Big Run State Park in Maryland, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Big Run State Park sits at the mouth of Savage River Reservoir in western Maryland’s Garrett County. It suits visitors who want a simple forest outing with access to the Monroe Run hiking route. Bring your own drinking water and plan navigation before arrival: the park has no cell service.

Highlights beside Savage River Reservoir

• Reach the lower end of Monroe Run Trail from the park.
• Explore a forest setting beside the reservoir.
• Use Big Run as a starting point for learning about the surrounding Savage River State Forest.

Plan for primitive conditions

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Water, communication, and stream crossings

Carry all the drinking water you need. Download directions and maps because phones have no service in the park. Monroe Run Trail has numerous stream crossings and is subject to flooding; choose another plan when water levels make crossings unsafe. Hunting is prohibited in the park but permitted in the adjacent state forest, so check conditions before extending your walk beyond the park.

Leave no trash behind

Take all trash home. Keep pets leashed and with you. Alcohol is prohibited except at Big Run Pavilion when a special permit has been issued. Monroe Run Trail is for hikers only; bicycles and ATVs are not permitted.

Campsite booking rules

If you plan to camp, first confirm the unit’s current season and campsite access with staff. Big Run uses reservations, but same-day phone and online reservations are not permitted. Walk-up payment is allowed only for a site marked “AVAILABLE,” for one night. Use the official park notice to check the booking rules and construction routes before reserving.

Location and the correct approach road

The visitor address is 10368 Savage River Road, Swanton, MD 21561. The published route from I-68 Exit 22 follows Chestnut Ridge Road, New Germany Road, and Big Run Road. During the planned 2027 construction, choose the approach for your specific destination; the bridge closure will prevent through travel between Big Run Road and Savage River Road.

Nearby parks and forest areas

New Germany State Park is a nearby option along the New Germany Road approach. Its 2026–2027 utility works can affect cabins, campsites, and pavilions, so check before relying on those facilities. Savage River State Forest surrounds the wider area and offers another destination for a forest outing; select a specific trailhead before driving.

Walk Monroe Run with a route plan

The lower Monroe Run trailhead is beside campsite 62, with a small parking area. The forest service lists the route as moderate and 4.6 miles one way, ending near the park from its New Germany Road side. Walking the full route and returning on foot doubles that distance. For a shorter outing, choose a turnaround that matches your time and safe stream conditions.

Read the Monroe Run route description before starting. Its stream crossings and flood exposure matter more to a route decision than the distance alone.

Toilets and drinking-water planning

Two waterless toilets serve the park: one near the Big Run Road–Savage River Road junction and another on Big Run Road near Monroe Run Pavilion. There is no drinking-water supply. Pack water and take your trash home rather than expecting a developed visitor-service area.

About the Big Run forest setting

A CCC road beyond the park

The adjacent Monroe Run route follows a former connection road built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Surviving bridge abutments are reminders of that work. This history belongs to the forest trail; it should not be confused with the new Big Run Road bridge project.

Black bear country

Garrett County is black bear habitat. Bear encounters are possible during outdoor recreation, so review Maryland’s black bear guidance before your visit and give any bear plenty of space.

Contact the managing park office

Call 301-895-5453 for Big Run access and facility questions. The headquarters mailing address is care of New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Lane, Grantsville, MD 21536; it differs from Big Run’s visitor address.