Nestled in the mountains of western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a four season destination. Winter is known for skiing and snowboarding, fall and spring are perfect for hiking and fishing, but summer is where the lake comes to life! Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen because we are getting down to all things summer! This is the ultimate guide to summer in Deep Creek Lake.
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Where is Deep Creek Lake?
Before we dive into all of the summer fun, let’s get acquainted with the lake itself.
Deep Creek Lake is located in the Applachian Mountains in the northwest corner of Maryland, not far from the West Virginia and Pennsylvania borders. The lake encompasses three towns: McHenry in the northern part of the lake, Oakland in the center and Swanton in the southernmost part.
The area is a popular vacation destination for residents of the nearby cities and suburbs of Washington, DC and Pittsburgh. It is a 3 hour drive from DC and a 2 hour drive from Pittsburgh.
Summer Weather in Deep Creek Lake
Due to the high elevation, Deep Creek stays cooler in the summer than its surrounding towns. Many visitors come to Deep Creek to escape the oppressive heat waves in nearby cities. The temperature in Deep Creek stays about 10 degrees cooler than Washington DC. The average temperature in July is 77 degrees, with low humidity, which is pretty perfect!
When summer temperatures in Washington DC climb up into the upper 90s, it is only in the 80s in Deep Creek. It’s still hot, but not nearly as stifling. The morning and evening temperatures in Deep Creek can dip down to the low 60s, so it’s important to wear layers for those early mornings on the boat or evenings by the campfire.
The sun makes a huge difference with the feels-like temperature in Deep Creek. 75 degrees in the sun feels hot, but 75 degrees on an overcast day will feel cool. If you are watching the weather apps and worried about temperatures in the low 70s, rest assured if it is sunny, you will be warm!
Like most of the east coast in summer, thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon. The good news is that it rarely rains all day in the summer in Deep Creek. It is common to have rain or storms on one part of the lake while it is sunny on an another part. If you do get rain and are looking for some fun indoor activities, check out my article Rainy Day Activities in Deep Creek Lake.
The Top Things To Do in Deep Creek Lake:
There are so many fun activities to choose from in the summer at Deep Creek Lake, more things than you could do in a single trip! If you don’t have time for all of the things on this list, make it a point to do at least the first 5! While the majority of the list is not in any order, the first five activities are the must-do things in the summer.
#1 Boating On Deep Creek Lake
Boating is the top thing to do in Deep Creek Lake in the summer. Boating licenses are not required to rent a boat in Deep Creek. There are several marinas in Deep Creek that offer boat rentals. Pontoon boats are the most common boats available for rent and the most practical for large groups.
I recommend reserving your boat in advance, especially if you are coming over a holiday weekend like Memorial Day, Labor Day or 4th of July.
Boat Rental Marinas
Reserve your boat at one of these marinas in Deep Creek:
Boat Tours & Captains
If you aren’t comfortable driving the boat, High Mountain Sports, Fun Time Water Sports and Wisp Resort offer guided boat tours. There are also several locals who provide captain services. You can find them by searching in the Deep Creek Lake Facebook page.
Be sure to check out my article Ultimate Guide to Boating on Deep Creek Lake for important tips and information on all things boating, including water sports!
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#2 Beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park
Spend a day at the beach at Deep Creek Lake State Park. The State Park has two sandy beaches with roped-off swim areas which are staffed by lifeguards. There is also a Beach Hut where you can rent paddle boards & kayaks, as well as purchase snacks and ice cream. Deep Creek Lake State Park beach offers bathroom buildings, playgrounds, a basketball court, picnic tables and barbecue grills. There is a large lakefront grassy area which is perfect for spike ball and corn hole. Large trees provide shade at the beach, so no need for an umbrella.
Important Things To Know
- The entrance fee for Deep Creek Lake State Park during summer is $5 per out-of-state resident and $3 per Maryland resident. This fee is good for all Maryland State Parks, so if you plan to do Swallow Falls State Park (or any of the other local state parks) on another day, buy a multiple day pass.
- There are no trash cans at the beach, so bring your own trash bag.
- The sand is soft on the beach, but very rocky in the water. Pack water shoes!
- Bring beach chairs, beach toys and some fun rafts to float in!
Check out my Amazon Storefront for all of the fun lake toys and games!
