Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegheny Highlands. Its location at the southernmost end of Meadow Mountain places it west of the Eastern Continental Divide and within the Mississippi River watershed. The park gets its name from Deep Creek Lake, a hydroelectric project constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920’s by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company.

Man has been associated with the use of this land for thousands of years. Early nomadic hunters and gatherers, followed by Native American hunters, roamed through the mountains of Garrett County but have left little record of their presence. Beginning in the 1700’s, early settlers to the region eked a subsistence existence based on the utilization of the area’s abundant natural resources. The mountains remained relatively untouched until the turn of the century when massive logging operations began stripping the land of the virgin red spruce, hemlock, white pine, and yellow birch forests.

The park is the site of the historic Brant coal mine and homesite, where a restored mine entrance preserves a typical drift or adit mine. The mine was worked for several years by the Brant family and it supplied bituminous coal for heating and blacksmithing in the local community.

Over 95% of the park consists of a forest that has regenerated from the original stands of timber into an excellent example of a maturing northern hardwood forest. Oaks and hickories are now the dominant species. Forest wildlife species such as black bear, wild turkey, bobcat, and white tailed deer have grown in numbers over the past decades as habitat has been preserved and managed. Small mammals such as squirrel, chipmunk, raccoon, skunk, and opossum are frequently seen. The park is also home to numerous plant species, some rare, found on the forest floor.

The Tableland’s weather is quite unique for the region. Many winters bring over 200 inches of snow and the greening of leafing trees does not occur until mid May. Summers are characterized by warm days and cool nights. Autumn comes alive with blasts of color on early to mid October with clear, crisp days and cold evenings.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit the park, many new adventures await you. Trails take you into the forest and atop Meadow Mountain where you can experience your own regeneration and the beauty and peace of this place. Please take some time to enjoy what nature has to offer in addition to our recreational opportunities.

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center, the Department of Natural Resources’ new interpretive environmental center. Nestled along the shores of Deep Creek Lake at Deep Creek Lake State Park, the Discovery Center is a one-of-a-kind educational venue for people of all ages. 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.

Most of the parks visitor services are located on State Park Road along the waterfront of Deep Creek Lake. The park includes approximately 1 mile of shoreline on this, Maryland’s largest lake. Access is available for fishing, swimming, and boat launching. Several picnic areas offer excellent views of the lake with easy access to the beach and other facilities.

Park Headquarters is located at the intersection of Brant and State Park Roads. Information can be obtained here during business hours Monday through Friday. If you need emergency assistance, call the Forest and Park Service communication center at 410-461-0051 or dial 911. General park information can be obtained at 301-387-5563. The Discovery Center is open 7 days a week, year-round, and can be reached at (301) 387-7067.

Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by ranger naturalists and are available at various times throughout the year. Activity schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park and at the Discovery Center.

Meadow Mountain campground has 112 campsites that are available by reservation from spring through fall. Each site is conveniently located near heated restroom facilities complete with hot showers. 25 sites are available with electric hookups and a dump station is available for self-contained units. The maximum length of stay is 2 weeks. Pets are permitted in certain designated loops. Two mini-cabins are available.

The boat launch facility is open most of the year except when winter weather or ice conditions prohibit access. Fishing is generally good on the lake with stocked trout, walleye, bass, and yellow perch being the most abundant.

Hunting is permitted in the park’s backcountry areas during regular hunting seasons. The hunting areas are posted and applicable regulations including license requirements apply

Meadow Mountain offers opportunities for hiking. Trail difficulties range from moderate to difficult. A trail guide is available at Park Headquarters, at the Discovery Center, and at the various trailheads for a small donation. Pets are allowed on trails and must be kept on a leash. Four season opportunities exist for mountain biking, cross country skiing & snowmobiling

Picnicking is available in the park’s waterfront area. Tables, fireplaces, grills, shelters, playgrounds, and restrooms are available. Shelters may be reserved in advance for a fee. Please note, pets are not permitted in the waterfront area of the park. Swimming is available at the park’s beach with lifeguards being stationed during the summer months.

Deep Creek Lake State Park offers several accessible campsites, available by reservation. Waterfront area offers some accessible restrooms. Two accessible fishing docks are available at the park’s boating facility.

The park is in Garrett County, Maryland ten miles northeast of Oakland on the east side of Deep Creek Lake, two miles east of Thayerville, off US Route 219.

For More Information:
Deep Creek Lake State Park
898 State Park Road
Swanton, Maryland 21561
(301) 387-5563
(301) 387-4462 fax
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267)