Area Information
Your basecamp in the Deep Creek Lake region
While the lake is the big draw in summer, the area offers far more year-round: Maryland's only ski resort, 10 state parks, 3 state forests, multiple recreation areas, and dozens of unique local shops and restaurants — several within walking distance of the lodge.
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, nestled in the mountains of Western Maryland. It offers 65 miles of shoreline and stretches nearly 13 miles end to end. Its unique shape creates dozens of coves for quiet enjoyment plus open water for tubing and waterskiing. Cove Creek Lodge sits in Arrowhead Cove — a quiet no-wake cove perfect for kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding.
Winter Experiences
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Maryland's only ski resort: 30+ trails of varying difficulty, a well-maintained terrain park, and seven chairlifts across three sections of mountain. Night skiing is a local favorite, and the tubing park has groomed lanes with two magic carpet lifts.
Hiking & Trails
Swallow Falls State Park features Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's tallest free-falling waterfall — stunning when it freezes in winter — on an easy one-mile loop. Herrington Manor State Park and Fork Run Recreation Area offer more robust trail systems, and Deep Creek Lake State Park has a public sandy beach plus miles of hiking and mountain biking.
Local Experiences
Most shops and restaurants here are locally owned originals, so you'll find food and drink you won't get anywhere else. Several are within walking distance of Cove Creek Lodge, and downtown Oakland — dozens of shops, restaurants, and museums — is about 15 minutes away.
Golf at Deep Creek Lake
Thousand Acres Golf Club delivers the perfect blend of lake life and championship-level golf at Deep Creek Lake. As Maryland's #1 ranked semi-private course and home to a stunning 18-hole, 7,211-yard layout, it pairs sweeping Allegheny Mountain views with meticulously maintained fairways that challenge your imagination and reward every well-played shot.
With GPS-equipped carts, warm-up range balls, and a welcoming golf community, it's ideal for long weekend escapes, group golf trips, or a relaxing Deep Creek retreat built around fresh mountain air and unforgettable rounds.
Nearby Events at Deep Creek
Looking for something fun to do? There are dozens of annual events well worth the visit. Here are our favorites in calendar order — look for the ones you can walk to from Cove Creek Lodge.
Deep Creek Dunk
THIRD WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY · WALKING DISTANCE
One of the most fun events all year. Plunge into the freezing waters of Deep Creek Lake to benefit Maryland Special Olympics, with a Friday night wine tasting before the Saturday main dunk.
Oakland Winterfest
PRESIDENTS' DAY WEEKEND · 15 MINUTES
Ice sculptures, a wine walk, live music, and activities throughout downtown Oakland, where dozens of shops, restaurants, and museums sit within easy walking distance of each other.
Fire on the Mountain
FOURTH OF JULY
Celebrate the 4th at Deep Creek with two fireworks shows — one in Oakland and one in McHenry. A few miles from the cove, and worth every minute of the drive.
Victorian Chautauqua
SECOND WEEKEND IN JULY
A two-day event in nearby historic Mountain Lake Park. Step back in time and enjoy the golden era of this beautiful community.
Art in the Park
MID-JULY
Two days of vendors, Discovery Center demonstrations, and art activities for kids at Deep Creek Lake State Park — just a few miles from the lodge.
Garrett County Agricultural Fair
END OF JULY – EARLY AUGUST
Seven days of amusement rides, games, local food vendors, and adorable animals at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. Pure nostalgia.
Deep Creek Art & Wine Festival
SECOND WEEKEND IN SEPTEMBER
An afternoon of wine tasting and art at the Garrett County Fairgrounds, with a special VIP tasting on Friday and the all-day festival on Saturday.
Autumn Glory Festival
SECOND WEEKEND IN OCTOBER
A local must-do: five days of parades, craft and vendor shows, and specials across the area — timed for peak fall foliage.
Festival of Trees
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
Walk through dozens of specially decorated trees, enjoy kids' activities, browse local vendors, and visit Santa.
Christmas in the Village
FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
In Grantsville's Spruce Forest Artisan Village beside the historic Casselman River Bridge: dozens of local artisans, a light-adorned bridge walk, and cider.
Small Town Christmas
FIRST OR SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
Downtown Oakland's tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, and special discounts at local stores.
Wake Surf Sessions
Whether you're a total beginner or an absolute pro, you can schedule time out on the water with local experts at Deep Creek Surf Sessions. Joey and his crew are highly skilled instructors who love sharing the sport — they take all skill levels and help you hone your skills on the board.
