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."
