St. John's Rock Campsites

For Maryland's off-road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts, St. John's Rock Campsites in Finzel, MD, offers a truly unique and exhilarating outdoor experience. Located within the vast and rugged Savage River State Forest in Garrett County, this isn't just any campground; it's the state's first-ever ORV trail and campground designed specifically with off-road riders in mind. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves hitting the trails on your ATV, motorcycle, or 4x4, and then unwinding at a dedicated campsite, St. John's Rock is your premier destination. It provides a specialized environment where the thrill of off-roading meets the tranquility of primitive camping, all within a reasonable drive for many across Maryland.

St. John's Rock Campsites are part of the larger St. John's Rock ORV Trail system, a pioneering initiative by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This integrated approach allows campers direct access to a diverse range of trails tailored for various ORV types, including single-track for motorcycles, technical spur loops for ATVs, and even a full-size rock crawl area for four-wheel drive vehicles. The campground itself is primitive, designed to support the needs of riders with spacious parking areas for trailered vehicles. For Maryland locals who share a passion for off-roading and outdoor adventure, St. John's Rock Campsites offers an unparalleled opportunity to combine their hobbies with a true wilderness escape.

St. John's Rock Campsites are strategically located at M26M+4P, Finzel, MD 21532, USA, situated on the south side of I-68 in Garrett County, within the expansive Savage River State Forest. This location makes it a prime destination for ORV enthusiasts throughout Maryland, particularly those in the western and central regions of the state.

Accessibility to St. John's Rock is straightforward, with clear access from Interstate 68. Once off the highway, visitors will follow signs leading them into Savage River State Forest and towards the designated ORV trail and campground area. The campsites are specifically designed to support ORV riders, featuring large parking areas that can accommodate multiple trailered vehicles, making arrival and setup convenient for those bringing their off-road equipment. While the campground offers a remote and rugged feel, its proximity to I-68 ensures that it remains a manageable drive for a weekend trip. However, campers should be aware that cellular service can be unreliable in this area, adding to the sense of a true wilderness escape but requiring preparation for limited connectivity. This balance of easy access and deep immersion in nature defines the experience at St. John's Rock.

• Primitive Campsites: St. John's Rock offers eight primitive ORV campsites. These include four large (group) sites with 40' x 40' camping pads that can accommodate up to five trailered vehicles, and four small (individual) sites with 20' x 20' pads for one trailered and one non-trailered vehicle.

• Spacious Parking Areas: Campsites are specifically designed with large parking areas to support ORV riders and their trailered vehicles.

• Vault (Composting) Toilets: The only campground amenity provided is a vault toilet, offering basic restroom facilities.

• Fire Rings: Each campsite includes a fire ring for campfires. Campers are permitted to collect kindling and downed branches found on site to burn. Firewood must be purchased from local vendors; bringing personal firewood into the State Forest is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

• No Potable Water: Campers must bring their own potable water as none is available at the campground.

• No Electric Hook-ups: St. John's Rock is a primitive campground, and as such, no electric hook-ups are available.

• Trash-Free Campground: St. John's Rock operates as a trash-free campground. All trash must be packed out by campers, and sites must be left in a clean condition.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at the campsites, but they must be on a leash or under owner control at all times.

• Online Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved online through the Maryland DNR reservation system. A maximum of four nights can be reserved for a single reservation.

• Maryland's First Dedicated ORV Trail & Campground: St. John's Rock is a pioneering facility, being the first-ever ORV trail and campground on Maryland DNR lands designed specifically for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

• Diverse ORV Trail System: The main highlight is the extensive and varied ORV trail system accessible directly from the campground, catering to different types of vehicles and skill levels:

  • Single-Track Hare-Scramble Style Sections: Ideal for motorcycles.

  • Technical Trail Spur Loops: Designed for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

  • Full-Size Rock Crawl Area: Specifically for four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles and Jeeps.

  • Family-Friendly Loops: Children's trail loops are available within the campground area, providing a safe and enjoyable introduction to off-roading for younger riders.

• Primitive Camping Immersion: The campground offers a truly primitive experience, allowing campers to disconnect from modern amenities and fully immerse themselves in the natural environment of Savage River State Forest.

• Large Campsite Pads and Parking: The generous size of both individual and group camping pads (up to 40' x 40') and large parking areas (accommodating up to five trailered vehicles at group sites) are a key feature for ORV users.

• Secluded Forest Setting: Located in Savage River State Forest, the campsites are surrounded by dense forests, offering a quiet and natural setting for relaxation after a day on the trails.

• Wildlife Presence: Campers should be aware that black bears are present in the area, adding to the wildness of the experience (requiring appropriate campsite precautions). Other wildlife is also abundant.

• Trash-Free Philosophy: The "pack it in, pack it out" policy promotes a clean and sustainable environment, appealing to environmentally conscious campers.

As a Maryland State Forest campground operated by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), St. John's Rock Campsites primarily offers its value through its unique, specialized access to ORV trails and its affordable, primitive camping rates, rather than traditional promotional discounts.

A significant "offer" for ORV enthusiasts is the recent elimination of the day-use fee for riding the St. John's Rock ORV trail. This means riders no longer need to pay a separate trail usage fee, providing direct cost savings for those using the trails. Additionally, the need for advance registration for day-use trail access has been removed, simplifying the process for daily visitors.

For overnight campers at St. John's Rock Campsites, reservations are typically made through the Maryland DNR online reservation system. While there aren't specific promotional codes, the pricing for primitive sites is generally very competitive, reflecting the basic amenities provided. The maximum four-night reservation limit ensures fair access for all users. For the most current information on camping fees and any operational updates regarding the ORV trail or campground, it is always best to check the official Maryland DNR website or contact Savage River State Forest directly. This ensures you have the most accurate details for planning your ORV adventure.

For reservations, detailed information about St. John's Rock Campsites, current trail conditions, or specific ORV regulations within Savage River State Forest, please use the following contact information:

• Address (Savage River State Forest Headquarters): 125 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536, USA (While St. John's Rock is near Finzel, the Savage River State Forest office is the primary point of contact for information and permits related to the area.)

• Phone (Savage River State Forest Office): (301) 895-5759

• Maryland DNR Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites are made through the Maryland DNR's online COMPASS system.

• Email: (General MD DNR inquiries can be directed to their main contact forms, or specific park emails might be available on their website.)

It is highly advisable to contact the Savage River State Forest office before your visit, especially to inquire about current trail conditions, any fire restrictions, ORV registration requirements, and specific details about the primitive campsites. Given the "trash-free" nature of the campground and the absence of potable water or electricity, knowing exactly what to expect and what to bring will ensure a comfortable and responsible camping experience.

For Maryland locals with a passion for off-road vehicle recreation, St. John's Rock Campsites in Finzel is not just a campground; it's a specialized hub designed specifically to cater to their unique interests. Its status as Maryland's first dedicated ORV trail and campground makes it an invaluable resource right in our own backyard, eliminating the need to travel out of state for such a comprehensive experience. Located within the rugged beauty of Savage River State Forest, it offers an ideal blend of adrenaline-fueled adventure and peaceful primitive camping, all within accessible reach for residents across Maryland.

The core appeal for locals lies in the integrated experience. You're not just camping; you're camping where you ride. The direct access to a diverse ORV trail system, including single-track, ATV spur loops, and a challenging rock crawl area, means that every day can be filled with new exploration and skill development for riders of all levels. The provision of spacious campsites with ample parking for trailered vehicles demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the ORV community's needs, simplifying logistics for families and groups bringing their equipment.

Furthermore, the primitive nature of St. John's Rock encourages a true disconnect from the everyday. Without electric hook-ups or potable water on-site, campers are invited to embrace self-sufficiency and the raw beauty of the forest. This "unplugged" environment is a powerful draw for those seeking to escape digital distractions and fully immerse themselves in nature. While basic, the presence of vault toilets and the expectation of a "trash-free" experience (packing out all waste) promotes responsible outdoor ethics, fostering a community of environmentally conscious enthusiasts.

Beyond the ORV aspect, the general wilderness setting of Savage River State Forest offers opportunities for traditional outdoor pursuits like hiking, wildlife viewing (including awareness of local black bears!), and simply enjoying the solitude of the mountains. This multi-faceted appeal makes St. John's Rock Campsites a versatile destination. For Marylanders who own ORVs, or for those looking to get into the sport with their family, this campground provides a dedicated, purpose-built, and highly accessible venue to pursue their passion, create lasting memories, and truly experience the wild side of our state.

St. John's Rock Campsites

M26M+4P, Finzel, MD 21532, USA