In This Article

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:

  • Deep Creek Lake — Maryland’s largest lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and lakefront getaways
  • Loch Raven Reservoir — quiet paddling and birdwatching just outside Baltimore
  • Greenbrier Lake — family-friendly swimming beach in Greenbrier State Park
  • Liberty Reservoir — peaceful fishing and hiking trails surrounded by forest
  • Lake Habeeb — crystal-clear waters and scenic hiking at Rocky Gap State Park

Unique Lakes

1. Greenbrier State Park - 1.5 hours from DC

Rating: ★★★★★

Greenbrier State Park - 1.5 hours from DC

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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

Big Pool Lake - 1.5 hours from DC

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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.

Centennial Lake - 45 minutes from Washington, D.C.

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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

Deep Creek Lake - 3 hours from Baltimore

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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

Youghiogheny River Lake

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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

Herrington Manor State Park

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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

Hunting Creek Lake

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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

Lake Artemesia - 30 minutes from DC

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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

Lake Habeeb

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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

Lake Needwood

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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