Maryland's Newest State Park Perfect For Mountain Camping Will Open Soon

Maryland is unofficially called "America in Miniature," having a vast range of climates and natural scenery. While the state is well known for its seafood, sugary sand beaches, and its unique waterfront capital city along the Atlantic seaboard, the state's western panhandle showcases its rugged and wild side. In this picturesque part of Mountain Maryland, Savage Highlands State Park is slated to open in late summer 2026, just in time for the peak fall and outdoor season. Once the park opens, visitors will have a unique base to explore mountainous Garrett County, whether camping out in a cozy yurt, staying warm in a cabin, or cracking open a local history book by the fire in the lodge after a splendid and historic road trip up America's first highway, the Historic National Road Scenic Byway.

Savage Highlands State Park has been under development since late 2024, after the state of Maryland purchased Savage River Lodge for $8.7 million. The property is surrounded by the Savage River State Forest, allowing the state to conjoin the former retreat's 42 acres, 18 cabins, and eight yurts with Maryland's largest state forest and protect the land from future development. While the state park isn't open yet, it is expected to gradually open to the public in August 2026. Currently, the park reports that major improvements and renovations are underway, including building repairs and adding campsites. Additional upgrades include paving a better road to the state park, as well as making accommodations accessible to mobility-challenged guests.

Despite being in Maryland, Savage Highlands State Park is a bit closer to Pittsburgh (approximately 100 miles away) than Baltimore, which is 117 miles away. Visitors can also fly into Washington Dulles, which adds a bit more time but has a unique sweet spot almost halfway: Harpers Ferry, a cozy and historic West Virginia town.

The Maryland Park Service has major plans to transform the former Savage River Lodge into a scenic and accessible outdoor recreation center for all. Savage Highlands State Park rests deep inside the 700-acre Mt. Aetna Tract in the Savage River State Forest and was purchased to not only prevent private development and ensure public access, but also to save time and money while developing a brand new state park. The park's accommodations will feature a comfy, resort-like stay for guests. All cabins and yurts will have private restrooms, fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities, with some cabins being specially designed to meet ADA-standards or be designated for pets. Although overnight rates for a cabin, yurt, or conference in the lodge have not been published as of this writing, they will be "more accessible to average families" than in the past, according to an official government webpage for the park.

The former lodge building is currently being repaired and developed into a cozy visitors center, complete with plenty to do on a snowy, rainy, or chilly day. The rustic, woody interior will be furnished with a mix of modern conveniences and rustic comforts, including books, games, and a fireplace, as well as Wi-Fi and charging stations for e-vehicles. As the lodge formerly had a restaurant, the Department of Natural Resources is considering adding a future restaurant or food operator in the park. Until then, visitors will need to bring their own food and beverages. You'll find groceries and restaurants in nearby Frostburg, less than half an hour away.

Once the park is fully open, guests (and their pets, though on leashes) will be able to walk out the front door of their cabin or yurt to an 8-mile trail network inside the Savage River State Forest, leading to spring blossoms and wildflowers, fall colors, and a variety of bird life. All of the trails are perfect for a quick morning or afternoon hike (the longest is the 3.2-mile Mt. Aetna Loop Trail), and some sections double as mountain biking and ski trails. In the future, the lodge plans to provide snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals for visitors.

Even though there are no fishing streams in the state park, don't forget your canoe, fishing pole or fly rod when you visit Savage Highlands — though leave your felt-soled waders at home, as they're illegal. Several sections of the Savage River just outside of the state park are stocked with trout and offer access to some of the best paddling and trout fishing in Maryland. Before you throw a line in the water, get your fishing license and a trout stamp, and double-check where fish are stocked online. For more fun on the water in Maryland, don't miss visiting Assateague State Park, an oceanfront recreation gem with wild horses.