Campsite Dan Boone

Campsite Dan Boone stands as one of the most distinguished and spacious group camping locations within the legendary Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Rhode Island. For residents of the Ocean State, "Yawgoog" is a name synonymous with heritage, leadership, and the great outdoors, and Campsite Dan Boone embodies these values perfectly. This site is specifically designed to accommodate large groups and scout troops who are looking for a semi-permanent, high-quality outdoor home during their stay. Named after the legendary American pioneer Daniel Boone, the site captures the spirit of exploration and rugged self-reliance that has been the hallmark of Rhode Island scouting since 1916.

The atmosphere at Campsite Dan Boone is one of communal tradition and natural beauty. Surrounded by towering white pines and hardwoods that define the southwestern Rhode Island landscape, the campsite offers a sense of privacy and seclusion while remaining deeply integrated into the vibrant camp life of the reservation. It is a place where young campers learn the foundational skills of woodcraft, from building the perfect cooking fire to mastering the art of safe ax and saw use through the Totin' Chip program. For many Rhode Island families, a week spent at Dan Boone is a rite of passage, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the local environment and the bonds of friendship formed under its wooden canopies.

Campsite Dan Boone is located at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, tucked away in the serene forests of Washington County. For local users traveling from Providence or the coastal towns of South County, the site is easily accessible via I-95 and Route 138. The village of Rockville provides a quiet, secluded setting that feels worlds away from the urban bustle of the state's northern corridors. The campsite is positioned within the Sandy Beach section of the reservation, a camp known for having the largest capacity and a high-energy social atmosphere.

Accessibility is a key feature of Campsite Dan Boone, as it is designed to handle the logistical needs of large troops. The site includes on-site parking for gear drop-off and adult leader vehicles, typically utilizing the nearby Tim O'Neil Field or the dedicated Ranger Lot for long-term parking. The paths leading into the campsite are well-marked and maintained, allowing for efficient movement of equipment and supplies. Furthermore, its location within the reservation provides campers with a central base from which to explore the expansive trail network, including the "Hidden Lake Trail" and the various color-coded paths that wind through the 1,800-acre wilderness.

The services offered at Campsite Dan Boone are tailored to support an organized, multi-day camping experience for both youth and adult leaders. These services prioritize safety, education, and the convenience of group living in a rustic environment.

• Large Group Accommodations: The site is equipped with approximately eight four-person lean-tos (Adirondack shelters), providing a sturdy and elevated sleeping environment.
• Provisional Support: During the summer season, the site benefits from the oversight of the Sandy Beach camp director and professional program commissioners.
• Dining Services: Campers have access to Metcalf Hall, the reservation's largest dining lodge, where traditional camp songs and three daily meals are part of the experience.
• Waterfront Programs: Participation in supervised swimming, canoeing, and sailing on Yawgoog Pond is a core service available to all site residents.
• Merit Badge Training: Access to on-site educational centers for training in environmental science, first aid, and traditional scoutcraft.
• Health and Safety: 24-hour access to the reservation's Health Lodge and professional ranger staff for medical and logistical emergencies.
• Off-Season Availability: The site remains available for troop reservations from September through mid-April, offering a more primitive experience during the cooler months.

Campsite Dan Boone is celebrated for its specific infrastructure and its proximity to the reservation's most popular program areas. These features make it a standout choice for those looking for a traditional New England camping aesthetic.

• Traditional Lean-tos: The presence of multiple four-person lean-tos allows for a "dry" camping experience that keeps campers off the ground and protected from the elements.
• Central Social Hub: The site features a large, dedicated fire ring surrounded by benches, perfect for evening storytelling, reflections, and patrol meetings.
• Flag Pole and Parade Ground: A dedicated flag pole within the site allows troops to conduct their own morning and evening ceremonies.
• Communal Dining Areas: Multiple large picnic tables are strategically placed throughout the site to facilitate outdoor meals and craft sessions.
• Proximity to Sandy Beach Waterfront: As one of the Sandy Beach campsites, Dan Boone is just a short walk from the white sands and docks of Yawgoog Pond.
• Mascot Traditions: Residents of Dan Boone are part of the Sandy Beach "Blue" camp, following traditions led by the camp mascot, Jim the Moose.
• Environmental Immersion: The site is deeply wooded, providing excellent shade and opportunities for wildlife observation, including deer and various bird species native to Rockville.

For those looking to reserve Campsite Dan Boone or learn more about the upcoming summer session dates, the following contact information for the Narragansett Council and Yawgoog Scout Reservation should be used.

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

Campsite Dan Boone is worth choosing for the Rhode Island camper who values the balance of tradition and scale. In a reservation as vast as Yawgoog, having a campsite that can comfortably house a large troop while providing high-quality infrastructure like Adirondack lean-tos is a major advantage. For leaders, the presence of these permanent structures means less time spent pitching tents and more time dedicated to the actual program—whether that’s hiking to Hidden Lake or mastering the ropes at the Challenge Center. The site’s layout encourages a strong patrol method, giving youth the space they need to lead themselves while remaining within sight of their adult advisors.

Furthermore, the spirit of Sandy Beach is infectious. Choosing Dan Boone means becoming part of the "largest and loudest" section of the reservation, where the energy in the dining hall and on the waterfront is unmatched. For local families, it offers a factual and safe environment where children can gain independence in the heart of the Rhode Island woods. Whether you are visiting for the eight-week summer program or conducting a winter survival campout, Campsite Dan Boone provides the space, the history, and the natural beauty that makes Rhode Island's outdoor heritage so special. It is a location where memories are built one campfire at a time, and it remains a premier choice for anyone looking to experience the very best of New England camping.