Savage River State Forest
4.7149 reviewsSavage River State Forest
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Check Site
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Going To Camp
ProviderWhat 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."
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.
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 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.
Historical SignificanceVisitors note traces of historic Braddock's Road near St. John's Overlook on Big Savage Mountain; area has regional historical interest tied to early frontier routes.
Weather and SeasonsThe 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.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering hardwoods and ancient hemlocks create a cathedral-like canopy throughout this remote Appalachian plateau, where the forest floor drops away to reveal rushing streams and the wild Savage River below. Campsites nestle into the woods along creek banks and riverside benches, offering intimate water views and that rare sense of true backcountry seclusion. Whether you're perched above the reservoir's quiet waters or tucked beside a tributary's gentle current, the forest wraps around you like a living, breathing sanctuary—the kind of place where the only sounds are birdsong, rustling leaves, and moving water.
Geological RegionAppalachian Plateau / high-elevation Appalachian plateau
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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 not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp; official reservations site provided: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
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
Multiple 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.Fishing
Popular trout and warmwater fishing on the Savage River and at the reservoir; anglers frequently camp near the river for easy access.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Reviewers commonly describe campfires and advise bringing firewood; specific official fire regulations or restrictions were not provided in the sources.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack 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.
Weather at Savage River State Forest
16
°F
Dec 14
Sunday
Moderate snow fall
Precipitation: 0.8%
Humidity: 88%
Wind: 12 mph
Moderate snow fall
Weather History
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Good to know
Common complaintsPrimitive/no-frills facilities (basic pit/vault restrooms, no hookups or potable water); some campsites are adjacent to the only road and can experience occasional traffic noise; limited nearby services—stores may be many miles away.
Campground Map
Savage River State Forest
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
49 reviews
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 14, 2025
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