Savage River State Forest

Star4.71
49 reviews
Savage River State Forest
Peace & QuietStargazingFishing

Quick Facts

2,674 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

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
Savage River State Forest
No fees available
Campsite Fees
At least one visitor reported a $17 per night fee for primitive camping. Sites are described as primitive with no hookups and payment via a self-pay...
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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

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 49 reviews

528 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingwatersites

Some mention

noise

"Reviewers consistently praise Savage River State Forest for its peaceful, secluded, and scenic backcountry camping—large wooded sites often near streams or the reservoir. Common practical notes: primitive facilities, limited or no water and hookups, unreliable cell service, and good fishing/hiking opportunities."

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Campground Map

Savage River State Forest

Savage River State Forest

39.6301, -79.1339

Drive-in campsites are located along paved forest roads; sites are generally accessible by car per visitor reports.
Nearby supplies
Reviewers report that stores and supplies can be ~20 miles away on back roads
no specific nearby supply location provided.

Best Time to Camp at Savage River State Forest

The forest's high elevation brings distinct, dramatic seasons that each tell their own story. Fall transforms the canopy into a blazing tapestry of color that draws leaf-peepers from across the region, while the elevated overlooks can catch brisk winds that remind you you're truly in the mountains. Year-round, the streams and river run cool and crystalline—refreshingly cold even in summer, fed by mountain springs that keep the water pristine.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers fishing, paddling and hiking; pleasant backcountry conditions reported.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in MD

Fall 'transforms the canopy' and draws leaf-peepers—peak scenic season for many visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers good hiking, fishing and resurgent greenery; seasonal trails and streams noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5
Top 25% in MD

Winter use includes snowmobiling and hunting; access and facilities are primitive in winter.

Planning Tips

    About Savage River State Forest

    Escape to the wild heart of the Appalachians at Savage River State Forest, where rugged high-elevation terrain meets pristine waterways and some of Maryland's darkest night skies. This expansive forest sanctuary offers truly primitive camping experiences along the Savage River, meandering tributaries, and a peaceful reservoir—perfect for those seeking solitude far from the buzz of modern life. Come prepared for rustic conditions: basic facilities, no hookups, and gloriously unreliable cell service.
    A mostly primitive state forest camping experience with drive-in and walk-in campsites, some wooded sites directly on streams or near the reservoir; at least some cabins are reported in visitor reviews.
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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Vault toilets
    Cabin Lodging

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor, backcountry-focused recreation: hiking on forest trails and roads, fishing and paddling on the Savage River and reservoir, wildlife viewing, and seasonal activities such as hunting or snowmobile use in winter. Many visitors highlight relaxing by streams and rivers.
    HikingMultiple forest trails and forest roads (e.g., Monroe Run Trail, Meadow Mountain approaches and overlooks); terrain ranges from flat stream crossings to steep ridges; visitors recommend bringing maps as on-site maps may be limited.
    FishingPopular trout and warmwater fishing on the Savage River and at the reservoir; anglers frequently camp near the river for easy access.
    Biking
    Boating
    Wildlife viewing
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsBlack bears (visitors warn to be bear-aware and secure food), river-wading hazards (slick boulders and risk of ankle/knee injury), steep terrain in places, limited or no cell coverage, and occasional road noise where sites sit near the main road.
    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 Savage River State Forest

    Reviews

    4.7
    49 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Savage River State Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers consistently praise Savage River State Forest for its peaceful, secluded, and scenic backcountry camping—large wooded sites often near streams or the reservoir. Common practical notes: primitive facilities, limited or no water and hookups, unreliable cell service, and good fishing/hiking opportunities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 49 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Quiet, uncrowded, and scenic forest with large, private sites; strong fishing and paddling opportunities on the Savage River and reservoir; good hiking and hunting; many reviewers recommend it as a...
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    Based on 49 reviews

    Common Concerns

    • **Limited or low-quality bathrooms**: One TripAdvisor reviewer notes that the bathrooms are basic enough that they prefer to use their RV facilities.[1] • **Lack of onsite maps and information**:...
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    Based on 49 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring your own potable water and firewood, pack everything you need (stores can be far), download or print maps before arrival (on-site maps may be lacking), be bear-aware and store food properly,...
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    Based on 49 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "If you want to get away from it all, this is where you need to visit. Don't come here to catch up on your social media because there is no service within miles!"; "Boondocks only but lovely and...
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    Based on 49 reviews

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    Last updated February 2, 2026
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