Primitive Camping at the Savage River Reservoir — Year-Round Primitive Sites, No Drinking Water, Non-Motorized Boating, Fishing, Hiking in Savage River State Forest, Garrett County Maryland
Big Run State Park is a primitive state park at the northern end of the Savage River Reservoir in Garrett County, Maryland, managed within the surrounding Savage River State Forest. The park features year-round primitive campsites available by reservation, group and youth group camping areas, picnic tables and fire rings at each site, waterless toilet facilities with no drinking water on-site (bring your own), non-motorized boat access to Savage River Reservoir, fishing for bass, trout, and panfish, hiking access into the surrounding Savage River State Forest, and a rustic no-frills wilderness experience for self-sufficient campers.
Big Run is Maryland’s backcountry basecamp — a no-frills primitive park where self-sufficient campers trade amenities for solitude on the Savage River Reservoir. There is no drinking water and no electrical hookups — plan accordingly.
The Savage River State Forest surrounding the park offers extensive trail systems and world-class whitewater on the Savage River itself (host of international kayaking competitions).
Things to Do
- Primitive camping — year-round, by reservation
- Fishing — bass, trout, panfish in Savage River Reservoir
- Non-motorized boating — canoes, kayaks on reservoir
- Hiking — trails in Savage River State Forest
- Group camping — group + youth sites available
Camping Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sites | Primitive — picnic table + fire ring |
| Season | Year-round |
| Reservations | Required — 1-888-432-CAMP |
| Water | ⚠️ NO drinking water — bring your own |
| Electric | None |
| Restrooms | Waterless toilets only |
| Group Sites | Available by reservation |
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Savage River Reservoir, Garrett County, MD |
| Within | Savage River State Forest |
| Boating | Non-motorized only |
| Managed By | Maryland DNR |
| Coordinates | 39.5400° N, 79.1283° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Big Run SP — 300 acres on the Savage River Reservoir in western Maryland. The park’s deep Appalachian forest, reservoir, and mountain streams support black bears, wild turkeys, and brook trout. One of Maryland’s most remote and wild parks.
Nearby Attractions
Savage River SF — surrounding. New Germany SP — nearby. Garrett County — surrounding — Maryland’s westernmost county.
Does Big Run State Park have drinking water?
No — Big Run State Park is a primitive, no-frills park at the northern end of the Savage River Reservoir in Garrett County, Maryland. There is no drinking water on-site, and facilities are limited to waterless toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers must bring all their own water and supplies. Reservations are required (1-888-432-CAMP). The park is within the Savage River State Forest and offers non-motorized boating, fishing, and hiking access.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, New Germany State Park is a short drive away, and Savage River State Forest is a short drive away.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Big Run State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
