knot-tying.
• Historic and Natural Setting: The reservation is the fifth oldest Boy Scout camp in the United States, offering a rich historical backdrop. The landscape is a pristine New England forest, featuring Yawgoog Pond, Wincheck Pond, and various unique rock formations and flora.

To inquire about reserving Campsite Neil Armstrong, especially for group camping outside of the primary summer season, interested parties should contact the governing organization for the reservation. Specific details on pricing, availability, and capacity for this individual campsite are handled centrally.

Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA

Phone: General reservation phone number is (401) 539-2311

Campsite Neil Armstrong is an ideal choice for Rhode Islanders who value authenticity, tradition, and a deep connection to nature. For local families, youth groups, and outdoor clubs, this campsite offers a meaningful escape that is both geographically close and atmospherically distant from the daily routine. The site’s location within the sprawling and meticulously maintained Camp Yawgoog reservation ensures that campers have access to a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities—from canoeing and fishing on Yawgoog Pond to exploring miles of hiking trails. Its non-commercial, group-oriented nature fosters a true sense of community and self-reliance, which are core values for any New England outdoor enthusiast.

By choosing a location like Campsite Neil Armstrong, locals are not just finding a place to sleep; they are accessing a piece of Rhode Island’s protected history and a top-tier natural environment. Its convenience means a weekend trip is effortless, yet the deep woods setting guarantees a memorable, rejuvenating, and unplugged experience that only the rustic tranquility of Rockville, RI can provide. It is, quite simply, the perfect local launchpad for your next great Rhode Island adventure.

Campsite Neil Armstrong

Rockville, RI 02873, USA