Deep Creek Lake is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Maryland. This 4 season destination offers skiing in the winter, boating and lake activities in the summer, breathtaking fall foliage and festivals in autumn and hiking and golfing in the spring. The lake is comprised of 3 towns: McHenry, Oakland and Swanton. Which part of the lake is the best place to stay? There is not an easy answer to this question. It really depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Let’s explore the best places to stay in Deep Creek Lake.
McHenry: Northern Deep Creek Lake
McHenry is located in the northern part of the lake. Wisp Ski Resort is located in McHenry as well as several shops, restaurants, a grocery store, the fairgrounds, and most of the marinas. All of the family fun centers that Deep Creek offers (mini-golf, Go-Karts, arcades, etc) are also located in McHenry. There is a lot to do in McHenry! If you are looking for ski-in, ski out houses, this is where you will find them! If you want a mountain-top home with lake views, McHenry is your spot!
McHenry Cove is at the very top of Deep Creek Lake, and home to four of Deep Creek’s marinas. It is also where the fireworks are set off on the 4th of July, so if you are coming that week, a house in McHenry Cove would be ideal!
- There is a lot to do-it’s where a lot of the Deep Creek action is
- Close to Wisp Resort for skiing
- There are no lakefront restaurants in McHenry
- With all of the marinas and condos, McHenry Cove has a lot of boat traffic, therefore it isn’t ideal for swimming.
- Some lakefront homes can be located on busy streets like Marsh Hill Road or Deep Creek Drive.
- This is where you will find some lakefront properties with a lot of stairs down to the dock.
OAKLAND: CENTRAL DEEP CREEK LAKE
Oakland is located in the middle of Deep Creek Lake. Oakland is the only part of the lake with lakefront restaurants–there are five of them, all with transient docks! Some of Deep Creek’s best restaurants are located in this middle part of the lake, including Firewater Kitchen & Bar, Dutch’s at Silver Tree, Brenda’s Pizzeria, Ace’s Run, Uno’s and Pawn Run. Oakland is also the location of Arrowhead Market, a small grocery store with a delicious deli inside. In addition to being home to most of the best restaurants in Deep Creek, Oakland is also home to the famous Honi-Honi Bar, a lakefront bar which features live bands on an outdoor stage throughout the summer, as well as corn hole, a playground and lots of transient boat docks.
- The location for all of the lakefront restaurants in Deep Creek
- Near Honi-Honi Bar, movie theater and shops
- Still only a short drive to Wisp Resort (less than 10 minutes)
- Some, but not all, lakefront homes can be located right on the busy main channel of the lake, which isn’t ideal for swimming.
SWANTON: SOUTHERN DEEP CREEK LAKE
Things to consider for Swanton:
- Quiet part of the lake, ideal for swimming and serene lake houses.
- Not many restaurants or shops but only a short 10 minute drive to Oakland.
- A further drive to Wisp Ski Resort. Depending on where in Swanton, it could take 20 minutes to get to Wisp.
When you are planning your vacation to Deep Creek Lake, take into consideration the location of your rental home based on the factors that are most important to you in your vacation.
Click here to search vacation rentals in Deep Creek Lake. Be sure to check out my post on 25 Stunning Lakefront Vacation Rentals in Deep Creek Lake.
Cheers to planning a fabulous Deep Creek Lake vacation!
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