#3 Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is home to 4 waterfalls, including Maryland’s tallest free-falling waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls. Swallow Falls State Park has picnic tables, a playground and restroom facilities. It is also home to Swallow Falls Canyon Trail, a one mile roundtrip easy hike that takes you past Muddy Creek Falls, Upper Swallow Falls, Lower Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls.
In the summer, many people wade in the water at the waterfalls, even walking behind the falls.
Safety First
If you decide to wade in the falls, it is important to remember that the wet rocks are extremely slippery. I have watched so many people wipe out just walking on them. Treat the rocks like you would an icy surface, and use caution, walking slow and low. Having water shoes with an athletic sole is an absolute must. Crocs will slip off of your feet and flip flops will get stuck on the bottom. Water shoes with an athletic sole are also great because you can walk the whole trail in them.
What to Bring
If you do plan to wade in the falls, wear your swimsuit and water shoes, bring a backpack with a lightweight towel like these and a water bottle. During the summer, Lakeside Creamery has an ice cream truck at the entrance to the trail, so you can stop for ice cream when you are done!
#4 Honi Honi Bar
A Deep Creek summer vacation would be incomplete without visiting Deep Creek’s famous lakefront Honi-Honi Bar. Don’t be misled by the name, although it is a bar, during the day it is a family-friendly & dog-friendly Deep Creek Lake destination! Bands play live music on the outdoor stage all day long in the summer, while kids play on the lakefront playground and adults play corn hole or spike ball.
Uno’s restaurant is located adjacent to the Honi-Honi Bar and they provide table service at the Honi-Honi. It does get pretty crowded during the day, so getting a table on the patio of the Honi-Honi can be a wait. A lot of people bring their own chairs or blankets and set up on the lawn. You can order take-out from Uno’s and the bar serves up beverages and cocktails. Kids will enjoy the non-alcoholic frozen drinks, climbing the elephant statue or playing with other kids on the playground.
There are plenty of transient docks, so come by boat or by land for the best lakefront live music in Deep Creek!
#5 Hiking in Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is home to some of western Maryland’s most beautiful hiking trails. Hike to the summit of Maryland–the state’s highest point lookout on the Hoye Crest Trail. Kids & adults alike will love navigating the boulders in the Rock Maze trail. For scenic trails, Lostland Run and the Kendall Trail both take you alongside rivers and waterfalls.
Explore my article The Best Hiking Trails in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland for a comprehensive list of hiking trails.
Rent Jet Skis
Continue your lake fun by renting jet skis from Fun Time Water Sports. Deep Creek Lake does have some regulations for jet skis and wave runners. Between July 1st and Labor Day, jet skis and wave runners are restricted between the hours of 11am and 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. This is also true for the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in May.
You can ride jet skis and wave runners any time on a weekday. So if you are looking to rent a jet ski on a weekend, you will have to do it before 11 am or after 4pm.
Whitewater Rafting
ASCI Whitewater Rafting Man-Made Course
Deep Creek Lake is home to the man-made ASCI Whitewater Rafting course. Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) is the only mountaintop recirculating whitewater course in the world, providing a whitewater rafting experience in a controlled environment. ASCI is only open in the summer, putting it on our list of the top things to do in summer at Deep Creek! Check out this video of the course on YouTube.
Traditional Whitewater Rafting
If you are looking for traditional whitewater rafting, there are several options. Precision Rafting offers tours on the Upper Youghiogheny River. Cheat River Outfitters provides whitewater rafting tours on the Cheat River and Wilderness Voyagers offers whitewater rafting on the Savage River.
Kayaking Tour on Savage River Reservoir
All Earth Eco Tours offers a guided kayak tour on the Savage River Reservoir. Because it is a reservoir, there is no current, so it feels like you are kayaking on a lake. The water is perfectly still and the scenery is breathtaking, making for a serene and enjoyable kayaking experience.
I did this kayak tour for the first time when my kids were 9, 12 and 14. My husband did a tandem kayak with my 9 year old, and my other two kids had their own kayaks and they loved it. I highly recommend this tour!
Fishing & fly fishing
Fishing is a popular thing to do in Deep Creek during the summer. Fish along the shore and by boat to catch a variety of fish including bass, trout, walleye and pike.
