or a dry sleeping bag.
■ Take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important piece of equipment you’ll ever need on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best recipe for a rewarding and relaxing hike.
Western Maryland
1
Big Run State Park
Big Run is just one of the many state parks and forests in Garrett County; what sets it apart from its neighbors is its proximity to the unspoiled Savage River Reservoir.
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:: Key Information
ADDRESS: Big Run State Park 10368 Savage River Road Swanton, MD 21561
CONTACT: 301-895-5453; dnr2.maryland.gov
OPERATED BY: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
OPEN: Year-round
SITES: 29
EACH SITE: Picnic table, fire grill, lantern post
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served
REGISTRATION: reservations.dnr.state.md.us or 888-432-2267. Self-registration station is located in the lower camping area, along Savage River Rd.
FACILITIES: Picnic pavilion, restroom, water
PARKING: Maximum 2 vehicles/site
FEE: $10/night; $60/night group site (25 people maximum)
RESTRICTIONS
■ Pets: Allowed on a leash
■ Quiet Hours: 11 p.m.–7 a.m.
■ Visitors: Maximum 6 people/site
■ Fires: In fire rings
■ Alcohol: Permitted only inside cabins and at shelters with valid permit, as applicable
■ Stay Limit: 2 weeks
■ Other: Checkout 3 p.m.
At 300 acres, Big Run State Park is relatively modest in size, but it sits within the Savage River State Forest, which, at 53,000 acres, is the largest of Maryland’s state forests and parks. Big Run is just one of the many state parks and forests in Garrett County; what sets it apart from its neighbors is its proximity to the unspoiled Savage River Reservoir, where anglers can fish for a seemingly endless supply of bass, catfish, crappie, perch, trout, and walleye. Fishing is permitted year-round with a nontidal fishing license.
Another feature that distinguishes Big Run from its larger park neighbor, New Germany, is that camping here is year-round. Because of the cold and the threat of heavy snow, winter camping is largely a private experience. The numerous hiking trails in the state forest provide for some great cross-country skiing.
If you’ve brought a boat, you’ll want to snag one of the sites in the 80s or sites 78, 79, or 90, which are closest to the boat launch for the reservoir. The closest two are 83 and 84. These are fairly big sites, but they are situated in an open grassy field without shade. In fact, all of sites 78–90 are in the open. If you wish for a wooded site, go with 60–75. If you are more interested in the surrounding forest and its hiking trails, go for the sites north of the boat launch, off Big Run Road (also sites 60–75). Sites 61 and 62 are closest to the lovely Monroe Run Trail. Be aware that sites 71 and 72 are closest to the Youth Group camping site, so the chance for noise is increased there.
Monroe Run Trail commences between sites 62 and 64, and these sites, along with 65 and 67, could be the most pleasurable spots to have. They sit in the forested sections of the park, away from the main camp roads. The trail follows Monroe Run into nearby New Germany State Park and shouldn’t be missed; it’s a modest 6 miles, but it winds through pristine forests and over innumerable streams. It guarantees a workout, but it’s lovely.
In all, you really can’t go wrong in Big Run; it’s fairly small, so there’s really not a whole lot of action, company, or noise. And if you want an even more rustic camping experience, you can head straight north on Big Run Road or east on Savage River Road for loads of camping opportunities in the Savage River State Forest.
:: Getting There
Take Exit 22 off I-68 and follow Chestnut Ridge Road south to New Germany Road. Pass New Germany State Park headquarters and take a left onto Big Run Road. Go 5 miles, and the park is at the intersection of Big Run Road and Savage River Road.
GPS COORDINATES N39°32'42" W79°8'14"
2
Brunswick Family Campground
Brunswick Family Campground possesses some prime real estate astride a particularly beautiful stretch of the Potomac River.
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