Are you looking for a fun, relaxing, and eco-friendly way to enjoy the natural beauty of western Maryland?

If so, you’ll love our Savage Reservoir Kayak Tours! Paddle on a pristine mountain lake with no motorboats and no development, through the clear water while you soak in the views of the forests and mountains. You’ll also encounter wildlife like eagles, turtles, cormorants. deer and sometimes bears. You’ll learn about the ecology and history of the area from our friendly and knowledgeable outdoor guides. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we have a kayak tour for you. Book your tour today and discover why we are one of the best outdoor experiences in Garrett County in far western Maryland. 🌲🛶🐾 

 

Call us at 301-746-4083

Tours Run every day but Mondays. 10am – 12:30pm

  Savage Rez Kayak Tours near Deep Creek Lake are just a very scenic 30-minute drive from the McHenry area into the heart of the Savage River State Forest and Big Savage Mountain.

Discover a tour where you hear the birds sing, see the eagles soar, and have fun with no worries about boat traffic or crazy wakes. We get you started right and the our Savage Rez Kayak Tours are the perfect way to explore and discover the sport of kayaking surrounded by peaceful scenery and quiet waters. Beginners, first timers and experienced paddlers are welcome.

                                                      CALL for RESERVATIONS:

                                                                301-746-4083

$75 Per Person – Kids 12 and under $65 ~there is a 4 person or $300 minimum that must be met to run a tour each day. Smaller groups are often able to join others to make this possible, so call!

Tour Fee Includes: Guides, Kayak (single or double), Paddle, Lifejacket, Snack and a Drink

“Just a Fantastic Adventure…even getting to the launch site is beautiful! Spent a gorgeous summer afternoon kayaking the Savage Reservoir (a very inaccurate description, since the reservoir does not allow motorized boats and I failed to see any anaconda…) with Crede and Hunter guiding my family and I through some beautiful scenery on glass-still water….Their knowledge of the local and surrounding areas is deep and rich, and their easy personalities made the trip that much more enjoyable and memorable. We will return.   Bill Ruffalo – Google Reviews 5 Star

How to Make Reservations to experience a Savage Rez Kayak Tour:

Making reservations is easy. We give you all the information you need and answer any questions you may have. We go over what to wear, what to bring, how to get to the put-in meeting place and we gather all the info we need to make your trip special. We give you directions or email them to you. call 301-746-4083

PLEASE NOTE:  If you don’t have much flexibility on the date of your tour – book early. 

Do we want single or double kayaks?

We have a wide variety of sit-inside single and double kayaks to suit your preferences and comfort. You can choose to paddle a single kayak by yourself or a double kayak with a partner. Both options have their advantages and challenges. Single kayaks are easier for most people because you only have to coordinate with yourself. You can paddle at your own pace and direction. Single kayaks are also more agile and responsive. However, single kayaks require more strength and stamina, especially if you are a beginner or a child. Double kayaks are great for couples, families, or friends who want to share the experience. You can help each other paddle and balance the kayak. Double kayaks are also more stable and spacious. However, double kayaks require good communication and teamwork, as you have to paddle in sync and agree on where to go. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you choose the best kayak for you and your group when you call to book your tour and our guides will also provide some gentle coaching on how to paddle effectively to have the best time out there. Whether you choose a single or a double kayak, you will have a fun and memorable adventure on the water.

Active, gung-ho kids can usually handle a single kayak starting at age 9 or 10 years old. A good breakfast and adequate hydration can help everyone. If they tire out, our guides are always there to provide a short tow if necessary. Extra-large individuals may find paddling a double by themselves more stable and comfortable. Our doubles are very easy to paddle on your own and you have no trouble keeping up with the rest of your group. Please let us know if individuals are coming that exceed 275lbs.

IMPORTANT TOUR LINKS

Kayaking Tours near Deep Creek Lake: Photo Gallery

Directions to the Summer Meeting Place

Download The Release Form You may print out and sign the release form and bring it with you. We’ll have forms at check in if needed.

Deep Creek Lake Local Links and Resources including Lodging.

