Deep Creek Lake is one of the most vibrant summer destinations in Maryland, brimming with activities for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a summer respite alike. As the largest freshwater lake and one of the most beautiful lakes in Maryland, there are so many things to do at Deep Creek Lake MD this summer! It offers an expansive playground for outdoor activities and relaxation, all set against the backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re searching for what to do at Deep Creek Lake, you’ve come to the right place.

This area is known for its lush landscapes and diverse outdoor activities, whether that’s thrills on the water, exploration on land, or savoring local food and drink. You’ll be invited to immerse yourself in an environment where adventure and relaxation converge, making it an ideal retreat for group trips, romantic couples getaways, and solo travelers. This destination melds Maryland’s natural beauty with the charm of its communities, creating one of the best summer escapes from nearby metropolitan areas. Our location is only two hours from Pittsburgh and three hours from DC and Baltimore; it’s a true escape!

The summer is the peak of tourist season when all of the best things to do in Deep Creek Lake are on the itinerary. It’s essential to secure your lodging early, as small boutique properties like our Deep Creek Lake Resort fill up quickly. With only 12 guest rooms in our spacious Arts and Crafts Style home, you’ll love our luxurious offerings, cozy rooms and seating areas, expansive garden grounds right on the lake, and morning breakfast service. We can’t wait to be your host as you explore the fantastic things to do at Deep Creek, MD; book your room today!

Best Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake in Summer

Deep Creek Lake, located just a few hours from several of the East Coast’s major urban centers, is a fantastic 4-season destination. There’s never a shortage of fun things to do at Deep Creek Lake. Whether you’re looking to relax or get out and have fun adventures, it has something for everyone.

In the winter, there’s great skiing across the street at Wisp Resort and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the many local and regional trails. In the spring, we start to enjoy the other activities available to us here, like hiking and biking. Come summer, it’s warm enough to get out on the water for boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. And, in the fall, foliage season arrives with its vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, lighting up the forests around us.

With so many great things to do at Deep Creek Lake, it’s no wonder the area has become such a popular vacation destination. We can hardly wait to reopen our doors and welcome another great summer season filled with guests, laughter, and fun. It’s time to start dreaming about the possibilities and start planning for the eventualities.  Here are our favorite things to do at Deep Creek Lake during the summer:

1. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do at Deep Creek Lake. This summer, discover the most beautiful hiking trails in the Deep Creek Lake area. Some of our favorite places to send guests are Blackwater Falls State Park, Dolly Sods Wilderness, and Herrington Manor State Park.
2. Go mountain biking! Deep Creek Lake has become an increasingly popular place for mountain bikers, starting at Wisp Resort across the street. The Deep Creek Loop Trail is one of many popular trails in Deep Creek Lake State Park.
3. Visit Swallow Falls State Park, home to truly breathtaking scenery and one of the most popular things to do at Deep Creek Lake. The Youghiogheny River travels through gorges in the park, creating Muddy Creek Falls, a 53-foot waterfall.
4. One of the most relaxing things to do at Deep Creek Lake, of course, is to head out on the lake. In the mornings, we offer a complimentary pontoon boat ride that leaves directly from our resort. If you want to explore on your own, you can find boat rentals, we suggest Lake Life Boat Rentals and Deep Creek Lake Boats. We also have kayaks and canoes available to borrow at our property for our guests, one of the best Deep Creek Lake activities.
5. Visit Adventure Sports Center International, which offers guided whitewater rafting trips around its man-made course. You can also kayak their rapids, which were the site of the National Whitewater championships and the 2007 US Freestyle Nationals.
6. Spend an afternoon golfing at Wisp, one of the best things to do at Deep Creek Lake, and there are two amazing courses to choose from: Fantasy Valley and Lodestone Golf Course. Golfstyles Magazine named this course one of the “100 Must-Play Courses of the Mid-Atlantic.” The nearby Oakland Golf Course is also a challenging and delightful place to golf.
7. Two examples of Frank Lloyd Wright’s impressive architecture are within driving distance of our resort, and it’s the perfect little road trip to add to your itinerary. Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob are both easily reachable from our Inn and make for a wonderful day trip.
8. There is a great selection of places to enjoy the nightlife and dining options in Deep Creek Lake. For those visiting with romance in mind, make a dinner reservation at Dutch’s at Silver Tree or Pine Lodge Steakhouse. If you want a lively evening with the best craft cocktails, choose Firewater Kitchen and Bar. Here’s a great list of our favorite restaurants in Deep Creek, MD.
9. Relax and unwind at our Deep Creek Lake Resort, overlooking scenic and calm waters. This is arguably one of the absolute best things to do at Deep Creek Lake. Make sure to schedule in a massage or two for yourself, too!
10. While there is so much to explore in the summer, fall is just as action-packed with the stunning Maryland fall foliage at every turn. A couple of highlight events include the Autumn Glory Festival and the Deep Creek Lake Art & Wine Festival, also in September. Our resort always fills around these events, so book well in advance to have the best place to stay.

 

One of the Most Charming Deep Creek Lake Resorts on the Waterfront

After a day exploring all of the amazing things to do at Deep Creek Lake, you’ll be ready to relax! There’s no better place to do just that than at one of the best Deep Creek Lake Resorts: Lake Pointe Inn. Located right on the lakefront, with our own private dock, kayaks, and plenty of outdoor seating, you’ll find our property to be a haven of calm and respite.

The Friend Room is one of our most romantic rooms at our Deep Creek Lake Resort. Not only will you love the double-jacuzzi tub tucked behind the three-way gas fireplace, but you’ll also love our attention to detail and extra amenities that set the mood off on the right foot. The king-size bed is wrapped in luscious Comphy brand linens that will lull you into a peaceful night’s sleep, and you’ll wake rested to take on the next adventure.

In the morning, be sure to join us for a tasty homemade breakfast in our dining room. We offer an array of menu options—we want our guests to order exactly what they wish each morning of their stay. If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have dietary restrictions, we’re also very sensitive to these factors and can guarantee you’ll find something delicious to enjoy. Start planning your upcoming summer getaway, and book your lodging today!