Mistakes To Avoid in Summer at Deep Creek Lake

Published: May 30, 2025

Summer is one of the best seasons in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Whether you’re spending your days boating on the lake, hiking, fishing or playing golf, there is really something for everyone. Even the most perfect vacation can go sideways if you’re not prepared. No matter if it’s your first visit or fifth, knowing how to avoid these common mistakes in Deep Creek will make your summer trip smooth and stress-free!

Mistake #1: Not Renting A Boat In Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make during the summer is not renting a boat in advance. Pontoon boats get reserved weeks in advance, especially for weekends and the 4th of July holiday. You will have to take a gamble on the weather as most boat rental companies require non-refundable payment in advance. However, waiting until the weekend you go to reserve a boat is a mistake that is easily avoidable.

Mistake #2: Towing Under the Bridges

In Deep Creek Lake, you cannot tow anyone behind the boat under the bridges. If you are pulling kids on an inner tube behind the boat and need to go under. a bridge, you have to pull the riders back onto the boat before driving under the bridge. Police boats patrol the lake throughout the day and you will get pulled over and issued a citation if you are caught towing anyone under a bridge. Click here to find out everything you need to know about boating and water sports in Deep Creek Lake.

Mistake #3: Not Packing a Jacket

Deep Creek Lake sits at 2,500 feet in elevation, which makes the temperature stay cooler throughout the summer months. The mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in the height of summer. Don’t make the mistake of not packing a jacket or hoodie during the summer. Click here for a full summer packing guide for Deep Creek.

Mistake #4: Not Bringing Water Shoes to the State Park Beach

A summer trip to Deep Creek would be incomplete without spending a day at the State Park Beach. Be sure to bring water shoes if you plan to swim at the beach. The beach itself has soft sand, but it turns rocky as soon as you get into the water.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Bring Trash Bags To The Beach and Boat

The beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park is a trash-free park. There are no trash cans anywhere in the park. If you are bringing snacks or drinks with you to the beach, be sure to pack a grocery bag or trash bag for your trash. You will need to take the trash with you when you leave. Along the same lines, if you are renting a boat for the day, be sure to bring a trash bag along for your boat day.

Mistake #6: Fishing Without A License

Maryland law states that anyone 16 years of age and older must have a fishing license to fish in Deep Creek Lake. A license is required whether you are fishing from a dock or by boat. You can purchase your license online here, or pick one up at the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park when you arrive. Click here for everything you need to know about fishing in Deep Creek Lake!

Mistake #7: Wearing Flip Flops To Swallow Falls

The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail at Swallow Falls State Park is home to 4 waterfalls: Muddy Creek Falls (Maryland’s tallest waterfall), Upper Swallow Falls, Lower Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls. This 1 mile hiking trail is rocky and can be slippery. Don’t make the mistake of trying to hike this trail in flip flops. Sneakers are a must! In the summer, visitors enjoy wading in the falls. If you want to swim in the falls, you need to wear water shoes. Athletic water shoes like these are ideal because you can hike the trail in them for all 4 waterfalls.

Mistake #8: Underestimating How Slippery The Rocks Are at Swallow Falls

Don’t make this painful mistake! If you plan to wade in the falls at Swallow Falls, exercise caution! The wet rocks are incredibly slippery! Treat the rocks like you would an icy surface, walk slow and low! If you slip on the rock completely upright, you will fall harder than if you are crouched low walking. I can’t tell you how many people I have seen wipe out on these rocks. If you fall and break a bone, it is not easy to get assistance to you quickly.

Mistake #9: Not Anticipating a Wait For Tables At Restaurants

There will be a wait for tables at almost every restaurant in Deep Creek during the summer. Don’t make the mistake of showing up starving and expecting to be seated right away. Go early and enjoy a cocktail while you wait. If you are ordering take-out pizza from Brenda’s, I recommend placing your order several hours in advance. We usually call in the afternoon to schedule our pick up for dinner that evening. Click here for a list of the best restaurants at the lake!

Mistake #10: Stressing About The Weather

Don’t make the mistake of stressing about the weather after checking weather app forecasts. In the summer, the weather forecasts can call for rain almost every day. The good news is, it doesn’t usually rain all day in Deep Creek. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but are commonly passing with the sun coming back out as soon as the storm passes. Also, don’t stress about low temperatures. If you see forecasts for high temperatures in the low 70s, keep in mind that the sun makes a huge difference in the feels-like temperature in Deep Creek. Even if the temperatures are in the low 70s, if the sun is out, it will feel hot.

Another thing to consider is water temperature–if you are booking your summer vacation to Deep Creek for Memorial Day or early June, the water temperature will still be very cold. July and August have warmer and more comfortable water temperatures.

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@postcardsfromcarrie The snow has melted and we are counting down the days until boating season is back! ☀️ We love wakeboarding, wakesurfing, water skiing, knee boarding and tubing off the boat! ☀️ Some of our favorite family memories have been times out on the boat ☀️ Counting down the days until we can spend our summer back out on the boat in Deep Creek Lake. ☀️ #boatlife #lakelife #deepcreeklake #wakeboarding #wakesurfing #waterski #tubing #summertime #summervibe #lakefun #boating #lakehouse #familyvacation #summervacation #summercountdown #18summers #makingmememories #boat #boating #boatfun #boats @Deep Creek Lake, MD ♬ On The Boat Again - Jake Owen