Bodies of Water in Maryland

THE 10 BEST Maryland Bodies of Water

Bodies of Water in Maryland

Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Nature & Parks
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26 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travellers are saying

  • Mandy C.
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I went on a post-graduation trip here with a couple of friends. We stayed three days and two nights in one of the campground cabins, which was perfect. The cabin was a great size for four people, although we could have probably fit another person and still had room. It was my first time staying in a cabin, and I have no complaints at all about the experience. My friends and I enjoyed hiking the trails, hanging out on the beach in the morning, and traveling into the small town to grab food or souvenirs. It was a fun, short trip.
    Written July 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Arthur G
    Endicott, NY791 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited the Williamsport part of the Canal. A volunteer at the visitor's center showed us photos and shared much information. We got a free ride on a canal boat, over a viaduct and down to the lock. Along the we saw some wildlife and the railroad lift bridge. Seating is very limited get your tickets early. Don't be fooled by the Park HQ across the street, look for the visitor's center.
    Written September 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill B
    Bel Air, MD8,194 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    During this sunny spring day, Lake Kittamaqundi provided a peaceful setting for walking, fishing, or contemplating. There are benches well placed along the waterfront. Interestingly, no one was on the well maintained pier. The surrounding buildings and forests reflected nicely on the lake surface. Underneath were great green globs of unappealing algae, but the ducks, geese, and fish did not seem to mind. Evening entertainment referred to as "Lake Front Live" was promised on numerous signs. Parking was available, as were several restaurants overlooking the lake.
    Written May 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cavalier1994
    Bethesda, MD109 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent trails (easy to moderate) that we enjoyed with a dog on a Sunday and the trails weren’t crowded. Highly Recommend the Needwood trail on the eastern side of the lake with its wonderful lakeside vistas and clearly marked trails. On the western side, we recommend the aptly named Westside Trail - this is further from the waters edge but has wider trails with lots of interesting vegetation and occasional views of the lake from a higher elevation. Not the biggest lake by far so you can go around the lake in 1-1.5 hrs. Although technically the trails do not loop around the entire lake on the northern tip, there is a pedestrian sidewalk with barriers next to the road that is outside the park property that people walk across from the west to the east side of the lake, and vice versa. The 3 picnic areas have ample shelters and picnic tables and plenty of accessible parking. We had a terrific time here.
    Written October 29, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Fitzgig
    Detroit, MI403 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is terribly outdated (2014) review of this area that comes up early in a general Google search. It reflects a fussy opinion of the area before significant bay clean up efforts and is discouraging to the local who worked so hard to rehab the area.

    The sand is not “dirty” it is red sand characteristic of upper areas of the Chesapeake Bay. It’s not Assateague or OC, and this is bay sand, not ocean sand. Yes, it’s small and yes it can get very crowded, but if it was so crummy, no one would go to it (in other words, the crowds speak for themselves).

    We are a common people in the area with Bay roots and have worked hard to improve the area since 2014. The occasional seaweed (“brack”) is a vital part of the bay ecosystem, and should not symbolize poor water quality. The Gunpowder State Falls Park is expansive and lovely, so even if you are not a beach fan or prefer the Caribbean to the Chesapeake Bay, don’t miss the trails the the upper reaches of the Gunpowder.
    Written August 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meg S
    Salisbury, MD18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We actually decided to do a solo by ourselves 5 mile hike on the pretty deserted Green Chandler trail. It was one of the eeriest hikes I have ever done. First let me say we didn't see a soul, but we did see some weird stuff. This was in the middle of a Sunday afternoon with beautiful sunny skies and neither one of us scare easy. I wish I could post some of the pictures I took but they wouldn't come through on trip advisor site. Beautiful desolate setting, the forest trail was not always easy and some of the trail was over grown which added to the mystic. I recommend it for any brave soul who wants to say they have hiked in the Pocomoke Forest and I'm glad for the experience but I'm not sure I would do it again.
    Written March 1, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Abby R
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My friend and I make our way through Virginia at least twice a month to visit friends. We make it a point to stay in the Extended Stay on Churchland Boulevard. Mr. T. And his team always treat us nice, our room no matter where we are is always clean and smoke free. Some of the guest need to control their pets, but we understand it's pet friendly so it doesn't bother us. The grab and go breakfast works for us, oatmeal and coffee and we head out. Thank you Umfort, Tisha, Ms. Margaret, Danielle, Courtney, Layla, Corey, and Mr. Terence. See you on our way back through.
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Lindsey A
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gary, the campground host, went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible. He even shuttled us back to our van after our kayak down the river. This is a beautiful and very relaxed place to camp.
    Written September 21, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Bill B
    Bel Air, MD8,194 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beaver Dam Swim Club is part of the historical quarrying in this section of North Central Baltimore County. The lake is peaceful and wide and surrounded by well-kept and landscaped lawns. Picnic tables abound. A great place to relax.
    Written May 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rick S
    East Amherst, NY823 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Maryland’s largest fresh water lake is home to a selection of homes/cottages both owner occupied and rentals that plays host to a sizable population of vacationers from the Pittsburg, Baltimore DC area and further. The lakeshore is occupied with every size property imaginable from one-of-a-kind estates to cookie cutter chalets from gated properties to cottages that look to be ready to fall head long into the water. Garrett that is the county of record for Deep Creek Lake and home to a small number of permanent residents by proportion to the number of tourists that flock here each summer. McHenry the host community to the lake by virtue of it being the only established town that sits directly on the lake’s northern end consists mainly of small to mid-size business that cater mostly to its seasonal inhabitants. Missing is that small town feel that many lakesides’ communities process and the mom-and-pop warmth that draws in visitors for lakeside vacationing. Instead, condominiums, commercial feeling boat rentals and newish looking chain businesses are grouped in sanitary looking properties scattered across the lakes northern end and its more densely populated half. The spread-out Maryland mountain side lake has a great deal of room for everything so no one should feel like your neighbors are cramping your relaxing style.

