Rocky Gap State Park Beach (Lake Habeeb)
Flintstone, MD
Lake Habeeb is often called the bluest water in Maryland, a 243-acre lake carved into Rocky Gap's mountain gorge in Allegany County, fed by a run that winds past sheer cliffs. The day-use beach here comes with a full bathhouse and lifeguard station, more built out than most of the state's other freshwater beaches.
The clearest water and most dramatic scenery of any freshwater beach in the state, backed by real facilities, the tradeoff is a long drive for anyone not already in far western Maryland.
How we score beachesThe gorge and cliffs are as much the draw as the beach itself. Walk a little of the shoreline trail past the swim area for the view before heading back to the sand.
A day-use lot inside the park, reached via Exit 50 off I-68, with a park entrance fee.
A paved path leads from the lot to the beach and accessible bathhouse, with fully accessible restroom, shower, and changing room facilities.
Pets are allowed in the day-use area and lake, except on the sandy portions of the swimming beach from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day.
Lifeguard and boat rental hours run through the summer season, weather permitting. Allegany County's mountain setting keeps summer evenings cooler than the rest of Maryland, with genuine winter snow.
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