Deep Creek Lake: What To Pack In Summer

Planning a summer vacation to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland ? Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, packing appropriately can make all the difference in ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable trip. From lakeside essentials to adventure-ready gear, let’s dive into the ultimate packing guide for your summer escape to Deep Creek Lake.

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The Importance of Layering

Nestled in the heart of Maryland’s Appalachian Mountains, Deep Creek stays around 10 degrees cooler than it’s neighboring metropolitan areas of Washington DC and Pittsburgh. Many visitors flock to Deep Creek Lake to escape the oppressive summer heat in the cities. In the height of summer, the average high temperature is in the upper 70s. It can get-well into the 80s during heat waves, but most of the time the temperature is perfectly comfortable!

The sun makes a huge difference. If it is sunny and in the 70s it will feel hot. An overcast day in the 70s can feel cool. In addition, the evening and morning temperatures can dip down to the low 60s, which makes layering your clothes very important. In addition to your shorts and tank tops, be sure to pack some long pants and a sweatshirt or light coat. If you plan to dine outdoors for dinner, you will want to bring a long sleeve shirt or sweater to layer with.

Casual & Comfortable

One of the things that makes a trip to Deep Creek Lake so relaxing is that it is a really casual vibe. You don’t need to pack high heels and dresses to go out to dinner in Deep Creek. Jeans, shorts, sneakers and sandals are all perfectly acceptable!

What To Pack For Deep Creek Lake

Water Shoes

Water shoes are an absolute necessity if you plan to get in the water at either Swallow Falls or the beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The water at Swallow Falls and the beach is very rocky. Sturdy athletic water shoes or water sandals are best. They won’t slip off of your feet easily and the soles are sturdy enough to give you traction on slippery rocks. For Swallow Falls, you do the entire hike in your water shoes if you have a sturdy athletic sole like these. If you have traditional water shoes, they will be uncomfortable to finish the rocky hike.

Sneakers

Hiking is a popular activity in Deep Creek Lake during the summer. Most of the hikes around Deep Creek do not require hiking boots, but comfortable sneakers are a must. Check out my post on the best hiking trails in Deep Creek Lake for information on which trails you will need hiking boots and hiking poles for.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

A waterproof Bluetooth speaker is a must for playing music-whether on the boat, at the Deep Creek Lake State Park beach, or just lounging at the docks. This JBL compact speaker is the best-seller on Amazon!

Beach Towels

Your vacation rental or hotel will provide bath towels, but you will need to pack beach towels to use at the lake.

Beach Chairs

If you plan to spend a day at the beach in Deep Creek Lake State Park, pack beach chairs or a large blanket to sit on. The beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park has plenty of opportunities for natural shade with the trees, so there is no need to pack a beach umbrella. Beach chairs are also necessary for the Stage Wisp outdoor concerts on Wednesday nights during the summer.

Sunscreen

A sunburn can really put a damper on your lake fun, so be sure to pack sunscreen. We love all of the Sun Bum products! They protect well and smell amazing! If you forget to reapply, the Sun Bum Cool Down aloe vera lotion is great for relieving a sun burn too. This Sun Bum kit comes with a travel bag.

Lightweight Turkish TowelsIf you will be wading in the water at Swallow Falls, I recommend bringing a lightweight towel like Sand Cloud or Bay Laurel to dry off with. These lightweight towels are great for putting in your backpack on the Swallow Falls Canyon Trail hike, without the bulk and weight of a traditional beach towel.

Fishing Poles & Tackle

Pack your fishing poles to fish from land or by boat in Deep Creek Lake. I recommend these top-rated budget fishing poles or these top-rated mid range poles. This tackle kit comes with everything you need including hooks, lures and artificial bait.

Check out my Guide to Fishing in Deep Creek Lake for tips on the best places to fish and bait to use.

Rafts

Bring along some fun rafts to float in. Rafts are great for floating in the lake from a dock, the beach or off of the boat. These fun inflatable rafts are great for dock and beach swimming. These hammock rafts are great for the boat, as they don’t take up much space. Make sure you pack an air pump to inflate the rafts. This portable and compact air pump is great for taking out on the boat!

