ABOUT CAMP RUSSELL
Camp Russell is a private community of approximately 60 seasonal cottages, 36 boat slips, and a private lakefront beach located on Waterman Lake in Glocester, Rhode Island. The camp season runs from May 15th until October 15th. Cottages are owner occupied. Renting out cottages is not allowed. The land upon which the cottages are located is managed by Camp Russell, LLC., a Rhode Island corporation.
HISTORY
The real estate on which Camp Russell cottages are located has been owned by the Steere family for many years. Its early, primary use was a farm; but its location on Waterman Lake made it desirable for other uses. During WWI, the Rhode Island National Guard pitched tents on the hill overlooking the beach during the summer. The Guard would shoot practice targets over the lake.
It wasn't until 1923, however, that the first private tent popped up. Several families from Providence received permission from the landowner to erect wall tents with wooden floors and ridge poles. These simple tents eventually progressed to the construction of small, summer cottages. Today, there are approximately 60 owner-occupied cottages, 36 boat slips, and a private lakefront beach.
During the 1930's, the camp was also the headquarters for canoe races. Canoe clubs would come from all over New England for races on Waterman Lake.