Maryland's newest state park, Savage Highlands, is now open. It offers 55,000 acres of woodlands in Western Maryland for public use, free of charge. The park officially opened its gates this Friday.
Welcoming Families to Nature
The park, once a private resort called Savage River Lodge, is now focused on welcoming families. It used to cater to adults with romantic getaways. Now, the Maryland Park Service wants children and families to enjoy the property.
Angela Crenshaw, director of the Maryland Park Service, noted this change at an opening event. She said the new pricing is affordable for Maryland state park visitors.
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Start Your News DetoxVisitors can book overnight stays in four yurts for about $200 per night. Primitive campsites are also available for $20 a night. These sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and bear-proof storage. Bookings are open through October. The yurts and campsites will close for winter due to the gravel road condition, which the state plans to repair.
Future Plans and Investments
The state purchased the property for $8.7 million in 2024. Officials see it as a good investment, especially with high visitor numbers at state parks. In 2020, state parks saw 21 million visitors.
More improvements are planned for Savage Highlands. The goal is for it to become a hub for visitors to nearby state lands like Savage River State Forest and New Germany State Park.
The park has 18 cabins with electricity and indoor plumbing. However, several need new roofs and will not be open until next spring. The state plans to add ADA-accessible additions and stoves to two cabins.
The eight yurts now have heated floors and wood stoves. The state has added small air conditioning units and is considering better window HVAC units. The park's 5.75 miles of hiking trails have also been redesigned for public use.
The main lodge will be open to all visitors starting Friday. It has plush armchairs and a deck overlooking the forest. State officials are still deciding how to use the old restaurant space, possibly as a wedding venue or for food service.
Expanding Maryland's Park System
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman supported the purchase. She had visited the property with her family when it was private. She believes it will create lasting memories for others.
The state is opening more parks due to high demand during the pandemic. Freedman’s State Park opened in May. Wetipquin Creek State Park in Wicomico County is in the planning phase. A new natural resources management area at Holly Beach Farm is also set to open.
Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz expects many special moments at the park. He envisions proposals, first hikes, and first s'mores.
Matt Smith and Maggie Leathers-Smith were the first members of the public to stay at Savage Highlands. They won a free stay through the Miles for Maryland challenge.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson also stayed in a yurt. He shared how state parks offer valuable family connection time. The Great Maryland Outdoors Act of 2022 provided funds for park acquisitions and improvements.
