Midland MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Midland, Maryland.
1. Deep Creek Lake
MARYLAND'S LARGEST LAKE
Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's largest freshwater lake, offering a vibrant array of water activities including swimming, kayaking, boating, and lakeside relaxation. The lake's sandy beaches and swimming areas make it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a scenic mountain escape. Surrounded by rolling hills and state parks, it is a four-season destination with beautiful views and peaceful coves.
2. Rocky Gap State Park
LAKE HABEEB SWIMMING
Rocky Gap State Park features the crystal-clear waters of Lake Habeeb, renowned for its white sand beaches and inviting swimming areas. Visitors can enjoy a swim with mountain views or hike lakeside trails that provide ample opportunities for wildlife watching. The park is a favorite for campers, picnickers, and those seeking a tranquil day on the water.
3. Cunningham Falls State Park
MOUNTAIN LAKE SWIMMING
Cunningham Falls State Park offers a popular lakeside beach and swimming hole nestled within the Catoctin Mountains. The park's freshwater lake is perfect for cooling off after hiking to Maryland's largest cascading waterfall. Renowned for family picnics and serene natural beauty, it is a summertime favorite.
4. Youghiogheny River Lake
RIVERSIDE SWIMMING HOLES
Youghiogheny River Lake is a vast reservoir along Maryland's western edge, offering sandy and rocky shoreline swimming spots. The lake is well-known for boating, fishing, and scenic riverfront picnics while surrounded by rolling forested hills. Its crystal-clear waters and nearby campgrounds draw outdoor adventurers year-round.
5. Green Ridge State Forest Potomac River
REMOTE RIVER ESCAPES
Green Ridge State Forest provides access to secluded swimming holes and beaches along the historic Potomac River. Outdoor lovers come here for primitive camping, paddling, and cooling off in the gentle river current under forested bluffs. The area's wilderness setting and uncrowded shoreline make it a hidden gem.
6. New Germany State Park
QUIET MOUNTAIN LAKE
New Germany State Park features a small, peaceful lake surrounded by dense forests and a sandy swimming beach. The park is cherished for its tranquil waters, family-friendly swimming area, and easy access to hiking and biking trails. Its rustic ambiance provides a classic summer retreat in western Maryland.
7. Lake Habeeb Beach
WHITE SAND BEACH
Lake Habeeb Beach is the main swimming beach at Rocky Gap State Park, celebrated for its unusually white sand and clear mountain lake waters. The beach is a hub for summer swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside recreation in a picturesque setting. Sheltered picnic spots and nearby walking trails enhance the relaxing atmosphere.
8. Jennings Randolph Lake
RESERVOIR RECREATION AREA
Jennings Randolph Lake, straddling the Maryland-West Virginia border, is a large reservoir with several accessible swimming and waterfront escapes. The area is popular for boating, fishing, and picnics along the scenic water's edge, surrounded by wooded hills. The lake's clear waters and open spaces make it a destination for all ages.
9. Savage River State Forest
WILDERNESS SWIMMING HOLES
Savage River State Forest offers remote swimming holes and riverfront spots along the Savage River, appealing to those who seek solitude in nature. The forest's creeks and waterways provide refreshing swimming opportunities away from crowds. Canoeing, fishing, and rustic campgrounds complement the forest's wild charm.
10. Wolf Den Run State Park
REMOTE RIVER BEACH
Wolf Den Run State Park boasts secluded river beaches along the North Branch Potomac River, perfect for swimmers and paddlers looking for a quiet escape. The park is a recent addition to Maryland's public lands and features pristine water, forested riverbanks, and unique wildlife. It is especially popular with off-road enthusiasts, anglers, and nature lovers.