MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOREST SERVICE

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 Savage River State Forest — Public Shooting Range

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​The range closes periodically for adverse weather, maintenance, and law enforcement or hunter education training. Closures are posted at the range. Contact the Savage River State Forest office for current status: 301-895-5759.

Range


Ten covered stations at distances from 25 to 100 yards.

Hours


Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Permits and Fees


A permit is required before using the range. Obtain a permit before setting up to shoot.

Daily permits are $5.00 per person. Annual permits are $25.00 for an individual or $50.00 for a family (persons residing in the same household).

Annual and daily permits are available through self-registration at the range. Complete a self-registration envelope at the bulletin board, insert payment (cash or check payable to DNR), and deposit it in the pay pipe. Keep the perforated portion as your temporary permit. Annual permit holders will receive a laminated permit by mail at the address listed on the envelope. Permits are also available at Savage River State Forest Headquarters.

Range Rules


  • Use firing benches only. One shooter per bench.
  • No loaded weapons outside the firing line.
  • Do not fire when anyone is downrange.
  • Paper targets only.
  • No fully automatic weapons.
  • Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • No drugs or alcoholic beverages.
  • No pets. No vehicles in the range area.
  • Deposit trash in receptacles provided. Deposit brass casings at the north end of the building. Place shotgun shell casings in trash receptacles.
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​DNR may revoke a permit for any range violation or irresponsible behavior. Report problems to DNR Police (24 hours): 1-800-628-9944.

Firearms must be legal to possess and transport in Maryland. Verify fire​arm legality through the Maryland State Police​.

Other Public Shooting Ranges

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Maryland DNR ranges:

  • Elk Neck State Forest — Cecil County. 410-287-5675. Note: rifle and shotgun ranges closed through at least 2026; pistol and archery ranges open.
  • Green Ridge State Forest— off National Pike, approx. 1.3 miles north of I-68 Exit 62. 301-478-3124
  • Myrtle Grov​e W​MA — off Myrtle Grove Road, approx. 7 miles west of La Plata. 301-743-5161

Full list of Maryland shooting ranges (PDF)

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