Looking for peaceful waters, scenic trails, and lakeside fun? Maryland lakes offer everything from mountain reservoirs to family-friendly beaches—perfect for paddling, fishing, and relaxing in nature.
Highlights:
Unique Lakes
1. Greenbrier State Park - 1.5 hours from DC
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Boonsboro, Maryland – nestled in the Appalachian Mountains with a 42-acre man-made lake
Recommended For: Families, swimmers, hikers, birdwatchers, and freshwater anglers
What I Love: ♥ “Relaxing lakeside with a sandy beach and lifeguard-supervised swimming in the heart of the Appalachians.”
- Swim in the lake's designated area with a lifeguard on duty during summer season.
- Explore hiking trails that wind through woodlands and connect to the famous Appalachian Trail.
- Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout in the well-stocked lake.
- Picnic in shaded areas with tables, grills, and playgrounds for kids.
- Boat on the calm waters using electric boats and paddleboats.
Cost: Nominal entry fee per vehicle; seasonal passes available
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for water activities and wildlife viewing
Local tips: Arrive early on summer weekends—parking fills fast near the beach
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Greenbrier State Park: Follow I-70 west from D.C. to Exit 35; take MD-66 to US-40 W toward Boonsboro
Address: 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
2. Big Pool Lake - 1.5 hours from DC
Location: Big Pool, Maryland – along the scenic Potomac River
Recommended For: History buffs, paddlers, hikers, anglers, and nature lovers
What I Love: ♥ “Exploring the well-preserved 18th-century stone fort before launching a canoe on Big Pool Lake.”
- Tour the historic stone fort from 1758 that played a key role in the French and Indian War.
- Paddle across Big Pool Lake, a calm stretch of water near the C&O Canal trail—no gas motors allowed.
- Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, and catfish in the well-stocked waters of Big Pool.
- Hike the Beaver Pond Trail, a 3-mile loop that winds through wildlife-rich wetlands.
- Spot white-tailed deer, turtles, and dozens of bird species along the trails and lakeshore.
Cost: Nominal day-use fee per vehicle
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for fort tours, paddling, and wildlife viewing
Local tips: Bring binoculars for birdwatching, and check for special living history events at the fort
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Fort Frederick State Park: Take I-70 W to Exit 12 (Big Pool); follow signage to Fort Frederick Rd
Address: 11100 Fort Frederick Rd, Big Pool, MD 21711
Romantic Lakes
3. Centennial Lake - 45 minutes from Washington, D.C.
Location: Ellicott City, Maryland – in Howard County’s Centennial Park
Recommended For: Anglers, birders, walkers, and families looking for a serene escape
What I Love: ♥ “Fishing for largemouth bass on a peaceful reservoir surrounded by a scenic, paved lakeside trail.”
- Fish for largemouth bass, redear sunfish, and bluegill in a well-stocked 54-acre lake created by damming the Little Patuxent River.
- Walk or bike the paved trail that loops around the lake and offers scenic water views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Launch a small craft from the boat ramp, open from March through November—perfect for a quiet paddle or fishing excursion.
- Observe wildlife at the designated sanctuary at the lake’s west end—fishing and boating are prohibited in this sensitive area.
- Enjoy nature year-round—watch for algae blooms in summer, and colorful foliage in fall.
Cost: Free entry; no boating or fishing fees required
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for boating and fishing
Local tips: Bring bug spray in summer and avoid fishing in the wildlife sanctuary zone at the west end
Distance: ~45 minutes from Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Centennial Lake: Take I-95 or MD-29 N to MD-108 W toward Ellicott City; follow signs to Centennial Park
Address: 10000 Md-108, Ellicott City, MD 21042
4. Deep Creek Lake - 3 hours from Baltimore
Location: Oakland, Maryland – within Deep Creek Lake State Park in Garrett County
Recommended For: Boaters, anglers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts
What I Love: ♥ “Boating on Maryland’s largest inland lake surrounded by wooded hills and lakefront cabins.”
- Fish for trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch in this 3,900-acre lake teeming with aquatic life.
