Campsite Paul Siple

- Rockville, RI 02873

For those local to Rhode Island seeking an ideal balance of deep-woods tranquility and convenient access to essential amenities, Campsite Paul Siple stands out as a premier rustic destination. This group camping area is one of the many storied sites located within the venerable Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, RI. The reservation, established in 1916, is a vast, 1,800-acre tract of protected wilderness that offers a truly traditional New England camping experience.

Specifically, Campsite Paul Siple is situated in the Camp Sandy Beach section, one of the three distinct camps that operate within the reservation. The site is named in honor of Paul Siple, a famous American scientist and polar explorer who had a connection to the Scouting program, reflecting the reservation's commitment to outdoor education and adventure. While primarily serving youth groups during the intensive summer season, its availability during the quieter fall, winter, and spring months offers a rare opportunity for local groups—from family gatherings to outdoor clubs—to reserve a prized location.

What makes Paul Siple particularly noteworthy is its location. As one appreciative camper noted, it is considered the "best campsite" and is "so close to the sandy beach dining hall." This proximity to a major camp building, which houses services like the dining facility and administrative support, provides an optimal blend of a secluded tent camping experience with the comfort of having quick access to infrastructure—a significant advantage for groups of any size who prefer not to trek long distances for common needs.

Campsite Paul Siple is a hidden gem located within the boundaries of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation at the official address of Rockville, RI 02873, USA. The reservation's main entrance is situated at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, placing it firmly in the southwestern corner of Rhode Island. This region is easily accessible via state routes from nearly any point in the state, offering a relatively short and straightforward drive for residents across Providence, Warwick, or South County.

The campsite’s location within the Camp Sandy Beach section is its primary selling point. Sandy Beach is generally located furthest into the reservation, toward the north of the Camp Medicine Bow area. Accessing Paul Siple typically involves following the internal camp roads to the Sandy Beach hub, which is centered around the Metcalf Hall (the dining hall). Due to its favorable proximity to this core building, accessing the site is more convenient than other more remote sites, making load-in and load-out less strenuous. During the off-season, campers should always check in with the Campmaster at the main Bucklin Building before proceeding to the site, following the established weekend camping procedures.

As a traditional group tent site in a rustic setting, Campsite Paul Siple is part of a larger, well-established infrastructure network. While the site itself maintains a primitive feel, campers benefit significantly from the extensive services offered by the surrounding Camp Sandy Beach and Yawgoog Reservation:

• Designated Group Tent Area: A sizeable, semi-primitive section of the woods dedicated to group tent pitching, complete with natural boundaries to ensure privacy for your unit.
• Immediate Proximity to Metcalf Hall: The standout amenity is the quick and easy walk to the Sandy Beach Dining Hall (Metcalf Hall), which simplifies logistics for groups during seasons when dining services or emergency access may be required.
• Shared Restroom and Shower Access: Clean, maintained restroom facilities, often including flush toilets and hot showers, are available a short distance away in the main Camp Sandy Beach buildings, significantly elevating the comfort level of the rustic camping experience.
• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Essential site furnishings are provided for cooking, gathering, and enjoying meals outdoors, allowing for a classic New England campfire experience.
• Potable Water Source: Access to a centralized source of safe, tested drinking water is provided by the reservation, typically located near the main camp buildings for easy, if brief, retrieval.
• Trading Post Access: The Camp Sandy Beach area has its own Trading Post (when operational), which is a convenient spot for purchasing last-minute necessities, camp souvenirs, and snacks.

Campsite Paul Siple is a gateway to the best of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation's extensive features. Its location, combined with the reservation's natural and recreational offerings, creates a memorable camping experience:

• Yawgoog Pond Waterfront: Camp Sandy Beach provides direct access to Yawgoog Pond, allowing for seasonal swimming, canoeing, and non-motorized boating, all available through the Sandy Beach Waterfront program area.
• Shooting Sports Hub: The Sandy Beach area is the home base for the reservation's shooting sports, including the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range, David Anderson Archery Range, and Trap Range, offering unique group activity opportunities subject to reservation policies and scheduling.
• Extensive Hiking and Nature Trails: Campers can easily access the vast network of marked hiking trails that wind through the 1,800 acres of protected forest and connect the reservation's three main ponds: Yawgoog, Wincheck, and Hidden Lake.
• Campcraft and Outdoor Skills Center: Sandy Beach is known for its Campcraft/Outdoor Skills center, a valuable resource for groups looking to enhance their fundamental outdoor and survival knowledge.
• Historical Significance: Camping at Paul Siple places you in one of the oldest and most respected outdoor education centers in the United States, offering a sense of tradition and deep connection to the history of outdoor recreation in New England.

For all inquiries regarding reservations, availability, and specific logistical details for Campsite Paul Siple, particularly for non-summer group use, please direct communications to the central management of the reservation.

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

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

Email: campyawgoog@scouting.org

For residents of the Ocean State, Campsite Paul Siple offers a uniquely balanced and accessible outdoor getaway. Its location within the respected Yawgoog Scout Reservation means locals benefit from a well-managed property with rich natural resources, all within a reasonable driving distance from major Rhode Island towns and cities. The distinct advantage of Paul Siple is its "secret" proximity to the Camp Sandy Beach amenities, providing a level of comfort and convenience that is rare in truly rustic camping environments.

This site is perfect for the local group that desires the bonding experience of traditional tent camping—the campfire stories, the sound of the forest, the easy access to miles of hiking—without sacrificing the quick access to modern comforts for a smooth and enjoyable weekend. By choosing Paul Siple, Rhode Islanders are selecting a traditional piece of their state’s wilderness heritage, ensuring a hassle-free, nature-focused adventure that is right here at home.

Campsite Paul Siple

Rockville, RI 02873, USA