Campsite Weemat, Hopkinton, RI

For generations of Rhode Island families involved in Scouting, the summer pilgrimage to the Yawgoog Scout Reservation is a defining annual event. Deeply embedded within this historic, 1,800-acre wilderness is the area known as Camp Medicine Bow, and within that vibrant camp, there is a legendary spot cherished by countless local troops: Campsite Weemat.

Campsite Weemat is not a commercial, public-access campground but rather a dedicated, institutional camping area serving the structured, week-long programs of the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The enthusiastic reviews from those who know it best speak volumes about its reputation and character. Phrases like "Weemat - brother" and "Fantastic campsite. Right by the water, close-ish to Medicine Bow dining hall. It is the most centrally located campsite at Yawgoog" underscore its prime location and its strong, fraternal ties within the Scouting community. Furthermore, the review "I love this campsite, my troop has been going there for over fifty years and never have I been disappointed by this campsite" highlights its incredible legacy and reliability as a cornerstone of the summer camp experience for local troops.

Yawgoog Scout Reservation, founded in 1916, is one of the oldest and most respected Boy Scout camps in the nation. It provides an immersive outdoor education and leadership development experience within a stunning, protected setting. Campsite Weemat, situated at what is considered the "Heart of Yawgoog"—Camp Medicine Bow—offers local users a blend of essential amenities, structured program access, and a strong sense of tradition. For Rhode Island youth, a stay at Weemat is an integral step on the trail to self-reliance, leadership, and a deeper appreciation for our state's rich natural landscapes. Access to this premier facility is available exclusively to registered Scouting units participating in the summer or off-season programs.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite Weemat is strategically situated within the expansive Yawgoog Scout Reservation, which is located in the beautiful, rural landscape of Rockville, a village of Hopkinton, in the southwest corner of Rhode Island.

The official address for the overall reservation is:

Rockville, RI 02873, USA

As part of Camp Medicine Bow, Weemat benefits from its central placement within the three main camps (Three Point, Medicine Bow, and Sandy Beach) that compose the reservation.

Central Location: Weemat is renowned among Scouts for being one of the most centrally located campsites at Yawgoog, minimizing walking time to key facilities like the Medicine Bow Dining Hall, the waterfront, and various program areas.
Water Proximity: Its location "right by the water" on Yawgoog Pond provides easy access to the Albert Gunther Waterfront at Medicine Bow, which is crucial for aquatics merit badges and recreational activities.
Regional Access: The reservation itself is conveniently located off Route 138, which connects directly to Interstate 95. This makes for straightforward travel for local troops from Providence, Warwick, and other Rhode Island communities, as well as those coming from nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Natural Setting: Despite being accessible, the 1,800 acres of forested land ensure a genuine and unspoiled outdoor experience, fostering the learning of traditional Scouting skills in a true wilderness environment.

Services Offered

The services at Campsite Weemat are comprehensive, providing a full-service, expertly staffed summer camp experience for participating Scouting troops and their leaders.

Structured Summer Camp: The primary service is the organized, week-long residency program for Scouts BSA, focusing on a structured daily schedule of merit badge classes, troop activities, and camp-wide events.
Dining Hall Access: Campers at Weemat benefit from its close proximity to the Medicine Bow Dining Hall (Rathom Lodge), which provides three meals a day, simplifying the logistics for troop leaders and ensuring nutritious food is available.
Extensive Aquatics Program: Access to the Albert Gunther Waterfront means Scouts can participate in swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and specialized programs administered by the Ashaway Aquatics Center.
Specialized Program Areas: Troops staying at Weemat have access to Camp Medicine Bow's unique facilities, including the Crafts Center (H. Cushman Anthony Stockade), the Yawgoog Leadership Experience, and Webelos Outdoor Adventure areas.
Health and Safety Support: All campers are supported by the Armington Memorial Health Lodge, a centrally located facility staffed by qualified medical personnel to ensure a safe experience.

Features / Highlights

Campsite Weemat holds a special place in the hearts of Yawgoog attendees due to its unique position and the traditional atmosphere of Camp Medicine Bow.

Optimal Campsite Layout: Described as having "9 tents and a generous campfire area," Weemat provides an ideal setup for a troop to conduct the Patrol Method, promoting youth leadership and group collaboration in a spacious, designated area.
Fifty-Year Tradition: The review highlighting a troop's fifty-year loyalty to Weemat speaks to its enduring appeal and makes it a feature of history in and of itself, connecting current Scouts to generations past.
"The Heart of Yawgoog": Camp Medicine Bow's nickname, "the cream between the two Oreo cookies," suggests a vibrant, energetic, and central atmosphere, which Weemat, as its centrally located campsite, fully embodies.
Waterfront Views: Being "right by the water" provides the troop with desirable natural scenery and a sense of immediacy to the extensive lake activities that define the Yawgoog experience.
Community Atmosphere: Medicine Bow hosts numerous community events, such as the Silver CY Cracker Barrel leadership training, Bake-Offs, and Canoe Races, ensuring Weemat campers are always at the center of the week's action and excitement.

Contact Information

As Campsite Weemat is an integral, non-commercial part of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, all inquiries, reservations, and official contact information are managed by the operating council.

Official Address for Yawgoog Scout Reservation:

61 Camp Yawgoog Road

Rockville, RI 02873, USA

Phone for Camp Inquiries: (401) 539-2311 (This number is associated with the general Camp Yawgoog operations.)

Local Scouting units and families should use the official phone number or consult the Narragansett Council, BSA website for the most current summer camp registration procedures and direct contact with the Camp Medicine Bow administration.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite Weemat is exceptionally suitable for local Rhode Island users because it offers a peerless, structured, and highly traditional summer camp experience that remains close to home. For Rhode Island-based Boy Scout Troops and their families, Weemat provides more than just a camping spot; it offers a direct connection to a century of New England Scouting history.

The site’s central location within Camp Medicine Bow and its proximity to key facilities like the dining hall and waterfront make the logistical aspects of a camp week easier and more efficient for troop leaders. This allows the focus to remain squarely on the growth and education of the Scouts. The deep-rooted loyalty expressed in customer reviews demonstrates that Weemat provides a reliable, high-quality, and unforgettable experience that local troops can return to year after year, reinforcing their own troop traditions within the broader legacy of Yawgoog. For any local seeking the gold standard of organized outdoor education and character development in the state, Campsite Weemat—The Heart of Yawgoog—is the traditional choice.