Campsite Scott, Hopkinton, RI

For generations of Rhode Island youth and those who lead them, the name Yawgoog Scout Reservation is synonymous with the state’s premier wilderness camping tradition. Tucked away within the vast, protected acreage of this historic reservation in Rockville, RI, is Campsite Scott. Unlike typical public campgrounds, Campsite Scott is a dedicated, structured group camping location, specifically renowned for its prime setting within Camp Three Point, one of the three main divisions of Yawgoog.

Campsite Scott is highly valued by its regular visitors, particularly local Scout troops, who frequently laud it as one of the best camping spots on the reservation. Testimonials from past campers often emphasize its 'best views' and its atmosphere of being 'scenic and secluded.' This reputation is earned through its careful integration into the natural landscape and its location away from the more central, highly trafficked areas of the main camp.

While the Yawgoog Reservation is primarily known for its extensive eight-week summer program, Campsite Scott and its sister sites in Camp Three Point are often available for reservation during the 'off-season,' which typically runs from early September to mid-April. This makes it an ideal, readily accessible base camp for local youth organizations—especially those affiliated with the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America—seeking an authentic, organized, and beautiful outdoor adventure right here in Rhode Island.

Campsite Scott is nestled within the sprawling 1,800-acre wilderness of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, officially located in Rockville, Rhode Island 02873. Yawgoog’s main entrance and central hub are accessed via 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, a well-known route for anyone traveling to the western part of the state for outdoor recreation.

Its location within Camp Three Point—the oldest and most tradition-filled section of the reservation—gives it a particularly esteemed status. This placement means it is situated among some of Yawgoog’s most enduring program facilities, including the Bucklin Memorial Building, the Environmental Education Center, and the Camp Three Point Waterfront.

Accessibility for local residents is straightforward. The reservation is conveniently located just off major state routes (such as RI-138) near the Connecticut border, making the drive relatively short and manageable from population centers like Providence and Warwick. Once inside the reservation, however, the site feels wonderfully remote, surrounded by the mature, forested landscape that defines this corner of New England.

As a dedicated campsite for organized groups at a long-standing institution, Campsite Scott offers a suite of essential services that support self-sufficient unit camping, particularly during the off-season weekend period.

Large Unit Capacity: Campsite Scott is equipped to host a substantial group, typically sized for one unit (such as a large Scout Troop) with a capacity often estimated up to 75 attendees, ensuring ample space for all members.
Water and Sanitation: The campsite has designated latrine facilities equipped with running water, antibacterial soap, and other necessities. Additionally, campers have access to flush toilets and hot showers located in the central facilities of Camp Three Point.
Prepared Tent Areas: The site features clear, level areas for pitching a large number of tents, maintaining the traditional, immersive tent-based camping experience.
Campfire Amenities: Every group campsite, including Scott, provides a designated fire ring and picnic tables, vital components for group cooking, fellowship, and the classic campfire experience.
Resource Availability: Groups benefit from access to central reservation services, including a Trading Post for emergency supplies and souvenirs (with limited off-season hours), and available slab wood for campfires.
Campmaster Support: During weekend and off-season operations, dedicated Campmasters are available at the Bucklin Building for check-in, logistical support, and ensuring the safety of all visiting groups.
Mail Service: During the main summer season, the reservation runs a daily mail service, with a specific mailbox for Campsite Scott, allowing local families to send mail directly to their camper—a unique and traditional touch.

Campsite Scott stands out not only for its seclusion but also for its proximity to key areas and the overall quality of the Yawgoog experience, which provides the following highlights:

Premier Location in Camp Three Point: Widely celebrated by regulars, Campsite Scott is known for its excellent views and secluded feel, often considered the most desirable location within the oldest part of the reservation.
Direct Access to Yawgoog Pond: The campsite is a short distance from the Camp Three Point Waterfront, granting access to the 160-acre Yawgoog Pond for water activities such as canoeing, rowing, and kayaking (with equipment rentals available for groups).
Extensive Trail System: Campers have access to the reservation's full network of trails, providing countless miles for hiking, nature observation, and exploration of the 1,800-acre protected forest, including trails to Hidden Lake and Long Pond.
Proximity to Program Hubs: Being in Three Point, it is strategically located near central facilities like the Arthur Livingston Kelly Environmental Education Center (Nature Center), the Challenge Course, and the Memorial Bell Tower.
Historical Significance: Staying at a campsite named after a famous figure in Yawgoog history connects local campers to the rich, century-long tradition of one of America's oldest Scout camps.
Focus on Skill Development: The entire Yawgoog setting is geared toward outdoor skills, leadership training, and personal growth, offering a purpose-driven camping experience far beyond simple recreation.

Campsite Scott, as a component of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, is administered by the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

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

Phone: (401) 539-2311 (Yawgoog Reservation Main Line)

For local groups interested in reserving Campsite Scott for off-season camping, the primary point of contact is the Narragansett Council’s central office or the specific reservation system (often online) dedicated to Yawgoog’s weekend facilities. Inquiries regarding policies, specific dates, and eligibility for group use should be directed to the Council’s administrative contact.

For families and youth organizations across the Ocean State, Campsite Scott at Yawgoog Scout Reservation represents an unparalleled opportunity for traditional outdoor education and adventure. Its location in Rockville is a reasonable drive from anywhere in Rhode Island, yet it feels worlds away, providing the deep, calming seclusion that true wilderness camping requires.

The fact that the campsite is within a highly regarded, locally operated reservation means that groups benefit from organized support, maintained facilities, and a safe, purpose-driven environment. For a Rhode Island-based group looking for a truly authentic, secluded, and 'best-in-class' traditional camping experience without having to cross state lines, Campsite Scott is the quintessential local choice, offering scenic beauty and a heritage that is woven into the fabric of the community's outdoor life.