Salisbury Beach State Reservation

Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a DCR beach park on State Reservation Road in Salisbury, Massachusetts, where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean, with 3.8 miles of coastline for swimming, two boat ramps on the river, and a 484-site campground for tents, trailers and RVs. It is open sunrise to sunset. Parking costs $14 for Massachusetts plates and $40 for other plates, charged May 23 through October 12. It sits just across the river mouth from Newburyport, which makes it the swimming beach to pair with a walk at Maudslay State Park, where swimming isn't allowed.

Swimming

DCR describes Salisbury Beach as a place to swim and sunbathe along 3.8 miles of coastline. The beach has a boardwalk, restrooms, showers, a playground, picnic areas and scenic viewing areas. For visitors who need them, DCR lists a beach mat and beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms and an accessible nature center.

Camping

The reservation has 484 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, with hookups and a dump station, and DCR lists accessible camping. Sites are reserved through DCR's ReserveAmerica site. DCR also lists a pavilion and weddings among the reservation's facilities.

Boating and Fishing

DCR lists two boat ramps on the Merrimack River for motorboats, canoes and kayaks, and fishing is among the reservation's activities. DCR describes the reservation as overlooking the point where the Merrimack feeds the Atlantic.

Parking and Fees

• Massachusetts plates: $14 per day.
• All other plates: $40 per day.
• Charged May 23 through October 12. Status is set by the license plate.
• Pay with the YODEL app.
• A DCR annual pass ($60, Massachusetts residents) or lifetime senior pass covers it, as it does at Maudslay.

Dogs

No dogs or other pets are allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 15, except service animals. When dogs are allowed, DCR says they must be leashed at all times. Maudslay State Park, by contrast, allows leashed dogs year-round.

Walks and Programs

DCR's self-guided nature trail at Salisbury is under a mile long. It explores the barrier beach and salt marsh, running from near the dump station along 'Z' Street to near the boat ramp. DCR also lists educational programs and horseback riding here.

Rules

• No alcohol.
• No littering.
• Grilling is listed as a facility; follow DCR's grilling rules for state parks.

Pairing Salisbury with Maudslay

Maudslay and Salisbury Beach are both DCR parks on the Merrimack, and DCR lists Maudslay as a related park on its Salisbury Beach page. Maudslay is woods, meadows and gardens with no swimming; Salisbury is the beach. A day that starts with the Merrimack River Trail and ends on the sand covers both sides of the river. For another beach, see Plum Island.

Check DCR's Salisbury Beach page or call (978) 462-4481 for current conditions.