Amanda W.
Scout
ScoutCherry Plain State Park Campground
Great family campground
My family and I enjoy going here durning the summer. Always clean campsites and bathrooms.
Camping near Salisbury, CT
153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Salisbury, Connecticut range from developed campgrounds to more rustic accommodations across state forests and parks in the tri-state region. Lone Oak Camp Sites in East Canaan provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals from April through October. Other nearby options include Macedonia Brook State Park Campground in Kent and several campgrounds in Taconic State Park across the New York border. The region features a mix of drive-in sites with amenities and more remote hike-in options along the Appalachian Trail corridor.
Seasonal considerations significantly influence camping experiences, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through October. Macedonia Brook State Park operates from late May through early September, while Lone Oak extends slightly longer into the fall season. According to one visitor, "Most sites are spacious and private but we felt very close to campers next to us, not a lot of shrubbery between sites to feel somewhat private." Winter camping is limited, with many facilities closing due to freezing temperatures and snow. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, showers, and water access, though amenities vary significantly between established campgrounds and more primitive sites.
The Taconic Mountains and surrounding forests create diverse camping experiences with varied terrain. Campers report high satisfaction with locations near water features, with one review noting that "site 11 right next to the stream" was particularly appealing. Most campgrounds in the area offer access to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail system that runs through the region. Sites in state forests tend to be more rustic with basic amenities, while private campgrounds like Lone Oak offer additional facilities including swimming pools and organized activities. Bear activity has been reported in the region, particularly in the more remote camping areas, requiring proper food storage practices. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with limited coverage in many of the more secluded camping locations.
Best Campgrounds near Salisbury (153)
1. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
"I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."
"It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."
from $21 - $175 / night
Check Availability2. Lone Oak Camp Sites
"Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."
"I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."
3. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park
"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
"Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability4. Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
"The campground has a lake with boat rentals. Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
"We decided on Lake Taghkanic. Lake Taghkanic State Park was not a long drive from NYC, maybe 2 hours. The campsite was very clean and maintained."
from $21 - $195 / night
Check Availability5. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability6. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."
"There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."
7. Alander Trail Camground — Mount Washington State Forest
"You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
"Each spot is easy to find off the trail. They also have bear boxes at each site!"
8. Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation
"No matter where you start, you'll be hiking on some of the steepest parts of the Appalachian Trail in the northwestern Connecticut and southwestern Massachusetts."
9. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability10. Copake Camping Resort
"We have plans to return with friends due to the proximity to home and easy access to local things to do."
from $79 - $229 / night
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Drive Time
- 50 min from Pittsfield, MA
- 54 min from Kingston, NY
- 55 min from Waterbury, CT
- 1 hr 7 min from Hartford, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Salisbury, CT
435 Photos of 153 Salisbury Campgrounds
Nora S.
Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Rosie R.
Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park
Tina D.
Laurel Ridge — Mount Everett State Reservation
Heather S.
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Amanda S.
Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park
Frank D.
Waubeeka Family Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr State Park Site - NY Taconic State Park: Orphan Rd Site C
Catina C.
Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
george L.
Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr State Park Site - Lake Taghkanic Lakeside Triple - Site A
Jared D.
Beartown State Forest Campground
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Meadow Ridge Farm Woods
Recent Reviews near Salisbury, CT
696 Reviews of 153 Salisbury Campgrounds
Greg S.
LegendMills Norrie State Park Campground
4.7 stars
Excellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
- A
Aimee K.
TravelerCamp Catskills
Nice
People are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
Julia B.TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
hutton familyTravelerSpacious Skies Woodland Hills
Amazing stay
I called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
- DDwight F.
GuideHousatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
- JJanceTraveler
Hemlock Ridge MUA Dispersed
Charming mossy woods on a ridge
Arrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
Eric LeBoeufGuideOctober Mountain State Forest Campground
Idk where to start
First off the cons the train at 130 am is wonderful to get woken up to 2nd the sites are on top of each other 3 not many level sites didnt hear the buzzing at all no daddy long legs but ticks let's talk about how many ticks I got in the park I pulled 7 off of me in 5 nights at that park
Guide to Salisbury
Camping near Salisbury, Connecticut offers a mix of Appalachian Trail shelters and established campgrounds across the tri-state area where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York converge. The region sits at the foothills of the Taconic Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,300 feet. Campers often navigate varying microclimates with cool mountain air in higher elevations and warmer conditions in the valleys.
