The Ultimate Guide To Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Deep Creek Lake is the largest lake in Maryland, and makes a wonderful weekend getaway. The lake has 69 miles (111 km) of shoreline, with plenty of waterfront property to rent and great views. Read more about what makes Deep Creek so special, and how to have an amazing experience on the lake in the summer or winter.

What to do

1. Deep Creek Lake State Park

Park

No matter where you’re staying or how long you’re staying, you can check out the state park. In the summer, the day-use area features a beach so you can enjoy the water, plus a boat launch if you want to paddle around the lake. The hiking trails include a trek to a fire tower that provides great views of the lake and you can stay overnight at one of the many campsites the park offers.

2. High Mountain Sports

Sports Center

Get out on the lake! There are lots of places to rent boats (both with motors and without), but a local favorite is High Mountain Sports. At High Mountain Sports, you can rent any type of boat to suit your needs, from kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to jet-skis. You can also go out on an hour-long pontoon boat tour of the lake and see it from a different angle.

3. Wisp Resort

Ski Resort

At the northern end of Deep Creek Lake is the Wisp Resort, a great place for the whole family to ski during a winter trip to the area. The park is great for kids and newbies, with a little more than a third of the 34 slopes designed for beginners. There is also cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Nordic Center, plus the ever-popular snow tubing. And if you’re in the area during the summer, Wisp has an 18-hole golf course open to the public.

Where to stay

From camping to motels to luxury cabins, there are lots of places to stay in and around Deep Creek. If you want to rough it, the state park has lots of camping available. If you’re not ready to sleep on the ground, here are two great options.

4. The Lodges at Sunset Village

Cabin

The Lodges at Sunset Village offer a cabin experience right off the water towards the northern end of the lake. Instead of renting a large home on the waterfront, these smaller rental properties offer one- and two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens and fireplaces. While not waterfront, they do have dock access.

5. Inn at Deep Creek

Lodge

The Inn at Deep Creek is right on the water and offers their own dock, plus an outdoor pool if the lake temperature is still a little too cool. Some guest rooms include a kitchenette, fireplace, and waterfront views, while all the rooms have flat screen TVs. Located right at the center of the lake, the inn is near the Deep Creek movie theater, restaurants, and bars.

Where to eat

While there are lots of chain restaurants to visit in the area to grab a quick bite to eat, here are two restaurants to check out with a slower pace and local feel.

6. Mountain State Brewing Company - Deep Creek

Bar, Pizzeria, American, Italian

Although Mountain State Brewing Company calls West Virginia home, they’ve made a second home for themselves at their brew pub in Deep Creek Lake. This was their first brew pub to open after their tasting room in Thomas, West Virginia, and the menu includes salads, sandwiches, and hand-tossed flatbreads, sometimes with seasonal specialities including ramp pizza.

7. Ace's Run Restaurant

Restaurant, American

Ace’s Run is located right on the edge of the lake with great views, and is a slightly more upscale dining experience. They offer regular fare of New American dining with burgers, seafood, and steaks, but also have special sushi and Asian-inspired nights.

8. Deep Creek Donuts

Cafe, Dessert

Make sure you get up early enough to catch some Deep Creek Donuts! The little shop on the edge of the lake is well-known for their fried treats, but they close at 2 p.m. One thing that makes the shop unique (other than being the only donut shop around) is that you can create custom donuts with a special selection of toppings, from mini M&Ms to oreo cookie pieces.

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