Rules & Regulations

Salisbury Beach State Reservation follows DCR's state park rules, and its own list is short: no dogs or other pets on the beach from April 1 to September 15 except service animals, dogs leashed at all times when allowed, no alcohol and no littering. The reservation is open sunrise to sunset for day visitors, overnight stays are for campers with a reservation, and parking fees apply from May 23 to October 12.

Beach Rules

• Dogs: none on the beach April 1 to September 15, service animals excepted; on a leash at all times when allowed. See dog rules.
• Alcohol: not allowed.
• Litter: not allowed. Carry out what you bring.
• Swim safely: swim near a lifeguard in season, and never near the jetty or the river channel.
• Hours: sunrise to sunset.

Camping Rules

• Reservations only. Book through DCR's ReserveAmerica site; walk-in registrations are not permitted. Same-day bookings close at 2 p.m.
• Late arrivals. A reserved site is held until 8 a.m. the day after your arrival date.
• Cancelling. Changes and cancellations cost $10; a day-of-arrival cancellation must be phoned to the campground and loses the first night's fee as well.
• Firewood. You must buy firewood at the park.
• Site limits. Standard sites take up to four people; check each site's equipment length before booking.

See camping.

Parking Rules

• DCR charges day-use parking from May 23 through October 12: $14 for Massachusetts plates, $40 for others. Your plate decides the rate.
• The town's lots and meters at the beach center have their own rules and rates, enforced 8 a.m. to midnight, May 1 to October 15. See parking.

Boating and Fishing

• Launch only at the two DCR boat ramps on the river.
• Keep clear of the Newburyport Harbor channel between the jetties.
• Saltwater anglers 16 and older need a Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit. See the jetty and fishing.

Who to Call

DCR park office: (978) 462-4481, salisbury.beach@state.ma.us. Emergencies: 911. See contact.