Big Run State Park

Big Run State Park is a small, rustic Maryland state park at the northern end of Savage River Reservoir, where Big Run and Monroe Run meet, and it serves as a base camp for exploring Savage River State Forest. The park sits at 10368 Savage River Rd, Swanton and is run by the Maryland Park Service from New Germany State Park, making it a good fit for campers, paddlers, anglers and hikers who like a quiet, primitive setting.

A CCC-Era Park on the Reservoir

Big Run began in the 1930s as a 50-acre recreation area developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and has grown to about 300 acres inside the state forest. A CCC-built shelter with a stone fireplace still anchors the Monroe Run Group Campsite.

Camping, Boating and Fishing

• Primitive family campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, some wooded and some in an open grassy field; all sites are reservable year-round through the Maryland Park Service reservation system.
• The Monroe Run Group Campsite holds up to 25 people, and the Creekside Group Campsite, beside the native brook trout stream Big Run, holds up to 12.
• The Big Run Pavilion is available for picnics and gatherings.
• A boat ramp between campsites 83 and 84 is open to non-motorized boats and electric motors only; gas motors must be removed, and you may need to carry your boat a short way when water levels drop.
• Fishing is open year-round with a Maryland non-tidal license, for walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish and trout. Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the reservoir.
• The Monroe Run Trail ends near the park, and more Savage River State Forest trails are close by.

Before You Go

Pets are welcome on a leash, and alcohol is not permitted. Walk-up campers may pay on arrival for one night at sites marked available; longer stays need a reservation. Starting May 2027, Big Run Road will close just north of Savage River Road for up to four months for a bridge project, which changes how you reach some campsites, so check the park's alerts before you book.

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