Out in the mountains in Western Maryland, a 101-year-old man-made lake is one of the most popular getaways for locals. Deep Creek Lake has 65 miles of shoreline and activities for all types of vacationers, from outdoor enthusiasts to those looking for a little R&R. You can go for a weekend or check in for a longer stay. No matter what you are looking for in your time off, we have a guide for you. Read on for info about where to stay, things to do, places to eat, and events to pencil in on your calendar.
Getting There
Deep Creek Lake is located in Garrett County, Maryland. It’s about 200 miles from Annapolis and is about a 3 ½ hour drive. The surrounding towns include Swanton, McHenry, Accident, Deer Park, and Altamont. If you need supplies and department stores, go to Oakland and Mountain Lake.
Where to Stay
There is lodging for every budget in Deep Creek. Want all the amenities? Or do you prefer to set up a tent under the stars? These are the places where you can rest your head before enjoying everything the lake has to offer.
Hotels
Taking full advantage of Deep Creek as a four-season destination, Wisp Resort is the place to go for everything from canoeing to skiing. During the summer, you can golf, see live outdoor music, or do a ropes obstacle course. Little kids can have their own pint-sized adventures in the Squirrels Den Play Area. You can reserve a room based on your level of luxury and what beautiful view you want to wake up to. Best of all, they are pet-friendly!
Address: 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: Rooms range from $184.83 to $271.50 per night, excluding taxes and fees.
If you want to stay in a rustic-style cabin for the full mountain experience, The Lodges are a great option. They have one-room cabins, two-room cabins, or multiple cabins you can rent at the same time. You can choose a room with a full kitchen or a kitchenette. And you can have a hot tub or…you know what? That sounds pretty good. Go with the hot tub.
Address: 23900 Garrett Hwy., McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: Cabins range from $180 to $520 per night. Prices depend on amenities and whether it’s a busy and popular time.
This motel is highly rated for quality and affordability. There is free Wi-Fi and a restaurant on-site. It’s a little less than 10 miles from the lake, which should be an easy drive. It’s near other parks including Herrington Manor State Park and Swallow Falls State Park.
Address: 208 North 3rd Street, Oakland, MD 21550
Cost: About $133 per night for a Deluxe Double Room, which is 248 square feet and sleeps four. Or $150 per night for a Queen Studio, which is 603 square feet and sleeps 5 to 6 people. Prices go up on popular weekends, plus there is a 14% tax.
Another motel in the area, The Garrett Inn is cozy and quaint. It’s only four miles from Deep Creek Lake, making it conveniently located. Its rooms include two double beds, a microwave, small fridge, and a coffee maker with coffee.
Address: 17848 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550
Cost: Rooms start at $126 per night. There are higher costs for popular days, plus taxes.
Camping
Inside Deep Creek Lake State Park, you can camp with your own tent, rent a mini-cabin, an open shelter, or a yurt. A mini-cabin has electricity and heat, but no water. It can sleep six people and costs $65.50 per night. The yurt also sleeps six people and has electricity, but no air conditioning. It costs $46.75 per night. Campsites with electricity start at $27.50 per night, while the campsites with no electricity start at $21.50 per night.
Be advised, black bears are present in this area. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has tips for preventing and dealing with bear encounters.
What to Do
While relaxing on one of Deep Creek Lake’s sandy beaches can be enough for anyone’s itinerary, there are plenty of other activities to fill your days. You could go on an outdoor adventure or stay inside with some classic vacation-town attractions.
But since the lake and the state park are the main draw, don’t forget to bring money for fees. As of Memorial Day, fees to get into Deep Creek Lake State Park are $3 per person for Maryland residents and $5 per person for out-of-state residents. It is open from 8 AM to sunset.
Connect with Nature
Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
This center is an educational attraction that teaches about the nature, history, and culture of Western Maryland. It’s open from Wednesdays through Sundays, and has interactive exhibits, storytelling, and guided hikes. Visit the aviary to learn about birds of prey, or meet their resident reptiles. Check out their calendar for workshops for kids and adults.
Address: 898 State Park Road, Swanton, MD, 21561
Cost: Free
About 10 miles west of Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park has a breathtaking scene. Muddy Creek Falls is the highest freefalling waterfall in Maryland. According to the Maryland Geological Survey, the rocks date back 300 million years. Also, the Canyon Trail that visitors hike to get there passes through old growth forest. Well worth an extra day’s visit.
Address: 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland MD 21550
Cost: Maryland residents $3/person; out-of-state residents $5/person
Summer fun at the farm lets kids run around, play games, and meet some four-legged friends. You can feed the alpacas grain that you can buy from a dispenser with quarters. (Note: outside food is not permitted.) They have a climbing wall, slides, jump pads, and so much more.