    The lake is cool, calm, clean and wide at it center with a number of tentacles stretching some sixty plus miles around and twelve miles in length. There is plenty of room for everyone as a matter of fact the southern half of the lake is rural and, in many areas, feels deserted. The lake traffic is dominated by rental pontoon boats and gives DCL a family feel. Instead of an army of speedboats and personal water craft they are replaced with paddleboards and kayaks that mimic the laid-back style of the area.

    If you’re renting like we did be sure to bring what staples you’ll require, lake prices especially for large families are high and grocery stores scarce. Oddly enough my limited search turned up a couple of pizzerias, 2 bakeries the same number of souvenir shops and not more than 2 dedicated ice cream shops and 2 arcades just be prepared to drive a good 10 miles to get to some of the outlets. The community caters to the mid-summer tourist trade with a easy going attitude in fact if it wasn’t for the god awful price I paid for three days rental of a pontoon boat I would have been shocked at the lack of decorum that surrounded the rental procedure of a two hundred thousand dollar watercraft, still friendly cheery and easy going. OK with me.

    Wisp Ski resort is located adjacent like a half mile from the town of McHenry and If it weren’t for the few lakeside cottages at the lower end of the hill a chilly plunge could be your fate. The resort offers a few summertime activities mostly kid friendly family-oriented entertainment that will last you a good hour of your time at the most if you decide to visit. Fortunately, the parking is free but the whole show grinds to a screeching halt if inclement weather threatens as it did on our visit.
    The town of Oakland is the residential capital of the area is some 10 plus miles due south and not located on the lake. The small-town feel is guanine but unfortunately if it weren’t for a good number of national chain stores and restaurants a trip there is questionable. Walmart, Lowes, Walgreens and Rite Aid are located on the main drag as is Pizza Hut and Taco Bell and hard to miss if that’s why you’re going there.

    Now seems to be the perfect time for a visit to Deep creek Lake before every one finds the place and it becomes overrun; It has been suggested that this is one of the counties quintessential rural lakeside retreats. Some areas are becoming over developed and other hard to reach you’ll surely find aa spot on the lake just right for you and your family.
    Written August 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MominOC
    Orange County, CA5,077 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a park right by the water with spectacular views of the harbor. Lots of restaurant choices close by the area.
    Written September 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • vacationer102
    Washington DC, DC31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Delaware City to Chesapeake City and back... nice ride. Smooth paved surface and flat; a few short unpaved sections... scenic ride by the canal. Boats and high bridges for nice views. No shade except in section by Lums Pond State Park. Friendly bikers and benches every few hundred yards. Would have been nice to find an ice cream or shaved ice stop along the way... tried Lums Pond and Chesapeake City marine stores but no.
    Written July 5, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CHANTAL R.
    Westminster, MD8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice spot to fit in a little walk in your day. Takes about 15 minutes to walk around it. Also nice yo take kids to, ducks, geese and swings also.
    Written March 6, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RonB4610
    New Castle, DE980 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Was in Chesapeake City for the first time. Great views of the river and Great place to walk. Lots of restaurants, inns and water tours.
    Written July 3, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • dave joseph
    Villas, NJ330 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great spot. This is a wonderful and serene location. Nice and quiet when we were there .Enjoyable outdoors and well kept. Nice area to walk around and enjoy some pleasant time alone or with the company of your family
    Written August 6, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.