Savage River Outfitters offers guided fly fishing on the Savage River, with all equipment included. This is great for both experienced and beginner fishermen.
Check out my Guide to Fishing in Deep Creek Lake for the best spots and bait!
Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort
Take a ride through the trees on the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort. The Mountain Coaster is a lot of fun for all ages. Children between the ages of 3 and 8 can ride with an adult. The coaster cars have manual brakes that the rider controls, so you can go as fast or as slow as you are comfortable with. Check out this video from a rider’s POV on the mountain coaster.
Summer Fun at Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort is known for its ski slopes in the winter, but Wisp also has a lot of fun summer activities! In the summer, Wisp offers two miniature golf courses, archery, scenic chairlift rides, mountain biking an aerial ropes coursesand ziplines. Wisp also has two frisbee golf courses. Discs are available for rent. Click here for more information on the summer mountain adventures at Wisp Resort.
Lavender Farm
The Deep Creek Lavender Farm opens Memorial Day weekend and stays open throughout the summer, although the lavender is only in bloom from mid-June through the end of July.
You can pick your own lavender, shop at their lavender store and eat lavender ice cream while drinking your lavender lemonade. Have a little photo shoot in front of the lavender fields and shop in the farm store.
One thing to note, the lavender bushes do attract bees, so be aware if anyone in your group has a bee sting allergy.
Rent Paddle boards & Kayaks
Enjoy a summer day paddle boarding and kayaking on Deep Creek Lake. Paddle board and kayak rentals are available at the following locations:
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Silver Tree Marine
Fun Time Water Sports
Aquatic Center
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Silver Tree Marine
Fun Time Water Sports
Aquatic Center
Other Local State Park Beaches
In addition to Deep Creek Lake, there are a few other smaller swimming lakes in the Deep Creek area. Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park both have lakes with sandy beaches and designated swimming areas that are staffed with lifeguards. These lakes allow only non-motorized boats. Both parks have restroom facilities, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Paddle boards, kayaks and canoes are available for rent at both Herrington Manor State Park and New Germany State Park.
River Float
Spend a warm summer day with a relaxing float down the river! Precision Rafters and Savage River Outfitters provide guided floats, with all equipment and transportation included.
Golf in Deep Creek Lake
Summer is a great time for golf and Deep Creek Lake is home to 4 outstanding golf courses. Lodestone Golf Course is located on the top of Wisp Resort in McHenry, with partial lake views. Fantasy Valley is a 70 par course located at the base of Wisp Resort. Thousand Acres Golf Course is a beautiful lake-view course located in Swanton. Oakland Golf Club, located in Oakland, has an 18 hole course. All of the golf courses in the area offer instruction. Golf lovers will also love the newly opened Bogey Golf Club Lounge indoor golf simulator!
4th of July Fireworks & Boat Parade
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce presents the Fire On The Mountain fireworks display every year on the 4th of July. The fireworks are set off over the lake from the tubing hill at Wisp Resort.
You can watch the fireworks from any of these locations:
By Boat in Deep Creek Lake (in McHenry Cove)
Wisp Resort
Wisp Resort
Lawn at Garrett Community College
Scenic overlook on Route 219. (Many people park alongside 219 to watch them)
From businesses along 219 in McHenry.
From businesses along 219 in McHenry.
The Deep Creek Lions Club hosts an annual boat parade the Saturday of 4th of July weekend. Click here for a map of the parade route and more information.
Horseback Riding
Circle R Ranch and Western Trails both offer guided horseback riding for all ages. Summer is a great time to go horseback riding in Deep Creek.
Monkey Business Ropes Course
The Monkey Business ropes course and zipline is another fun summer activity. Monkey Business is a ropes course with lake views in McHenry. There are 3 tier options for the ropes course, so for those with a fear of heights, the lowest tier is a good option.
Sunflower Fields at Triple R Farm
If you are in Deep Creek Lake in August, be sure to check out the stunning sunflower fields at Triple R Farm. Sunflower bloom begins in early August and lasts throughout the month. The entrance fee is $5 per person and you can cut your own sunflowers for $2 each or a dozen for $15.
They do charge a $25 site fee for professional photo shoots, but if you are your own photographer, you can take as many photos as you like!
ATVs at Western Trails
I did this with my kids a couple years ago, it was a lot of fun! Western Trails offers 60 minute ATV guided tours. This is great because it allows you the fun of driving without having to worry about where you should and should not go.
