Big Run Campground

Big Run Campground, situated within Big Run State Park in Garrett County, Maryland, offers a distinctly primitive and peaceful camping experience within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. Located at the northern end of the Savage River Reservoir, an impoundment of the Savage River, this 300-acre state park is a favored destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature, particularly for fishing, boating, and hiking enthusiasts. Unlike many commercial RV parks, Big Run emphasizes a back-to-basics approach, providing a tranquil escape in a naturally beautiful setting.

The environment of Big Run State Park is characterized by its wild and scenic beauty. The park encompasses the confluence of Monroe Run and Big Run, and its primary feature is its location at the headwaters of the Savage River Reservoir. While the reservoir's water levels can fluctuate, sometimes requiring campers to carry their boats, it remains a central attraction. The park's climate is akin to mountain weather, with cold winters and mild, humid summers. It is nestled within the Western Appalachian Plateau, contributing to cooler temperatures and a unique ecosystem. The surrounding Savage River State Forest boasts diverse flora, including oak, hickory, and native hardwoods, with wildflowers like trout lilies, spring beauties, trilliums, lady slippers, rhododendrons, bee balm, and cardinal flowers blooming throughout the spring and summer. Wildlife is abundant, offering opportunities to spot red-tailed hawks, broad-winged hawks, great-horned owls, screech owls, songbirds, indigo buntings, as well as mammals like black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, and raccoon. The campsites themselves are either wooded, offering natural shade and seclusion, or located in an open grassy field, providing different scenic experiences. The sound of the rushing creek is often highlighted by campers as a particularly peaceful aspect of the environment.

In terms of services and features, Big Run Campground provides a primitive camping experience, meaning visitors should be prepared for a simpler setup. The park offers 23 primitive campsites available year-round, along with various group campsites. Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, facilitating traditional outdoor cooking and gathering. It is crucial for prospective campers to understand that Big Run State Park campsites do not offer water, electric, or sewer hookups at individual sites. This is a key characteristic of its primitive designation. Potable water is not provided on-site; campers must either bring their own water or utilize the dump station and water fill-up located approximately 10 minutes away at New Germany State Park. The campground does provide waterless toilet facilities (pit toilets or vault toilets), which are generally reported by campers to be clean and well-maintained. For groups, the Monroe Run Group Campsite accommodates up to 25 people and includes a large shelter with a stone fireplace and electricity. The Creekside Group Campsite is smaller, accommodating up to 12 people, nestled alongside Big Run, and features a camping pad with a fire ring and picnic tables. Recently, in 2023, the Maryland Park Service partnered with Tentrr to introduce glamping opportunities, offering six safari-style tent sites that come with some comforts of home, such as a bed, furniture, and Adirondack chairs, providing a slightly more upscale option within the primitive setting.

The recreational features at Big Run State Park are extensive and serve as major draws for visitors. The Savage River Reservoir is central to many activities:

• Boating: Only electric motors or non-motorized boats (such as kayaks, canoes, and rowboats) are permitted on the reservoir. A boat ramp is available between campsites 83 and 84, though low water levels can sometimes make launching challenging for trailered boats.

• Fishing: The reservoir is a popular spot for year-round fishing (with a non-tidal fishing license), stocked with various species including walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, suckers, and trout. A trout stamp is required to possess trout, and there's a brief lake closure in spring for trout stocking.

• Hiking: The park is the trailhead for the 4.6-mile Monroe Run hiking trail, offering scenic walks within the Savage River State Forest. Additional trails for multi-purpose use, including snowshoeing and snowmobiling, are available in the adjacent state forest.

• Picnicking: The park provides picnicking facilities in its day-use area, including a large picnic pavilion (Big Run Pavilion) which can be reserved and for which an alcohol permit can be purchased.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystem provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting various mammalian inhabitants.

Promotional information for Big Run State Park Campground consistently emphasizes its "peaceful, secluded outdoor experience." The official Maryland DNR website highlights its role as a "perfect base camp from which to enjoy the surrounding Savage River State Forest." The primary appeal is to those who desire to "disconnect" and enjoy nature in its more raw form, without the distractions of modern hookups or cell service (which is generally absent). The opportunity for bountiful fishing, non-motorized boating, and extensive hiking is a key promotional aspect. The vibrant fall foliage in autumn is also frequently highlighted as a spectacular seasonal draw. While primitive, the campground's cleanliness and the well-maintained nature of the pit toilets are often praised in reviews, reassuring campers about basic comfort. The affordability of primitive sites ($10 per night) also makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. The introduction of glamping sites through Tentrr represents a new promotional strategy to attract campers seeking a "more comfortable" primitive experience. The flexibility of year-round operation (though full services are seasonal) and the availability of reservations (strongly encouraged, especially for weekends and holidays) or walk-in options for one night provide convenience for various travel plans. The general sentiment from reviews is that Big Run is a "gem" for those who understand and appreciate primitive camping, offering a truly quiet and relaxing retreat.

In summary, Big Run Campground at Big Run State Park in Maryland is a significant offering within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, particularly for its focus on primitive and serene outdoor experiences. Its environment, nestled in the Allegheny Mountains at the Savage River Reservoir, provides a stunning backdrop for nature immersion. While lacking individual site hookups, it offers essential amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and clean pit toilets, along with group camping options and newer glamping tents. Its key features include excellent fishing and non-motorized boating, extensive hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. The promotional message centers on its peaceful, secluded atmosphere and the opportunity for an authentic, back-to-nature camping adventure, making it an ideal choice for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the wild beauty of Western Maryland.