Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake covering 3,900 acres and boasting 65 miles of shoreline. The county's most popular tourist attraction, Deep Creek Lake is part Mother Nature, part human ingenuity. The Youghiogheny's Hydro-Electric Corporation created the lake using the surrounding streams to generate electrical power. One-thousand men began construction on November 1, 1923, and two-and-a-half years later, in May 1925, the electric plant began operation. The lake is 75 feet at its deepest and has an average depth of 25 feet. Today, Deep Creek Lake is owned by the State of Maryland and is managed by the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Park Service.

Deep Creek Lake offers a multitude of recreational options including boating, family activities, fishing, guide services, kayaking, swimming and water sports. View our detailed map of Deep Creek Lake and get details about Boating on Deep Creek Lake , including regulations and boating safety, with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources brochure. And view the new Deep Creek Lake Water Sports Safety: Towing Brochure.

Deep Creek Lake State Park has a public boat launch that is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting, and the park has a separate launching area for canoes, kayaks and other crafts. Deep Creek Lake State Park also offers a beach area for swimming and kayaks, paddleboards, tubes and beach chairs are available for rent at the beach. A nominal entrance fee applies to visitors of Deep Creek Lake State Park. 

In the winter, Deep Creek Lake doesn't shut down - there's even ice fishing once the lake freezes over. A minimum ice cover is recommended for safe fishing; get details on ice safety on Deep Creek Lake at the DNR website and for daily conditions and updates, please call Deep Creek Lake State Park at 301.387.5563 or contact area fishing outfitters for details.

Herrington Manor Lake

Youghiogheny River

Broadford Lake Park

New Germany Lake

Garrett County is also home to other lakes including Broadford Lake Park, Herrington Manor State Park, Jennings Randolph Lake, New Germany State Park and Youghiogheny River Lake. Canoe rentals are available at Herrington Manor State Park, paddle boat and row boat rentals are available at Herrington Manor and New Germany State Park.