Campsite Tuocs

For residents of Rhode Island, the name Yawgoog is synonymous with a century of outdoor tradition and youth adventure. Tucked away in the quiet village of Rockville, within the town of Hopkinton, Campsite Tuocs serves as a premier destination for those looking to experience the "Heart of Scouting" in the Ocean State. As part of the expansive 1,800-acre Yawgoog Scout Reservation, this campground offers a unique immersion into the wilderness that has shaped generations of local leaders since its founding in 1916. The name "Tuocs" itself is a clever nod to the camp’s heritage—it is simply "Scout" spelled backwards—reflecting the playful yet tradition-rich atmosphere that permeates the entire reservation. From the dense oak and pine forests to the nearby shimmering waters of Yawgoog Pond, this site provides a quintessential New England camping experience that feels worlds away from the city, yet remains conveniently located for Rhode Island families.

Campsite Tuocs is specifically situated within Camp Three Point, the oldest of the three distinct camps that make up the Yawgoog reservation. Known as the "most tradition-filled" area of the camp, Three Point is named after the three points of the Scout Oath, and staying at Tuocs places visitors in the very center of this history. For local users, the appeal of this campground lies in its balance of rugged natural beauty and access to world-class program facilities. While it maintains the rustic charm of a deep-woods site, it is supported by the extensive infrastructure of the Narragansett Council, making it an excellent choice for both summer troop expeditions and off-season weekend getaways. The environment is designed to foster independence and teamwork, providing a safe but challenging landscape where children can explore, learn, and grow through direct contact with nature.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite Tuocs is located at 61 Camp Yawgoog Road, Rockville, RI 02873, USA. For Rhode Islanders traveling from the Providence area, the site is approximately a 45-to-50-minute drive south via I-95 and Route 138. Its location in the southwestern corner of the state makes it a favorite for residents of South County and those coming across the border from nearby Connecticut. The reservation is well-marked with large wooden signs, guiding visitors through the winding, scenic backroads that lead to the main entrance. Once inside the gates, Campsite Tuocs is positioned within the Camp Three Point section, which is located in the southern portion of the developed reservation area.

Accessibility at the site is designed with a focus on foot traffic and traditional trail navigation, consistent with the scouting mission. During the active summer season, vehicles are typically parked in centralized lots like the Ranger Lot or Tim O’Neil Field to preserve the natural atmosphere and safety of the camp. During the off-season (September through mid-April), accessibility is managed through the Campmaster’s office in the Bucklin Building, where guests check in and receive specific directions for gear drop-off. While the terrain involves natural dirt paths and slight inclines, many of the main thoroughfares within Three Point are well-maintained, and the proximity to the Bucklin Building ensures that essential administrative and health services are never too far away for those with mobility considerations.

Services Offered

• Traditional tent camping sites with established clearings for group or family setups.
• Seasonal access to full-service dining facilities at the newly refurbished Sharpe Lodge.
• Access to the Armington Memorial Health Lodge, staffed during peak operations for medical support.
• Clean public restrooms and centralized bathhouses with hot showers located within walking distance.
• Off-season reservation availability for cabins, lean-tos, and tent sites via the Narragansett Council.
• Trading Post services at "407 Outfitters," providing camping gear, snacks, and official memorabilia.
• Educational programs and merit badge instruction during summer months, including eagle badge support.
• Potable water stations and spigots located at the Bucklin Building and other central hubs.
• Waste management and recycling services to ensure the preservation of the local ecosystem.
• On-site professional staff and Campmasters to assist with safety, check-ins, and local information.

Features and Highlights

• Proximity to Yawgoog Pond, a 160-acre body of water perfect for swimming, sailing, and canoeing.
• Access to the Three Point Waterfront, which includes a dedicated swimming area and boat docks.
• Located near the Memorial Bell Tower, which tolls daily in honor of those who served.
• Access to six color-coded hiking trails (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and White) spanning the wilderness.
• Close to the Challenge Course and climbing walls for high-adventure enthusiasts.
• "Good for kids" designation, featuring age-appropriate activities and safe, supervised environments.
• Historical landmarks throughout the camp, including the Protestant Chapel and the Jewish Synagogue.
• The Arthur Livingston Kelly Environmental Education Center for nature study and wildlife observation.
• A natural canopy of white pines that provides shade and a traditional "forest" scent to the site.
• Integration into the "Three Point" traditions, including specific songs, cheers, and orange and yellow camp colors.

Contact Information

For those interested in booking a stay at Campsite Tuocs or learning more about the current schedule at Yawgoog Scout Reservation, the following contact methods are available:

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

What is Worth Choosing

When considering the many options within the Yawgoog reservation, Campsite Tuocs is particularly worth choosing for those who want a central yet authentically rustic experience. Its location in Camp Three Point means you are staying in the most historic section of the camp, surrounded by the traditions that have made Yawgoog a Rhode Island institution. It is a fantastic choice for families or groups with children because of its "good for kids" atmosphere; the site is situated in a way that allows easy access to the Nature Center and the Challenge Course, ensuring that little explorers are never far from their next adventure. For those who appreciate a clever bit of history, the "Tuocs" name adds a layer of character that other sites might lack.

Furthermore, this site is worth choosing if you value the classic "tent under the stars" experience. While the reservation offers cabins and Adirondack lean-tos elsewhere, the Tuocs area is ideal for those who want to practice traditional woodcraft and camping skills. During the summer, the energy of the Three Point songs and the daily tolling of the bell tower create a rhythmic, community-focused lifestyle that is unique to this location. For the off-season traveler, Tuocs offers a quiet, peaceful retreat into the South County woods where the only sound you'll hear is the wind through the pines and the occasional call of local wildlife. It is a place where you can truly "unplug" while knowing that the heritage and safety of a century-old camp are supporting your stay.