Best Tent Camping: Maryland. Evan L. Balkan

the trail. Even on clearly marked trails, there is usually a point where you have to stop and consider which direction to head. If you become disoriented, don’t panic. As soon as you think you may be off-track, stop, assess your current direction, and then retrace your steps back to the point where you went awry. If you have absolutely no idea how to continue, return to the trailhead the way you came in. Should you become completely lost and have no idea of how to return to the trailhead, remaining in place along the trail and waiting for help is most often the best option for adults and always the best option for children.

      ■ Be especially careful when crossing streams. Whether you are fording the stream or crossing on a log, make every step count. If you have any doubt about maintaining your balance on a log, go ahead and ford the stream instead. When fording a stream, use a trekking pole or stout stick for balance and face upstream as you cross. If a stream seems too deep to ford, turn back. Whatever is on the other side is not worth risking your life.

      ■ Be careful at overlooks. Although these areas may provide spectacular views, they are potentially hazardous. Stay back from the edge of outcrops and be absolutely sure of your footing: a misstep can mean a nasty and possibly fatal fall.

      ■ Know the symptoms of hypothermia. Shivering and forgetfulness are the two most common indicators of this insidious killer. Hypothermia can occur at any elevation, even in the summer. Wearing cotton clothing puts you especially at risk, because cotton, when wet, wicks heat away from the body. To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers using synthetic clothing for insulation, use a cap and gloves to reduce heat loss, and protect yourself with waterproof, breathable outerwear. If symptoms arise, get the victim to a shelter with a fire, hot liquids, and dry clothes or a dry sleeping bag.

      ■ Take along your brain. A cool, calculating mind is the single most important piece of equipment you’ll ever need on the trail. Think before you act. Watch your step. Plan ahead. Avoiding accidents before they happen is the best recipe for a rewarding and relaxing hike.

      Western Maryland

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      Big Run State Park

      Big Run is just one of the many state parks and forests in Garrett County; what sets it apart from its neighbors is its proximity to the unspoiled Savage River Reservoir.

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      :: Key Information

      ADDRESS: Big Run State Park 10368 Savage River Road Swanton, MD 21561

      CONTACT: 301-895-5453; dnr2.maryland.gov

      OPERATED BY: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

      OPEN: Year-round

      SITES: 29

      EACH SITE: Picnic table, fire grill, lantern post

      ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served

      REGISTRATION: reservations.dnr.state.md.us or 888-432-2267. Self-registration station is located in the lower camping area, along Savage River Rd.

      FACILITIES: Picnic pavilion, restroom, water

      PARKING: Maximum 2 vehicles/site

      FEE: $10/night; $60/night group site (25 people maximum)

      RESTRICTIONS

      ■ Pets: Allowed on a leash

      ■ Quiet Hours: 11 p.m.–7 a.m.

      ■ Visitors: Maximum 6 people/site

      ■ Fires: In fire rings

      ■ Alcohol: Permitted only inside cabins and at shelters with valid permit, as applicable

      ■ Stay Limit: 2 weeks

      ■ Other: Checkout 3 p.m.

      At 300 acres, Big Run State Park is relatively modest in size, but it sits within the Savage River State Forest, which, at 53,000 acres, is the largest of Maryland’s state forests and parks. Big Run is just one of the many state parks and forests in Garrett County; what sets it apart from its neighbors is its proximity to the unspoiled Savage River Reservoir, where anglers can fish for a seemingly endless supply of bass, catfish, crappie, perch, trout, and walleye. Fishing is permitted year-round with a nontidal fishing license.

      Another feature that distinguishes Big Run from its larger park neighbor, New Germany, is that camping here is year-round. Because of the cold and the threat of heavy snow, winter camping is largely a private experience. The numerous hiking trails in the state forest provide for some great cross-country skiing.

      If you’ve brought a boat, you’ll want to snag one of the sites in the 80s or sites 78, 79, or 90, which are closest to the boat launch for the reservoir. The closest two are 83 and 84. These are fairly big sites, but they are situated in an open grassy field without shade. In fact, all of sites 78–90 are in the open. If you wish for a wooded site, go with 60–75. If you are more interested in the surrounding forest and its hiking trails, go for the sites north of the boat launch, off Big Run Road (also sites 60–75). Sites 61 and 62 are closest to the lovely Monroe Run Trail. Be aware that sites 71 and 72 are closest to the Youth Group camping site, so the chance for noise is increased there.

      Monroe Run Trail commences between sites 62 and 64, and these sites, along with 65 and 67, could be the most pleasurable spots to have. They sit in the forested sections of the park, away from the main camp roads. The trail follows Monroe Run into nearby New Germany State Park and shouldn’t be missed; it’s a modest 6 miles, but it winds through pristine forests and over innumerable streams. It guarantees a workout, but it’s lovely.

      In all, you really can’t go wrong in Big Run; it’s fairly small, so there’s really not a whole lot of action, company, or noise. And if you want an even more rustic camping experience, you can head straight north on Big Run Road or east on Savage River Road for loads of camping opportunities in the Savage River State Forest.

      :: Getting There

      Take Exit 22 off I-68 and follow Chestnut Ridge Road south to New Germany Road. Pass New Germany State Park headquarters and take a left onto Big Run Road. Go 5 miles, and the park is at the intersection of Big Run Road and Savage River Road.

      GPS COORDINATES N39°32'42" W79°8'14"

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      Brunswick Family Campground

      Brunswick Family Campground possesses some prime real estate astride a particularly beautiful stretch of the Potomac River.

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