Deep Creek Lake boating is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike! With 65 miles of shoreline and 3,900 acres, there are limitless opportunities for on-the-water fun. Popular ways to fill summer days when you are out in the boat include tubing, swimming, water skiing, wake boarding, and wake surfing.
Before you head out, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. We put together this general Deep Creek Lake boating guide to help you get started.
If you bring your own boat, the primary public boat launch is at Deep Creek Lake State Park. You can launch at their boat ramp for a fee. It is open 24 hours a day (weather permitting). You can also check with local marinas. Some will allow you to launch for fee.
Timber Rock Village guests can keep their boat trailer on property. We have a designated parking area near the lodge. You can also leave it at Deep Creek Lake State Park if you register it with the park office.
No boat? No problem! From pontoons to jet skis, local marinas have a variety of rental options. The rental boating season is typically late spring through early fall.
Deep Creek Lake marinas include:
TIP: If you are visiting during the peak summer season, make boat reservations in advance. They sometimes sell out.
It is important to know local rules and regulations for boating on Deep Creek Lake. Take time to educate yourself on laws and safety tips.
Below is an overview of SOME of the rules and regulations. Refer to the Maryland DNR for a comprehensive guide to ALL information for safe boating operation.
REGULATIONS SPECIFIC TO DEEP CREEK LAKE
- Vessels may not exceed 26 feet in length, except pontoon boats, which may not exceed 30 feet.
- Vessels must be muffled so as not to exceed the state noise level limit of 88 decibels.
- Engines may not exceed the manufacturers’ recommended capacity or a displacement of 550 cubic inches—whichever is less.
- No garbage, sewage or other waste materials may be discharged into the water.
- Hovercraft and personal watercraft (Jet Skis, Sea Doos, etc.) may not be operated on the lake between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday - Monday of Memorial Day Weekend, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from July 1 through Labor Day.
LAWS FOR TOWING VESSEL OPERATORS
- Anyone being towed behind a vessel on water skis or any other device must wear a type I, II or III life jacket.
- No one under 12 years old may operate a vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, or any other device. • Every vessel towing a person(s) must have onboard both an operator and an observer 12 years old or older.
- A vessel may tow a person(s) only from sunrise to sunset.
- It is illegal to operate any vessel, or manipulate any water skis or any similar device, in a careless, reckless or negligent manner that endangers the life, limb or property of anyone.
- Except for taking off from shore, the towing vessel must stay at least 100 feet from bridges, piers, people in the water and other vessels, and the shore.
- A personal watercraft may not be used to tow unless it has the capacity to carry at least three people: the operator, a rear-facing observer 12 years old or older, and the skier.
- Ski ropes may not be more than 75 feet long, except when barefoot skiing, in which case a ski rope 100 feet long may be used.
REGULATIONS FOR INLAND WATERS
- Anyone born on or after July 1, 1972 operating a motorized vessel on Maryland waters must carry onboard an approved boating safety certificate.
- It is unlawful to operate a boat in a reckless or negligent manner, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- A valid registration must be correctly displayed onboard.
- Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise.
- A wearable life jacket must be carried for each person on board.
- Children under 13 years old must wear a life jacket when onboard a recreational vessel less than 21 feet long while underway. These include motorboats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards and any other mode of transportation on the water.
- Children under 4 years old must wear a life jacket that has additional safety precautions appropriate for an infant that will: 1. Hold the child securely with a strap secured between the legs to fasten the front and back; 2. Have a high collar to help maintain the buoyancy of the child; and 3. Ensure a quick recovery of the child from the water by including a web handle.
Another way to experience boating at the lake is with a guided tour. Wisp Resort, High Mountain Sports, and Fun Time Watersports offer guided pontoon tours. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery without having to rent or bring a boat. Experienced guides take you to favorite spots and share information about the area's environment, wildlife, and history.
Currently, all Timber Rock Village homes have a designated dock slip at the community lake access. Guests love the convenience of being within a short distance from the lake. It makes it easy to go back and forth between your vacation rental home and the dock.
Having fun on the lake starts with having a solid understanding of the rules and best practices for safe operation. If you have questions about Deep Creek Lake boating, feel free to give us a call. We will point you in the right direction if we don't have the answers you need.
