Campsite Manitoo

For scout troops and youth groups across Rhode Island, embarking on an unforgettable outdoor adventure often begins with choosing the right base camp. Within the venerable Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Campsite Manitoo offers a fantastic setting for traditional tent camping and immersive outdoor experiences. While not a standalone campground open to the general public, Manitoo is a vital component of Camp Yawgoog's extensive offerings, providing a dedicated space where young people can develop essential life skills, connect with nature, and build lasting bonds of camaraderie. For local Rhode Islanders, understanding the breadth of what Camp Yawgoog and its individual campsites like Manitoo provide is key to unlocking premier outdoor education opportunities right in their backyard.

Campsite Manitoo is situated within the expansive Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation, located at Rockville, RI 02873, USA. Rockville itself is a peaceful, rural community nestled in the "Quiet Corner" of southwestern Rhode Island, characterized by its natural beauty, woodlands, and serene ponds.

Access to Camp Yawgoog and, by extension, Campsite Manitoo, is well-established for scout units. While the exact internal road to Manitoo within the reservation may vary, Camp Yawgoog is readily accessible from major state routes in Rhode Island. This makes it a convenient destination for troops traveling from Providence, Warwick, or other parts of the Ocean State, as well as from neighboring Connecticut and Massachusetts. The entire Yawgoog Reservation spans over 2000 acres, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience while remaining within practical driving distance for local groups. Once inside the reservation, campers check in with Campmasters at the Bucklin Building, who can guide them to their specific campsite, ensuring a smooth arrival. The vastness of the reservation also means abundant hiking trails and diverse natural features are easily within reach for those staying at Manitoo.

As a campsite within the comprehensive Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation, Campsite Manitoo benefits from a wide range of services and facilities provided by the Narragansett Council of Scouting America. These services are specifically tailored to support a robust and educational outdoor program for youth.

• Dedicated Tent Camping Space: Campsite Manitoo provides designated areas for tent camping. These sites are designed to accommodate scout patrols or troops, typically featuring cleared, level ground for tents, and communal fire rings and picnic tables for cooking and gathering. The focus is on traditional outdoor living.

• Access to Yawgoog Pond: Being part of the larger Camp Yawgoog, campers at Manitoo have access to the extensive Yawgoog Pond. This is a central feature for a multitude of water-based activities, including swimming (in designated areas with supervision), canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

• Shared Restroom Facilities: While individual campsites within Yawgoog typically have basic toilet facilities (like porta-potties or outhouses), campers at Manitoo also have access to more comprehensive flush toilet and shower facilities located in central camp buildings (like the Bucklin Building) within the reservation. These are maintained for hygiene and convenience.

• Firewood Availability: For those utilizing fire rings, slab wood is often available for tent sites, supporting traditional campfire activities and cooking.

• Access to Program Areas: A key service of Camp Yawgoog as a whole is its diverse range of program areas. Campers from Manitoo can access facilities for merit badge instruction (e.g., Nature Center, Archery Range, Rifle Range), high adventure activities (e.g., COPE course), and various sports fields, all staffed by trained professionals.

• Dining Hall Access (Seasonal): During peak summer camp operations, troops often have access to dining hall services within their respective main camps (Three Point, Medicine Bow, Sandy Beach), though specific arrangements vary. This provides convenient meal options, supplementing individual campsite cooking.

• Trading Post: The reservation includes a Trading Post, which serves as a convenience store for campers, offering snacks, drinks, camping essentials, and scouting memorabilia.

• Trained Staff Support: The fundamental service is the presence of trained scouting staff (Campmasters, program instructors, medical personnel) who oversee activities, provide guidance, and ensure the safety and educational value of the entire camp experience.

Campsite Manitoo, as an integral part of the renowned Camp Yawgoog Reservation, boasts several features and highlights that make it an attractive choice for scouting units in Rhode Island.

• Immersive Wilderness Setting: Located within 2000 acres of beautiful wilderness, Manitoo offers an authentic and immersive outdoor experience. This extensive natural environment is ideal for hiking, nature observation, and traditional scouting skills.

• Access to Yawgoog Pond: A central feature is the camp's relationship with Yawgoog Pond, a 165-acre body of water that serves as a nexus for numerous water-based activities. This provides exceptional opportunities for aquatics merit badges, recreational boating, and lakeside relaxation.

• Part of a Historic Scout Reservation: Manitoo benefits from being part of Camp Yawgoog, which was founded in 1916 and is one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the United States. This rich history and tradition provide a unique backdrop for scouting adventures, often passed down through generations of scouts.

