Campsite Abe Lincoln

For residents of Rhode Island, the name Yawgoog carries a weight of tradition and nostalgia that spans over a century. Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state in the village of Rockville, the Yawgoog Scout Reservation is an 1,800-acre wilderness sanctuary that has served as a cornerstone of outdoor education since 1916. Within this vast expanse lies Campsite Abe Lincoln, a premier destination situated in the vibrant Camp Sandy Beach section. Known as the "Powerhouse" of the reservation, Camp Sandy Beach is the newest and largest of the three sub-camps at Yawgoog, and Campsite Abe Lincoln embodies the energetic, high-spirit atmosphere that local families and youth groups have come to love. From the towering white pines to the clear waters of Yawgoog Pond, this site offers a perfect blend of historic significance and modern recreational opportunities.

Campsite Abe Lincoln is particularly distinguished by its namesake and its location within the Sandy Beach loop. For a Rhode Islander, camping here means immersing oneself in a community-driven environment where "good for kids" is not just a tag but a core philosophy. The site is designed to accommodate large groups, particularly scouts and youth organizations, providing them with a structured yet rugged environment to learn woodcraft, leadership, and environmental stewardship. The camp’s colors of blue and yellow are proudly displayed throughout the area, and the proximity to the sandy shores of the pond makes it one of the most desirable spots for those who prioritize water activities and a high-energy camp culture. Whether it is the sound of the morning reveille or the sight of the legendary mascot, Jim the Moose, a stay at Abe Lincoln is an essential Ocean State experience.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite Abe Lincoln is located at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation, 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA. For local users traveling from Providence or the East Bay, the journey is a scenic drive of approximately 45 to 55 minutes via I-95 South and RI-138 West. Its location in the town of Hopkinton puts it near the Connecticut border, offering a secluded forest experience that remains remarkably accessible for a weekend getaway or a week-long summer trek. The campground is situated in the northern portion of the reservation, which is where the Camp Sandy Beach facilities are concentrated.

In terms of accessibility, the reservation is well-organized to handle large groups and their gear. On-site parking is provided in designated areas such as the Sandy Beach Lot or the Tim O'Neil Field. To maintain the natural integrity and safety of the camp, vehicle traffic within the campsite loops is strictly limited, especially during the peak summer weeks. However, well-maintained gravel roads and dirt paths connect the parking areas to Campsite Abe Lincoln, making the transport of gear manageable for most groups. The site itself is relatively level, which is a hallmark of the sandy terrain in this part of the reservation, providing a more accessible camping surface than some of the more rugged, rocky outcrops found in the older sections of the camp.

Services Offered

• Traditional tent camping with seasonal platform tents provided during the summer eight-week program.
• Full meal services available at Metcalf Hall, the dedicated dining facility for Camp Sandy Beach.
• Access to the Armington Memorial Health Lodge, providing 24-hour medical support and first aid services.
• On-site trading post services for camping supplies, snacks, and official Narragansett Council apparel.
• Drinking water stations and potable water spigots located within a short distance of the campsite.
• Sanitary facilities including flush toilets and hot showers available at the centralized Sandy Beach bathhouses.
• Professional campmaster oversight for weekend reservations and off-season camping from September to April.
• Organized merit badge instruction and outdoor skills workshops for youth participants.
• Waste management services including centralized trash collection to support the camp's environmental policies.
• Safety and security patrols provided by the reservation staff to ensure a secure environment for all campers.

Features and Highlights

• Excellent proximity to the Sandy Beach Waterfront, famous for its kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming areas.
• Close access to the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range and the David Anderson Archery Range for shooting sports.
• A "kid-friendly" atmosphere with programs specifically designed for various age groups and skill levels.
• Direct access to a network of six color-coded hiking trails that span the entire 1,800-acre reservation.
• The site features a central fire ring, ideal for unit campfires, skits, and traditional outdoor cooking.
• Surrounded by a dense forest of white pines, providing natural shade and a classic New England scent.
• Proximity to the "New Frontiers" program area, focusing on advanced scouting and high-adventure skills.
• Opportunity to participate in the legendary Sandy Beach "spirit" traditions, including camp-wide cheers and songs.
• Stellar stargazing opportunities due to the reservation's location away from major light pollution.
• Rich wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, herons, and other native species.

Contact Information

For more information on booking a stay at Campsite Abe Lincoln or to check the 2026 summer schedule, local users can contact the Narragansett Council offices:

• Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA
• Phone: (401) 539-2311 (Reservation Headquarters)
• Organization: Narragansett Council, Scouting America
• Website: www.yawgoog.org

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Campsite Abe Lincoln is particularly worth it for those who want to be at the heart of the "Powerhouse" experience. If your group values energy, waterfront access, and the latest in camp facilities, Sandy Beach is the place to be, and Abe Lincoln is one of its cornerstone sites. The location is ideal for groups with high energy levels who want to be the first ones at the kayaks in the morning or the last ones practicing their aim at the archery range in the afternoon. For families and troop leaders, the "kid-friendly" nature of this site is a major draw, as the terrain is manageable and the proximity to Metcalf Hall ensures that meal times are convenient and stress-free.

Furthermore, this site is worth choosing because of the balance it offers between the communal camp life and the individual outdoor experience. While you are part of a large, exciting camp loop, the forest canopy at Abe Lincoln provides enough of a screen to give your group a sense of its own "home in the woods." For the Rhode Island camper who wants to experience the best of the state's interior wilderness while participating in a tradition that has defined local summers for over a century, Campsite Abe Lincoln is a top-tier choice. It provides the infrastructure needed for a safe, educational, and fun adventure, all while honoring the legacy of one of America's most historic scouting reservations.