11 Best Lakeside Towns in Maryland
Living near the water can be a serene, calming experience, and in Maryland, lakeside living includes charm. With more than 100 lakes and reservoirs spread from the Appalachian foothills to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the state offers an unusually diverse range of inland waterfront communities. Whether you're searching for a weekend escape, a retirement haven, or a place where the locals enjoy outdoor activities as a part of their daily lives, these communities prove that you don't have to travel far to find waterfront appeal. From mountain-ringed lake towns like McHenry and Oakland to historic communities such as Leonardtown and Boonsboro, each destination offers its own take on relaxed lakeside living.
McHenry
The small town of McHenry in Garrett County is directly along the northern shore of Deep Creek Lake, the largest man-made freshwater lake in Maryland, measuring 3,900 acres. McHenry's permanent population is listed as around 1,500, but Garrett County attracts 1.4 million visitors each year. McHenry offers a peaceful, scenic lifestyle near the Allegheny Mountains. Higher education is also available in McHenry, where Garrett College's 62-acre campus attracts students pursuing associate degrees and certificates.
Public lake access is available through Deep Creek Lake State Park, where there is a one-mile-long shoreline and a public boat ramp. Fishing for bass, walleye, perch, and trout is popular on the lake, and ice fishing can be enjoyed in the wintertime. The McHenry Cove area of Deep Creek Lake, at its northern tip, includes restaurants such as Canoe on the Run Cafe and shops like Bear Creek Traders. Wisp Resort is also in McHenry, where visitors can ski, snowmobile, and tube in the winter, and mountain bike, hike, and golf in the summer. Wisp also has luxurious accommodations available.
Timonium
The Loch Raven Reservoir watershed forms the eastern boundary of the town of Timonium in Baltimore County, five miles north of the city of Baltimore. Timonium's population is just over 10,000, and it is an ideal town to settle in if you prefer a suburban atmosphere while still being close to the city. The Timonium Fairgrounds hosts the Maryland State Fair each year for 11 days in late August to mid-September.
Loch Raven Reservoir Cooperative Wildlife Management Area offers public access to Loch Raven Reservoir, a 1,600-acre reservoir and water source for Baltimore City. The wildlife management area is open for hiking, bird watching, fishing (for perch, bass, and carp), paddle boating, photography, and horseback riding. Archery hunting is also permitted in season. Many small businesses exist in Timonium for those who don't wish to go into nearby Baltimore, such as Jeppi Nut & Candy Co. and Hightopps Backstage Grill. Moreover, the Timonium Public Market is held on weekends and features local vendors. The Holiday Inn Timonium and Extended Stay Suites are just two of the accommodation options in the area.
Pasadena
Located in Anne Arundel County, the town of Pasadena has a population of just over 32,000. It is equidistant (about 18 miles) from both Baltimore and the state capital of Annapolis, making it an attractive suburban town for those who want proximity to cities. It also provides direct access to Lake Waterford, a 12-acre lake in Lake Waterford Park. Anglers may catch bass, bluegill, black crappie, and catfish here. Residents and visitors can enjoy shore fishing, walking on the 1.1-mile trail around the water, and scenic views from this 108-acre park.
Pasadena's beauty is also evident in its attractions along the Chesapeake Bay, such as Kurtz's Beach, a family-owned, approximately 20-acre waterfront venue that hosts weddings and other events. Golfers can enjoy Compass Pointe Golf Course, with two 18-hole courses spanning 800 acres. Pasadena has its share of diverse restaurants, including Two Rivers Steak & Fish House. One unique shop in Pasadena's downtown is Sand & Silo Marketplace, a boutique selling home decor, gifts, jewelry, and more. Airbnb rentals and hotels in nearby Baltimore are available for lodging needs.
Flintstone
Lake Habeeb, a 243-acre lake in Rocky Gap State Park, is in the small town of Flintstone, Allegany County. Fishing for a variety of catches, including bass, trout, and bluegill, is permitted here. Although the town's stated population is less than 200, the 3,000-acre park attracts around 500,000 visitors each year, filling the town with tourists looking for places to shop and eat. Hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, and more are popular within the state park. Flintstone is just 15 miles east of the larger town of Cumberland and 78 miles west of Frederick. It offers serenity and natural beauty for those seeking peace and quiet.
Green Ridge State Forest, also in Flintstone, spans 49,000 acres and is the largest contiguous block of public land in the state. Visitors may camp, fish, hike, and hunt in the forest. Rocky Gap Casino, Resort, and Golf is a popular attraction in Flintstone, with a beach area, indoor pool, golf course, casino, dining, and other amenities. Visitors may stay at the resort or camp at Rocky Gap State Park.
Conowingo
The Conowingo Reservoir is a 14-mile-long lake on the Susquehanna River formed by the Conowingo Dam, in Harford and Cecil Counties in Northeastern Maryland. The town of Conowingo, just 50 miles from Baltimore, with a population of about 4,200, is on the east side of the dam. The reservoir is accessible via the Fisherman's Park/Conowingo Visitor Center on the Harford County side, as well as along the Conowingo Creek Landing boat ramp on the Cecil County side. At the Visitor Center, tourists learn about the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam and the area's history.
Hiking the trails around the reservoir and fishing are two main pastimes for locals and visitors to the area. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill are just a few of the fish species caught by anglers here. Although the original village of Conowingo vanished when the dam was created in 1928, a new town has emerged, with businesses and eateries along Route 1. These include Conowingo Pizza and Route One Hair Salon. In the summertime, visitors can enjoy the public Conowingo Swimming Pool, on the Harford County side of the dam. Lodging options in the Conowingo area include comfortable Airbnb rentals and hotels in nearby Perryville, just 10 miles away.
