Big Run State Park

4.63

19 reviews

Big Run State Park

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Maryland DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Maryland DNR site

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Going To Camp

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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."

Read all reviews

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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

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.

Weather and SeasonsPack 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.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering Appalachian hardwoods create a cathedral-like canopy above your campsite, while Big Run creek provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your stay. The surrounding steep ridges cradle this cool river-bottom valley, and just beyond the trees, the glassy waters of Savage River Reservoir mirror the rolling hills in perfect stillness. Come fall, the forest explodes into brilliant reds and golds, and year-round you'll wake to a symphony of birdsong echoing through the hollows.

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

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (Maryland state park reservations: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov)

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

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

Monroe Run Trail begins near the campground (near site 62) and follows old roads with multiple creek crossings; reviewers praise the forest scenery.

Fishing

Anglers use the Savage River Reservoir and adjacent streams for fishing; reviewers report launching and shore‑fishing from park access points.

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are allowed

Hazards

General hazardsBlack 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.

Weather at Big Run State Park

°F

Dec 14

Sunday

Moderate snow fall

Precipitation: 0.4%

Humidity: 85%

Wind: 5.3 mph

Moderate snow fall

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsPrimitive/non‑flush bathrooms described as poor by some reviewers, no potable water on site (bring drinking water), little to no cell service, and isolated/remote location may lack conveniences some campers expect. One reviewer noted low reservoir water levels in August.

Campground Map

Big Run State Park

Nearby supplies

Nearby camp store (outside the immediate campground) offers basic supplies and boat rentals

campers are advised to stock up before arrival

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.6

19 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 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...

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**:...

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...

Based on 19 reviews