🌤 Weather at Big Run State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–68 °F | 55–79 °F | 31–72 °F | 18–38 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Frostburg 2, 10 mi away, elevation 2,170 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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 |
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.
⛺ Camping at Big Run State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 23 primitive tent/RV campsites with picnic table and fire ring, no hookups and no potable water on site. Sites 63-75 are wooded with stone-dust pads; sites 78-90 are in an open grassy field. The statewide park amenities summary lists 29 total campsites for the park. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed on a leash; no separate pet loop. |
| Reservations | Reserve via 1-888-432-2267 or parkreservations.maryland.gov, year-round. Same-day walk-ups are permitted only for sites marked AVAILABLE, and only for one night; longer stays require a reservation. Check-in after 3 p.m., check-out 1 p.m. |
| Special sites | Monroe Run Group Campsite (up to 25 people, CCC-era shelter with stone fireplace and electricity, 3 adjoining campsites) and Creekside Group Campsite (up to 12 people, alongside the Big Run trout stream) are both reservable year-round. Alcohol prohibited. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. |
Camping questions about Big Run State Park
Can you camp at Big Run State Park?
23 primitive tent/RV campsites with picnic table and fire ring, no hookups and no potable water on site. Sites 63-75 are wooded with stone-dust pads; sites 78-90 are in an open grassy field. The statewide park amenities summary lists 29 total campsites for the park.
How do you reserve a campsite at Big Run State Park?
Reserve via 1-888-432-2267 or parkreservations.maryland.gov, year-round. Same-day walk-ups are permitted only for sites marked AVAILABLE, and only for one night; longer stays require a reservation. Check-in after 3 p.m., check-out 1 p.m.
Are pets allowed at the Big Run State Park campground?
Pets allowed on a leash; no separate pet loop.
Source: dnr.maryland.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Big Run State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Big Run State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Big Run State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
