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Deep Creek Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide

Maryland

Located in Garrett County in Maryland, Deep Creek Lake State Park spans 1,800 acres directly west of the Allegheny Highlands. Visitors to this park have convenient access to both the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area as well as a stunning 3,900-acre lake. The park's name comes from its prominent lake, which started as a hydroelectric project back in 1920.

Visit any time of year to enjoy the mile of shoreline, 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the 6,000-square-foot Discovery Center. This state park is often most popular with families during the summer due to its 112-site campground, two swimming beaches, and three playgrounds.

Nearby Cities

  • Mountain Lake Park, MD

  • Terra Alta, WV

  • Cumberland, MD

  • Moorefield, WV

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Weather
Spring 25-67 F
Summer 53-78 F
Fall 28-71 F
Winter 17-38 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Deep Creek Lake State Park

Campground Accommodations

Meadow Mountain Campground

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Max RV length: 40 feet

  • Other amenities: Dump station, freshwater fill-up, heated bathhouses, fire rings, picnic tables, free boat trailer parking

Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground

The Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground has three sections, or loops, in which two of the loops are accommodable for your four-legged furry friends. There are 112 campsites, of which 26 have electric hookups. The largest sites accommodate rigs up to 40 feet long. You can enjoy the campground from mid-April to mid-December, as it closes when the winter weather becomes too harsh. The peak season is between May and mid-September — you will need to make a reservation during this period. The campsites are within a short distance of Deep Creek Lake, where you can enjoy swimming, boating, and sunbathing. Nightly charges start at $23.

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dump station, water fill-up station, heated bathhouses, fire rings, lantern posts, flush toilets, laundry rooms, and picnic areas with picnic tables

Double G RV Park

Located four miles from Deep Creek Lake State Park, Double G RV Park has only 12 sites with electric hookups. From the campground, you will have easy access to Deep Creek Lake. You can rent a boat from the campground store for some fun on the lake. There are sites that are well shaded under tall trees in the campground, however are primarily reserved for seasonal campers. The remaining sites are more in the open and are usually rented out to weekenders and overnight visitors. You can bring your pet as long as you pick after it and keep it on a leash. Nightly rates start at $58.

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dump station, showers, restrooms

Bumble Bee Campground

Bumble Bee Campground is only five miles from Deep Creek Lake State Park, which nestles it perfectly between Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek Lake State Park; This allows the opportunity to explore even more of Garrett County. There are 35 pull-through sites with electric hookups. Each site is long enough to accommodate a 50-foot trailer or RV. Nightly rates start at $42.

  • Water hookup: No

  • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • Sewer hookup: No

  • Wi-Fi: No

  • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • Other amenities: Dump station, showers, restrooms

RV Rentals Near Deep Creek Lake State Park

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What to Do at
Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake State Park has several exciting walking trails, a huge play area, and four picnic shelters that include water, electricity, and tables. One of the park's most thrilling features is its interpretive Discovery Center, where you'll find hands-on displays, aquariums, and an aviary. Both fishing and seasonal hunting are permitted at the park as long as you have the appropriate licenses.

Bring the whole family along to enjoy amazing recreational opportunities like lakeshore fishing, mountain biking, summer swimming, and more. This Maryland state park allows pets in most of the campground loops and trails.

Inside Deep Creek Lake State Park

If you are interested in learning more about Deep Creek Lake State Park and the surrounding areas, you can spend an afternoon at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park. One of the exciting attractions there is the aviary, in which you can view nine birds of prey who have been deemed unfit for the wild due to injury or being hand-raised. The large creatures are native to Maryland, and they mesmerize anyone who sets eyes on them. Besides going to the aviary, you can go swimming, boating, and fishing in Deep Creek Lake. You can also picnic, hike, and enjoy winter sports.

Fishing Fishing

Anglers are welcome to fish from the shore or the docks of Deep Creek Lake. The most common species caught include walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and trout. All anglers are encouraged to report if they catch any tagged pike.

