Salisbury Beach FAQ
These are the questions people ask most about Salisbury Beach State Reservation, the DCR oceanfront park in Salisbury, Massachusetts. Each answer is short and comes from DCR, the Town of Salisbury or the other official source named on the page that covers it in full. Fees and dates are for 2026; check the linked page before you go.
More Detail
For anything not answered here, start with hours and fees, parking, camping or the beach, or call DCR's park office at (978) 462-4481.
Salisbury Beach Questions and Answers
Is Salisbury Beach free?
Walking in is free. DCR charges for parking from May 23 through October 12: $14 for Massachusetts plates, $40 for out-of-state plates. Outside those dates there is no DCR parking fee.
How much is parking at Salisbury Beach?
At the DCR reservation, $14 for Massachusetts plates and $40 for others in season. At the town's James Hunt lot by the beach center, $3 an hour for up to 3 hours or $35 for longer, May 1 to October 15.
What are the hours at Salisbury Beach State Reservation?
Sunrise to sunset, according to DCR.
Are dogs allowed at Salisbury Beach?
Not on the beach from April 1 to September 15, except service animals. The rest of the year dogs may go on the beach on a leash, and leashed dogs are welcome in the reservation year round.
Are there lifeguards at Salisbury Beach?
Yes, in season. The Salisbury Beach Partnership says lifeguards are on duty at the beach center daily from mid-June to Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How do I reserve a campsite at Salisbury Beach?
Through DCR's ReserveAmerica site, up to four months ahead. Walk-ins aren't allowed; same-day bookings close at 2 p.m.
How much does camping cost at Salisbury Beach?
In 2026, $22 a night for Massachusetts residents or $70 for out-of-state campers, plus $4 water, $6 electric and a $3 trust surcharge.
How many campsites does Salisbury Beach have?
DCR lists 484 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs, with water and electric hookups.
Can you drink alcohol at Salisbury Beach?
No. DCR does not allow alcohol at the reservation.
Is there a boat ramp at Salisbury Beach?
Yes, two DCR boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the campground's southern edge.
Can you fish at Salisbury Beach?
Yes. DCR lists fishing; anglers 16 and older need a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit.
Where is the jetty at Salisbury Beach?
At the south end of the reservation, at the mouth of the Merrimack River. It is the Army Corps of Engineers' 4,118-foot north jetty.
When are the Salisbury Beach fireworks?
On select summer Saturdays from 10:15 to 10:35 p.m., weather permitting. In 2026 they were July 4, 11 and 25 and August 8 and 29.
Where are the public restrooms?
DCR has restrooms and showers at the reservation. The town's Welcome Center at the beach center has family and accessible restrooms, open daily 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. in summer.
How long is Salisbury Beach?
DCR gives the reservation's coastline as 3.8 miles.
Is Salisbury Beach the same as Plum Island?
No. Plum Island is across the Merrimack River and is reached by road from Newburyport; DCR's Sandy Point State Reservation is at its southern tip.
Is Salisbury Beach wheelchair accessible?
DCR lists a beach mat, beach wheelchairs, accessible restrooms and accessible camping.
Is Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts or New Hampshire?
Massachusetts. Salisbury is the town just south of the New Hampshire border, and the reservation's address is State Reservation Road, Salisbury, MA 01952.