Rocky Gap State Park
Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland features the stunning 243-acre Lake Habeeb (bluest water in the state!), the Rocky Gap Casino Resort, over 260 campsites, and scenic mountain trails!
Lake Habeeb
| Lake Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Size | 243 acres |
| 🌊 Famous For | “Bluest water in Maryland” |
| 🚤 Boating | 24/7 (no gas motors) |
| 🎣 Fishing | 24/7, license required 16+ |
Swimming Beaches
| Beach Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beaches | 2 public swimming beaches |
| 👮 Lifeguards | Summer (hours vary) |
| 🛶 Rentals | Kayak, canoe, SUP (seasonal) |
Rocky Gap Casino Resort
| Resort Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎰 Casino | Full casino gaming |
| ⛳ Golf | Jack Nicklaus Signature Course |
| 🏨 Hotel | 4-Diamond Award (23 years!) |
| 💳 2026 Note | Credit card only (no cash) |
260+ Campsites
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 260+ (30 electric) |
| 🏠 Mini Cabins | 13 |
| 🛖 Yurt | 1 |
| 🐕 Pet Sites | Available |
Multi-Use Trails
3,000+ acres of rugged mountain trails including Lakeside Loop (5.3mi), Canyon Overlook (0.25mi), and Evitts Homesite (5mi challenging).
FAQ
Wildlife & Nature
Rocky Gap SP — 3,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. The park’s Lake Habeeb (a 243-acre man-made lake with a rare white sand beach), Evitts Mountain, and hardwood forest support black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Cumberland — 5 miles east — western terminus of the C&O Canal and eastern terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Allegany County — surrounding.
Why is Lake Habeeb so blue?
Lake Habeeb is renowned as the “bluest water in Maryland” due to its clarity and depth. Perfect for swimming, fishing, and paddling!
Can I use gas motors on the lake?
No—gasoline-powered motors are prohibited. Electric motors are allowed. Boating is permitted 24/7. Navigational lights required after sunset.
Is the casino on-site?
Yes! Rocky Gap Casino Resort is within the state park—features casino, 4-Diamond hotel, Jack Nicklaus golf course, spa, and restaurants. Note: Credit card only (no cash) as of 2026.
💧 Maryland’s Bluest Lake
Visit Maryland DNR website.
Things to Do
Maryland state parks highlight the state’s geographic diversity, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy ocean swimming and wild horse watching at Assateague, hiking the rugged Appalachian Trail, boating and crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay estuaries, and fishing for trout in mountain streams. Other popular activities include mountain biking through extensive forested watersheds, exploring Civil War and colonial history, camping in both beach and mountain settings, and kayaking calm tidal rivers.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for outdoor recreation in Maryland. Fall (October) brings crisp air and excellent foliage in the western mountain parks. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer (June–August) is peak season for coastal and bay parks, though inland parks can be very hot and humid. Winter is mild in the east but brings enough snow for winter sports in the westernmost parks like Deep Creek Lake.
Visitor Tips
Entry fees vary widely: some parks charge per vehicle (around $3-$5), while others charge per person, and out-of-state visitors generally pay slightly more. A Maryland Park Service Annual Passport ($75 for residents) provides unlimited day-use entry. Popular parks, especially beaches and those near Baltimore/Washington D.C., frequently reach capacity and close early on summer weekends and holidays, so arrive before 10 AM. Dogs are allowed in many areas but have strict seasonal restrictions on beaches.
Explore More Maryland State Parks
Rocky Gap State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Maryland. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Maryland guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
