Campsite Netop

For residents of Rhode Island, the name "Yawgoog" carries a weight of tradition and adventure that spans generations. Nested within this sprawling 1,800-acre wilderness in Rockville is Campsite Netop, a location widely regarded by local scout troops and outdoor enthusiasts as one of the most coveted spots in the region. Operating under the umbrella of the Yawgoog Scout Reservation and the Narragansett Council of Scouting America, Campsite Netop offers a unique blend of heritage and natural beauty. Established in 1916, this reservation is one of the oldest of its kind in the United States, and Netop remains a central pillar of its summer and off-season programming.

The atmosphere at Campsite Netop is defined by its unparalleled location. For Maryland locals visiting the Ocean State or lifelong Rhode Islanders, the campsite serves as a gateway to the quintessential New England camping experience. The site is characterized by towering white pines, the gentle lap of water against the shoreline, and the distant sounds of camp life echoing across the pond. As a "netop"—a Narragansett word meaning "friend"—this campsite lives up to its name by fostering a communal and welcoming environment where outdoor skills are honed and lifelong friendships are forged under the canopy of the Rhode Island woods.

Campsite Netop is located within the Yawgoog Scout Reservation at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873. For local travelers, the site is situated in the southwestern corner of Rhode Island, easily accessible via Interstate 95 and Route 138. The village of Rockville provides a quiet, secluded backdrop, ensuring that campers feel completely immersed in nature while remaining within a reasonable driving distance of major hubs like Providence and Westerly. The reservation's terrain is relatively flat and manageable, though it features scenic variations that include coastal forests and freshwater shorelines.

Accessibility at Campsite Netop is a major highlight for visiting troops and families. Unlike some of the more "hike-in" primitive sites found deeper in the reservation, Netop is known for its central location. It is positioned remarkably close to the main administrative and dining hubs of the reservation, making it an ideal choice for groups with younger children or those who need to move gear efficiently. Parking for the reservation is generally handled at the designated Ranger Lot or Tim O'Neil Field, with well-marked trails leading directly to the campsite entrance. The site’s proximity to the "waterfront" means that the transition from a morning at camp to an afternoon on the lake is seamless.

• Troop and Group Accommodations: The site is specifically designed to host large groups and scout troops, offering ample space for multiple tents and outdoor gear.
• Dining Hall Access: Being centrally located, guests at Netop have easy access to the reservation's historic dining facilities, where balanced meals are served during the summer season.
• Waterfront Programming: Direct access to specialized waterfront services, including supervised swimming, canoeing, and rowing on Yawgoog Pond.
• Educational Workshops: Participation in the "Yawgoog Leadership Experience" and various merit badge programs ranging from environmental science to woodcarving.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Proximity to shared restroom facilities and the Bucklin Building, which offers flush toilets and year-round accessibility.
• Waste Disposal: Dedicated trash and recycling stations are maintained to preserve the pristine condition of the forest.
• Ranger Assistance: On-site professional staff and Campmasters are available to provide safety orientations and emergency support.

• Prime Waterfront Location: Netop is famous for being "right next to the waterfront," providing campers with scenic views and immediate access to aquatic activities.
• Central Convenience: The site is extremely close to the Dining Hall and Trading Post, minimizing the time spent trekking between activities and meals.
• Wildlife Observation: The reservation is a haven for local fauna, including white-tailed deer, various seabirds, and diverse freshwater species.
• Extensive Trail Network: Access to six color-coded hiking trails (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and White) that wind through the reservation and nearby Hidden Lake.
• Historical Significance: Staying at Netop connects campers to over a century of Rhode Island scouting history and traditions.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The site is specifically noted for being good for kids, with easy-to-navigate paths and proximity to supervised activity areas.
• Evening Traditions: Each site features a dedicated fire ring for the quintessential camp experience of storytelling and song.

To plan a visit or reserve Campsite Netop, it is essential to coordinate with the Narragansett Council. Please note that while the reservation is active for an eight-week summer program, off-season camping is also available for organized groups.

• Physical Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA
• Mailing Address: Narragansett Council, Scouting America, 223 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921
• Phone: (401) 351-8700 (Council Office)
• Camp Phone: (401) 539-2311 (Seasonal)
• Email: campyawgoog@scouting.org

Campsite Netop is worth choosing primarily for its status as the "hub" of the Yawgoog experience. In a reservation of 1,800 acres, location is everything, and Netop occupies what many consider the most strategic real estate in the park. For leaders and parents, the convenience of being close to the Dining Hall and the waterfront cannot be overstated. It reduces the logistical stress of moving large groups of children back and forth, allowing more time to be spent on actual adventure and skill-building.

Furthermore, the site offers a level of immersion that is rare in modern campgrounds. By choosing Netop, you are choosing a place where the "sounds of the surf"—or in this case, the gentle lap of the pond—serve as your nightly ambient noise. It is an excellent choice for those who want a traditional tent-camping experience without the isolation of a primitive hike-in site. Whether you are a local troop returning for your annual tradition or a family looking to experience the historic charm of Rockville, Campsite Netop provides a factual, engaging, and deeply rooted Rhode Island outdoor experience. Its combination of accessibility, community, and natural beauty makes it a standout destination for anyone looking to discover the best of the Ocean State’s wilderness.