Tucked into the Appalachian highlands of Garrett County, New Germany State Park spreads across 508 acres of dense hardwood forest surrounding a peaceful 13-acre lake. Named for a settlement of German immigrants who worked the land in the 1800s, this western Maryland park offers a quieter alternative to the nearby Deep Creek Lake scene — all the mountain beauty, none of the crowds.

The lake anchors most warm-weather activity. Rent a canoe or kayak from the boathouse, cast a line for trout and bass from the shore, or swim at the small beach area. A network of hiking trails winds through the surrounding forest, ranging from easy lakeside loops to more rugged paths that connect to the adjacent Savage River State Forest. In winter, these same trails become prime cross-country skiing routes when Garrett County’s reliable snowfall blankets the mountains.

The park’s campground features both standard and full-hookup sites nestled among mature trees, plus a handful of rustic cabins for those who prefer a roof overhead. Sites fill quickly on summer weekends, so reservations are worth planning ahead for.

Visit between late May and mid-October for the best camping and water activities. Fall foliage in early to mid-October is particularly striking at this elevation, with sugar maples and red oaks putting on a vivid show across the ridgelines.

New Germany rewards visitors who want genuine mountain solitude without venturing far from paved roads and modern amenities.

Explore Nearby

• Maryland state highways — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Maryland highway system — Scenic Byway in Maryland
• Lower Humbert Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Beechdale Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• South Hills — Public Land