Deep Creek Lake State Park‘s most attributable feature is most likely the beach seen on the coast of the lake which features a pleasant beach atmosphere, picnic tables with grills and restroom accomodations. But the park has much more to offer than what is seen. With camping accomodations, a Discovery Center (open 10 A.M to 5 P.M.) and hunting available during regulated hunting seasons, and plenty of hiking the park’s habitat makes for wide range of possibilities. The park even has a night time fire dance on the beach for kids! Let’s dig into some details, shall we?
Here’s a short blurb about the activities the State Park has (from the State Park website):
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. Activity schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park and at the Discovery Center.
For general park information call 301-387-5563. The Discovery Center can be reached at 301-387-7067 during business hours.
State Park Map (courtesy of their website)
If you are interested in visiting the Discovery Center and learning about the surrounding habitat, we recommend visiting the Discovery Center and checking out the hiking guide. From the State Website:
Deep Creek Discovery Center is an educational/interpretive center for people of all ages to enjoy and learn. Through hands-on exhibits that showcase the natural resources of Western Maryland, families can learn about the flora and fauna, wildlife, cultural and historical heritage that have turned this former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern day vacation destination.
As mentioned above, the park hosts camping with 112 campsites available from Spring through Fall. Below are the following rates, taken from the State website. It would be good to note that boat launching prices in the town itself are a bit pricier than the $10 fee for the State Park:
- Campsites: $25/night
- Campsites with electric: $30/night
- Bear Den: (3-sided camping unit complete with wooden floor, roof and fireplace) $40/night
- Yurt: (a round, fabric tent with floor and furniture) $50/night
- Camper cabins: $50/night
- Shelters (75 capacity): April-June (Weekdays, Monday-Friday) $25/day; July-August-Labor Day (Weekends, holidays, Saturdays & Sundays) $80/day; July-August-Labor Day (Weekdays, Monday-Friday) $40/day; April-May-June-September-October (weekends, holidays, Saturdays & Sundays) $40/day
Entrance Fees to the Park:
Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person;
Labor Day-Memorial Day $3/vehicle.
Out-of-state residents add $1 to all day use service charges.
- Boat Launch: $10/vehicle (year round); out-of-state residents add $1.
Directions to Deep Creek Lake State Park:
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From Pittsburgh: Take I-79 south to I-68 east. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.
From Washington, D.C.: Take 270 north to I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.
From Baltimore: Take I-70 west to I-68 west. Exit 14A (Route 219 South Deep Creek Lake). Continue on Route 219 South for 18 miles. Turn left onto Glendale Road. Continue on Glendale Road for one mile, crossing over the Glendale Bridge. Immediately after crossing the Glendale Bridge, turn left onto State Park Road. Continue on State Park Road for one mile until you see the information sign for the state park facilities.
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