Savage River Reservoir, Maryland, USA

Fresh, crystal clear mountain water makes Savage River Reservoir a beautiful destination in northwestern Maryland. Located in a canyon of the Savage River State Forest, the 360-acre reservoir is an ideal spot for outdoor adventure seekers. Created by construction of the Savage River Dam in 1952, Savage River Reservoir in Garrett County provides drinking water, flood control, and recreation for the area. The lake is owned and…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Savage River Reservoir! Article topics include:

Looking for Savage River Reservoir cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Savage River Reservoir, MD

    Lake Locations: USA - US Mid-Atlantic Region - Maryland - Western Maryland -

    Fresh, crystal clear mountain water makes Savage River Reservoir a beautiful destination in northwestern Maryland. Located in a canyon of the Savage River State Forest, the 360-acre reservoir is an ideal spot for outdoor adventure seekers. Created by construction of the Savage River Dam in 1952, Savage River Reservoir in Garrett County provides drinking water, flood control, and recreation for the area. The lake is owned and operated by the Upper Potomac River Commission with the guidance of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

    The waters of Savage River Reservoir are clear enough to provide 15 feet of visibility. The huge rocks and boulders create mesmerizing underwater scenes. There are several coves waiting to be explored. Almost the entire rocky shoreline is richly forested. The seasons bring vibrant colors as well as varied activities for all age groups.

    The Savage River Reservoir offers world class trout fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and sometimes cutthroat trout. The quality of the wild brook and brown trout fishery is truly amazing. Spring brings forth loads of native brook trout, wild brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. Catches also include large and smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, bluegill, catfish, bass and tiger muskie.

    After a day of fishing, several wonderful choices await. Opportunities include mountain biking, paddling, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, cross-whitewater paddling, nature study or rustic camping. More than 12,000 acres of forest at Savage River Reservoir have been designated as State Wildlands. The region remains refreshingly free of development.

    Savage River Reservoir is a wonderful treat for outdoor enthusiasts. Savage River State Forest offers a variety of exciting recreational activities. Within the forest lie two beautifully wooded state parks, Big Run and New Germany. Hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, off-road wheeling, hunting, fishing, and paddling are favorite activities. New Germany State Park visitors find a shimmering 13-acre expanse of water. A peaceful beach, rowboats, and plenty of fishing opportunities are a true treat. Nestled among tall trees are 39 campsites and miles of ski trails. New Germany Park offers nature talks, and a historian conducts entertaining tours. New Germany’s primitive log cabins are fully winterized. Abutting the forest is stunning 300-acre Big Run Park. The park is brimming with fun-filled activities.

    Heavily forested hillsides along with vibrant pastures of rhododendron and mountain azaleas surround the reservoir. The more than 54,000 acres of rugged terrain at Savage River State Forest never ceases to challenge long-time hikers, hunters, paddlers, anglers and mountain bikers. Rhododendron thickets and hickory and oak trees provide a comfortable habitat to a great variety of wildlife species. The forest comes to life with black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats and raccoons to name a few. Chances of sighting ducks, great blue herons, king fishers, vultures, beavers, mink, water snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders are very high. Ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, a plethora of songbirds, and amphibians and reptiles flourish throughout the Savage River area. Various species of hawks, owls and songbirds flit through the air. Guided canoe trips, offered by experienced forest interpreters or private nature tourism vendors are a good thing for visitors.

    Several trails near Savage River Reservoir are worth exploring. Big Savage Trail consists of a 17 miles that wind through forests of oak and hickory, farmsteads and terrain covered with an array of wild azaleas and rhododendron. Margraff Trails is a series of gravel roads for more advanced cyclists. Mt. Aetna Tract Trails is an astoundingly scenic 700-acre area with loop trails that offer chances for bird watching, mountain biking and hiking. Along the Asa Durst Trails expect to see a plethora of pine and spruce and stream valleys layered with rhododendron and hardwood forests. For those looking for tranquility, New Germany offers peaceful snowshoe or cross-country ski experiences. Poplar Lick Trail is a popular trail that begins at New Germany State Park, and Meadow Mountain is a motorized vehicle route. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular throughout these trails.

    Enjoying plant life comes as second nature to outdoor enthusiasts at Savage River Reservoir. The State Forest is brimming with hemlocks, hickories, oaks, beech, poplars, black cherry, colorful wildflowers and more. The blankets of spectacular pink azaleas and rhododendron are truly breathtaking. A wildflower walk and wildlife viewing should be included in your “To Do List.”

    Skilled canoeists and kayakers find Savage River Reservoir to be a real treat. The area proudly hosts whitewater challenges and championships. Nearby is the Casselman stone arch bridge, the site where Washington and Braddock traveled to Fort Duquesne in 1813.

    A short or long trip to Savage River Reservoir offers plenty of payback no matter what your age or interests. Often the only sound you can hear at the reservoir is the babble of water over rocks and the wind through the trees. However, the opportunities to engage in the myriad of water and outdoor activities are endless. So whether you want to rest and relax or enjoy an exciting, one-of-a-kind vacation, Savage River Reservoir offers it all.

    Things to Do at Savage River Reservoir

    These are some activities in the Savage River Reservoir, MD area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • State Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Savage River Reservoir?

    Savage River Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Black Crappie
    • Bluegill
    • Brook Trout
    • Brown Trout
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Cutthroat Trout
    • Muskellunge
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Tiger Muskellunge
    • Trout
    • Walleye
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Savage River Reservoir

    If you’re considering a Savage River Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Savage River Reservoir Vacation

    Our interactive Savage River Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Savage River Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Upper Potomac River Commission

    Surface Area: 360 acres

    Shoreline Length: 16 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,540 feet

    Maximum Depth: 151 feet

    Water Volume: 20,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1952

    Drainage Area: 105 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oliogotrophic-mesotrophic

    Savage River Reservoir Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Loch Raven Reservoir, MD

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Prettyboy Reservoir, MD

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Deep Creek Lake, MD

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Savage River Reservoir Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Savage River Reservoir news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Savage River Reservoir forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Savage River Reservoir photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Savage River Reservoir article with your fellow LakeLubbers: