Savage River Reservoir, body of water
Savage River Reservoir is a 360-acre lake in Garrett County, Maryland, surrounded by forests and rocky shores with calm, clear water. The shoreline features tall trees and dense vegetation, with two main boat launch points and fluctuating water levels that change the appearance of the landscape.
The reservoir was built in 1952 to control floods and supply water to the town of Westernport. It was created by damming the Savage River and is operated by the Upper Potomac River Commission, playing an important role in water management for the region.
The name comes from the Savage River, the waterway that feeds it. Visitors can watch how anglers, paddlers, and campers use the water and surrounding forests as a place to step away from daily routines.
The area has two boat ramps for launching kayaks and boats that can be rocky or muddy, so check water levels before entering. Several campsites sit in nearby forests, many spread far apart for privacy, and this region receives frequent rain so pack rain gear.
Ice fishing is possible in winter but the ice can be unsafe as water levels can drop suddenly and freeze unpredictably. Bald eagles sometimes glide low over the water, and submerged willows and rock formations along the floor serve as feeding and shelter spots that visitors occasionally spot from the surface.
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