Geocaching Geocaching

There's at least one traditional geocache at this state park that's part of the Cache Across Maryland series. Follow the Indian Turnip Trail past a large fallen tree into the open woods. You'll find a white ammo container tucked safely under a boulder about 300 feet from the tree.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

While walking the trails, hikers can spot Virginia opossums, shrews, cottontails, red foxes, striped skunks and white-tailed deer. This park is in black bear country, meaning you could spot them as you camp, picnic, or traverse the grounds. To learn more about the animals that call this area home, check out the Discovery Center's mammal, reptile, and amphibian displays.

Stargazing Stargazing

The best time to stargaze at Deep Creek Lake is in the fall, between late September and mid-November. During this time, the skies are clear, with fewer clouds and precipitation. Deep Creek Lake State Park has plenty of open shoreline where you can use your telescope or binoculars.

Hiking Hiking

Feel free to hike, mountain bike, run, or snowshoe the 20 miles of trails here. The .5-mile Sensory Trail is designed for you to explore the woods with your sound, smell, and touch senses. The 2-mile Beckman's Trail is another easy exploration opportunity that teaches visitors about the local Brant Coal Mine. For more of a challenge, you can try the moderate, 5.5-mile Meadow Mountain Trail or the rugged, 3-mile Thayer Trace.

Boating

The park's boat ramp is open every day except in cases of poor weather. It's best to call ahead in the winter to make sure it's available when you plan to visit. The launch area can handle four vehicles at a time. All boaters have access to the pump-out station, ADA-accessible boat trailer parking, and restrooms. Only registered campers can leave their boats docked overnight.

Swimming Swimming

The two sandy swimming beaches are located inside the day-use area. Not far from the water, you'll find a beach shower house, a changing station, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a canoe and kayak launch. The beaches are open on a seasonal basis from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Biking

The park's 4.5-mile Indian Turnip Trail and the 1.5-mile Lookout Trail are most popular with mountain bikers. The Indian Turnip Trail involves a steep climb of 600 feet to a ridge. Lookout Trail is a short and rugged path that runs over rocky and challenging terrain.

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How to Get to
Deep Creek Lake State Park

From Pittsburgh, drive 20 miles along Route 219 South and turn left onto Glendale Road. Once you pass the Glendale Bridge, turn left again on State Park Road. After one mile, you'll see signage for the state park. If you're coming in from Baltimore, you'll take I-70 west to I-68. Exit 14A will lead you to Route 219 South, which you can then follow to Glendale Road and State Park Road.

Entering Deep Creek Lake State Park

To use the day-use facilities between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Maryland residents must pay a $3 fee, while non-Maryland visitors are charged $5 per person. Outside of the peak season, you'll be asked to pay a daily fee per vehicle rather than per visitor. These fees are $3 per day for any Maryland vehicle and $5 per day for any non-Maryland vehicle. Both the trails and the Discovery Center are free, but donations for upkeep and improvements are always encouraged. When the main gate is closed during snowmobile season, you can park near the Discovery Center.

Deep Creek Lake State Park Per Maryland Resident : $3.0

Deep Creek Lake State Park Per Non-Maryland Resident : $5.0

You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Deep Creek Lake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Creek Lake State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Deep Creek Lake State Park?

Head to the park in the spring to enjoy fewer crowds and more abundant wildlife and wildflowers. If you're interested in watersports, it's better to stop by in the summer. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all popular during the winter.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Deep Creek Lake State Park?

Birders may see horned grebes, osprey, red-tailed hawks, wild turkeys, and American crows. Land animals include coyotes, red and gray foxes, groundhogs, eastern moles, raccoons, beavers, and muskrats.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Deep Creek Lake State Park?

Deep Creek Lake State Park has 23 campsites with electrical hookups. While there aren't water or sewer connections, the campground has a dump station and a water fill-up station. Electric sites cost $27.50 per night.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Deep Creek Lake State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations aren't a requirement to stay at this state park. They can be made up to a year in advance and cost $6.25 per transaction. To change or cancel your campground reservation, you'll be charged an additional $4.75.

Are pets allowed at Deep Creek Lake State Park?

Your pets are permitted on the trails, in the boat ramp area, and in the Discovery Center. If you're camping with pets, reserve a spot in the Browning, Garrett, or Beckman campground loops. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, they're not allowed on the sandy swimming beaches.