Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area
Taconic State Park - Rudd Pond Area
Due to a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), Rudd Pond is closed for swimming, boat rentals, and fishing until the water quality improves. Rudd Pond remains open for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Visitors with camping permits can use their permit for entry at Copake Falls or Lake Taghkanic for swimming. All questions should be directed to the Park Office at (518)329-3993. Thank you.
59 Rudd Drive
Millerton, NY 12546
- General Information: (518) 789-3059
Taconic State Park is located along 16 miles of the Taconic Mountain Range, sharing a border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. Two developed areas, Copake Falls and Rudd Pond, offer an extensive trail system with terrain that varies from easy to challenging, offering spectacular views.
Rudd Pond has 15 ground sites and 26 platform sites, each providing campers with grand views of the ridge, pond, and nearby countryside. Each campsite has a picnic table and a camp fire ring with grill. Public restrooms and a hot water shower house are conveniently located in the campground. Campers or day visitors to the Rudd Pond area can participate in a wide variety of activities including unguarded swimming (designated swimming area), picnicking, hiking, and biking. Families and individuals alike will enjoy boating on the scenic 64 acre pond. Rowboats and kayaks are available for rental from the park. Visitors who possess regional boating permits (available for purchase at the Park Office) are also welcome to launch their own rowboats, canoes, or kayaks. Gas motorized boating is not permitted, however a small electric trolling motor can be used. A variety of fish, including bass, sunfish and pickerel, inhabit the pond and fishing is permitted with a New York State Freshwater Fishing License. Licenses are available for purchase from nearby locations in town and available online. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate and fish on the pond, conditions permitting.
In season deer and bear hunting (rifle/shotgun/bow), turkey hunting (bow/shotgun), rabbit/hare hunting, squirrel, fox and ruffed grouse hunting are permitted. Small game season begin November 1st. A New York State hunting license is required. Please be aware that Taconic State Park property encompasses land in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Please adhere to the appropriate regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The use of handguns are not permitted in any state parks. No youth hunts.
*Note: Guarded swimming is available in the northern part of the park in the Copake Falls area.
Don't miss these popular destinations and attractions within or near the park:
- Harlem Valley Rail Trail - once a rail line extension of New York City, it is now a picturesque trail with interpretive signs
- Taconic State Park, Copake Falls area - another area of Taconic State Park to the north with cabins, hiking and more.
- Village of Millerton - Just a six minute drive from Rudd Pond, experience what BudgetTravel.com calls "One of America's 10 Coolest Small Towns." Millertown features a small cinema, the Harney & Sons Tea Shop, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, numerous antique stores, as well as access to the Dutchess County portion of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.
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Appalachian Trail - a portion of the AT can be accessed near Taconic State Park
Current Water Quality - Beach Results
Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Hours of Operation
- Park is open year round, sunrise to sunset, weather and conditions permitting.
- Swimming:Memorial Day to Labor Day8am to 6pm (non-guarded)Swimming is only permitted within the designated area.
- Camping Season:
Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ground sites and platform sites available for tenting reservations.See ReserveAmerica for fees & site details.Reserve through Reserve America, 1-800-456-CAMP or online at www.ReserveAmerica.com.
*Please note within the camping season time frame, some loops/sites may open later or close earlier. For more details, please call the park or visit http://www.newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com
Fees & Rates
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
- Boating
- Boat rentals (kayaks and rowboat) available between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Life jackets are provided. Boating is daily, 10:00am-3:00pm, last boat out
at 2:00pm.Boat Rental: $10/hr
- Camping
- $15-$22/night
Out of State Surcharge: $5 per night - Vehicle Entrance Fee
- $7/car Collected weekends only, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bus: $35
Maps
New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.
Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.
Bezaleel Rudd, who served as an officer in the Continental Army, first settled the Rudd Pond area with his family in the early 1800s. The land remained sparsely inhabited and in 1924 was purchased by the Taconic State Park Commission, which built a bathing house, road, and campsites. In the 1930s, the area's road, trails, and parking lot underwent renovation and expansion by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Rudd Pond has become a popular destination for visitors who enjoy its many outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating.
For general information on Avian Influenza, please see: Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine - Avian Influenza Fact Sheet (leaves State Parks website).
For additional updates on Avian Influenza, including current updates, see NYSDEC - Animal Diseases (leaves State Parks website) and NYSDOH - Questions and Answers about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (leaves State Parks website).
Taconic State Park Hunting Map
Obtain Permit (No Cost) from the Park Office to be displayed in vehicle dashboard while hunting. Office hours vary - call ahead.
Big Game:
- Archery only: May enter woods 1/2 hour before sunrise to set up an exit by sunset. Park Hunting permit required.
- Gun season: Map available at park office. May enter woods at 1/2 hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset. Park Hunting permit is required.
- Muzzle loading: May enter the woods 1/2 hour before sunrise to set up and exit by sunset.
Note: Columbia County allows rifles - Dutchess County is shotgun only (Rudd Pond - DEC Zone 4Z).
Small Game:
No Rabbit Hunting
Turkey - archery and shotgun.
Squirrel (Shotgun only)
Fox (Shotgun only)
Ruffed grouse (Shotgun only)
No Rabbit or Hare. No waterfowl. No migratory birds. No reptiles. No amphibians. No youth hunts. No handguns. No target practice.
Amenities Information
- Amenities
- Biking
- Boat Launches
- Boat Rentals
- Campsites, Cabins & Lodging
- Fishing
- Grills
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Playgrounds
- Showers
- Swimming Beach