Taconic State Park (Rudd Pond)
00 review59 Rudd Pond Drive, MILLERTON, New York, 12546, United States
Taconic State Park (Rudd Pond)
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsite fees range from $25 to $35. Premium, waterfront, and other specific fees are not explicitly listed in authoritative sources.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Taconic Mountains, Rudd Pond Area offers a tranquil escape across 6,000 acres of pristine forest. With over 40 thoughtfully placed tent campsites—some welcoming small trailers—this natural haven centers around a sparkling 64-acre lake. Here, days unfold with refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters, peaceful fishing expeditions from the shoreline, and leisurely paddles across the mirror-like surface. Whether you're seeking solitude beneath towering trees or family adventures on the water, this expansive wilderness provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories.
Taconic State Park's Rudd Pond area caters primarily to tent and small trailer camping, with over 40 campsites available. Some sites feature tent platforms, while others are ground-based. The campground also includes a portion designated for group camping.
Historical SignificanceStanding at the crossroads of three states, this remarkable parkland serves as a natural bridge where New York meets both Massachusetts and Connecticut. This unique tri-state location has long made the area a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts from across the Northeast, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences and regional connections that continue to draw visitors from far and wide.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of seasons in this temperate mountain setting. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lake activities, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that bring the forest to life with earthy scents. As late August approaches and swimming season draws to a close, the landscape begins its spectacular transformation. Winter transforms the park into a snow-dusted wonderland, where crisp air and frozen landscapes offer a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience for the adventurous soul.
ElevationThe varied mountain terrain creates a dynamic landscape of rolling hills and gentle slopes, offering campers diverse environments to explore and enjoy throughout their stay.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where three majestic mountain ranges converge. From various vantage points throughout the park, sweeping vistas reveal the rugged beauty of the Taconic Range, the rolling peaks of the Berkshires, and distant glimpses of the mighty Catskills. Dense forests of mixed hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy and wildlife moves quietly through the understory. Each season paints this natural canvas with its own palette—from spring's delicate greens to autumn's fiery display.
Geological RegionPositioned in northeastern Dutchess County, this geological wonderland sits along the ancient Taconic Mountain Range, where millions of years of natural forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape. The park's 6,000 acres of continuous forest create an ecological corridor that flows seamlessly across state boundaries into Massachusetts and Connecticut, preserving a vast wilderness ecosystem that has remained largely unchanged for generations. This unique position along the Taconic Range places visitors at the heart of one of the Northeast's most significant mountain systems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityTent platforms are available at many sites and can accommodate freestanding tents of up to 14 x 16 feet. Specific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were not explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeTent platforms are available and can accommodate tents up to 14x16 feet. Campsites are described as spacious enough for a 6-person tent with additional room for chairs and other camping equipment.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Sites 1-5, located on a hill, offer more shade and better separation, whereas sites on the main street (6-40) are described as closer together, with less privacy. Sites near the dumpster (e.g., 23-24) are considered less desirable.
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 1-5 are recommended for shade, with site 5 providing partial sun exposure.
Best CampsitesSites 1-5 offer shade, while sites 6-40 are more crowded. Sites 23-24 are located near dumpsters and may be less appealing.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Campers must arrive by 9 PM on the first day of reservation.
Check-out
Not explicitly detailed.
Stay Limit
Acamping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The maximum number of people per campsite is 6, including children.
Groups
Group camping is allowed, but specific details about the number of people or vehicles per group site were not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are divided into two clusters; sites 1-5 are on a hill and sites 6-40 are along the main street.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen during the camping season, specific dates not detailed.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityDetails not provided; reservations are required via Reserve America.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after booking if departure dates fall outside the 9-month maximum window.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rudd Pond offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats to explore the 64-acre pond. The area also features a sandy beach and a playground for children. Additional activities such as hunting and biking are also available in the park.
