Activities to Enjoy at Deep Creek Lake
There is no better way to spend summer than in the sun partaking in exhilarating outdoor activities. With its heavy forest and majestic lake, Deep Creek, Maryland, should be your next summer trip location. Deep Creek Lake State Park is home to many outdoor activities that include hiking, kayaking, fishing, swimming and so much more. Read on to learn about the activities that you can enjoy while at Deep Creek Lake.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Deep Creek Lake State Park’s day-use hours are from 8:00 am to sunset. Trail hours are from sunrise to sunset. If your visit occurs between Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, there is a service charge of $3.00 per person for Maryland residents and $5.00 per person for out-of-state visitors. All other times throughout the year are $3.00 per car for Maryland residents and $5.00 per car for out-of-state visitors.
Maryland State Parks waives day-use park entrance fees for all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Learn more here.
TAKE A HIKE
Deep Creek Lake State Park offers trails for everyone. These trails vary in length and difficulty. The most popular trail is the Beckman’s Trail. This trail is an easy two-mile hike that is great for stretching your legs and learning some local history at the Brant Coal Mine, which visitors can find by following the posted signs. To plan your hike, pick up a trail map in the headquarters office or at the Discovery Center.
If you’d like to learn more about other adventurous activities in the area, check out our blog, The Adventurer's Guide to Grantsville, Maryland.
HAVE A PICNIC
While Deep Creek Lake State Park offers picnic shelters, it would be fun -- especially for the little ones, to grab a blanket and find a nice tree to nest under and take in the views of the lake while enjoying your picnic. Before finding some delightful shade under a hemlock tree, be sure to stop by The Casselman Bakery and Café. Located in the heart of Deep Creek, The Casselman Bakery and Café offers a full salad bar, fresh baked goods and delicious daily specials to complete any picnic!
GO FISHING
Whether you are an avid fisherman or enjoy it as a hobby, Deep Creek offers many fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish from the shore and the docks along the park shoreline. Some common fish found in Deep Creek Lake include trout, bass, walleye, yellow perch and northern pike. Fishing licenses may be purchased online here or in the park headquarters. Maps and guides may also be purchased at the park headquarters.
Fishing from the ranger docks adjacent to park headquarters and in the swim area is not permitted. To learn more about fishing regulations and restrictions in this area, visit the Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing.
GO SWIMMING
After spending some time in the sun, head over to the Deep Creek Lake public beach area for a relaxing swim. The two guarded beach area hours are subject to change due to weather and staffing limitations. Swimming is permitted at your own risk when lifeguards are not on duty. Typical guard hours are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Deep Creek Lake also conveniently offers a shower house and changing station.
ENJOY SOME WATERSPORTS
If you are up for trying something more adventurous on the water, the day-use area at Deep Creek Lake offers a variety of watersports along their gorgeous mile-long waterfront. Some of these activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and tubing. While you can enjoy all of these activities, it is important to keep in mind that you will have to rent equipment if you do not have your own. For more information on rentals, check out Wisp Rentals.
READY TO RELAX? VISIT THE CASSELMAN INN GRANTSVILLE, MARYLAND!
When you are ready for some downtime after a busy day of activities in Deep Creek, visit us at The Casselman Inn located in nearby Grantsville, Maryland! The Casselman is a historic inn, motel, restaurant and bakery that originated in 1842. To this day, we continue our long, treasured history of serving travelers and the local community of Grantsville.
We would be delighted to have you stay with us at either The Casselman Inn or The Casselman Motel. Our staff aims to accommodate you with a clean and comfortable room and provide you with friendly, attentive service throughout your visit. You can book a room at The Casselman Inn or The Casselman Motel and view pictures of some of our rooms here.
We also invite travelers to stop in and enjoy a delicious country meal served in the relaxed atmosphere of our restaurant's dining room. Our restaurant’s cuisine is simple, country food, featuring a variety of favorite recipes reminiscent of the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish background of the owners. If you are hungry for some delicious goodies, indulge with some fresh baked goods made daily in our bakery!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 301-895-5055, or you can contact us online here. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!