About Us:

New Germany lies within the boundaries of Savage River State Forest at the western most edge of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay watershed. The park takes its name from the 19th century farming community that developed in this area and reminded early settlers of their German homeland.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the park's 12 miles of trails and 13-acre New Germany Lake.

Picnicking, camping, birding and nature appreciation are possible in the 400 acres of New Germany and the adjoining 54,000 acres of Savage River State Forest. Visitors can also enjoy the historic Casselman River Bridge near Grantsville and Big Run State park at the north end of the Savage River Reservoir, located eight miles southwest of New Germany State Park.

The 13-acre lake was formed when Poplar Lick Run was dammed for mill operation. This impoundment, known as Swauger's Mill Dam, was named for mid-nineteenth century sawmill and gristmill builder, John Swauger.

New Germany began as a small rural community centered around a grist mill, once located on the lake and operated by the Swauger Family. The surrounding forest was cleared of timber throughout the 1800s. Most of the local homesteads used the land to raise livestock for their own sustenance. Many farms were sold to the federal government during the Depression era. Savage River State Forest evolved from these initial federal land acquisitions that were later turned over to the State of Maryland.

In the 1930s, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). CCC Camp S-52 was established at New Germany and members built many of the park's recreation facilities, including cabins, campsites and trails. The CCC's maintenance of forest roads better protected the forest from wildfires and laid the foundation for future forest management practices to improve these public lands. Forestry professionals carried on this legacy by replanting formerly depleted farmlands while actively thinning and managing young stands of timber to improve their vigor and growth. These tree plantings quickly repaired eroded soils and returned the cleared land to a forest ecosystem.

Today, the park offers opportunities for biking, boat launching, boat rental, camping and cabins, cross country skiing, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking,paddleboat rental, picnicking, snowshoeing, and swimming.

The Savage River State Forest, which surrounds New Germany State Park, offers opportunities for ATVs, hunting, and snowmobiling.

	Shoreline View from Park

Local Wildlife and Vegetation:

New Germany is comprised of various ecosystems, including a man-made lake, natural swamp, brook trout stream, stands of mature eastern hemlock and plantations of 50-70 year-old spruce, pine and fir. This diverse habitat supports a wide array of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, coyote and white-tailed deer.

Birders can see a variety of species while hiking the forest trails, as well as around the shoreline of New Germany Lake. A keen ear may detect various warblers, woodpeckers, thrushes and fly catchers. The distinct overhead croak of a northern raven often drifts down from the nearby mountain ridge top.

The woodlands of the park are primarily mixed hardwood and coniferous forest. Rhododendron line the banks of Poplar "Lick," local parlance for a stream, and provide a spectacular sight during full-bloom at the end of June through mid-July. All seasons offer a truly awe-inspiring opportunity to enjoy the scenery and activities that have brought visitors to New Germany State park for generations. A spring walk through the woods reveals wildflowers such as painted trillium, moccasin flower, sweet cicely, wood sorrel and wild strawberry. Summer brings asters, Joe-pye weed, milkweed and daisies. Sugar maple, red maple, black gum and American larch produce stunning fall foliage. Cross-country skiing on New Germany's trails showcase snow-laden, towering eastern hemlock and the call of a black-capped chickadee.

Fees:

Visiting the Park:

Park Headquarters is located at the intersection of New Germany Road and Headquarters Lane, near the park entrance. Information can be obtained here during business hours Monday through Friday. The office is open seven days a week. For emergency assistance, call 1-800-825-7275 or dial 911. General park information can be obtained at (301) 895-5453.

Pets:

Please note that pets are not permitted at New Germany State Park.

Handicap Accesibility:

New Germany State Park offers the disabled access to the 13 acre lake, picnic areas, camping, restroom facilities and pavillions. Cabin #3, located in New Germany State Park, is equipped for the handicapped. For further information please contact the office at (301) 895-5453.

Park Passes:

Park passes provide substantial discounts for admission and services at all Maryland State parks.

• All Season Pass -- Entitles free day-use entry, for everyone in the vehicle, to Maryland's state forests and parks; free boat launching; and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.
• Youth Group Pass -- Entitles youth groups free day use admittance to Maryland State Parks and free camping in those parks that have designated "Youth Group" areas subject to site availability. This pass is not valid for day use entry on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Golden Age Pass -- Entitles adults, ages 62 and older, free entry (cardholders only) to all State Parks that charge service fees. The pass is also valid for half price camping Sunday through Thursday.
• Access Maryland Pass -- Entitles free lifetime entry to State Parks for individuals with disabilities.

New Germany State Park
349 Headquarters Lane
Grantsville , Maryland 21536
Phone: (301) 895-5453

We are open sunrise to sunset daily.

Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations
or make your
reservations online