What’s the Largest Man-Made Lake in Maryland?

Key Points:

• The largest man-made lake in Maryland is Deep Creek Lake. This 3,900-acre lake is located in the western part of the state within three hours of Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland. 
• Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie are all plentiful in Deep Creek Lake.
• You can hike, mountain bike, or snowshoe on any of the marked trails in Deep Creek State Park. You can even snowmobile and cross-country ski on the Meadow Mountain Trail between December 15 and March 15 as long as there are at least four inches of snow.

Maryland may be known for its proximity to the massive Chesapeake Bay and the endless coastline that gives residents and visitors access to the bay and tributaries, but this small state is also home to many lakes. Amazingly, they are all man-made lakes. Many were created as water reservoirs or when damming up nearby waterways.

The Largest Man-Made Lake in Maryland

The largest man-made lake in Maryland is Deep Creek Lake. This 3,900-acre lake is located in the western part of the state and within three hours of Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland. 

Other notable lakes in Maryland include Pretty Boy Reservoir, a 1500-acre lake on a 7,380-acre wildlife area, and Loch Raven and Liberty. But none of these compare to Deep Creek. Even though they are all man-made, Deep Creek remains the largest in the state.

How Large is the Largest Man-Made Lake in Maryland?

Deep Creek is 3,900 acres. Keep in mind that one standard-sized football field is 1.32 acres. This means that Deep Creek Lake is larger than 2,900 football fields!

Is Deep Creek Reservoir Good for Water Sports?

Its large size isn’t the only thing that Deep Creek is known for. In fact, it is a popular outdoor area due to its pristine environment. It is a great place for rowing, paddleboarding, and fishing in the summer. You can also go hiking and explore the great outdoors on one of the many hiking trails. There are 65 miles of shoreline, perfect for those who want access to the water.

The depth of Deep Creek Lake averages around 25 feet but it is 75 feet deep at its deepest point. Keep this in mind if you plan to do water sports, particularly if you have a boat. There is a 24-hour public boat launch available as well as designated areas to put out in your kayak or canoe.

Swimming and beach activities are popular at Deep Creek Lake, especially during the summer months. You can even rent beach chairs, kayaks, tubes, and other equipment on-site.

What Kind of Fish Are There at Deep Creek Lake?

As a large lake, Deep Creek is great for fishing. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, and crappie are all plentiful in the lake and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. You will need a fishing license to fish in Deep Creek Lake. There are also limits on the number of fish that you can keep at certain times of the year and within certain managed species. It’s best to check the regulations before going.

It is also important to keep in mind that the shoreline is managed by the State of Maryland. While you can fish just about anywhere as long as there aren’t “No Fishing” signs posted, you should take care not to access any private dock or shoreline without permission from the owner. If you are putting a boat in for fishing, you will need to do that at one of the designated launch spots.

Can I Hunt at Deep Creek Lake?

Hunting is allowed at Deep Creek State Park, which is situated on the northeast side of the lake, but there are some stipulations and regulations that you must follow.

First, hunting is limited to a designated area, around 550 acres of the park. You should keep all firearms unloaded until you are in the hunting area. Signs are posted to show where hunting is permitted clearly. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, you can park at the Ranger Station, in the Cherry Creek parking lot, or at one of the pull-offs on State Park Road. If you are unsure of the current regulations or just need more guidance, stopping by the Ranger Station is a good idea. You will need to apply for and get a permit, which is free, through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 

Second, hunting is only allowed during designated seasons and times. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays. It is also limited to daylight hours and hunting more than half an hour before sunrise or after sunset is against the law. You can hunt with firearms during the designated season, which begins October 15. There are some places where you can hunt waterfowl on the actual lake, although they are strictly controlled and managed. You will need to reserve your spot ahead of time.

Hunters in Deep Creek State Park often go after white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, which are managed in the area. The individual seasons for each type of animal vary year-to-year. The most updated dates and regulations are always published in advance of the opening day of hunting season.

Questions, regulations, safety information, and tips about hunting at Deep Creek Lake and Deep Creek State Park, and other places in Maryland are covered in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. The guide also includes office contact information for additional questions or to get a permit.

What Other Forms of Wildlife Are There at Deep Creek Lake?

In addition to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, the fauna which can be found in the lake’s environs includes American beavers, American minks, common raccoons, eastern chipmunks, eastern cottontails, eastern gray squirrels, red foxes, northern short-tailed shrews, and Virginia opossums.

There are also American toads, Asian lady beetles, common garter snakes, common water snakes, eastern milk snakes, eastern red-backed salamanders, green frogs, wood frogs, long-tailed salamanders, northern dusky salamanders, northern two-lined salamanders, pickerel frogs, red-spotted admirals, ring-necked snakes, and spring peepers.

What Activities Are There at Deep Creek Lake?

Other than summer water sports and activities, you can also enjoy Deep Creek Lake in other seasons. Ice fishing is allowed when the ice is at a minimum thickness. You can see the current conditions online or by visiting the Ranger Station.

Camping is another popular pastime and there are plenty of sites as well as cabins. There are even vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and hotels in the area. As the largest lake in Maryland, Deep Creek is a popular destination for Marylanders wanting to take a vacation and people from out of state. As with most parks, you cannot operate a car or other motor vehicle except on paved roads.

Snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing are popular in the area in the wintertime. The fall foliage is a big draw in the autumn, especially during the annual Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County, where Deep Creek Lake is located. 

Like in most natural areas, birdwatching is a fun pastime at Deep Creek Lake. The Maryland Ornithological Society hosts meet-ups to educate the public and spend time birding in areas all over Garrett County.

There are numerous hiking trails in Deep Creek State Park that range from easy, half-mile hikes to difficult treks over rocky terrain. The Discovery/Sensory Trail and Snakeroot Trail are both designed to help you learn more about the nature around you in the park. The more challenging Lookout Trail is great for hiking or mountain biking. You can hike, mountain bike, or snowshoe on any of the marked trails in Deep Creek State Park. You can even snowmobile and cross-country ski on the Meadow Mountain Trail between December 15 and March 15 as long as there are at least four inches of snow.

There are plenty of other trails marked at Deep Creek Lake. The weekends tend to be the most popular times to hike and explore. Great weather also results in more visitors. If you are a social hiker, you may enjoy the extra company. If you prefer solitude, there are still plenty of places and trails that you can enjoy, even on busy days.

How to Get to Deep Creek Trail

With a climate that experiences all four seasons, one of the great things about Maryland’s lakes is how accessible they are, even during the hot summer or cold winter. There are plenty of major roadways that connect Maryland’s cities and nearby states. Highway 68 is the nearest major highway. It runs across the state and makes Deep Creek accessible to nearby cities like Washington, DC, and Baltimore. Interstate 95 also runs from Philadelphia, PA, and Wilmington, DE, although the route from these cities to Deep Creek is not direct. There are also smaller highways and local roads throughout the area.

There is also an Amtrak station nearby and you can take a train to get to Deep Creek Lake. Winding through many scenic areas of Western Maryland, many travelers consider the trip on the train as part of their vacation and experience. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers dinner trains as well as special events like spring train rides and family-friendly train days. 

Where is Deep Creek Lake Located on a Map?

Deep Creek Lake is the most extensive inland water body in Maryland, United States, and is human-made. It spans approximately 3,900 acres, and its shoreline measures 65 miles. The lake is a habitat for diverse forms of aquatic life, including freshwater fish and aquatic birds.

Here is Deep Creek Lake on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Walt Bilous/Shutterstock.com