Savage River State Forest offers primitive camping in Western Maryland with tent sites that provide seclusion and privacy. The sites are positioned on paved roads throughout the forest, many with access to streams for natural cooling during summer months when temperatures remain moderate. Sites are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables but lack facilities such as showers or flush toilets.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Multiple cascades at Swallow Falls State Park Campground include Maryland's highest waterfall at 53 feet. The trails connecting to the falls are family-friendly with clear signage. "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early," reports one camper.
Cross-country skiing: Winter activities flourish in the area when snow blankets the terrain. "The trails are easy to medium and are open to cross country skiing in the winter months," notes a visitor to New Germany State Park Campground. The park maintains trails specifically groomed for winter sports and offers a warming hut by the lake.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and streams provide fishing access throughout the region. The Savage River area offers numerous options as one visitor notes: "There are multiple boat ramps, and from one end of the reservoir to the other on a kayak is about 2 hours. Hiking options are endless although some are hard to spot. There are some shallow swimming holes that are nice when it's hot."
What campers like
Stream-side sites: Camping directly beside running water ranks high among visitor preferences. At Big Run State Park, "beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" notes one camper. Another mentions, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Secluded camping options: The Savage River State Forest offers unusually private campsites compared to typical campgrounds. "The sites are very spread out, and not very consistent in size/quality. We were able to nab site 112 and it was fantastic: lots of space, and privacy too," explains one visitor. Many sites are separated by substantial forest areas providing genuine wilderness feel.
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn transforms the Western Maryland forests with vibrant colors. "The fall foliage made everything even more beautiful. Apparently, the park is very popular amongst cross-country skiers in the winter, especially since they have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake," reports a camper describing the seasonal transformation.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout much of the camping area. At Middle Ridge Campground, "This campground is secluded, wooded, and not over crowded and the owners are very friendly." The remote nature means planning ahead for communication needs.
Wildlife awareness: Black bears frequent the Western Maryland forests. "We were told there were regular bear sightings and there were bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear, keeping our zero bear sightings record intact," reports a visitor. Bear-proof storage containers are provided at many sites.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create weather conditions that can change rapidly. "The weather was crazy the one night I stayed! Thunderstorms turned to ice turned to snow which made the area even more beautiful!" notes one camper describing the unpredictable conditions even during normally moderate seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-specific swimming spots: Pet friendly camping near Bloomington, Maryland includes designated swimming areas for dogs at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," notes a visitor appreciating the family amenities.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers and ranger programs provide learning experiences. "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center. Overall a very nice family camping area," explains a visitor to New Germany State Park describing the educational facilities available.
Level camping surfaces: Families with young children appreciate flat, stable tent sites. "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Secondly, the tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep," reports a camper at Swallow Falls State Park.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: For those seeking pet-friendly RV camping near Bloomington, electrical access varies widely between parks. "The campground map I saw, I believe, said 84 campsites in the park and only 6 electric (& water). Decent cell service although on the low side, bar wise," notes a camper at Swallow Falls State Park explaining the limited hookup options.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some parks have restrictions on RV length. At Jennings Randolph Lake, "All camper pads are paved, and most appeared to be level. They are of varying lengths with 53, 55, and 64-68 having the longest pads." Knowing specific site dimensions helps prevent arrival complications.
Access route considerations: Mountain roads can present challenges for larger vehicles. "We approached the campground from the southeast through the town of Keyser. DO NOT do this if you have a large RV. There are multiple signs saying that the road was not safe for large trucks; although our 18-foot camper van had no problems, the road was narrow, hilly, and winding."
Traveler
