Big Run State Park

Star4.63
19 reviews
Big Run State Park
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazingFishing

Quick Facts

1,503 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Maryland DNR site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Big Run State Park
No fees available
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

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

49 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietsites

Some mention

cell service

"Google reviewers consistently praise Big Run for its quiet, secluded, and scenic primitive campsites with good spacing and easy access to the Savage River Reservoir for paddling and fishing. Practical notes repeated in reviews: bring drinking water, expect non‑flush pit toilets, and plan for little to no cell service."

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Campground Map

Big Run State Park

Big Run State Park

39.5442, -79.1385

Nearby supplies
Nearby camp store (outside the immediate campground) offers basic supplies and boat rentals
campers are advised to stock up before arrival

Best Time to Camp at Big Run State Park

Pack a warm sleeping bag even in summer—this shaded valley stays refreshingly cool, and nights can be downright chilly once you escape the midsummer heat. Autumn is when Big Run truly shines, as the surrounding mountains transform into a painter's palette of fall colors that draw leaf-peepers from across the region. Summer visitors should bring bug spray to fend off mosquitoes and other warm-weather insects that call this lush forest home.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Shaded valley stays refreshingly cool; paddling/fishing active in summer though nights can be chilly.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MD

Overview: 'Autumn is when Big Run truly shines' with notable fall foliage and ridgeline views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers hiking and wildlife viewing but isn't specifically highlighted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Cold nights and primitive facilities make winter less comfortable; no formal winter activities noted.

Planning Tips

    About Big Run State Park

    Escape to Big Run State Park, where primitive campsites nestle along a babbling creek at the edge of Savage River Reservoir. This hidden gem in Western Maryland's forested valleys offers the perfect rustic retreat for paddlers, anglers, and stargazers seeking a genuine back-to-nature experience.
    A mostly primitive campground with tent and vehicle‑accessible sites; accommodates RVs/trailers but without hookups. A group campsite and pavilion (Monroe Run) are available.
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    Best Campsites

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    Amenities available

    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor recreation centers on the Savage River Reservoir and surrounding forest: paddling and fishing on the reservoir, hiking nearby trails, and wildlife viewing from wooded campsites.
    HikingMonroe Run Trail begins near the campground (near site 62) and follows old roads with multiple creek crossings; reviewers praise the forest scenery.
    FishingAnglers use the Savage River Reservoir and adjacent streams for fishing; reviewers report launching and shore‑fishing from park access points.
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsBlack bear country—practice proper food storage; mosquitoes can be a nuisance in warm months; uneven terrain at some sites (may require leveling blocks); limited or no cell service in the campground area.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
    No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

    Weather at Big Run State Park

    Reviews

    4.6
    19 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Big Run State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Google reviewers consistently praise Big Run for its quiet, secluded, and scenic primitive campsites with good spacing and easy access to the Savage River Reservoir for paddling and fishing. Practical notes repeated in reviews: bring drinking water, expect non‑flush pit toilets, and plan for little to no cell service.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 19 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet and secluded setting; well‑maintained wooded sites with space between sites; strong access to the reservoir for kayaking and fishing; attractive fall foliage and scenic views; a secluded group...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Primitive facilities**: Some campers are less comfortable with the pit toilets and lack of modern amenities, with several preferring to rely on RV bathrooms.[1][2] • **Mosquitoes and bugs**:...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reserve Big Run Rd sites online if you want those locations; bring drinking water and consider a portable camping toilet if preferred; expect primitive conditions and limited connectivity; trailers...
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    Based on 19 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Bring drinking water as there is no source."; "No cell service so be warned."; "Primitive camping is some of the best!"
    Based on 19 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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