Photographs
The swim area, enclosed by stone breakwaters. DNR lists two sandy beaches here; this is the one people mean.2026-08-03
Late afternoon at the beach, inside the breakwater. The shade at the back of the sand is already gone by this point in the day.2026-08-05
The whole swim area in one frame. The breakwater is the low stone wall running out on the left — that's what keeps this water flat.2026-08-05
Same beach from the other end, late afternoon.2026-08-05
From in the water, looking out. Stone on both sides — the gap in the middle is the only way the chop gets in.2026-08-05Not on Maryland DNR's list of parks requiring day-use reservations as of 25 June 2026. Day-use fees may still apply on arrival.
The state park sits on the northeast shore of Maryland's largest lake, with the only public swimming beach on Deep Creek and a discovery center that stays open year-round. Everything else on the lake is private shoreline, which is why this one gets busy.
The swim area sits inside stone breakwaters, so it stays flat even when the rest of the lake is full of boats. Plenty of sand. The shade at the back of the beach goes early, though.
Matt, 3 Aug 2026
What's there
Facilities
13/14 confirmed- Waterfall
- No
- Beach
- Yes
- Swimming
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Picnic areas
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Camping
- Yes
- Cabins
- Yes
- Trails
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
- Boat rentals
- Not confirmed
- Fishing
- Yes
- Winter use
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
Where things are
- Ranger station
- At the junction of Brant and State Park Roads. Hunting and fishing licenses are sold here.
- The campground
- Meadow Mountain: 112 sites, open 15 April to 15 December. Heated restrooms with hot water showers. Twenty-six sites have 30-amp electric and water. Dump station at the entrance.
- Sleeping without a tent
- A yurt, two mini camper-cabins, and the Bear Den, which is an Adirondack-style shelter.
- Booking
- parkreservations.maryland.gov or 888-432-2267. Two weeks is the longest stay.
- The beach
- The only guarded public swimming beach on the lake, guarded Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- Boat launch
- Outside the day-use area on State Park Road. The canoe and kayak launch is inside the day-use area. Open 24 hours except when ice or weather closes it.
- Trails
- The Meadow Mountain system is over 20 miles, from level to steep. Maps at park headquarters or the Discovery Center.
- Getting to headquarters
- Turn right out of the Discovery Center parking lot and take the next left. If you cross the bridge you've gone too far.
- Beach parking
- Turn left out of the Discovery Center parking lot, next left, and stop at the contact station.
- Best trail
- The park's own FAQ board names Beckmans as the most recommended trail here. Check the map for length and difficulty.
- Boat tours
- Run by Wisp but launched from the Discovery Center dock. Book ahead on 844-369-2485.
- Numbers
- Camp office 301-387-5563. Discovery Center 301-387-7067. Duty ranger 240-405-9827.
Getting in
| When | Maryland residents | Out of state |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day | $3 per person | $5 per person |
| Day after Labor Day – Fri before Memorial Day | $3 per vehicle | $5 per vehicle |
- Fee
- Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day: $3 per person Maryland residents, $5 per person out-of-state; Day after Labor Day – Fri before Memorial Day: $3 per vehicle Maryland residents, $5 per vehicle out-of-state.
- Annual pass
- Maryland State Park and Trail Passport — $75 a year, $100 for non-residents. Covers day-use entry statewide. Where it can be bought in the county is not confirmed.
- Shop
- Gift shop on site
- Hours
- Not confirmed
- Park office
- 301-387-5563The Deep Creek Discovery Center has a Nature Shop selling field guides and souvenirs. Open year-round.
From people who were there
Photographed the beach area — sand, an enclosed swim area behind stone breakwaters, and open lake beyond.
Site maintainer, first-hand · reported 3 Aug 2026 · visit date not given
Bears on: beach, swimming
There are showers at the park.
Site maintainer, first-hand · reported 4 Aug 2026 · visit date not given
Bears on: showers
Dogs are allowed at the park, but not on the beach.
Site maintainer, first-hand · reported 4 Aug 2026 · visit date not given
Bears on: petsAllowed, beach
First-hand and useful, but not the same as the agency confirming it — so it doesn't change the stamp below. It changes what I go and ask.
Where it's
Field notes
What I saw on the day. Not checked with anyone, and it can go out of date faster than the facts above.
Field note · 5 August 2026 · Site maintainer, from the 2026 printed guide
Facts about the lake, from the park's own guide: 65 miles of shoreline, 3,900 acres, average depth 26.5 feet, surface 73F in summer and 49F on the bottom. Meadow Mountain tops out at 3,022 feet.
Field note · 5 August 2026 · Site maintainer
The visitor FAQ board at the Discovery Center confirms the entry fees this page already listed, and adds the thing nobody publishes: no bins anywhere in the park. It also names the duty ranger's number, which is the one to use when the office is shut.
Field note · 3 August 2026 · Matt
The swim area is roped inside stone breakwaters, so it stays calm even when the rest of the lake is busy with boats. Plenty of sand, and shade at the back of the beach if you get there early enough to claim it.
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The other parks
- Swallow Falls — state park, Oakland · reservation required
- Herrington Manor — state park, Oakland
- New Germany — state park, Grantsville
- Big Run — state park, Grantsville
- Casselman River Bridge — state park, Grantsville
- Sang Run — state park, McHenry
- All ten, side by side