Big Funky Blues Fest
2023 marked the first annual Big Funky Blues Fest at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Held annually in mid-July, the one day festival features 8 bands, local crafters and artisans and a kids zone.
Garrett County Fair
Another popular August activity in Deep Creek is the Garrett County Agricultural Fair. The Fair is held in the northern end of the lake in McHenrry at the Garrett County Fairgrounds
The Garrett County Fair is held the first week of August and features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits and shows, concerts and a rodeo.
Mini Golf, Bumper Boats & Go-Karts
Spend an afternoon in Deep Creek with some family fun playing miniature golf, go-kart racing, riding bumper boats and playing arcade games at these fun centers:
Deep Creek Fun Zone
Deep Creek Fun Zone has miniature golf, a Ninja Factory, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag and arcade games. There is also an onsite restaurant and food and play packages are available.
Deep Creek Funland
Deep Creek Funland offers miniature golf, a rock climbing wall, go-karts, a carousel, and an arcade. A pizza restaurant is onsite and there are food and game packages available.
Art In The Park
Deep Creek Lake State Park hosts Art in the Park annually the second weekend in July. The two day festival features art & craft vendors and exhibits.
Deep Creek Sailing School
Check out the Deep Creek Sailing School to learn how to sail sail in Deep Creek Lake. Classes and lessons are offered for both adults and children.
Wisp Stage Summer Concerts
Wisp resort holds free concerts at their outdoor stage every Wednesday evening during the summer. Food and drinks (both non-alcoholic and alcohol) are available for purchase. There is also a farmer’s market set up at the concert. This is a family friendly and dog friendly event! Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on.
Wine & Beer Tastings
Deep Creek Lake has several options for summer wine and beer tastings. The Wine Cellar and Deep Creek Cellars offer wine tastings. Firefly Farms hosts wine and cheese pairings, reservations are required in advance.
Branch Bender Cidery is one of my favorite summer destinations. The cidery is in a repurposed barn with couches and tables decorated in rustic chic decor. Branch Bender’s cider is not carbonated, it is bottled like wine, and has a similar taste to wine, but made from apples instead of grapes.
For beer lovers, Brewery and the Beast, Short Story Brewing, Mountain State Brewing and Vagabond Tap Room have IPA flights and tastings.
Farmers Markets
Summer is the season for Farmer’s Markets in Deep Creek. In addition to the market at Wisp, there is the Deep Creek Farmer’s Market, which is held on Fridays near Garrett Community College in McHenry. Deep Creek Farmer’s Market features live music and several vendors including the very popular Wild Embers Bread Company.
Mountain Fresh Farmer’s Market is another market which is held on Saturdays in Downtown Oakland.
S’Mores & Campfires
Summer evenings are the perfect time for roasting marshmallows over campfires. Firewood is available at stands throughout the Deep Creek area, most stands are $8 for a bundle. There is a stand at the intersection of Glendale Road and 219, as well as along 219 across from Brenda’s Pizza. Firewood is also for sale at Shop N Save and Arrowhead Market. Check out these fun colorful campfire flames on Amazon!
Lakefront Cocktails & Dining
Lakefront dining is a must-do on your summer vacation in Deep Creek. There are several lakefront restaurants in Deep Creek and they all have transient docks, so you can arrive by boat or car. Whether you go for lunch or dinner, I highly recommend eating at one of these fabulous lakefront restaurants:
Firewater Kitchen & Bar
Firewater Kitchen & Bar has a fabulous lakefront outdoor dining patio, lined with a 32 foot gas fireplace overlooking the water. If you love craft cocktails, Firewater is the place for you! Their delicious craft cocktail menu changes seasonally, and the drinks taste as incredible as they look. They do have live music on certain days throughout the summer.
One thing to note, they do not have a kids menu, so it isn’t overly kid-friendly. Make this your much needed adults night out
Dutch’s at Silver Tree
Dutch’s at Silver Tree has an expansive lakefront dining patio. They have a kids menu and there is a playground for your little ones on the lakefront lawn. The outdoor dining at Dutch’s is also very dog-friendly. They have water and treats for your four-legged family members, too! On certain days during the summer, you can enjoy live music on the patio while you dine.