Hiking
The park is part of an extensive trail system that offers spectacular views of the Taconic, Berkshire, and Catskill Mountain Ranges, as well as the Hudson Valley. Specific trail details such as difficulty or length were not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Rudd Pond, with opportunities to fish from both the shore and boats. The types of fish available were not specified in the source materials.Swimming
Swimming is seasonal, with the designated swimming portion of the pond open only on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day until mid-August. The swimming area is staffed by lifeguards, although there are times when lifeguards may not be available, leading to swimming restrictions.Biking
Biking is permitted on the rail trail within the park, but no further details about trail conditions or difficulty were provided.Boating
Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats to explore Rudd Pond. Docking facilities or restrictions on boat sizes were not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Bird watching is explicitly mentioned as an activity. Additional details about specific species or ideal viewing spots were not included.Beach activities
The sandy beach is suitable for children and offers opportunities for sunbathing and cooling off. However, it is not ideal for those seeking a larger swimming area or exercise.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing were mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are available through boat rentals.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Each campsite has a fireplace with a cooking grate.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and bugs are prevalent; campers should bring repellents. Cellular service is limited, especially for T-Mobile users.
Active alertsSwimming opportunities may be limited due to lifeguard availability or water quality. Roads may have potholes.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services include a Ranger Station located within the park. For external services, nearby Millerton has facilities like CVS and other essentials.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly detailed, though swimming area is closed after mid-August.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are located within the campground, but specific details about their schedule or location are not mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Rudd Pond, a 64-acre lake providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsComplaints include old picnic tables, poor cellular reception, and potholes in the road.
HostFriendly and attentive staff are noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
59 Rudd Pond Drive, MILLERTON, New York, 12546, United States
Driving directionsFrom the Taconic Parkway: Exit at Pine Plains/Red Hook/Route 199. Take Route 199 East for 15 miles to Route 22. Turn left onto Route 22 North. Go 2 miles to Millerton. Turn right onto Route 44 East for a half mile. Turn left onto Dutchess County Route 62. The park entrance will be 2 miles down, on the right side. Please note that RV's, trailers and commercial traffic are prohibited on the Taconic State Parkway. They are permitted on Route 22.
Road access is relatively straightforward, though commercial vehicles, RVs, and trailers are prohibited on the Taconic State Parkway. Drivers should use Route 22 instead. Roads may have some potholes, as noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Millerton (approx. 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in the nearby village of Millerton, which offers a CVS, gas station, market, liquor store, and coffee shop.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Taconic State Park (Rudd Pond) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The park receives high praise for its natural beauty, including stunning sunsets, well-maintained grounds, and a clean pond. Visitors appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere and amenities such as the sandy beach and playground. However, some complaints were raised about the lack of cell phone service, old picnic tables, and occasional bathroom cleanliness issues during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- Well-maintained grounds and facilities
- Scenic views and starry skies
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Spacious campsites with good tent platforms
- Availability of activities like boating,...
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Common Concerns
- Bathrooms and showers could use upgrading
- Poor or non-existent cell phone reception for most carriers
- Crowded campsites in the main cluster (6-40)
- Road conditions with potholes
- Mosquitoes...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring bug spray to manage mosquitoes.
- If seeking privacy, choose sites in the 1-5 cluster rather than the main area.
- Ensure you have an AT&T phone for emergency communication.
- Visit during...
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Seasonal Insights
The summer months are highly recommended for camping, especially around August when the weather is warm but not overly hot. Swimming is limited to weekends and holidays before mid-August, so campers...
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Camper Quotes
- “The beach was perfect for children, and the water is as clean as can be for a pond.”
- “Staff are super friendly, and the grounds are well-groomed.”
- “The campsites are around the pond, so there...
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Site-Specific Reviews
- Sites 1-5: Shaded and spacious with good tent platforms; site 5 offers partial shade.
- Sites 6-40: Described as crowded and less private.
- Sites 23-24: Located near the dumpster and deemed less...
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Accessibility Features
The campground does not explicitly mention accessibility features beyond tent platforms that accommodate freestanding tents. No specific feedback was found from users with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed with a limit of two per site. Proof of rabies inoculation is required. Visitors appreciated the pet-friendly policy but noted the need for leashes and cleanup by owners.
Last updated August 10, 2025