Address: 1557 Sanders Lane, Oakland, MD 21550
Cost: About $16 per person. Children under 24 months are free.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Wisp Resort’s activities aren’t just for guests of the hotel. Anyone can get tickets to their chair lift rides, mini-golf, archery range, pontoon boat tours, or ropes courses. They also have a mountain coaster, but as I write this, it’s out of commission for the foreseeable future. According to their Instagram page, on Sundays, their mountain activities are buy-one, get-one-free.
Address: 250 Adventure Sports Way, McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: Varies, but you can choose their High-5 deal to mix and match five activities for only $79.
DCL Adventures: Monkey Business Adventure Park
The Monkey Business Adventure Park has three options for their aerial obstacle courses. There is a course for anyone age 7 and up that is more challenging. Or there’s a Mini Monkeys Aerial Adventure Course for ages 4 to 7. The zipline is for anyone who is at least 50 pounds. So you can have almost the whole family challenging themselves and getting their bodies moving.
Address: 970 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: The Monkey Business Adventure Park costs range from $65.95 to $94.95. Then tickets for the Mini Monkeys Aerial Adventure Course are $33.95, and $37.95 for only the zipline.
Get Out on the Water
Whether you want to have a lazy float or an exciting white water experience, there are places to take full advantage of Deep Creek Lake and the nearby Youghiogheny River.
Precision Rafting has various levels of whitewater rafting, from beginner to expert. They have a kayak school for those who want to take on the river themselves. Or they offer family float trips for a no-pressure, relaxing day.
High Mountain Sports, Lake Life Boat Rentals, and FunTime Watersports are companies at Deep Creek that offer rentals of jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Or, if you prefer, they offer boat tours so you can fully relax. Grab your life jacket and get ready for a delightful day on the water.
Play Time
Funland is open rain or shine, with both indoor and outdoor attractions. A large climbing wall, mini-golf, bumper cars, go-karts, a carousel, and an indoor arcade are enough to entertain any kid. They can win prizes all afternoon, then enjoy a slice of pizza and some ice cream.
Address: Rt. 219 – 24450 Garrett Highway, McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: Attractions are priced individually.
DCL Adventures: Deep Creek Fun Zone
Another entertainment park in the area, this one has not only arcade games and go-karts, but also laser tag and bumper boats. Families can show off their competitive side in a safe, low-stakes environment. Kids can try out the Mini Ninja Factory—obstacle courses to show off their skills.
Address: 72 Fort Drive, McHenry, MD 21541
Cost: There are multiple levels for ticket prices, including for individual attractions.
Where to Eat
There’s no shortage of great meals to be had in the Deep Creek Lake area. Relying on the local farming community, these restaurants bring fresh ingredients to their menus. Find food for every taste and cuisine. Here are just a few of the many options available for dining in or stopping for a quick bite:
- 3rd Street Diner: All-day diner meals with weekly specials.
- Brenda’s Pizzeria: New York pizza with a view of the lake.
- Dutch’s at Silver Tree: Inside of a lodge-style building for a cozy, mountain atmosphere. Also offers outdoor dining with a view of the lake.
- Englanders: Grill and soda fountain. Also antiques!
- FireFly Farms: Farm market and cheese bar
- Honi-Honi Bar: Tiki bar with live music.
- Lakeside Creamery: Ice cream with customizable options, including by weight so you can have as much or as little as you want.
- Mountain State Brewery: Has everything for lunch and dinner, including a kids’ menu and specialty cocktails. Make sure to indulge in some of the flatbreads and craft beer that they specialize in.
- Pine Lake Steakhouse: A higher-tier dining experience in McHenry.
- Trader’s Coffee: Harry Potter-themed lattes alongside smoothies, fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches, and more. They also have vegan options.
Events
This summer is packed with reasons to get out and celebrate. Garrett County will have patriotism on full display with Garrett 250 and Fourth of July events. Plus, there is the annual Agricultural Fair that shows off local products and goods. Whether you want to attend these events or avoid them (if crowds aren’t your thing), here’s more information to add to your calendar:
Address: Wisp Resort, 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541. You can also view the fireworks from surrounding businesses or on the lake.
Day/Time: Saturday, July 4. The free concert begins at 6:30 PM and the fireworks display begins at 9:30 PM. Rain date planned for July 5.
Cost: Free
Address: Garrett County Fairgrounds, 270 Mosser Rd., McHenry, MD
Day/Time: Saturday, July 18, noon to 10 PM. The drone light show begins at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Free, but donations welcome.
Garrett County Agricultural Fair
Address: Garrett County Fairgrounds, 270 Mosser Rd., McHenry, MD
Day/Time: Saturday, August 1 to Saturday, August 8. All day.
Cost: See their website for prices on specific days.
Deep Creek State Park makes for the perfect getaway for Maryland solo travelers, couples, and families. You can stay for a few days or for a whole week, and there’s always something to do. Play games, relax on the water, climb up into the air, and find waterfalls. Your next trip this summer can begin.
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