Taconic State Park is part of the Taconic Mountain Range, which runs all the way up to New England and is home to sections of the Appalachian Trail. The park covers 16 miles of this range along the Connecticut and Massachusetts borders, and offers an extensive trail network with varying terrain and stunning views.

Rudd Pond, in the southern section of the park, has a long history as an ideal fishing spot, and is now well suited for introducing kids to camping, or for boating and swimming in calm waters. The wide, sandy beach also has a large playground. Rudd Pond has fewer visitors than Copake Falls, its sister park to the north.

The campground features 15 tentsites and 26 tent platform sites, each with a picnic bench, a fire ring, and a grill. Restrooms and a hot-water shower house help ease families into the tent-camping experience. The sites are situated between the Taconic ridge and the pond, where anglers can try their luck at catching bass, sunfish, and pickerel (New York fishing license required). A rustic but easy hiking path leads around Iron Mine Pond, which is south of the tent platforms. In winter, the pond is a popular spot for ice fishing and ice skating. Remember: Quiet hours from 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. are strictly enforced at the campsites, contributing to its being a good fit for families.

Copake Falls is an easy excursion and beautiful hike from Rudd Pond.

Nearby Millerton village is home to many restaurants and cafés.