- Launch motorboats from designated boat ramps—a boater’s paradise with 69 miles of shoreline.
- Relax at the small beach area in Deep Creek Lake State Park, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a picnic with lake views.
- Watch for aquatic birds and enjoy scenic hiking trails or paddling adventures from the park’s accessible shoreline.
- Visit nearby Wisp Resort for skiing in winter or ziplining and mountain coasters in warmer months—only minutes from the lake.
Cost: Park entry fees may apply (varies by season); boat launch is free
Best time to visit: May to October for water sports; winter for nearby skiing
Local tips: Arrive early in summer to secure lakefront parking; rent a pontoon for a relaxing family cruise
Distance: ~3 hours from Baltimore or Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Deep Creek Lake: From I-68 W, take US-219 S through McHenry to State Park Rd in Oakland
Address: 898 State Park Rd, Oakland, MD 21561
Lakes for Families
5. Youghiogheny River Lake
Location: On the Maryland–Pennsylvania border, near Confluence, Pennsylvania
Recommended For: Anglers, boaters, kayakers, and campers seeking a scenic, multi-state reservoir
What I Love: ♥ “Soaking up the deep mountain lake serenity where Maryland meets Pennsylvania.”
- Fish for smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout in one of the region’s deepest man-made lakes.
- Explore the backwaters and coves by kayak or canoe along 20 miles of scenic shoreline below the dam.
- Camp near the lake and enjoy hiking, hunting, and birdwatching in the surrounding Appalachian wilderness.
- Launch your boat from public ramps and cruise the expansive waters that reach 121 feet deep.
- Relax on peaceful shores where mountains and valleys create a dramatic natural backdrop.
Cost: Free to visit; camping or launch fees may apply depending on area used
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for best weather and water access
Local tips: For trout fishing, head closer to the dam outflows; for bass, try quiet coves along the Maryland side
Distance: ~3.5 hours from Baltimore
How to Get to Youghiogheny River Lake: From I-68, take MD-42 N to Friendsville, then follow signs north toward Confluence and the lake
Address: Youghiogheny River Lake, near Confluence, PA 15424
6. Herrington Manor State Park
Location: Garrett State Forest, near Oakland, Maryland
Recommended For: Families and nature lovers seeking cabin getaways, forest trails, and a peaceful mountain lake
What I Love: ♥ “Unwinding at a cozy lakefront cabin after a paddle through quiet forest waters.”
- Swim in the 53-acre lake with a sandy beach and lifeguard supervision from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Stay overnight in one of 30 rustic cabins nestled on a wooded hillside above the lake.
- Explore more than 12 miles of hiking trails through pine groves, open glades, and shoreline paths.
- Launch a canoe or kayak at the boat ramp; motorized boats are not permitted, preserving the serenity.
- Play a game of tennis or volleyball before enjoying a relaxing picnic by the lake.
Cost: Day-use fee; cabin rentals available by reservation
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for water activities, or winter for cross-country skiing
Local tips: Book cabins early for summer weekends—this park is a hidden gem that fills up fast
Distance: ~3 hours from Baltimore
How to Get to Herrington Manor State Park: Take I-70 W to I-68 W toward Cumberland, then follow US-219 S through Oakland to Herrington Lane
Address: 222 Herrington Ln, Oakland, MD 21550
Lakes For Photographers
7. Hunting Creek Lake
Location: Catoctin Mountains, near Thurmont, Maryland
Recommended For: Families and outdoor adventurers looking for lakeside fun, waterfalls, and forested trails
What I Love: ♥ “Taking a refreshing dip in Hunting Creek Lake after a scenic hike to Maryland’s tallest waterfall.”
- Swim in designated areas of the lake under the care of lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- Camp under the stars or relax in a cozy cabin nestled in the woods for longer stays.
- Fish for bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish from the fishing pier or lakeshore.
- Hike scenic trails ranging from gentle walks to challenging climbs leading to the iconic Cunningham Falls.
- Paddle across the peaceful lake in a canoe or kayak, soaking in the serenity of the Catoctin Mountains.
