Deep Creek Lake Spring Vacations

Experience spring to discover lake life at a more leisurely pace. You will feel like you have the area all to yourself! It is the perfect time for a family spring break, romantic getaway, or Easter celebration. 

Everything is in bloom, docks go back in the water, and the weather begins to warm up. Exploring state parks, kayaking, fishing, and golfing are just a few favorite springtime pursuits. 

When you reserve a spring vacation, you are getting some of the best rates of the year. It offers a great value and sometimes vacation specials are available. You can use the money you save on your rental to try out local restaurants or to pick up souvenirs. 

Deep Creek Lake Spring Activities

Here are a few of the most popular indoor and outdoor Deep Creek Lake spring activities.

Kayaking: The lake is typically calm during the spring months making it ideal for flat water kayaking. Timber Rock Village guests can reserve complimentary kayaks to use throughout their stay. It is one of the best ways to explore the lake's shoreline and to enjoy stunning sunsets over the water. Later in the spring when the weather is warmer, paddle boards are also available. 

Bring your own kayak, and you can use it at The Village lake access or take it to nearby Herrington Manor State Park. Their 53-acre lake is perfect for paddling.

Visit State Parks: Garrett County has thousands of acres of public lands. There are numerous state parks with playgrounds, fishing, picnic tables, and hiking and biking trails. They are open year round, and the scenery is breathtaking. They are great if you are traveling with your pup too. Pet restrictions are relaxed during the spring months.

Must-visit state parks include:

Deep Creek Lake State Park: 

  • Fishing from the shoreline
  • Twenty miles of hiking and biking trails
  • Picnic areas 
  • Kayak/canoe launch
  • Three playgrounds
  • Discover Center - Nature center that is perfect for kids. Spring hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10AM-4PM.

Herrington Manor State Park

  • Twelve miles of hiking and biking trails
  • Picnic areas
  • Fishing from the shoreline
  • Kayak/canoe launch
  • Small playground 
  • Closer to summer, kayak and canoe rentals are available

Swallow Falls State Park

  • Three stunning waterfalls
  • Muddy Creek Falls is Maryland's tallest waterfall at 53-feet
  • 1.5 mile hiking trail through the park
  • Fishing in the Youghiogheny River

Fishing: Anglers consider spring (April-June) to be the best time for Garrett County fishing. Bring your boat to cruise Deep Creek Lake's 3900 acres. Typical catches include smallmouth bass, walleye, brown and rainbow trout, yellow perch, and northern pike.

You can fish from the shoreline at the area's many lakes: Deep Creek Lake State Park, Herrington Manor State Park, New Germany State Park, and Broadford Park.

You can go fly fishing on the Youghiogheny, Casselman, Potomac, and Savage Rivers. PJ Daley is a popular guide who can teach you the proper technique on a guided trip. 

More Recreation:

All Earth Eco Tours | 301-746-4083
Family-friendly guided hikes at Swallow Falls State Park and the Youghiogheny River.

The Alley | 301-334-3040
Located in Oakland, The Alley has bowling, arcade games, pool tables, and a restaurant.

Deep Creek Axe Throwing Co. | 1-866-325-7627
Test your skills in the axe throwing arena! Open and “axpert” led sessions are available for ages 8 and up.

Funland | 301-387-6168
Funland has a large indoor arcade along with seasonal/weather dependent activities that include miniature golf, go karts, bumper cars, a carousel, and a climbing wall.

Deep Creek Fun Zone | 301-387-0059
Indoor arcade games and laser tag. Seasonal/weather dependent outdoor activities include miniature golf, go karts, and bumper boats.

Wisp Resort | 301-387-4911
Check the schedule to see hours of operation for Escape Games and Mountain Park activities like the mountain coaster, disc golf, Chipmunk Challenge, archery, and the Spider Monkey Adventure.

Western Trails | 301-387-6155
Enjoy horseback riding on their trails, pony rides, or ATV tours.

Golf: As soon as weather permits, Deep Creek Lake golf is in full swing. Courses usually open mid to late April. Wisp Resort is home to two championship courses−Fantasy Valley and Lodestone.

At the lake's southern end, Thousand Acres Golf Club is a stunning 18-hole course.

The Oakland Golf Course is located in the town of Oakland and has an on-site restaurant, Caddyshack.

Shopping:

Schoolhouse Earth | 301-746-8603
Shop for jewelry, candles, indoor and outdoor home decor, food items, and more at this unique shop that also has a petting zoo for the kids.

The Gallery Shop | 301-334-6580
Located in downtown Oakland, the shop is a venue for local artists to sell their work. Browse items that include pottery, paintings, photography, and jewelry.

Englanders Antiques | 301-533-0000
Shop for a wide range of antiques from numerous vendors and visit the old-fashioned soda fountain to grab a bite to eat.

Bear Creek Traders | 301-387-2380
Choose from a great selection of Deep Creek Lake t-shirts and souvenirs and browse home decor, candles, baskets, gift items, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Experience Spring

Plan a spring getaway at Deep Creek Lake! Relaxing and fun, you can easily enjoy the best of the area during this quieter season.