Join us May 16 for Big Fun at Big Run!

[Brad Fisher]

Dear paddlers,

Once again, Mark and Ruth Zalonis have planned a gathering at Big Run State Park in Maryland on Saturday, May 16. Ruth and Mark, with Fred and Lee, will be scoping out conditions at Big Run on May 10 and an update will be posted after that. Rain this spring suggests that water levels will be good but a double check will be made. We hope that last year's rains and flooding, which washed out roads, campground restrooms and campsites, will not be repeated at the last moment. If water levels are good, we will put in from the campground past camp site 83.Maryland has a newly revamped reservation site: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov

Please RSVP
Please contact Mark and Ruth directly to let them know you’re coming so there will be enough burgers for everyone.

• mwzamz@zoominternet.net
• ‭(724) 887-4918‬.

Put-In and Picnic

• Arrive by 10:30 to paddle.
• We will put in from the campground. Go past the bathrooms and the put-in is just past Campsite 83.
• We will have lunch after our paddle. Please bring something to share. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided.

GPS Location

• 10368 Savage River Rd, Swanton, MD 21561
• 39˚ 32’ 37”N and 39˚ 08’ 17”W

How to get there (GPS can be sketchy in this area)

• From Interstate 68, take Exit 22.
• Follow Chestnut Rd. south 2 miles and pass a small lake.
• At Reflecting Heaven Stables at a T, turn left onto New Germany Rd.
• Continue about 5 miles and turn left onto Big Run Rd. (Sign on right says Big Run State Park.) Go down a long hill 4 3⁄4 miles, passing Monroe Run pavilion on your right. You will arrive in front of the campground at the intersection of Big Run Rd. and Savage River Rd. Drive straight into the campground..

Reserve a campsite

• Reservations are recommended. Here’s the reservation website: https://parkreservations.maryland.gov
• Campsites 78-90 are nearest the put-in
• Each site has a picnic bench and fire ring
• Pets on leash are permitted
• There are also RV sites further back from the lake.,
• There is also camping at near-by New Germany State Park

Or stay in a motel

• Comfort Inn, 2541 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Grantsville, MD, (301-760-7718)
• Casselman Inn, Grantsville, MD (301-895-5055).

BYO Water. No cell service.

• Please remember: Big Run is a primitive campground with only a pit toilet for amenities. There is no potable water!
• Please bring your own meals other than the picnic Saturday. There are no shopping areas nearby.

Contact Information:

• Park Office 301-895-5453 (New Germany State Park)
• GPS address: 10368 Savage River Rd, Swanton, MD 21561

Put-In and Picnic

• Arrive by 10:30 to paddle.
• We will put in from the campground. Go past the bathrooms and the put-in is just past Campsite 83.
• We will have lunch after our paddle. Please bring something to share. Burgers and hot dogs will be provided.

See you then!

Brad