Campsite Baden-Powell

Campsite Baden-Powell stands as a unique and high-energy destination within the legendary Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Rhode Island. Named after Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, this campsite carries a legacy of tradition and communal growth. Unlike many traditional campsites where groups remain isolated, Baden-Powell is designed to be a melting pot of campers. It primarily serves as the home for the "Provisional Camp" and the "Fun Friends Adventure" (FFA) programs, making it the heartbeat of the reservation for those looking to expand their horizons beyond their home troop.

The atmosphere at Campsite Baden-Powell is famously defined by its "spirit and hydration." It is widely recognized among Rhode Island scouts as one of the most energetic sites on the reservation, often leading the charge in songs, cheers, and camp-wide fellowship. For many local youth, this site represents the ultimate opportunity to meet peers from across the country, transforming a group of strangers into a "big family" within the span of a single week. Whether it is the record-breaking consumption of water during high-energy meals or the shared pursuit of merit badges, life at Baden-Powell is fast-paced, social, and deeply rooted in the core values of scouting.

Located in the serene village of Rockville, RI 02873, Campsite Baden-Powell is nestled within the 1,800-acre wilderness of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation. For Rhode Island residents, the location is highly accessible via Route 138, providing a scenic drive into the southwestern corner of the state near the Connecticut border. The reservation itself is a historic landmark, having operated since 1916, and Baden-Powell is strategically positioned to provide campers with easy access to the main program areas of the reservation.

Accessibility within the site is well-managed, with on-site parking available for those arriving with gear or for parents during Sunday drop-off and Saturday pick-up. While the terrain is typical of the Rhode Island woods—consisting of beautiful deciduous and white pine forests—the paths are established and easy to navigate for campers of all ages. The site’s central location within the camp infrastructure means that the dining halls, waterfront, and trading posts are all within a manageable walking distance, allowing even the youngest campers to move confidently between activities.

Campsite Baden-Powell provides a specialized suite of services tailored to "provisional" campers—those who are attending camp without their home troop or those staying for an additional week of adventure.

• Provisional Scoutmaster Supervision: The site is managed by dedicated Yawgoog staff members who serve as Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters, ensuring high-quality leadership and safety.
• Fun Friends Adventure (FFA) Program: A structured weekly program that follows a "troop-style" hierarchy with Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders chosen from the campers.
• Educational Advancement: Full access to the reservation's merit badge programs, with a focus on high-demand skills like BSA Lifeguard, Eagle-required badges, and Silver COPE awards.
• Dining Services: Campers eat together in the reservation's dining halls, participating in the famous Yawgoog mealtime traditions and cheers.
• Themed Weekly Events: Each week at Baden-Powell features a unique theme that influences the spirit and activities of the provisional troop.
• Multi-Week Discounts: A significant service for local families, where a second or third week at camp is often offered at a reduced rate (typically half price) to encourage extended outdoor stays.
• On-Site Health and Safety: Round-the-clock access to the camp’s medical facilities and professional ranger staff.

The features of Campsite Baden-Powell reflect its role as a premier youth development site. From its rustic infrastructure to its vibrant social environment, the highlights of this site are unforgettable for local Rhode Island youth.

• High-Energy Spirit: Known as the camp with the "most spirit," featuring legendary cheers and a culture of extreme hydration (often cited for drinking dozens of pitchers of water per meal).
• Canvas Tent Platforms: Traditional camping setups that provide a classic outdoor experience while keeping gear off the forest floor.
• Dedicated Fire Pit: A central gathering spot for evening reflections, storytelling, and the strengthening of the "Baden-Powell family" bond.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: Explicitly designed to be welcoming for solo campers, making it easy for children to find friends and feel at home quickly.
• Close Proximity to Program Centers: Just a short walk from the main reservation hubs, reducing travel time and maximizing activity time.
• On-Site Parking: Convenient parking facilities that accommodate the logistics of moving gear in and out of the wooded site.
• Integration with Nature: Surrounded by white pines and diverse wildlife, providing a constant connection to the local ecosystem of Washington County.

For more information regarding current rates, session dates, or registration for the Fun Friends Adventure program at Campsite Baden-Powell, please use the following contact details for the Narragansett Council.

• Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA
• Phone: (401) 539-2311 (Seasonal Reservation Office)
• Council Phone: (401) 351-8700 (Narragansett Council Office)
• Web: www.yawgoog.org

Campsite Baden-Powell is worth choosing for any Rhode Island family whose child wants to experience the magic of Yawgoog but cannot attend with their regular troop, or for the scout who simply doesn't want the summer to end. The site’s greatest strength is its ability to foster immediate community. While a child might arrive alone, they leave as part of a tightly-knit patrol, having gained social confidence and leadership skills that are difficult to replicate in other settings. For parents, the professional staff-led model provides peace of mind, knowing that experienced leaders are providing the structure and supervision necessary for a successful week.

Furthermore, the financial value for local residents is a major draw. The ability to return for a second week at a fraction of the cost makes it an affordable way to keep youth engaged in productive, outdoor activities all summer long. While the site is known for its "intensity"—which might be overwhelming for those seeking a quiet, meditative retreat—it is the perfect choice for the scout who thrives on energy, competition, and the legendary spirit of Rhode Island scouting. If you are looking for a place where your child will stay hydrated, make friends from across the country, and participate in a century-old tradition of excellence, Campsite Baden-Powell is a factual and high-value choice.