Rain Jacket

It’s always a good idea to pack a rain jacket. My daughters and I love this rain coat. The good news is, it rarely rains all day in Deep Creek Lake in the summer. If rain is forecasted, check out my post Rainy Day Activities in Deep Creek Lake for fun indoor activities.

Backpack

Another Swallow Falls Canyon Trail must-have is a backpack–particularly if you plan to wade in the water! This Venture Pal backpack is ultra-lightweight, holds a 40 oz Hydroflask in the side pockets and the 40 L has a built-in wet bag inside of it. The best part is that it folds up into a compact travel bag. We used the Venture Pal backpacks all over Glacier National Park and during our trip to Hawaii.

Go Pro & Floating Handle

Take photos and video while floating and swimming in Deep Creek Lake with your GoPro! Be sure to use the floating handle accessory to prevent it from sinking if dropped.

Tubing Sleeves

Tubing can be really hard on your elbows. The friction of your elbows rubbing on the tube can give your elbows rug burn. This is especially true if you will be doing a lot of tubing over the course of your trip. We wear arm sleeves like these when tubing to prevent rug burn. They are inexpensive and really do save your arms from unsightly and painful “tube burn.”

Waterproof Phone Lanyards

Pack some waterproof phone lanyards to use while floating in Deep Creek Lake. We love these Pelican Marine phone lanyards. The pictures are crystal clear through the plastic, unlike other brands I’ve tried.

Portable Phone Charger

A portable phone charger is essential, especially if you will be playing music from your phone. This best-selling Anker portable charger has input for both iPhone 13/14 and the USB-C iPhone 15. Don’t forget to bring your charging cord! Portable chargers like these have built in cords, making one less thing to pack!

Cooler

Pack drinks and food in a cooler for boat days and beach days! A cooler with wheels like this best-selling Coleman is ideal for long walks down to the dock.

Life Jackets

Life jackets are required by law for anyone participating in water sports in Deep Creek Lake, regardless of age. They are also required by law for anyone under the age of 13 to wear while the boat is underway (moving).

Boat rentals come with the traditional Type II U-shaped & bulky life jackets that go around your neck. If you rent water sports equipment like an inner tube or water skis, they will give you a more comfortable Type III life jacket with your rental.

If you won’t be renting water sports equipment, I recommend bringing a comfortable life jacket for your kids to wear on the boat or for swimming. Be sure to check the sizing for the correct weight of your child. These best-selling Aqua life jackets are available in sizes ranging from infant to adult.

S’More Sticks

A lake vacation wouldn’t be complete with out making S’mores at a campfire. Pack graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey bars (or Reese’s cups). Don’t forget to bring S’more sticks! Retractable sticks like these are easy to pack.

Firewood is available for purchase at roadside stands along Deep Creek Lake. For an easy-start fire, slip some all-natural fatwood sticks under your firewood. Be sure to pack a lighter!

Magic Flames

Elevate your campfire with these fun colored flames by Magical Flames. Important tip: Roast marshmallows (or any other food) BEFORE putting the magic flames on the fire.

Bug Spray

Bring along bug spray for protection against mosquitos and ticks, especially in the evenings!

Waterproof Bag for Keys, Wallet & Phone

I can only imagine how many phones are at the bottom of Deep Creek Lake! I’m sad to say that personally, ours is one of them. We lost a phone on the dock getting in and out of the boat. The phone was in our bag and when we leaned down to duck under the boat canopy it slipped right out of the bag into the water.

We bought these waterproof bags that float to store our keys, wallet and phones. They are also great for kayaking. These dry bags are also great. At the very least, make sure your phone is in a zipped bag when getting on and off the boat.

Trash Bags

Remember to pack trash bags in your boat and beach bag. There are no trash cans on boats or at the beach in Deep Creek Lake State Park. You will need to take your trash home with you, so be sure to bring trash bags along each day.