New Germany State Park

Introduction of New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park, a 455-acre emerald gem of the Maryland state park system tucked away in a hemlock forest, is commonly referred to by visitors as one of the state’s best-kept secrets. New Germany State Park, located in the state’s northwest corner, was founded in the late 1800s by a group of German immigrants who were drawn to the natural beauty that reminded them of home. It is situated between the massive 2900-foot-tall Big Savage Mountain and the Continental Divide. Because of its winter recreation opportunities, it was also known as The Maryland Alps in the 1940s.New Germany State Park provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities throughout the year. Ten miles of multi-use trails entice campers with the promise of space to walk, run, or ride a bike while being surrounded by forest animals and natural beauty. Deer, squirrels, foxes, great blue herons, barred owls, and black-capped chickadees are common. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional black bear sighting! The 13-acre lake is the place to be during the summer months. There is a swimming beach, a boat launch for non-motorized boats, and numerous fishing spots.

RV camping is available at New Germany State Park in the form of 48 well-maintained campsites that can accommodate rigs up to 30 feet in length. There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at New Germany State Park, but there are 12 cabins available if you want a little more luxury. New Germany State Park is open from April to October.

New Germany State Park Camping

When visiting New Germany State Park, there is one campground where RV enthusiasts can stay. The campground is known for having large private sites that are ideal for rigs up to 30 feet long, as well as for keeping the campground amenities in excellent condition. There are 48 primitive campsites in the shade of a mountain forest to choose from, all with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. In addition to the camping areas, there is a central bathhouse with showers and restrooms. Picnic tables, fire rings, and a dump station are also available. Pets are also permitted in eight of the locations. There is no phone reception within the campground, so be prepared for this before you arrive. Because New Germany State Park Campground is a popular camping destination all year, reservations are strongly advised.

New Germany State Park Activities

Hiking

Hikers enjoy the 10 miles of multi-use trails maintained by New Germany State Park. Hikers should expect to see a variety of birds while exploring, including great blue herons, barred owls, black-capped chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, and the occasional osprey. Forest animals abound on the hiking trails, and you may spot squirrels, deer, foxes, and even a black bear! If you want a physical trail map, they are available for purchase at the park office.

Swimming

There is no better way to enjoy the hotter days than by going to the lake, so grab your beach towel and sunscreen and head there. The park maintains a beach on the lake’s east side, which is ideal for swimming. Along with the beach, there are showers and restrooms at the Lake House for changing, as well as a snack bar for those who get hungry. Please keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty at the park, so swim according to your ability.

Fishing

The 13-acre lake in New Germany State Park is ideal for anglers who want to cast a line and fish all day. The park also has a free boat launch for non-motorized boats. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and trout here. It should be noted that each spring there is a brief closure for stocking, and those fishing will need a non-tidal fishing licence as well as a trout stamp for trout fishing.

Cross Country Skiing

Maryland is well-known for its winter weather, and many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the outdoors just as much in the winter as they do in the summer. During the winter, park staff maintains trails in New Germany State Park to provide a first-rate skiing experience. The trails cater to all skill levels, with flat open space for beginners and more advanced hillside trails for those seeking a more challenging terrain. The park also has a warming hut in the lake house where winter enthusiasts can rest, warm up, and relax while snacking or drinking a hot beverage.

Snowshoeing

If you are planning a winter visit to New Germany State Park and are not interested in skiing, you should try snowshoeing. Snowshoeing originated as a winter mode of transportation centuries ago. Many people today enjoy it as an alternative to skiing. New Germany State Park has many miles that are ideal for exploring in snowshoes, and if you don’t have a pair, don’t worry because they can be rented at the lake house.

New Germany State Park Location

Traveling to and from New Germany State Park is simple, but be aware that there is no mobile phone reception once you arrive. As a result, we recommend that you plan your trip well in advance so that you are prepared to be disconnected from the outside world once you arrive at your camp.
Many towns and cities are within a few hours’ drive of the park, so you’ll have plenty of options if you need to pick up supplies along the way. Grantsville (about seven miles away), Frostburg (about 15 miles away), and Friendsville are among them (about 23.5 miles away). Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington, DC are the closest cities to the park.

The park’s campground loops are easily accessible, and if your RV is 30 feet or less, you should have no trouble getting to your site. The area experiences significant snowfall during the winter, so if you plan to visit during this time, be prepared for difficult winter road conditions.
There is parking at the Ranger Station, the Lake House, the Nature Center, and the beginning of the Hemlock Trail. Because of its remote location, there is no public transportation to and from the park.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public transport is not available