Is Savage River State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Savage River State Forest 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 Savage River State Forest before I book?

Yes! Savage River State Forest has 10 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 Savage River State Forest?

Savage River State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Savage River State Forest?

Fire policies at Savage River State Forest: Reviewers commonly describe campfires and advise bringing firewood; specific official fire regulations or restrictions were not provided in the sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Savage River State Forest have?

Savage River State Forest has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Savage River State Forest?

Pets are not allowed at Savage River State Forest. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Savage River State Forest?

Savage River State Forest offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Savage River State Forest?

Popular activities at Savage River State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Savage River State Forest

4.71

49 reviews

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Primitive Camping Maryland#1 Mountain Camping Maryland#1 Forest Camping Maryland#1 +6 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,674 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 26 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,674 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Maryland DNR Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

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...

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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Savage River State Forest

39.6301, -79.1339

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

Fall delivers the forest's most dramatic show: hardwood canopy ablaze in reds, oranges, and golds, daytime highs between 45–60°F, and nights dropping into the 25–40°F range. Insect pressure falls off, water levels stabilize for fishing and paddling, and the trails are at their best. Summer brings warmer weather but the river stays cold. Winter is quiet and can be harsh at this elevation. Spring runoff makes for strong currents and muddy trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall delivers dramatic hardwood canopy colors and is repeatedly highlighted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

About Savage River State Forest

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.

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.

Historical Significance

Traces of historic Braddock's Road remain near St. John's Overlook on Big Savage Mountain. Part of an early frontier route with regional historical significance.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the forest's most dramatic show: hardwood canopy ablaze in reds, oranges, and golds, daytime highs between 45–60°F, and nights dropping into the 25–40°F range. Insect pressure falls off, water levels stabilize for fishing and paddling, and the trails are at their best. Summer brings warmer weather but the river stays cold. Winter is quiet and can be harsh at this elevation. Spring runoff makes for strong currents and muddy trails.

Natural Features and SceneryHardwood and hemlock forest wraps the campground on steep, rolling terrain. Sites sit near streams, the Savage River, or reservoir shoreline. Most tucked into the woods with water views or the sound of moving water close by. The forest canopy is dense overhead, with the plateau's elevation giving the place a cooler, more remote feel than lower Maryland forests. The Savage River runs cold and clear year-round, fed by mountain springs.

Geological RegionAppalachian Plateau / high-elevation Appalachian plateau

Best Campsites

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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 Savage River State Forest

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

4.7

49 reviews

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...

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**:...

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,...

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...

Based on 49 reviews

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New Germany State Park

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New Germany State Park sits at 2,566 feet in a dense hemlock-hardwood forest around a quiet 10-acre lake. The campground has 54 sites across three loops (Pines, White Oak, Hemlock), plus modern cabins with full kitchens. Roads and driveways are tight. Reviewers warn against large RVs. Electric hookups are scarce (only two confirmed sites), and cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the park.