What’s better than swimming to get great exercise while having fun and staying cool with your family and friends during the summer? Swimming is not only a fun activity, but it is a great way to exercise the entire body and improve your fitness. Swimming is also an activity all ages can find ways to enjoy, especially if you visit the best Maryland lakes for swimming!
There are over 100 lakes within the state of Maryland today. Each one of those lakes is, however, a man-made reservoir (either for recreation, utility, or both). Deep Creek Lake, for example — with its nearly 4,000 acres of lake water — powers a hydroelectric dam that has operated since 1925, but also offers recreational activities for residents and vacationers.
So, let’s take a look at five of Maryland’s lakes that are the best lakes for swimming!
Greenbrier Lake
Deep Creek Lake
Lake Habeeb
Cunningham Falls
Kilgore Falls
Deep Creek Lake (Deep Creek Lake State Park)
Most Maryland lakes are much smaller than Deep Creek Lake, with many covering less than 50 acres. Deep Creek Lake, on the other hand, is known for being the largest lake in Maryland. It covers nearly 4,000 acres! The park gets its name from the lake. The Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company created a 1,300-foot-long dam in the 1920s for a hydroelectric project.
So why go swimming at Deep Creek Lake? Is it more than just a hydroelectric dam project? Yes!
With its mile-long shoreline and two swimming beaches, along with 20 miles of trails for hiking and biking, campgrounds, and an enormous Discovery Center, Deep Creek Lake State Park offers year-round activities for everyone.
The natural beauty of Deep Creek Lake is only matched by its diverse wildlife and stunning scenery. With deer, bald eagles, ospreys, black bears, and more, visitors can expect to see a wide range of nature’s creatures while they swim and explore.
It’s a Maryland State Park, so the lake’s water is well-kept, and convenience factors are much more amenable. There are public restrooms, places to stay overnight that are close by, and convenience stores.