• Structured for Youth Development: As a dedicated scout camp, all facilities and programs, including those accessible from Manitoo, are designed to foster character, leadership, and outdoor skills in young people. This specialized environment ensures a purposeful camping experience.

• Diverse Program Offerings: Through its connection to the wider Yawgoog Reservation, campers from Manitoo can access a vast array of program areas and activities, including archery, rifle shooting, nature studies, various merit badge sessions, and team-building exercises.

• Off-Season Availability: Camp Yawgoog, including various tent sites, is available for camping reservations during the off-season (typically September through mid-April), allowing units from Manitoo to experience the beauty of the reservation in different seasons.

• Well-Supported Environment: The entire reservation is overseen by the Narragansett Council, ensuring that the camp properties, including individual campsites, are maintained to high standards and supported by comprehensive logistical and safety protocols.

Campsite Manitoo, as a specific site within the Narragansett Council's Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation, operates under the council's structured fee system for registered scouting units. It does not typically offer public "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a privately-owned recreational campground might. Its value is inherent in its role as a dedicated resource for youth development through scouting.

However, for local Rhode Island scouting groups and families, the "special offers" and advantages primarily come through their affiliation with the Narragansett Council:

• Council-Member Rates: Registered scouting units within the Narragansett Council typically receive preferential booking windows and often more favorable rates for using Camp Yawgoog's facilities, including campsites like Manitoo, compared to out-of-council groups.

• Inclusive Summer Camp Programs: During the annual summer camp sessions, the fees for attending typically cover not just the campsite (like Manitoo) but also meals (if utilizing dining hall services), program instruction for merit badges and activities, and access to all reservation facilities. This provides a comprehensive and efficient package for a week of adventure.

• Training and Volunteer Support: The Narragansett Council provides extensive training and support for adult leaders, which indirectly enhances the camping experience at Manitoo. Opportunities for adult volunteering can also lead to various benefits for units or individuals.

• Access to Special Events: Throughout the year, Camp Yawgoog hosts various council-wide events, training weekends, or special programs that registered units can attend, often with specific pricing for affiliated groups.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking Campsite Manitoo, associated fees, and available programs at Camp Yawgoog, interested scouting units should directly consult the official website of the Narragansett Council, Scouting America (narragansettbsa.org).

Campsite Manitoo is a specific campsite within the larger Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation. Therefore, direct public contact information for Campsite Manitoo itself is not provided as a standalone entity. All inquiries and reservations are handled through the managing organization, the Narragansett Council of Scouting America.

• Address (for Camp Yawgoog Reservation, which includes Campsite Manitoo): Rockville, RI 02873, USA

• For inquiries related to booking Campsite Manitoo, program information at Camp Yawgoog, or general details regarding the reservation, it is best to contact the Narragansett Council, Scouting America.

  • Narragansett Council (Scouting America) Website: The most reliable source for information and reservation procedures. Visit their official website (e.g., narragansettbsa.org) and look for sections on "Camping & Activities," "Camp Properties," or "Camp Yawgoog."

  • General Council Phone Number: (401) 351-8700 (This is a common general contact for the Narragansett Council, but always verify on their current official site, as phone numbers can change.)

  • Camp Yawgoog Specific Email (if available): Sometimes a specific email for the camp itself is listed on the council's site, e.g., campyawgoog@scouting.org, for direct camp-related inquiries.

It is important to remember that access and usage of Campsite Manitoo are exclusively managed through the Narragansett Council for registered scouting units.

For Rhode Island residents, particularly those within the vibrant scouting community, Campsite Manitoo within the Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation stands as an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its role as a premier, dedicated youth outdoor education facility that is both geographically accessible and rich in programming.

Being part of the historic Camp Yawgoog means that Manitoo is not just a campsite; it's a gateway to over a century of scouting tradition and a vast, well-preserved natural environment. For families in the Ocean State, this offers a unique opportunity for their children to experience authentic wilderness camping within a safe, structured, and expertly managed setting. The accessibility of the reservation from various parts of Rhode Island makes it a practical choice for weekend trips and longer summer camp sessions, minimizing travel burdens for busy families.

The core value for locals lies in the comprehensive array of services and program areas available through Camp Yawgoog. From waterfront activities on the expansive pond to diverse merit badge instruction and miles of hiking trails, campers at Manitoo have endless opportunities for learning, skill development, and personal growth. This holistic approach ensures that young Rhode Islanders gain invaluable outdoor skills, develop leadership qualities, and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature. In essence, Campsite Manitoo offers a consistent, high-quality, and deeply enriching outdoor experience that is perfectly attuned to the needs and aspirations of the local scouting community, making it a cornerstone for youth development in Rhode Island.

Campsite Manitoo

Rockville, RI 02873, USA