State parks and private RV parks around Salisbury, Connecticut provide camping options across the rolling Taconic mountains and Hudson Valley region. Most campgrounds sit between 500-1,500 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is limited with most facilities closing by late October, though a few private campgrounds extend their seasons into November.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Lake Taghkanic State Park offers swimming and boating options within walking distance of campsites. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes one visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground.
Hiking access: Taconic State Park provides direct trail connections from campsites, with Bash Bish Falls being a popular destination. "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," reports a camper who stayed at Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer pond and lake fishing access for bass and panfish. "The creek that runs by the campground is gorgeous, and my kids had fun finding Crayfish," mentions one camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley.
What campers like
Elevated platforms: Wooden tent platforms at several state parks provide practical benefits during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," explains a camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground. This is particularly helpful during spring and fall when ground conditions may be damp.
Swimming facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain beaches with varying amenities. "The beach is closed after Labor Day to the public, but open to people staying at the campsite. Clean and beautiful," notes a visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground.
Low light pollution: The rural setting provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," reports one camper about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Sudden storms can impact campgrounds in the region. "There was a storm the night before our arrival date, all campers were evacuated and they did a fantastic job clearing all the debris and downed trees before our arrival," shares one visitor to Clarence Fahnestock State Park.
Site-specific challenges: Individual campsites vary significantly in quality and features. "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained," advises a Lake Taghkanic visitor after noting issues with an improperly installed grill.
Seasonal changes: Copake Camping Resort (formerly Copake KOA) transitions through different busy periods. "It was not busy at all. It was close to half full when we were there, and it still felt like a fairly noisy campground, even after quiet hours," observes one camper about the non-peak season conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playground facilities for children. "Big and spacious state park with many camping options... Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails... Big lake with swimming and boating as well as many hiking trails," notes a visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Family-friendly scheduling: Prospect Mountain Campground organizes regular activities. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," explains a camper who visited with children.
Multi-generational options: Some campgrounds accommodate diverse age groups effectively. "My school friends decided on a camping trip since 1970's... The park offered many activities or just sit around the campsite drinking beers and reminiscing our youth days," shares a visitor to Lake Taghkanic.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service variations: RV sites near Salisbury, Connecticut often provide different amperage options. "Check-in 2pm & checkout 10am... Full RV hookups with 50 & 30amp services," explains a camper at Copake Camping Resort, highlighting the flexibility for different RV electrical needs.
Shared hookups: Some campgrounds utilize shared utility connections. "Shared hook ups (two sites on one pole) at the rear of the sites with the exception of sewer. Sites were sized well," notes a visitor to Brook N Wood Family Campground.
Waste disposal options: Campgrounds may offer alternative waste service methods. "Dump stations if need and a service to come to your rig to collect waste if you don't want to move it," mentions a camper at Thousand Trails Rondout Valley, describing an option for longer-term stays.
