Day Use Area
The day use area at Deep Creek Lake State Park encompasses the park’s waterfront and picnic areas. This area is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Users and guests of this area are subject to paying the park entrance fee and must vacate the area by sunset. Features include:
- Two guarded swimming beaches. Guarded beach hours are subject to change due to weather and staffing limitations. Typical guard hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day
- Beach shower house and changing station
- One mile of lake front access
- Picnic tables with grills
- Three playgrounds
- Four picnic shelters (Reservations Required)
- Check availability or make a reservation now
- Trailhead parking for the Beckman Trail
- Fishing access
- Car-top/ soft boat launch for canoes, kayaks,
paddle boards, etc.
Discovery Center
The Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational and interpretive center for people of all ages to enjoy and learn. Through hands-on exhibits that highlight the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora, fauna, cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination. Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by a park naturalist and are available at various times throughout the year and by special request.
Check out the Deep Creek Discovery Center
Calendar of Events
Features at the center include:
- 6,000 square foot facility
- Nature Gift Shop
- Working Aviary
- Indoor animal displays
- Outdoor classroom
- Indoor classroom and conference area
- Mural depicting local fauna and flora
- Insect Hotel
- Sensory Awareness Trail
- Restrooms-ADA Accessible
Boat Ramp
The boat launch area at Deep Creek Lake State Park is open 24 hours a day weather permitting. Overnight slip use is available only to Deep Creek Lake State Park campers on a first come, first serve basis. Visitors should be prepared to pay the launch ramp fee each time the ramp is used or display a valid lake use permit or Maryland State Park pass in the windshield. To learn more about the lake visit the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area webpage. Features at the ramp include:
- Four vehicle capacity launch area
- Docks to be use for the day
- No overnight docking except for park campers
- Overnight/extended day parking area
- Registration at park headquarters required
- ADA accessible boat trailer parking
- Restrooms- ADA accessible
- Pump out station
- Two fishing piers-ADA accessible
- Fishing access
Campground
The Meadow Mountain campground is open from April 15th to December 15th annually. Reservations are required from Memorial Day Weekend to Mid- September. Check availability or make a reservation now. Features include:
- 112 campsites
- 26 electric sites
- Picnic table, fire ring, lantern post and wildlife resistant food storage box on each site
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- Two Mini Cabins- The mini cabins sleep six people and have electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post
- One Yurt- The yurt sleeps six people and has electricity, heat, (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Pets are not permitted. Includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post
- Bear Den- A three sided Adirondack-style shelter with the open side facing out into the forest (Site 72). Includes a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post, wildlife box, stone fire place, and raised sleeping platform
- Delphia Brant Non-pet loop
- Heated bathhouses
- Dump Station
- Freshwater fill up
- Free boat trailer overnight parking registration
- Overnight dock slip use
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Anglers can fish from the shore and from the docks along the park shoreline. Fishing from the
Ranger docks adjacent to park headquarters and in the swim, area is not permitted. Fishing maps and guides can be purchased at the Park Headquarters or at the Discovery Center. Please recognize all fishing regulations and seasons. Common fish species in Deep Creek Lake include:
- Trout
- Bass
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
- Northern Pike
Hunting
Deep Creek Lake State Park is one of Maryland's many state parks that allow hunting activities for the public. The 551 acre designated hunting area is marked with managed hunting area signs. Hunters can park at the park headquarters, on various pull offs on State Park Road, and at the Fire Tower Road parking area. Please recognize all hunting regulations and seasons. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the hunting area. Be alert and respectful of trail users who are recreating in the area. Regulations unique to Deep Creek Lake State Park:
- No firearm hunting until after October 15
- Spring Turkey hunting is permitted during listed seasons
- No Sunday Hunting
- Hunters may enter / remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours if they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.
Volunteer Opportunities
Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, Inc is the official volunteer organization, a non-profit group encompassing Deep Creek Lake State Park and others. The purpose of the organization is to assist park staff in operation of programs, work the desk when necessary, conduct special events, assist in trail maintenance, lead or assist with interpretive hikes, conduct fundraising for special projects, handle gardening tasks and MUCH more. View more information on volunteer opportunities.
Welcome to Black Bear Country
Black Bears are common residents in and around Deep Creek Lake State Park. Department staff works to minimize human and bear conflicts. For more information on Black Bears, see park staff or visit: Living with Black Bears.