Deep Creek Lake, MD: Living Guide and Homes for Sale

Deep Creek Lake sits in the mountains of Garrett County, Maryland’s westernmost county. The lake was created in 1925 for a hydroelectric project and is now the center of a four-season resort area.

• Summer: Boating, fishing, swimming and paddling, plus the public beach and trails at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
• Winter: Skiing, snowboarding and tubing at Wisp Resort in McHenry, along with some of the heaviest snowfall in Maryland.
• Fall and spring: Hiking and fall foliage in nearby state parks and forests, including Swallow Falls State Park.
• Services: Grocery stores, restaurants and shops in McHenry, with the county seat, hospital and schools in nearby Oakland.

Many homes are second homes or vacation rentals, so the area is busiest on summer and winter weekends. Year-round residents enjoy a quieter pace the rest of the time.

• Lakefront homes: Homes next to the state-owned buffer strip, with the chance to permit a private dock. These carry the highest prices.
• Lake-access homes: Homes in communities with shared docks, beaches or boat slips, usually for less than lakefront.
• Ski-area homes: Homes and townhomes near Wisp Resort, some with slope access.
• Mountain-view homes and land: Cabins, chalets and lots on the hills around the lake.
• Condos and townhomes: Lower-maintenance options that are popular as second homes.

Prices vary widely by water access, view and rental history. Ask us for recent sales before you set a budget.

The State of Maryland owns Deep Creek Lake and the strip of land around it, called the buffer strip. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has owned and managed both since 2000. That means a “lakefront” home usually borders state land rather than the water itself.

• Docks need a permit: Lakefront owners need an annual Buffer Strip Use Permit from DNR to place certain types of docks in front of their property.
• Permits do not transfer: When you buy, you must apply for your own permit. Do not assume the seller’s dock comes with the house.
• Work in the buffer strip needs approval: Clearing, paths, stairs and other changes on state land require DNR permits.

Before you make an offer, ask for the seller’s current permit, the dock’s specifications and any DNR correspondence.

Many buyers plan to rent their Deep Creek Lake home part of the year. Garrett County regulates short-term rentals closely.

• License required: Homes rented for 14 days or less need a Transient Vacation Rental Unit (TVRU) license from Garrett County.
• Occupancy limits: Up to eight bedrooms, with two guests per bedroom plus four more.
• Safety and health rules: Bedroom egress, parking standards, bear-proof trash containers sized by bedroom count, an annual well test, and hot tubs or pools maintained by a Maryland-certified operator.
• Taxes: Licensed rentals must report and pay the county’s 8% accommodations tax monthly.
• Renewals: Licenses renew every two years, and a new owner must update the license after purchase.

Rules change, so confirm requirements with Garrett County Planning and Land Development before you buy. Also tell your lender if you plan to rent, because second-home and investment loans have different rules.

• Taxes: Garrett County’s property tax rate is $1.02 per $100 of assessed value (FY2026), and its income tax rate of 2.65% is one of the lowest in Maryland.
• Winter costs: Budget for snow removal, heating and protecting pipes in a vacant home.
• Well and septic: Many homes use private wells and septic systems, so include water and septic inspections.
• Community fees: Lake-access and resort communities often charge HOA dues for docks, roads and amenities.

• McHenry: On the north end of the lake, home to Wisp Resort and many shops and restaurants.
• Oakland: The Garrett County seat, south of the lake, with the hospital, schools and county offices.
• Swanton: Quieter neighborhoods along the southern part of the lake, near Deep Creek Lake State Park.

For the whole county, see our Garrett County guide.