Summer 2023 Trip Format and Pricing – Please Read

• TRIP PRICING: The Standard Tour Fee is $75 for adults and $65 for kids 12 and under. Trip includes: a guide or guides, all equipment and a cold refreshment and snack after the tour. Minimum tour price is $300.00. If you have 4 people, even if two of them are children, you will still need to meet our meet our minimum tour cost. We are happy to take 1 person if no one else signs up that day, but the trip fee for only 1 person, not booking a private tour is $300, 2 people $150.00 ea., 3 people $100.00 ea. At 5 plus people, it goes back to $75.00 for adults and $65.00 for kids 12 and under.  So... if your small group gets added on to, your rate drops accordingly. Our maximum number of tour participants is 18.  A completely private tour is $1300.00. Tips for guides are always appreciated and are not included in this pricing.

• Kayak Tours are 2 1/2 hours long with about 2 hours on the water.
• All trips include a brief on-land paddle instruction session before we launch.
• We encourage folks to pack a lunch or picnic which they can enjoy up the road at the Big Run Picnic Area https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/bigrun.aspx
• Additionally, there is some really nice hiking nearby on Monroe Run Trail. Monroe Run Hiking Trail Map (maryland.gov) 
• Without doubt, New Germany State Park is loved by many and is also close enough to our tours to plan to spend some time there, after the tour to enjoy the trails and the beach area. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/newgermany.aspx
• WHAT TO BRING: A water bottle is suggested! Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.

• WHAT TO WEAR: We suggest bathing suits under quick drying shorts and a rash guard or t-shirt, hats, sunglasses. Suitable footwear such as water shoes or river sandals (sneakers ok, but not your best sparkling clean pair, Flip flops aren’t the greatest for walking on the rocky shoreline.) Dress for the day’s weather which means be prepared. Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring a sweatshirt or windbreaker and rain gear if rain is in the forecast or if there is a chance of T-storms (our normal summer forecast)
• TRIPS RUN RAIN OR SHINE. Don’t worry about the weather report.

When kayaking in cooler weather, you want to dress warmly and avoid getting wet. Here are some tips on what to wear for a comfortable and safe kayaking experience:

• Wear long underwear under your shorts and nylon wind pants. These will keep you warm and dry if you get splashed.
• Wear a nylon windbreaker or a Gore-Tex jacket if it’s raining. These will protect you from the wind and water.
• Wear yoga pants under your shorts if you prefer. Some people find them more comfortable and flexible than long underwear.
• Wear layers on your upper body. A long sleeve polypropylene shirt, a lightweight wool sweater, and a knit hat are good options. A hat will help you keep your head warm, which is important for regulating your body temperature.
• Avoid cotton clothing. Cotton absorbs water and can make you feel colder and wetter. Choose synthetic or wool fabrics instead.

Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. You’ll be glad to have dry clothes to change into after your kayaking adventure. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s a water sport and most rain is short lived. Drizzly days are THE BEST for spotting wildlife. Bring a change of clothes if wet weather is in the forecast.

• We expect you to show up at the put in regardless of the weather forecast. Reservoir is 1,000 ft lower in elevation than Deep Creek Lake so weather can be overcast at the reservoir but raining at DCL. Chance of thunderstorms is usually our normal summer weather pattern. Scattered thunderstorm forecast will NOT cancel the tour.
• Our Kayak Tours meet at 10am and are done by 12:30. It’s about a 30 minute scenic drive from Deep Creek Lake. Early morning, afternoon, evening, special start times and full moon tours may be available for private tours. Fall tour start times are usually delayed to let the day warm up. Be sure you know the start time.
• CANCELLATION POLICY: WE REQUIRE AT A MINIMUM, 24 HOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE OR NOTIFICATION IF YOUR NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS DROPS. If you show up with less than you reserved for your tour or you cancel your trip the day of your tour, you will be charged. We are turning people away on most tours. If you don’t show up for a tour you reserved for whatever reason, you will be charged. BE SURE YOU REVIEW AND UNDERSTAND DIRECTIONS TO THE MEETING PLACE AT THE SAVAGE RIVER RESERVOIR. Getting there on time for your tour is your responsibility.

Guide gratuities are customary on outdoor adventures and our guides work hard to show you a good time, take great care of you, teach you, help you, look out for you and in the cleaning of gear and keeping our trips as safe as possible. Cash tips are great. If you want a gratuity on your credit card just let us know; they are great too.

“If you liked your ride, please tip your guide.”

 

Undeniably, one of everyone’s favorite parts of our tour is that usually you get lucky and see the resident pair of bald eagles and oftentimes their offspring too! It never gets old.