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Deep Creek Field Guide

State parks · Swanton

Deep Creek Lake

State park · 1,818 acres

No reservation needed

Not 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 centre that stays open year-round. Everything else on the lake is private shoreline, which is why this one gets busy.

What's there

Facilities

7/9 confirmed
Waterfall
No
Swimming
Yes
Camping
Yes
Cabins
Not confirmed
Trails
Yes
Boat launch
Yes
Fishing
Yes
Winter use
Yes
Pets
Not confirmed

Getting in

Fee
Day-use fee applies. Amount to be confirmed.
Hours
Not confirmed
Park office
Not confirmed

Still to confirm

Listed openly rather than hidden, because a gap you can see is worth more than a gap you can't.

  • Confirm it is genuinely NOT in the day-use reservation programme — visitors will assume all Garrett parks changed together.
  • Confirm the day-use fee, and whether it differs in and out of season.
  • Confirm beach season dates and whether lifeguards are posted.
  • Confirm boat launch fees and whether a separate launch permit is needed.
  • Confirm pet rules on the beach specifically.

The other parks