Cost: Day-use fee; cabins and campsites available by reservation
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for the best swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing
Local tips: Visit early in the day or mid-week to avoid crowds, especially in summer
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Baltimore
How to Get to Cunningham Falls State Park: Take I-70 W to US-15 N, exit at Catoctin Hollow Road and follow signs to the lake
Address: Hunting Creek Lake, Maryland 21788
8. Lake Artemesia - 30 minutes from DC
Location: College Park and Berwyn Heights, Maryland
Recommended For: Urban nature lovers, birdwatchers, and casual walkers looking for a peaceful retreat
What I Love: ♥ “Gliding along the paved lakeside trail under shady trees, spotting ibis and orioles overhead.”
- Stroll or cycle the 1.3-mile paved trail circling the lake, ideal for all skill levels.
- Fish for trout in a calm and stocked man-made lake created during Metro construction.
- Skate or run through the Anacostia Tributary Trail System that connects to nearby green spaces.
- Watch birds like finches, ibis, and orioles in this haven for birdwatching and photography.
- Relax on benches or grassy areas while enjoying the lake’s forested shoreline and urban tranquility.
Cost: Free
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for optimal birdwatching, foliage, and pleasant weather
Local tips: Early mornings are best for birdwatching; nearby Metro makes it easily accessible without a car
Distance: ~30 minutes from downtown Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Lake Artemesia: Accessible via the Green Line Metro (College Park–U of MD station), or drive via Kenilworth Ave to Berwyn Rd
Address: Berwyn Rd And 55th Ave, Berwyn Heights, MD 20740
Lakes for Hikers
9. Lake Habeeb
Location: Allegany County, Western Maryland
Recommended For: Nature lovers, paddlers, anglers, and hikers seeking mountain serenity
What I Love: ♥ “Canoeing across Lake Habeeb with mist rising over the surrounding hemlock forest and mountain ridges.”
- Paddle through crystal-clear waters on a kayak or canoe under the watch of rugged mountain backdrops.
- Fish for trout, panfish, catfish, and bass in the cool, stocked waters of Lake Habeeb.
- Launch boats from the public ramp off Pleasant Valley Road; only electric motors allowed for quiet gliding.
- Explore the mile-long gorge carved by Rocky Gap Run with cliffs, rhododendron, and mountain laurel.
- Unwind with lakeside picnics or hike the heavily wooded trails winding through the 3,000-acre park.
Cost: Small vehicle entrance fee (varies by season and residency)
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for kayaking, fishing, and blooming wildflowers
Local tips: Arrive early on weekends to find parking; sunsets from the western shore are stunning
Distance: ~2.5 hours from Washington, D.C. or Baltimore
How to Get to Rocky Gap State Park: Take I-68 W to exit 50 (Rocky Gap State Park/Lake Habeeb) near Cumberland, MD
Address: Cumberland, MD 21530
10. Lake Needwood
Location: Rock Creek Regional Park, near Rockville, Maryland
Recommended For: Families, birdwatchers, anglers, and paddlers seeking accessible lakeside recreation
What I Love: ♥ “Watching bald eagles and owls at the Meadowside Nature Center after a quiet paddle across Lake Needwood.”
- Rent a kayak or canoe and enjoy a peaceful paddle—no swimming allowed but boating is a top activity.
- Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, trout, and more in the lake’s calm, 75-acre waters.
- Explore the network of hiking and biking trails that wind through Rock Creek Regional Park.
- Bring the kids to the playground, enjoy a picnic, or test your aim at the archery range.
- Visit the Meadowside Nature Center to meet raptors including hawks and a bald eagle.
Cost: Free park access; small fee for boat rentals or nature programs
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for boating and birdwatching; fall foliage is especially beautiful
Local tips: The lake is shallow—just 8 feet deep on average—so early morning is best for smooth paddling and fishing
Distance: ~40 minutes from Washington, D.C.
How to Get to Lake Needwood: Take I-270 N to Exit 8/Shady Grove Road, then follow signs to Rock Creek Regional Park
Address: 15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Lake Needwood Boat House, Rockville, MD 20855
Plan Your Trip