Is Big Run State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Run State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Run State Park before I book?

Yes! Big Run State Park has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Big Run State Park?

Big Run State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Run State Park have?

Big Run State Park has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Run State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Run State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Run State Park?

Big Run State Park offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Run State Park?

Popular activities at Big Run State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Run State Park

4.58

24 reviews

Big Run State Park

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Maryland#3 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Maryland#3 Mountain Camping Maryland +7 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,503 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 30 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,503 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

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

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 24 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 50 and 70°F, nights in the 30s and 40s, and peak foliage that makes the reservoir viewpoints and trails worth the trip. Expect weekend crowds during peak color in late September and October. Summer stays cooler than lower elevations thanks to the shade and elevation, but mosquitoes are present in the warm months. Nights can be chilly even in summer. Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Peak foliage late Sept–Oct; ridgeline color and reservoir views make fall the standout season.

Planning Tips

About Big Run State Park

Big Run State Park sits at 1,503 feet in Western Maryland's Savage River valley, offering 30 primitive campsites along Big Run creek and the Savage River Reservoir. The wooded sites are well-spaced and attract paddlers, anglers, and campers willing to trade cell service and running water for quiet and seclusion. Reserve sites along Big Run Road online if you want those specific locations.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 50 and 70°F, nights in the 30s and 40s, and peak foliage that makes the reservoir viewpoints and trails worth the trip. Expect weekend crowds during peak color in late September and October. Summer stays cooler than lower elevations thanks to the shade and elevation, but mosquitoes are present in the warm months. Nights can be chilly even in summer. Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag.

Natural Features and SceneryMixed Appalachian hardwood forest covers the campground and the steep ridges that frame the Savage River valley. Big Run creek flows through the sites, and the reservoir sits just beyond the tree line. Fall foliage peaks from late September through October, when the ridges turn red and gold. The elevation and canopy keep the valley cool and shaded year-round. Reviewers mention good views from the reservoir shoreline and scenic trails.

Geological RegionAppalachian (Western Maryland, Savage River valley) — mixed Appalachian hardwood forest and steep ridges

Best Campsites

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Weather at Big Run State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

24 reviews

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 24 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...

Based on 24 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**:...

Based on 24 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...

Based on 24 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 24 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.7

(49)

Savage River State Forest

Maryland State Parks, Maryland

Savage River State Forest sits at 2,674 feet on Maryland's Appalachian plateau, offering 26 primitive campsites along the Savage River, tributaries, and reservoir. Expect vault toilets, fire rings, and no hookups. Cell service is effectively nonexistent for all major carriers, so download maps before you arrive.