Thurmont
Hunting Creek Lake, also known as Cunningham Falls Reservoir, is located within Cunningham Falls State Park in the town of Thurmont, Frederick County. This 42-acre lake offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, panfish, and black crappie. The lake and the park are popular attractions in Thurmont. Campgrounds and cabins are available to rent in the park, and hiking, swimming, boating, and picnicking are other pastimes there.
The town of Thurmont has a population of 6,200, and its motto is "Gateway to the Mountains." The town sits at the base of the beautiful Catoctin Mountains and is home to Camp David, the Presidential Retreat. Many activities are available in Thurmont, like hiking the Thurmont Trolley Trail and attending the Catoctin Colorfest arts and crafts festival, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each October. Thurmont's downtown area consists of eateries such as Mountain Gate Family Restaurant and shops such as Thurmont Main Street Arts and Gifts.
Oakland
Garrett County's Broadford Lake is directly accessible from Broadford Lake Park in the town of Oakland, with a population of just over 1,800. Fishing for bass and trout, and boating are popular activities on the lake. The park has mountain bike, walking, and running trails, as well as boat rentals and picnic areas. The town of Oakland has a charming, quaint village appeal. It is just 20 minutes from another popular lake, Deep Creek Lake, and also minutes from the West Virginia border.
Oakland is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. Swallow Falls State Park, just nine miles north of town, features more natural, spectacular sights and breathtaking waterfalls. Oakland's downtown area is filled with places that feel like home. Englander's Antiques Grill and Soda Fountain is one example, a 50s-style lunch counter and emporium on Alder Street. Lodging options in Oakland are rental homes and the Oak-Mar Motel in town.
Greenbelt
Greenbelt Lake consists of 23 acres within the 105-acre Greenbelt Lake Municipal Park in the town of Greenbelt, population just under 25,000. Greenbelt is in Prince George's County, just 13 miles from Washington, DC, and 27 miles from Baltimore. Many appreciate this planned 1930s town, so close to larger cities yet still retaining its natural beauty.
Within the park, visitors can hike a 1.3-mile trail around the lake and see ducks, loons, blackbirds, and geese. Catch-and-release, recreational fishing is also permitted in Greenbelt Lake. Greenbelt's downtown is walkable with a small-town atmosphere, and includes the Greenbelt Cinema, a 1937 venue still open today. Some eateries, like the New Deal Cafe, also entertain patrons with live music. Others, such as the Silver Diner, specialize in healthy offerings and farm-to-table foods.
Boonsboro
The 42-acre Greenbrier Lake is stocked with trout, largemouth bass, and panfish, and is contained within Greenbrier State Park in the town of Boonsboro. The lake also features a sandy beach, swimming area, hiking trails, and boat rentals. Boonsboro, in Washington County, has a population of about 3,800. The town, one of the first Appalachian Trail Communities in Maryland, is popular with tourists for their proximity to the trail, as well as for the park and its lake.
One of the most talked-about attractions in Boonsboro is the Inn BoonsBoro, a historic bed-and-breakfast owned by author Nora Roberts, located in the heart of downtown. Also in town is Turn the Page Bookstore, owned by Roberts' husband, Bruce Wilder. In addition to carrying Roberts' book catalog, the bookstore proudly sells many banned books. Residents and visitors enjoy attending Boonsboro's Farmer's Market, held on Tuesdays from May through October in the town square. In addition to the Inn BoonsBoro, various vacation rental homes are available throughout town.
Leonardtown
Within St. Mary's River State Park near Leonardtown, you'll find the 250-acre St. Mary's Lake. The lake offers residents and visitors opportunities for fishing as well as boating. The park includes a 7.5-mile trail ideal for hiking and biking. This is all within the small town of Leonardtown, population just over 4,500, in St. Mary's County in the southern part of the state, on Breton Bay.
The Port of Leonardtown Winery Park is another popular recreational attraction in town, with a canoe and kayak launch along McIntosh Run and the Port of Leonardtown Winery conveniently located within. Each September, visitors and residents attend the annual arts and entertainment celebration, the Leonardtown Art Walk, in downtown Leonardtown. A variety of businesses and local artists participate in this event. First Fridays are well-attended events held on the first Friday evening of each month in downtown Leonardtown. Each month features a different theme, live entertainment, and vendors and businesses running specials. The Inn at Leonardtown offers over 40 rooms of luxurious accommodations in the historic downtown area.
College Park
Within the town of College Park's southern area, you will find Lake Artemesia Natural Area, housing the 38-acre Lake Artemesia. Kayak rentals, hiking, biking, and picnicking are just a few of the pastimes at this 87-acre park just 30 miles south of Baltimore. Lake Artemesia is a popular fishing spot for trout and largemouth bass. The Prince George's County town of College Park has just under 35,000 residents and is well-known as the home of the University of Maryland's flagship campus.
The College Park Aviation Museum celebrates College Park Airport, the world's oldest continuously operating airport. Visitors also frequent SECU Stadium, the home of the University of Maryland Terrapins football team. Downtown College Park, near the university, features a variety of eateries, including Arepa Zone, a Venezuelan restaurant. The College Park Farmer's Market at Paint Branch Parkway, held on Saturdays, features food and goods from local farmers and producers. Many hotels and vacation rentals are in the College Park area, including The Hotel at the University of Maryland.
Loving Lakeside Life In Maryland
Lakeside living in Maryland offers a serene, active lifestyle with significant mental and physical health benefits. These may include reduced stress, cleaner air, and easy access to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Residents of these lakeside towns enjoy picturesque natural surroundings and tightly knit communities that foster strong social bonds while still welcoming newcomers. Check out these 11 lakeside towns in Maryland if you are considering a weekend escape, a second home, or a permanent move to improve your quality of life.
