Maryland's New Mountain State Park Is Opening Soon With A Cozy Lodge, Cabins, And Yurts

Maryland is gearing up to unveil its latest addition to the state's gorgeous public park system: Savage Highlands State Park. The area sits in the mountainous terrain of northwestern Maryland, in Garrett County, close to the Pennsylvania and West Virginia lines. It's an easy 2.5-hour drive from Baltimore for those seeking a forested escape from the city. The nearest mountain town of Frostburg is about 10 miles to the east and is a handy spot for services and groceries.

The state acquired the park in November 2024 for about $8.7 million from private owners. It was once a retreat called Savage River Lodge that was a private slice of land surrounded by public lands that officials had long been eyeing to purchase. It spans about 40 acres and is surrounded by about 700 acres of the adjacent Savage River State Forest and Mount Aetna Tract, offering ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. The name honors John Savage, the 18th-century surveyor and investor who ultimately gave the town of Savage, Maryland, its name.

Currently, Savage Highlands State Park remains closed to the public as management looks to finish upgrading and improving the existing structures. Officials are hoping to welcome the public by late August 2026, but exact dates depend on progress. Check with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the latest updates. The planned improvements will add enhanced accessibility, high-quality amenities, and a Maryland glamping experience.

At the center of Savage Highlands State Park is the freshly revamped lodge. It has been designed to elevate the typical state park into something more refined while still being immersed in the wilderness. This central building will act as the go-to spot for visitors, providing guidance on local attractions, booking assistance, and essential services. Inside you can expect to see comfortable touches like free public Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities, wheelchair-friendly access, and a wood-burning stove. Cozy seating areas will feature books and board games, and there are even electric charging stations outside for conscious drivers. Park management is mulling over adding snack options and the possibility of renting the lodge for public events; more details will emerge as the space opens to the public.

If you're aiming to stay the night here, there are a few choices that blend the rustic appeal of being in nature with modern conveniences. A total of 18 cabins are scattered across the park, varying in capacity from two to four people. They include a lofted bed with a king or queen bed, and some feature a pull-out sofa downstairs for additional sleeping space. Each cabin comes with a private bathroom, propane-fueled fireplace, and Wi-Fi. A few cabins are even designated as pet-friendly. (Here are Samantha Brown's top tips for traveling with your pet.)

In addition to the cabins, there are eight yurts. These circular tent-like structures are upgraded for comfort, accommodating two to four people, with king or queen beds plus additional sleeping options depending on the yurt. As with the cabins, they include full bathrooms, propane fireplaces, and internet access. Park staff is currently considering ways to expand the sleeping arrangements to provide for larger groups.

The free-to-enter, family-friendly park and the surrounding Savage River State Forest have endless ways to connect with the outdoors. The Mount Aetna Tract features an extensive network of paths for hiking, biking, and more, with numerous loops that showcase the area's diverse landscape. Standout trails include the 3.2-mile Mount Aetna Loop, a moderately challenging route with great views, and the 2.3-mile Cabin Trail, which is great for spotting local wildlife. The paths are versatile and can transform during winter for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, and visitors will be able to rent equipment directly from the lodge. Be sure to pack safe hiking gear no matter what time of year you visit.

Birding lovers will find plenty to observe here, from daytime sightings of ovenbirds, red-tailed hawks, and brown-winged hawks to the nocturnal great horned and screech owls. Hunting is prohibited in the park, but the encompassing forest allows for hunters to be on the watch for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys during seasons. Fishers can cast their lines in the nearby Savage River, which can be accessed just outside the park boundaries by the bridge on Mount Aetna Road. Both hunters and fishers need licenses to engage in the sport. For more adventures in Maryland, don't miss the gorgeous state park in the Blue Ridge Mountains for fall foliage.