Salisbury Beach Campground

- Salisbury, MA 01952

For Massachusetts residents seeking the ultimate coastal escape without leaving the state, the Salisbury Beach Campground at Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a perennial favorite. Located right on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Merrimack River, this expansive facility offers a classic beach camping experience that is highly sought after every summer. It is one of the Commonwealth's most popular state parks, attracting over a million visitors annually, and for good reason—it provides direct access to 3.8 miles of beautiful sandy ocean beach.

Managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), this campground is designed to accommodate a large number of visitors, from tent campers to large RVs. While visitors should be prepared for a lively, popular atmosphere—especially during peak season—the sheer convenience of having the ocean and the Merrimack River estuary within a short walk of your campsite is an unbeatable Massachusetts highlight. It truly caters to the family looking for an affordable, adventure-packed vacation, blending beach relaxation with opportunities for boating, fishing, and nature education right here in the Bay State. Its features, like full hookups and multiple bathhouses, make it an accessible option for many of our local families.

Salisbury Beach Campground's location is strategically ideal for Massachusetts residents, particularly those in the Greater Boston and North Shore areas.

Address: Salisbury, MA 01952, USA (Located within Salisbury Beach State Reservation)

The campground is situated in the town of Salisbury, MA, just a stone's throw from the New Hampshire border. It is easily accessible via major highways, typically I-95 and I-495, connecting it seamlessly to much of eastern Massachusetts. Crucially, the site is located at the southern end of the 3.8-mile stretch of beach, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Merrimack River to the south.

The accessibility within the reservation is excellent. Paved roads run through the campground, and numerous boardwalks have been installed to provide easy access over the dunes to the main ocean beach. For boating enthusiasts, two public boat ramps are located on the Merrimack River side of the reservation, providing quick access to the river and the Atlantic Ocean. This drive-in, full-service state campground is a world away from backcountry camping, offering the convenience and familiarity that many Massachusetts families rely on for their summer travels. It is important to note that due to its popularity, reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to six months in advance.

As a major DCR State Reservation campground, Salisbury Beach offers a comprehensive list of amenities designed to support a comfortable, extended stay for both tent and RV campers.

• Campsites: A total of 484 campsites are available, accommodating both tents and RVs up to 40 feet in length, with some larger sites for bigger rigs.
• Utility Hookups: Each campsite is equipped with water and electric hookups (20/30/50 amp service is available on sites), a significant feature for modern camping convenience.
• Comfort Stations and Showers: Multiple comfort stations (bathhouses) are available across the campground with flush toilets and showers. While usage is high during peak times, these facilities are essential for public hygiene.
• Dump Station: A large, multi-lane sanitary dump station is conveniently located near the entrance for RV use.
• Camp Store: A small camp store is available within the campground, selling basic essentials, sundries, and firewood (due to restrictions on transporting wood into state parks).
• Picnic Amenities: Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a pedestal grill, making cooking and dining outdoors simple.
• Nature/Interpretive Programs: The reservation often features interpretive programs, such as nature talks by a dedicated naturalist, offering educational and engaging activities for children and families (availability often seasonal).
• Accessible Facilities: The park provides accessible comfort stations and beach wheelchairs upon request, ensuring greater access for all visitors.

The unique geographical and recreational offerings are the primary reasons why Salisbury Beach Campground is so beloved by local Massachusetts campers.

• Direct Ocean Access: Campers can walk directly from their site via boardwalks to the 3.8-mile stretch of sandy ocean beach for swimming and sunbathing—a true coastal camping rarity in Massachusetts.
• Merrimack River Boating: The presence of two boat ramps on the Merrimack River allows local boaters to easily launch for fishing, recreation, or exploring the estuary and the Atlantic.
• Wildlife Viewing Site: The complex of salt marsh, ocean beach, dunes, and river estuary creates a designated Massachusetts Wildlife Viewing Site, with opportunities to see harbor seals on the jetty and a wide variety of migratory birds and raptors, including snowy owls in winter.
• Family Entertainment Proximity: The campground is within walking distance or a short scooter ride to the lively Salisbury Beach commercial center, which offers classic arcades, restaurants, and local shops.
• New Playground and Pavilion: The area features a new playground and a rentable pavilion near the beach, providing dedicated spaces for family fun and group gatherings.
• Dog-Friendly River Beach: While dogs are prohibited on the ocean beach during summer, they are allowed on the sandy river beach side, a significant bonus for Massachusetts pet owners.

For reservations, current fees, and specific information on park rules, Massachusetts residents should contact the Salisbury Beach State Reservation management office, which is overseen by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Address: Salisbury, MA 01952, USA (Off Route 1A Beach Road)

Phone: (978) 462-4481

Mobile Phone: +1 978-462-4481 (Primary Reservation Office Contact)

Reservations must be made through the official DCR booking agent, ReserveAmerica, or by calling the state’s reservation line.

For people living in Massachusetts, Salisbury Beach Campground is not just a destination; it's an accessible, cherished annual tradition. It offers one of the precious few opportunities in the Commonwealth to camp mere steps from the Atlantic Ocean, making a beach vacation truly affordable and convenient for local families. The in-state resident discount on camping fees further enhances its value, making it a budget-friendly option for a multiple-night stay.

We understand the challenges of booking a great Massachusetts coastal spot, and the 14-day cumulative camping limit between Memorial Day and Labor Day helps ensure that a maximum number of Bay State residents get to enjoy this iconic site. While it can be busy, and certain facilities like showers may see heavy use, the unique combination of the sandy beach, the fishing and boating on the Merrimack River, and the nearby classic beach town entertainment makes any minor inconvenience worthwhile. It’s the perfect place to create lasting family memories, whether you’re watching the sunrise over the Atlantic or learning about local wildlife at the Nature Center—all right here at home in Massachusetts.

Salisbury Beach Campground

Salisbury, MA 01952, USA