The lakefront Harbor Bar at Dutch’s serves up delicious cocktails lakeside, all summer long! There are plenty of transient docks, so you can come by boat or car.
Dutch’s at Silver Tree’s dinner menu can be pretty pricey, but the lunch menu is more affordable and just as delicious.
Ace’s Run
Ace’s Run is located right next door to Firewater Kitchen & Bar, in fact they share the same parking lot and the same transient boat docks. If there is a long wait at one of them, definitely try out the other!
Ace’s Run has lakefront dining both on the ground level and on an upstairs deck overlooking the lake. They have a wide-ranging menu which includes a kids menu, so there will be something for everyone! I love their gluten free cornbread! Every Wednesday is Pasta Night, where you can create your own custom pasta dishes.
The Cabin Lodge Grill
The Cabin Lodge Grill has some of the best food in Deep Creek! They are most known for their incredible Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich and their tasty fresh-cut fries.
This is not an indoor restaurant, you order from the window and then take your food to the picnic tables overlooking the lake to eat. The Cabin Lodge Grill has transient docks, so a lot of people take their food back to their boat to eat, too. Even though you order from a window, it is not fast-food. They cook your food to order, so you will have to wait about 10-15 minutes for your food to be ready. This is a popular place to eat, so I recommend ordering online ahead of time to cut back on wait times, especially if you are coming by boat.
Cabin Lodge Grill is located right next to both Lakeside Creamery and Deep Creek Donuts, sharing their parking lot and transient docks. So, you can have ice cream and donuts for dessert!
Uno’s Restaurant & the Honi Honi Bar
I told you about the Honi Honi Bar earlier, and a lakefront dining list would be incomplete without its sister restaurant Uno’s. This Uno’s is independently owned, and features a different menu than most Uno’s you may have been to in other places. Deep Creek Uno’s features a large menu, including a kids menu and a variety of delicious foods for everyone in your family. Dogs are welcome for outdoor dining.
Dine outdoors on a large deck overlooking Deep Creek Lake. During the summer, you can eat dinner alongside the live music from the outdoor bands at the Honi Honi. Uno’s also provides table service at the Honi-Honi.
Uno’s and the Honi Honi have the biggest lakefront dining, featuring a large shared grassy area with a playground, corn hole and the famous elephant statue, along with the most transient docks of all the lakefront restaurants.
Be sure to join the waitlist online before you come to cut back on wait times.
Brenda’s Pizzeria
Brenda’s Pizzeria is split-lakefront, so you do have to cross the busy Rt. 219 to access the lake. There are transient docks available, so you can visit Brenda’s by car or boat. The restaurant does not have outdoor dining, but you can see the lake from the windows inside the restaurant.
Brenda’s is also a popular take-out pizza place. They are usually pretty busy so if you want to order pizza from your boat or house, be sure to call or order online well ahead time.
Pawn Run
While Pawn Run is not a lakefront restaurant, I can’t leave it off of this list of must-visit restaurants. It is actually one of my favorite restaurants in Deep Creek! Their food is absolutely delicious, and their cocktails are out of this world. Pawn Run offers both indoor and outdoor dining and there is live music on the weekends.
Indoor Activities In Deep Creek Lake
There are so many fun and fabulous indoor, all-season activities in Deep Creek Lake, including the brand new (as of Summer 2024) Bogey Golf Club Lounge golf simulator! Check out my article Rainy Day Activities in Deep Creek for a full list of indoor activities.
Deep Creek Lake Shopping
For those who love shopping, or want to get some Deep Creek apparel, spend some time shopping at these local shops:
For Deep Creek Souvenirs & Apparel
Clothing & Gift Boutiques
Four Fires
There is nothing like summer in Deep Creek Lake! The weather and all of the fun lake activities make Deep Creek our favorite place to be in summer. They say you only have 18 summers to vacation with your kids, I’m so glad we’ve spent so many of them here together.
Cheers to making memories in Deep Creek Lake this summer!
Where to Stay This Summer in Deep Creek
Hotels in Deep Creek
The Lodges at Sunset Village
The Lodge at Wisp
Coming Soon in 2024: Cove Run Lodge
Vacation Rentals in Deep Creek Lake
Also, be sure to check out my article The Top Rated Vacation Rentals in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.
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