ADORABLE AFFORDABLE COTTAGE, PRIVATE DOCK!

Our week at La Cabana on Deep Creek Lake was just perfect. The cottage is right on the lake, with a private dock on the water and the house just across the two-lane Deep Creek Drive. The appliances and fixtures are up to date and worked perfectly. The house has both a living room and a family room. The bedrooms are fairly small, but the one we used was very comfortable. The deck is terrific -- nestled under a canopy of trees, and overlooking the lake. And you can park in a driveway at the back, just a few steps from the door.

Best of all, this is a dog-friendly property, and has a large fenced yard! We brought our two Akitas, and they had a great time. We hiked in the area every morning, and took the dogs on our rented pontoon boat (which we could dock right in front of the house) every afternoon. And then a glass of wine on the deck!

A few notes about the Deep Creek area for dog owners. Two of the nearby state parks (Swallows Falls and Herrington Manor) don't allow dogs during the summer months. But there are some great trails in Garrett State Forest, and in the Deep Creek Lake State Park, where you can take the doggies. Some boat rentals don't permit dogs, but Bill's Marine does -- and the boat was great. And we found four local eateries that allowed dogs on their decks: the Black Bear Tavern, the Boardwalk Bar, Mountain State Brewing, and the Honi Honi Bar behind Uno's (at a few lower level tables only). Casual but good food at all. The dogs always order the hamburgers!

All in all, this property would be our choice if our travels take us back to Deep Creek.

We just got back from a week at La Cabana and had a truly enjoyable time. I've been going to DCL since I was a little girl and rented homes all over the lake (Marsh Hill Road/Wisp, Swanton, State Park Area, Red Run Lodge, Will 'O The Wisp, etc).

Honestly, we don't have one complaint about our stay. We bring our boat and staying right on the lake is very important to us. I was a little worried about the road running between the upper yard and lower yard, but it worked out just fine. Having stayed in other lake front homes with bigger yards that are open, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed having a fenced in yard to keep our 4 yr old twins and dog contained. :)

The house was very nice, clean and updated. I liked having two family rooms, so that people could watch whatever shows / do activities they wanted without bothering others. Very close to restaurants and the state park boat ramp. The beach area is pretty rocky (bring water shoes for little kids), but I liked that it was in a cove so that we could swim without boats roaring by. My husband and I went down and watched the sunset over Wisp mountain from the dock a couple of nights.

The only downside is parking. There is no parking pad in front of the house, just a little access road in the back to park. It was confusing at first (especially hauling a boat trailer around trying to figure out the parking situation), but it was fine in the end. Also, if you have a hard time getting around, the walk down to the lake is a little steep. I find that is the case with almost all lakefront properties, but it was somewhat difficult for my grandmother to get down to the lake.

Overall a wonderful place and great value. Hope to come back soon!

We have been renting houses at Deep Creek Lake for many years, so we know what a great find La Cabana is. The home is clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and well-equipped. We thoroughly enjoyed the lake view from both the living room and the deck, The fenced in yard (a DCL rarity) was a true bonus, and a real treat for our dog. The central location meant that we didn't need to spend a lot of time in the car, and evening fires by the lake were spectacular. The owner was accessible and helpful -- thank you for a wonderful and affordable vacation! We will be back!