Nestled in the Allegheny Plateau of Garrett County, Herrington Manor State Park offers 365 acres of western Maryland’s most inviting landscape. Surrounded by dense Appalachian forest and centered around a 53-acre man-made lake, this state park delivers a quieter, more intimate experience than its nearby neighbor, Deep Creek Lake.

The lake is the main draw here. In summer, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat from the park’s boathouse and explore the calm, motor-free waters — ideal for families with young kids. A sandy swimming beach provides a refreshing spot when temperatures climb, and the surrounding trails wind through stands of hemlock and hardwood forest. In winter, the park transforms into a cross-country skiing destination, with groomed trails that draw visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic.

Twenty rustic log cabins are scattered throughout the woods, each equipped with a fireplace, kitchen, and basic furnishings. These book up fast for fall weekends, so plan ahead if you’re targeting peak leaf season. The cabins make Herrington Manor feel more like a retreat than a campground — expect wood smoke, birdsong, and very little cell signal.

The best time to visit depends on what you’re after: summer for swimming and paddling, October for some of Maryland’s most vivid fall color, and January through February for snow sports. Spring brings wildflowers and solitude.

Herrington Manor won’t overwhelm you with crowds or attractions. That’s precisely the point — and exactly why people come back.