The Ultimate Guide to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.