by DCL Vacay on July 21, 2009
While travelling in Western Maryland, you may find yourself a bit homesick from the beach. But alas, most Western Maryland inhabitants do not long for such a thing when you have the best lake in Maryland at your fingertips! When you’re not looking to test your sea legs on a boat while drifting aimlessly on Deep Creek Lake, we recommend visiting the beach located on the Deep Creek Lake State Park. Without further ado, here are 5 Great reasons to visit the Beach on Deep Creek Lake:
1) Clean Fun In The Sun: Since the beach at Deep Creek Lake is located on the State Park, the area surrounding the beach is always kept clean and beautiful. Bags are handed out as you enter the park to bring your trash along with you. Deep Creek Lake’s State Park not only boasts a clean environment, but a great lake to enjoy on their man-made beach.
2) Cool Off After Hiking: Given the location of the beach in relevance to the many, many trails that run directly into the park near the beach area, what better way to cool off after an avid day full of exploring and exercising! You can find several hiking trails by visiting the State’s Park Website by doing either a 2.5 mi., 5.6 mi.or .5 mi hike. Or you can go here for a list of the Deep Creek Lake State Park Trail Guide and here for the entire Garrett County Trail system. You can also visit Swallow Falls for some more interesting hiking paths.
3) Picnic With Your Family: Why sit in the comfort of your home, when you can grill out right near the beach! With many charcoal-designed grills ready to use along the outskirts of the beach area, bring some steaks, burgers and dogs along for the trip and dine outside the way you really wanted to – under the beautiful canopy of surrounding trees and foliage.
4) As It Is Said, ‘Variety Is The Spice Of Life’: Very few can go boating day in and day out on their vacation without trying out something new. Afterall, the Deep Creek Lake Area has much to offer. Whether you decide to visit the WISP resort to go white water rafting, or go golfing at any of the nearby golf courses, visiting this great area of Western Maryland is all about being outdoors. Why not take a break from your planned daily activites and relax on the beach? Surely this is one activity you should try at least once during your stay!
5) The Beach!: What better reason to go to the beach, than the beach itself! The soft sand, the waves pushed ashore from passing boats, sand castles, the smell of suntan lotion and overall just a great location for relaxing in the sun!
Photo courtesy of Long and Foster.
by DCL Vacay on November 16, 2008
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.