What to Do
Waterfront activities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground features swimming and boating options during the summer season. As one camper noted, "The lake is gorgeous and there are plenty of nearby hikes for exploring. Wish I would have brought my fishing pole."
Hiking to waterfalls: Copake Falls Area at Taconic State Park provides access to Bash Bish Falls via hiking trails. A visitor shared, "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible."
Mountain summits: The Brassie Brook Shelter near Bear Mountain offers backpacking options with summit access. According to one hiker, "This site is just south of the Bear Mtn summit. You can park at the Undermountain Trailhead area. Once you hit the AT go to the right and it goes to the summit."
What Campers Like
Platform tent sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide raised platforms for tents, helpful during wet weather. A Lake Taghkanic camper explained, "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!"
Stream-side camping: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground provides sites adjacent to flowing water. One visitor reported, "We camped next to the brook and one couldn't have had a much better experience! Had supper in nearby Kent which is a fantastic small village."
Dark skies: The area provides good stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. A Macedonia Brook visitor mentioned, "Well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps. And a night sky as dark as you can find in CT."
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October with limited winter options. For Lone Oak Camp Sites, the season runs "Apr 15 to Oct 15" with full facilities available.
Varied amenities: Campground facilities range from rustic to developed. A camper at Rudd Pond Area noted, "New bath house with multiple shower rooms. Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children's playground."
Site privacy concerns: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Rudd Pond, one camper observed, "Campsites not private at all. Felt like I was sharing my site with strangers."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. A Brassie Brook visitor reported, "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience. The fall views made it worth it."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Lone Oak Camp Sites specializes in family programming. A visitor noted, "Entertainment all weekend with lots of staff. Play areas, pool over 21 bar area bands etc. well worth a visit and close to berkshires."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas for different age groups. At Rudd Pond Area, "There is a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals."
Weekend crowds: Popular campgrounds can become busy during peak season. A Taconic State Park visitor advised, "This was a truly great campground, but it's proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends."
Wildlife education: Local parks provide opportunities to observe native species. One camper at Taconic Mountains mentioned, "The taconic mountains offer some great flora and fauna. We had several species of frogs and toads wandering about in the evening, giant millipedes were plenty."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When reserving an RV site, confirm specific amenities as they vary widely. At Copake Camping Resort, "Full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services" are available.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging roads or limited turning radius. A visitor noted, "They also have a tendency to close one of the main roads in the campground for cornhole tournaments which they'd have plenty of room for without closing the road. This closure then means anyone checking in may have to navigate through a really tight seasonal area to access their site."
Seasonal sites: Many campgrounds cater to seasonal campers with limited availability for short-term stays. At Copake Camping Resort, sites were "Seemed to be about 75% seasonal sights."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in the Salisbury area?
Are there any free or low-cost camping options in the Salisbury area?
For budget-conscious campers near Salisbury, several affordable options exist. Alander Trail Camground in Mount Washington State Forest offers free hike-in camping for those willing to backpack. Similarly, Brassie Brook Shelter on the Appalachian Trail provides free accommodations with basic toilet facilities. Devil's Tombstone Campground offers a more economical car camping experience with basic amenities and serves as an affordable base for hiking in the Hunter-West Kill Wilderness, though it requires a short drive from Salisbury.
What are the best campgrounds near Salisbury, CT?
What are the best campgrounds near Salisbury, CT?
Salisbury's proximity to the Berkshires and Catskills offers several excellent camping options. Lone Oak Camp Sites is highly recommended, with great facilities for families, activities for children, and proximity to waterfalls and Connecticut's highest point. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground is another excellent option, providing clean facilities, running water, and a perfect setting for wilderness skills practice. For those willing to travel a bit further, Taconic State Park areas in nearby New York state offer additional options with various amenities and scenic surroundings.
What outdoor activities are available near Salisbury campgrounds?
What outdoor activities are available near Salisbury campgrounds?
The Salisbury area is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with diverse activities. North-South Lake Campground provides access to swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails directly from spacious campsites. Phoenicia Black Bear Campground offers creek-front sites perfect for water activities and is strategically located near numerous trails. Hiking opportunities abound throughout the region, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ascents. The area also features Connecticut's highest point, several scenic waterfalls, star-gazing opportunities, and abundant fishing spots in local streams and lakes. Many campgrounds serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the natural beauty of the Berkshires and Taconic Mountains.
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