Campsite Slade

For generations of Rhode Islanders, the journey to the southwestern corner of the state has meant one thing: a week of tradition and adventure at the Yawgoog Scout Reservation. Among the many historic plots within this 1,800-acre wilderness, Campsite Slade stands as a premier destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the legacy of Camp Three Point. As the oldest of the three distinct sub-camps on the reservation, Three Point is often called the "Heart of Yawgoog," and Campsite Slade is a vital part of that beating heart. For local scouts and outdoor enthusiasts, staying at Slade means more than just pitching a tent; it means becoming part of a story that dates back to 1916. The site is characterized by its high-canopy forest of white pines and hardwoods, providing a classic New England backdrop for building woodcraft skills and fostering lifelong friendships.

Campsite Slade is named after Paul Slade, a prominent figure in the reservation's long history of leadership. From the perspective of a Rhode Island user, this site is highly sought after because of its strategic positioning within the Camp Three Point loop. While some sites are tucked far into the backwoods, Slade offers a balanced experience that feels secluded enough for authentic camping but is close enough to the camp's central hubs to make daily navigation easy. The atmosphere here is one of high energy and deep tradition, where the orange and yellow colors of Three Point fly high, and the daily tolling of the Memorial Bell Tower provides a rhythmic structure to the day. It is a place where the outdoor code is lived daily and where the values of the Narragansett Council are woven into every activity.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite Slade is located within the Yawgoog Scout Reservation at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA. For residents in the Providence area, the camp is an easy 45-minute drive south via Interstate 95 and Route 138. Its proximity to the Connecticut border and the scenic backroads of Hopkinton makes it a favorite for those across the region. Once inside the reservation, Slade is situated in the Camp Three Point district, accessible via the well-maintained network of trails and service roads that branch out from the main administration area.

Accessibility at the site is managed with a focus on preserving the natural terrain while providing essential infrastructure. On-site parking is available in designated lots, such as the Ranger Lot or Tim O’Neil Field, to minimize vehicle traffic within the camping loops. Upon arrival, units are typically allowed one vehicle to transport heavy gear to the site, after which cars must be returned to the main lots. The site itself features relatively level ground—a rarity in some of the more rugged parts of the reservation—making it a more accessible choice for units with significant gear or members who prefer less strenuous daily hiking. The proximity to the Bucklin Building, the camp’s central administrative and medical hub, further enhances the site's accessibility for necessary services.

Services Offered

• Traditional tent camping with seasonal platform tent setups for summer operations.
• Access to the Sharpe Lodge, a newly refurbished dining hall offering full meal services.
• Proximity to the Bucklin Building, which houses off-season campmaster quarters and central restrooms.
• Potable water access through campsite faucets, with frost-free pumps available during winter months.
• Comprehensive first aid and medical support at the Armington Memorial Health Lodge.
• Trading Post services at "407 Outfitters," the reservation's largest store for gear and snacks.
• Sanitary facilities including flush toilets and hot showers at the Three Point bathhouse.
• Educational programming for over 40 different merit badges, including the elite Eagle Badge program.
• Waste management services with centralized dumpsters for unit trash disposal.
• Professional campmaster oversight for weekend and off-season camping reservations.

Features and Highlights

• Ideally located near the Memorial Bell Tower, which tolls daily in honor of fallen scouts.
• Direct access to the Three Point Waterfront on Yawgoog Pond for swimming, sailing, and canoeing.
• Proximity to the Arthur Livingston Kelly Environmental Education Center for nature study.
• Close to the Challenge Course, featuring high-ropes and teambuilding activities.
• Access to six color-coded hiking trails that span the entire 1,800-acre reservation.
• Traditional campfire circles for evening skits, songs, and unit bonding.
• Site includes heavy-duty picnic tables and a established fire ring for outdoor cooking.
• Historical "secret pathways" and trails that connect to neighboring sites like Street and Scott.
• Rich wildlife viewing opportunities, including white-tailed deer, herons, and various forest species.
• Participation in the "Three Point" traditions, including unique camp songs and the mascot Danny the Deer.

Contact Information

To inquire about site availability or to book a troop stay for the 2026 season, you can reach the reservation office through the following channels:

• Address: 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA
• Phone: (401) 539-2311
• Health Lodge: (401) 539-2312
• Organization: Narragansett Council, Scouting America

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Campsite Slade is worth it for any group that wants the full "Yawgoog experience" without the isolation of the backwoods. Its location within Camp Three Point is its greatest asset; you are just a short walk from the Bucklin Building, the Trading Post, and the waterfront. This makes Slade an excellent choice for troops with younger scouts who might find the larger hills of the reservation daunting. The site’s flat terrain and generous shade make it one of the most comfortable spots for a week-long stay during the peak of summer, providing a natural cooling effect under the pine canopy.

Furthermore, Slade is worth choosing for those who value the social and competitive spirit of the camp. Being in Three Point puts you in the center of the camp’s oldest traditions. You are close enough to hear the songs from the dining hall and see the daily ceremonies, ensuring your unit never feels disconnected from the camp’s vibrant community. Whether you are aiming for maximum merit badge advancement or simply want a scenic place to enjoy a campfire with your unit, Slade offers the perfect blend of convenience, history, and natural beauty. It is a site that honors the past while providing every modern facility needed for a successful scouting adventure in the 21st century.