Spend a summer day on the sparkling waters of Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland - an oasis for visitors and locals. Whether you're looking to find a quiet cove to swim in, do some fishing, enjoy waves for tubing, or fetch a bite to eat by boat, you can do it all at Deep Creek Lake. We highly recommend to our guests renting a boat for a day while you stay at Chalet Alpenglow. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on a pontoon or something a little sportier, there are several marinas close to Chalet Alpenglow that offer rentals and equipment for tubing and water skiing. 90HP boats are enough for cruising around. If you are planning tubing and water skiing, you need at least 115HP. Early mornings on the lake are the best for water-skiing, when there’s less lake traffic and calm waters. If you are interested in water skiing lessons check out Greg's page: http://www.rousewatersports.com. Tubing on the lake is one of the most fun activities and suitable for most ages and skill levels.
Marinas & Rental Services
Closest to Chalet Alpenglow (about 5 min away):
The Aquatic Center - https://www.aquatic-center.com/ (We use them for our family and have always been happy with the service and boats).
Deep Creek Marina's Lake Life Boat Rental - https://dclakelife.com/
Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals - http://deepcreeklakeboatrentals.com/
Wisp Resort Rentals - https://www.wispresort.com/Pontoon-Boat-Tours/ (they offer 1 hour guided tours with a licensed captain for up to 12 passengers).
Further down the lake:
Fun Time Watersports - https://funtimewatersports.com/
Silver Tree Marine - https://www.silvertreemarine.com/
Bill’s Marine Service - https://www.billsmarineservice.com/boatrental
High Mountain Sports - https://highmountainsports.com/ (they offer 1 hour guided tours with a licensed captain for up to 13 passengers).
Check them out online or by calling for types of rentals, rates, and policies. Make sure you make your reservation way in advance. In the summer time often all boats are rented out and it is hard to get a last minute rental. The costs of a boat for the day are between $400 to $1300 depending on what kind of boat you decide to rent. Adding a tube or water skis is an additional $50 to $100. You can also rent kayaks at several of the marinas, or book a kayaking tour here: https://allearthtours.com/kayaking-tours-deep-creek-lake/
Where on the Lake am I?
The northern tip of Deep Creek Lake is known as McHenry Cove. It's about 5 min away from Chalet Alpenglow. This bustling area of the lake features boat rentals, restaurants, and bars. The northern area of the lake is also home to Garrett College and the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Wisp Resort is here too with tons of year-round activities. Heading south and west of the Deep Creek Lake Bridge this cove of the lake features the dam and is completely residential. Folks like this cove for fishing and relaxing. Just south of the Deep Creek Lake bridge will put you on the main body of the lake, becoming more residential, but is also easily accessible to shopping, restaurants, marinas and grocery markets. You'll also find the Deep Creek Lake State Park, a perfect spot for families with a sandy beach, pavilions and even a Discovery Center with nature programs for the whole family. Heading below the Glendale Bridge, you'll find quite coves, residential homes and perfect hidden fishing spots. In the southern end, you probably catch a glimpse of a sailboat or two. Kayakers will find themselves in the tips of coves, missing the wakes of power boats.
Dock & Dine Options
Deep Creek is also unique because many businesses and restaurants offer docks for guests. You can jump out of the boat, get your carry out and enjoy your meal on the boat or sit down at the restaurant.
Pine Lodge Steakhouse
A rustic log cabin restaurant offering freshly prepared hand cut steaks, seafood (try the jumbo lump crab cakes and the famous creamy crab soup!) and a tavern with nightly drink deals, great lake views.
Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub
Locally sourced food, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, chicken and beef entrees, meatloaf, and short ribs. Dine on the pub side with a cozy upscale bar, a fireplace, and happy hour specials. Pasta Night is held on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., featuring many traditional authentic pasta dishes prepared as you watch. Gluten-free items are also available. Deck for outdoor dining, widest uninterrupted view of the lake.
Dutch’s at Silver Tree
Upscale restaurant with excellent crab cake, steak, and seafood. They have a wonderful terrace outside overlooking the lake. Playground for kids. Fun Harbor Bar outside.
Uno Chicago Grill
Very family friendly menu, has a bit of everything, famous for Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Great play area for kids on the lakefront lawn with life size elephant and big open grassy area, directly at the lake.
Honi-Honi Bar
Is right next to Uno and is a fun party place with live music attracting huge crowds.
Arrowhead
This 24/7 supermarket offers food, drinks, and everything else you might need, located behind Uno.
Café and bakery offering a wide variety of beverages, including kid drinks, smoothies, cappuccino, teas, and of course delicious coffees. Any drinks Starbucks can do, they can do, sprinkled with local Deep Creek magic. Made daily in-house, a wide variety of baked goods are also available: muffins, brownies, scones, cookies, cakes, and delicious breakfast with quiches, crepes, bagels. Try the Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and whipped cream or their power wrap. The lunch/dinner menu boasts paninis, chicken salad croissants, BLT wraps, and the Trader's salad with romaine lettuce, dried fruit, walnuts and feta cheese. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items are also on the menu. They have a huge surplus of boat slips for your boat and a safe crosswalk over Highway 219.
Brenda's Pizzeria
Family friendly NY style pizza restaurant. Guests can savor real New York style pizzas made fresh to order with homemade dough and sauce, while enjoying a stunning view of Deep Creek Lake. Brenda's offers traditional red Neapolitan, gluten-free, vegetarian, white, and specialty pizzas, including chicken barbecue, the Fire Cracker, the Greek, and the Bronx Belly Buster, with shaved sirloin tips. Those with a hearty appetite can order the 26-inch Abbondanza. Salads, sandwiches, and pasta are also tasty options.
Lakeside Creamery
Best homemade ice cream in Deep Creek.
What to bring on the Boat?
Sunscreen, sun hat, towels, a cover up (it can get cool from the wind), water, snacks, and fishing gear. Life vests are usually provided by the rental companies.
Safety First
Driving a boat on the lake is just like driving a car on the road. Make sure you and your passengers are aware of the rules before heading out on the water. Safety is key when having fun on the lake. People can get seriously injured in boating accidents. Most accidents involve alcohol, operator inattention, careless and reckless operation, inexperience, improper boat maintenance, failure to allow the Rules of the Road or failure to wear life jackets. Never drink and drive. Always boat sober. Alcohol and drugs don't mix with boating. Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal in every state.
Maryland Boating Education Law
Anyone operating a motorized vessel in the state of Maryland born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a NASBLA approved certificate of boating safety education. To find a boating course in your area, check online at dnr.maryland.gov/boating.
