State Parks and National Parks

New Germany State Park

On a 462-acre tract within the Savage River State Forest is New Germany State Park, occupying the site of a once-prosperous milling center.

Water activities are key here. Thirteen-acre New Germany Lake supports swimming, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Rowboats, paddle boats and kayaks may be rented for use on the lake. The state forest surrounds the 360-acre Savage River Reservoir, which is open for boating and fishing, however gas engines are not allowed.

Anglers try for bass, trout, walleye and catfish. Numerous streams in the park and state forest have trout, and fly fishing is popular.

Twelve miles of trails within the state park are shared by hikers and bikers. In winter, trails are also groomed for cross-country skiing.

Many more miles of mixed-use trails are found in the adjacent 53,000-acre state forest.

Open from May to mid-October are 39 campsites, five of which are wheelchair-accessible. Eleven rental cabins are open year-round. Sixty-three primitive campsites are available in the state forest, as well as backpack camping.

Savage River State Forest permits several activities not allowed in the state park, including hunting, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles.

Due to organizational and staffing restructuring at the park that may affect services, officials recommend you call ahead to make sure the facilities and services you seek are available.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of New Germany State Park. Courtesy of New Germany State Park. Courtesy of New German State Park.