Salisbury Beach State Reservation
| Salisbury Beach State Reservation | |
| Massachusetts State Park | |
 |
|
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Essex |
| Town | Salisbury |
| River | Merrimack River |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| Area | 355 acres (144 ha) [2] |
| Established | 1931[3] |
| Management | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
  Location in Massachusetts
|
|
| Website: Salisbury Beach State Reservation | |
Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a state-owned, public recreation area on the Atlantic Ocean in the town of Salisbury, Massachusetts, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.[4] It is one of the most heavily utilized state parks in the Commonwealth, with "an annual attendance rate of over one million visitors."[5]
History
The land was acquired for use as a state park in 1931.[3] It saw improvements in the following decade done by the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps.[6] The reservation came under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation and Recreation in 1969.[5] Continuing park improvements include the construction of a new jetty in 2015.[4]
Wildlife
Notable wildlife includes harbor seals, which are often found Badgers Rocks in the Merrimack River in the fall and winter. Birds that can be sighted include black ducks, green-winged teal, and great blue herons, along with pectoral, solitary, and least sandpipers.[5] "White-winged and surf scoters can be seen flying low over open water or bobbing in loose flocks among the offshore waves."[7]
Activities and amenities
- Beaches: The park features a 3.8-mile-long (6.1 km) beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches and restrooms are handicapped-accessible.[4] Smaller, non-swimming beaches are found on the Merrimack River.[8]
- Camping: The park's 484-site campground includes handicapped-accessible sites as well as RV hookups and dump station.
- Boating: Motorized and non-motorized boating can be accessed from two boat ramps on the Merrimack River.
- The park also offers showers, picnicking, a playground and pavilion, fishing, restricted hunting, a group day-use area, and educational programs.
- Fees: In 2015, the park entrance fee was $14 a day for Massachusetts residents and $16 for visitors from out of state.
References
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External links
- Salisbury Beach State Reservation Department of Conservation and Recreation
