Deep Creek Lake State Park in Western Maryland

898 State Park Road Swanton, Maryland 21561​​

happyly approved

Over 1,800 acres of forest with access to a 3,900-acre man-made lake.

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake is a popular tourist destination in Western Maryland. The area features spectacular skiing in the winter and great water sports in the warmer months. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers tons of amenities including camping, beaches, a boat launch, playgrounds, and a fabulous nature center.  

Deep Creek Lake State Park features a variety of camping options including tent sites, RV sites with electric hook ups, an adirondack shelter, 2 cabins, and a yurt. The park has so many amenities that campers could easily fill an entire long weekend without ever leaving.

The day use area of the park has two beaches with one mile of lake access. There are also three playgrounds to keep the kids busy when they get tired of building sandcastles. Visitors should also be sure to stop by The Discovery Center. It features interactive displays about native animals and a small mining exhibit that highlights the area’s historical industry. Outside, you’ll find an aviary that is home to 9 raptors, ranging from falcons to bald eagles, that are unable to live in the wild.

If you’re in the mood for hiking, Deep Creek Lake State Park has you covered. The Snakeroot trail is a short, self-guided interpretive trail. You can pick up a brochure at park headquarters and learn about the local flora and fauna on this .5 mile hike. If you think your crew can handle a longer hike (about 2 miles), check out Beckman’s Trail. Follow the signs to see the remains of the Brant Coal Mine and Home site.

(If you’re planning a trip to the area, check out our blog about camping in western Maryland for even more ideas!)

Katie Raspa
Baltimore, MD
Our work in Baltimore is truly a family affair. Husband and wife, Matt and Katie, work together to head up our ambassador team in Charm City. Katie is a Maryland native and has lived in the state her whole life. She moved to Baltimore in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the field of early childhood education as a teacher and family coach for the past 12 years. Katie also holds a Masters of Education in Literacy from Loyola University. She is passionate about giving kids and families the knowledge and tools that they need to thrive. Matt grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. As a city native, Matt is a great resource on all that the city has to offer. After months of helping Katie explore the city for her role at a Happy Active Family, he decided to put his love of writing to use and officially come on board as an ambassador. Matt and Katie have two girls, ages 5 and 7. They spend their weekends camping, hiking, or exploring other hidden gems in their area. Tap into their insider knowledge by downloading the app today!
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