Tucked In Western Maryland Is A Scenic State Park With Mountain Views, Camping, And Fishing

Garrett County, Maryland, is best known as the home of Deep Creek Lake, but nestled in the Savage River State Forest is a quieter destination for outdoor recreation. With its dynamic landscape, Big Run State Park offers its visitors a scenic experience. Enjoy views of the Western Appalachian Plateau, the calm waters of the Savage River Reservoir, and the Monroe Run and Big Run streams as you explore this western Maryland recreation area. Rocky shorelines, varying hills, and lofty trees add character to the park and provide some challenging terrain for hikers and explorers. 

Big Run State Park offers a quiet environment for those looking to escape crowds and the hustle of everyday life. Unplug from technology as you stare into mostly clear waters or hike along the Monroe Run Trail for a full view of the hickory and oak trees that make up the park's landscape. However, the best way to fully experience Big Run State Park is by camping on its grounds and fishing in its reservoir.

If you're looking for a primitive camping experience among the mountains, Big Run State Park is your destination. A great option for impromptu and off-season campers, the western Maryland park allows walk-in single-night stays (availability permitting) and accepts reservations for longer visits during all seasons. One winter camper wrote in a Google review, "Beautiful park, awesome place to primitive camp! My choice in the time of year for camping here was kinda crazy for a tent, but sometimes the worst times can be the best times." If you decide to stay at one of the park's 23 primitive campsites, avoid the camping mistake new adventurers often make — not preparing properly. The park does not have many modern amenities like running water and cell service, resulting in a more traditional camping experience. Many campers take advantage of the on-site picnic tables and fire rings during their stay, making s'mores and simple meal ingredients essentials to any family grocery list. Group camping is also welcome, with the Creekside and the Monroe Run sites respectively accommodating a maximum of 12 and 25 people.  

However, Big Run State Park may not be an ideal destination for campers wanting to party during their trip, since alcohol is prohibited at the park's campsites. Instead, think of enjoying recreational activities and quality time with loved ones as the highlights of most trips. Depending on the location of your campsite, your stay may include a view of the reservoir or the peaks of the Western Appalachian Plateau. The sounds of the nearby stream and reservoir also add to the feeling of tranquility while camping. "My favorite place to camp, total silence, contact with nature and the most beautiful thing is the river and the nights under the stars," a recent camper shared in a Google review. In addition to their calming benefits, the park's water bodies also serve as a source of food and recreational fun for campers.

Whether you're casting your line into the Savage River Reservoir for a dinner catch or just for sport, Big Run State Park has opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers can try to catch a variety of fish in the reservoir. Walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, suckers, and trout are among some of the most promising catches according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the agency that oversees the park. Big Run State Park welcomes fishermen year-round, with the exception of an annual spring closure to tend to its trout population.

For those who prefer boating over shoreline fishing, the park has a single ramp on the premises for electric and rowboats only. "Lake levels vary throughout the year, so be aware that you may have to carry your boat several feet," warns the Maryland DNR. Though it's not on the America's best-kept-secret state park list, Big Run State Park boasts a nearly five-star average rating on Google Maps from visitors. The state park is also about 30 minutes from the charming rural town of Accident, which has a few markets and grocery stores for stocking up on camping supplies.