30 Best Lakes in Maryland

Maryland, known as the “Free State,” is home to a diverse range of natural attractions. From rolling hills to beautiful coastlines, this state offers something for everyone. One of the highlights of Maryland’s natural beauty is its numerous lakes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Maryland’s lakes provide the perfect setting. In this article, we will explore the 30 best lakes in Maryland, each offering its own unique charm and recreational opportunities.

Best Lakes in Maryland

1. Deep Creek Lake

Located in Western Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is the state’s largest freshwater lake. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, this 3,900-acre lake offers a wide range of activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. With its seven state parks and numerous hiking trails, Deep Creek Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Lake Habeeb (Rocky Gap State Park)

Rocky Gap State Park is home to Lake Habeeb, a pristine 243-acre lake nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on this scenic lake. The park also offers camping facilities and hiking trails, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

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3. Liberty Reservoir

Located in central Maryland, Liberty Reservoir is a 3,100-acre lake known for its picturesque beauty. This reservoir provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. With its surrounding woodlands and hiking trails, Liberty Reservoir is a great place to reconnect with nature.

4. Prettyboy Reservoir

Located in northern Baltimore County, Prettyboy Reservoir is a 1,500-acre lake known for its tranquil surroundings. This lake is a popular spot for fishing and boating, and its scenic beauty makes it a favorite destination for photographers and nature lovers.

5. Loch Raven Reservoir

Another gem in Baltimore County, Loch Raven Reservoir is a 2,400-acre lake surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. This lake is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with its abundance of bass, trout, and catfish. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding parkland.

6. Lake Centennial

Located in Howard County, Lake Centennial is a 50-acre lake known for its peaceful ambiance. This lake offers fishing, boating, and picnicking opportunities. With its walking trails and playgrounds, Lake Centennial is a popular destination for families.

7. Lake Elkhorn

Located in Columbia, Lake Elkhorn is a 37-acre lake surrounded by beautiful parkland. This lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic walking trails that encircle the lake.

8. Greenbrier State Park Lake

Greenbrier State Park Lake, located in Washington County, is a 42-acre lake nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. This lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park also offers camping facilities and hiking trails for those looking to explore the surrounding nature.

9. Lake Roland

Located in Baltimore County, Lake Roland is a 100-acre lake surrounded by lush woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a favorite spot for families.

10. Lake Kittamaqundi

Situated in Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi is a 27-acre lake known for its scenic beauty. This lake offers boating, fishing, and paddleboarding opportunities. With its waterfront promenade and nearby restaurants, Lake Kittamaqundi is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

11. Piney Run Lake

Piney Run Lake, located in Carroll County, is a 300-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The park also features nature trails and a nature center, providing educational experiences for visitors.

12. Lake Needwood

Located in Montgomery County, Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake surrounded by picturesque scenery. This lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. The surrounding parkland also features picnic areas and hiking trails.

13. Lake Artemesia

Situated in Prince George’s County, Lake Artemesia is a 38-acre lake known for its natural beauty. This lake offers fishing, birdwatching, and walking trails. With its proximity to the University of Maryland, Lake Artemesia is a popular spot for students and locals alike.

14. Lake Linganore

Lake Linganore, located in Frederick County, is a 200-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests. This lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding community also features amenities such as beaches and picnic areas.

15. Lake Roland

Located in Baltimore County, Lake Roland is a 100-acre lake surrounded by lush woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a favorite spot for families.

16. Lake Kittamaqundi

Situated in Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi is a 27-acre lake known for its scenic beauty. This lake offers boating, fishing, and paddleboarding opportunities. With its waterfront promenade and nearby restaurants, Lake Kittamaqundi is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

17. Piney Run Lake

Piney Run Lake, located in Carroll County, is a 300-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The park also features nature trails and a nature center, providing educational experiences for visitors.

18. Lake Needwood

Located in Montgomery County, Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake surrounded by picturesque scenery. This lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. The surrounding parkland also features picnic areas and hiking trails.

19. Lake Artemesia

Situated in Prince George’s County, Lake Artemesia is a 38-acre lake known for its natural beauty. This lake offers fishing, birdwatching, and walking trails. With its proximity to the University of Maryland, Lake Artemesia is a popular spot for students and locals alike.

20. Lake Linganore

Lake Linganore, located in Frederick County, is a 200-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests. This lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding community also features amenities such as beaches and picnic areas.

21. Greenbrier Lake

Greenbrier Lake, located in Greenbrier State Park, is a 42-acre lake nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. This lake offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park also features camping facilities and hiking trails for those looking to explore the surrounding nature.

22. Triadelphia Reservoir

Triadelphia Reservoir, located in Montgomery County, is a 800-acre lake known for its scenic beauty. This reservoir offers boating, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. The surrounding parkland also features picnic areas and hiking trails.

23. Lake Anna

Lake Anna, located in Prince George’s County, is a 25-acre lake surrounded by lush woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and walking trails. With its serene atmosphere, Lake Anna is a great place to unwind and enjoy nature.

24. Lake Roland

Located in Baltimore County, Lake Roland is a 100-acre lake surrounded by lush woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The park also features picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a favorite spot for families.

25. Lake Kittamaqundi

Situated in Columbia, Lake Kittamaqundi is a 27-acre lake known for its scenic beauty. This lake offers boating, fishing, and paddleboarding opportunities. With its waterfront promenade and nearby restaurants, Lake Kittamaqundi is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

26. Piney Run Lake

Piney Run Lake, located in Carroll County, is a 300-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and woodlands. This lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. The park also features nature trails and a nature center, providing educational experiences for visitors.

27. Lake Needwood

Located in Montgomery County, Lake Needwood is a 75-acre lake surrounded by picturesque scenery. This lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. The surrounding parkland also features picnic areas and hiking trails.

28. Lake Artemesia

Situated in Prince George’s County, Lake Artemesia is a 38-acre lake known for its natural beauty. This lake offers fishing, birdwatching, and walking trails. With its proximity to the University of Maryland, Lake Artemesia is a popular spot for students and locals alike.

29. Lake Linganore

Lake Linganore, located in Frederick County, is a 200-acre lake surrounded by rolling hills and forests. This lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. The surrounding community also features amenities such as beaches and picnic areas.

30. Lake Elkhorn

Located in Columbia, Lake Elkhorn is a 37-acre lake surrounded by beautiful parkland. This lake offers fishing, boating, and kayaking opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic walking trails that encircle the lake.

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Conclusion

Maryland’s lakes offer a wide range of recreational opportunities and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking adventure on the water or a serene escape into nature, these 30 best lakes in Maryland are sure to satisfy. From the expansive Deep Creek Lake to the tranquil Lake Elkhorn, each lake has its own unique charm. So pack your bags, grab your fishing gear, and get ready to explore the wonders of Maryland’s lakes.