Campsite Richard Byrd

- Rockville, RI 02873

For residents of Rhode Island seeking an authentic group camping experience steeped in tradition and surrounded by unspoiled New England wilderness, Campsite Richard Byrd offers an excellent choice. This dedicated group tent camping site is a part of the vast and historic Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, RI, a cherished 1,800-acre property operated by the Narragansett Council. Founded in 1916, Camp Yawgoog is one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the United States, lending every corner of the reservation a deep sense of history and commitment to outdoor life.

Campsite Richard Byrd is specifically located in the Camp Sandy Beach section, one of the three semi-independent camp areas within the reservation. Like other sites in the area, it is named after a prominent American figure, in this case, Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the famed polar explorer who led multiple expeditions to Antarctica. This name reflects the adventurous spirit of the location and the generations of outdoor enthusiasts who have called it home for a week or a weekend.

While the reservation's primary focus is its intense summer program for youth, the off-season provides a valuable opportunity for local groups—such as schools, religious organizations, family reunions, or hiking clubs—to reserve a spacious and established group site. Campsite Richard Byrd is designed for traditional tent camping, offering a rustic feel while providing access to the centralized facilities of Camp Sandy Beach, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported outdoor adventure for Rhode Island locals.

The Campsite Richard Byrd is situated within the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, located at the general address of Rockville, RI 02873, USA. The reservation entrance is at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road. The location in the southwestern corner of Rhode Island is strategically convenient, being roughly 35 miles from Providence, 16 miles from Westerly, and easily reachable via major state routes like Route 138, 3, and 45. For most Rhode Islanders, it represents a drive that is far enough to feel like a true escape but close enough for an easy weekend trip.

To reach Campsite Richard Byrd specifically, visitors must proceed into the Camp Sandy Beach section of the reservation. Sandy Beach, often referred to as the 'youngest and most spirited camp,' lies somewhat to the north of Medicine Bow Camp. The campsite is part of a large constellation of sites in this area, which are typically well-marked on the internal camp maps. Off-season campers arriving for their reservation will first need to check in with the Campmaster at the main reservation entrance or the Bucklin Building, following the specific weekend camping procedures provided upon booking. The final approach to the Richard Byrd site involves traveling on camp roads that weave through the forested terrain of the reservation.

Though Campsite Richard Byrd itself is a dedicated space for traditional tent camping, its residency within the Camp Sandy Beach area of Yawgoog Scout Reservation means groups benefit from access to robust, centralized amenities designed to support large units:

• Designated Unit Campsite: A cleared, secure, and spacious area maintained for group tent setup, accommodating unit-sized gatherings (capacity usually specified during booking).
• Shared Restroom Facilities: Access to cleaned and maintained facilities located near the main Camp Sandy Beach buildings (such as Metcalf Lodge). During the summer, the Metcalf Lodge area offers bathrooms with flush toilets and showers on the northern side of the first level.
• Centralized Water Source: Safe, potable water is available from centralized taps near the main Camp Sandy Beach hub, ensuring campers do not need to transport their own water for drinking and cooking.
• Fire and Cooking Areas: Each group campsite is traditionally equipped with designated fire rings or pits for safe campfire cooking and gathering, alongside picnic tables for communal meals.
• Trading Post Convenience: The nearby Camp Sandy Beach Trading Post (operational during peak seasons and select off-season hours) provides a convenient spot for purchasing forgotten items, basic supplies, and snacks.
• Staff Support and Security: Campers benefit from the year-round presence and management of the Narragansett Council, which provides administrative, emergency, and maintenance support for the entire reservation.

Campsite Richard Byrd serves as an excellent basecamp for experiencing the unique recreational and historical features of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, making it more than just a place to pitch a tent:

• Direct Access to Yawgoog Pond: The Camp Sandy Beach area includes a dedicated waterfront on Yawgoog Pond, a 165-acre body of water central to the reservation. This allows for seasonal activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
• Gateway to the Trail System: From the Sandy Beach area, campers have immediate access to a vast network of color-coded hiking trails that span the 1,800-acre reservation, offering diverse terrain for nature walks and longer-distance hiking.
• Rich Program Area Accessibility: Being located in Sandy Beach grants excellent access to specialized program areas, including the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range, David Anderson Archery Range, and the dedicated Campcraft/Outdoor Skills center (availability subject to season and reservation policies).
• Historical Immersion: The site honors Admiral Richard E. Byrd, tying the camping experience to the grand tradition of American exploration and outdoor achievement, which is a key part of the reservation's century-plus history.
• Natural Beauty: The reservation is largely a forested area of mixed deciduous and evergreen trees, with a naturally flat terrain punctuated by the scenic Yawgoog and Wincheck Ponds, providing a picturesque and quiet New England woodland setting.

For all booking, scheduling, and logistical questions regarding Campsite Richard Byrd and group camping at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, please use the central contact information for the Narragansett Council:

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

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

Email: campyawgoog@scouting.org (General Inquiries)

Campsite Richard Byrd is an ideal local destination for Rhode Island residents and groups because it offers a significant retreat into nature without demanding an excessive journey. It allows families and local organizations to unplug and connect with the outdoors in a truly traditional, safe, and well-organized environment. Its position within the sprawling Yawgoog Scout Reservation means your group benefits from established maintenance standards, available facilities, and access to a massive tract of protected state wilderness, offering deep forests and beautiful pond waterfronts.

For a quick weekend escape or a more involved week-long nature immersion, the Richard Byrd campsite provides the perfect balance: a rustic tent site nestled in the woods, yet just a short walk from modern amenities like flush restrooms and centralized water. It is a local heritage site that continuously renews the outdoor spirit, making it the premier choice for Rhode Islanders seeking a traditional, fully-supported wilderness adventure close to home.

Campsite Richard Byrd

Rockville, RI 02873, USA