Deep Creek Lake State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. The park encompasses over 1,800 acres and adjoins Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area and its 3,900-acre man-made lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park lies just west of the Allegheny Front on a large plateau known as the Tablelands or Allegany 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 the lake, which was a hydroelectric project, constructed on Deep Creek in the 1920's by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company.
Pavilions
Deep Creek Lake State Park has 4 pavilions that are available to reserve from May to September. Each shelter includes its own parking lot, a water spicket, electricity, a fireplace, picnic tables, and 3 charcoal grills.
Camping
The Meadow Mountain campground is open from April 15th to December 15th annually. Reservations are required from Memorial Day Weekend to Mid- September.
Boat Ramp
The boat launch area at Deep Creek Lake State Park is open 24 hours a day weather permitting. Visitors may call the park’s Headquarters or the Discovery Center ahead of time to see if the boat ramp is open during the winter. Overnight slip use is available only to Deep Creek Lake State Park campers on a first come, first serve basis.
Visitors should be prepared to pay the launch ramp fee each time the ramp is used or display a valid lake use permit or Maryland State Park pass in the windshield.
Features at the ramp include:
Four vehicle capacity launch area
No overnight docking except for park campers
Overnight/extended day parking area
Registration at park headquarters required
ADA accessible boat trailer parking
Restrooms- ADA accessible
Pump out station
Two fishing piers-ADA accessible
Fishing access
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Deep Creek Lake State Park. Anglers can fish from the shore and from the docks along the park shoreline. Fishing from the Ranger Docks adjacent to park headquarters and in the swim area is not permitted.
Fishing licenses, maps and guides can be purchased at the Park Headquarters or at the Discovery Center.
Hunting
Deep Creek Lake State Park is one of Maryland’s many state parks that allow public hunting. The 551-acre designated hunting area is marked with managed hunting area signs.
Hunters can park at the park headquarters, on various pull offs on State Park Road, and at the Fire Tower Road parking area. Please recognize all hunting regulations and seasons. Remember to keep all weapons unloaded and cased until you are within a designated hunting area. Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse parts of the hunting area. Be alert and respectful of trail users who are recreating in the area. Hunting licenses may be purchased at the park’s Headquarters.
Hunting Policy
General hunting permitted in 551-acre designated hunting area
No firearms hunting until October 15
Spring Turkey hunting is permitted during listed seasons
Hunting permitted Monday-Saturday
Provisions for hunters with mobility impairments
Waterfowl hunting only at designated sites on Deep Creek Lake (reservations required)
Hunters may enter / remain on park property outside of the regular posted hours if they are engaged in legitimate, authorized hunting activity.
