Cascade Lake

2844 Snydersburg Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074, USA

Address:	2844 Snydersburg Rd, Hampstead, MD 21074, USA
Phone:	+1 410-374-9111
Site:	cascadelake.com
Rating:	3.5

Location

Photos 96

Reviews 5

Gal Afik

Id first like to say that the lake itself is beautiful and the surrounding grilling and picnic areas are also beautiful. However, the staff at this location and their policies are beyond absurd. I went here for my sisters 20th birthday yesterday and was told that she had to take the "swim test". I put swim test in quotes because whoever came up with it was either an Olympic athlete or high off their mind. The test consists of swimming about a lap in deep water while never stopping, even to turn around, keeping your head above the water, bringing your elbows above the water on EVERY stroke, doing it in less than 3 minutes, and, apparently, "not being tired" at the end! While I was watching, the 18 year old lifeguard failed 10 out of 11 people who tried the test and was extremely rude about it, mocking the kids who couldnt pass, but could clearly swim and probably better than many adults. When I asked the staff what the cutoff age for tests was, since they insisted that my sister take it and I didnt have to, the lifeguard said "Im not at liberty to discuss that with you". What?!? How can you have a policy and not make it absolutely crystal clear what it is to your guests? I was met with a similar response each and every time I asked any of the lifeguards any question! "Can I go down the slide?" "I cant tell you." The staff was generally very rude to us and to other guests as well. my friend tripped and hurt his ankle while getting onto the slide and was told by the lifeguard to "hurry up and go down and stop faking!" The lifeguards seemingly only care about their dumb swim test, as many people did incredibly dangerous flips off of the high dive while there were children directly below them and, while the lifeguard did whistle at them, it was only to find out if they all had their orange wristband from passing the test. On a side note, the high dives platform and ladders are INCREDIBLY unsafe and slippery! They clearly need servicing and the lazy staff probably does nothing to treat the wood against algae that makes it very dangerous to climb. I will not be going back to this location. $60 for 4 people to get yelled at by teenagers and talked down to... no thanks!

Krista Autry

Not sure what the expectations were of individuals who are writing such negative reviews. Its a lake. Not some 5 star beach resort with crystal clear water. Also, its stupid to rate a facility on their patrons. Keep your opinions of patrons to yourself and rate the safety, beach cleanliness, staff behaviors, etc. Pros: -I was pleasantly surprised by the sandy bottom. Most swimming lakes I have visited have muddy and mucky lake bottoms. - I felt that it was safe. There were 1-2 lifeguards who stood at the middle of the swimming area and there were a few on the docks manning the jumping platform and slides. - You have to pass a swim test in order to use the jumping platforms and yes they do refuse to allow some people. We had an 8 year old with us who did not pass. -The tables that lined the ledge overlooking the beach/lake were well covered with trees/shade which was a nice treat when eating lunch after being in the sun and lake. -Staff were very friendly Cons: -Very pricey and because you pay before you can see the parking lot I can see how that would pose a problem. Also, I think its robbery to charge for a one year old. They could easily bump up the prices on their food and decrease the admission rate a little. Be prepared to walk up and down a VERY steep hill from the parking lot to the lake. -Beach size is small but not small enough to deter me from going again -Grills are VERY small -Bathhouse near lake has only 1 shower, no lights in the shower, and you have to pull on a string for the water to flow. This makes rinsing your toddler off very difficult. Advice for potential visitors: -Bring a wheeled cooler and a wheeled beach cart (the steep hill) -Someone to help you bathe your children because of the string you have to hold for water to flow -water shoes if you are squeamish

AMANDA BENSON

My family visits cascade lake once every year and this year was by far the worst experience ever! We came with 18 people and in 2 hours, I was assaulted by a life guard, my autistic son attempted the swim test and was denied the chance to even complete it based on the life guard stating his arms did not come high enough out of the water on EVERY stroke and despite several witnesses who stated his arms were infact clearing the water every stroke, he was denied the chance to try again, and then I was insulted by a life guard who told me I was a bad mother for not accompanying my 13 year old while he took the test even though I was in the water with my 3 year old at the time. My 10 year old nephew was denied the chance to even attempt the swim test because the same life guard did not believe he was over 8 years old. That same life guard told me he did not recognize me or my family and therefore it was not his problem if we had a good time or not. When I asked to speak to a supervisor I was informed he was the supervisor!! What kind of people do they have working here? At one point a man was struggling in the water and my 2 brothers saved the man because the lifeguard that was attempting to save him was too slow while she did the doggy paddle to get to him and then she barely made it back to the dock and had to be helped up by 2 other lifeguards. No one in my family will ever come here again!! It used to be such a nice place, now it is just shamefully a waste of a 45 minute drive!!

Austin Graff

You know what? Surprisingly, I am giving Cascade Lake a five star rating. Maybe its because I had such a bad impression going into it, I was pleasantly surprised. The lake is 1.5 hours away from Washington, DC., which isnt too bad compared to other lakes in the area. Theres plenty of space for people to have a BBQ with tons of picnic tables everywhere. They let you bring in your own alcohol. The lake itself has three awesome water slides. One for adults and two smaller ones for children. In the middle of the lake is a tour for people to "cliff jump." Then there are several platforms to play on in the lake. The lake itself is in an area of Maryland near the Pennsylvania border that feels like youre in the 1970s with a small ice cream parlor and other things that will give you nostalgia. The only down side is that it costs $15 per person to go, but its worth it to give it a try.

Kate Wilmot

Cascade is great fun! People dont seem to realize that this is a LAKE. Its not a crystal clear, water pump fed, chlorine filled pool. Its old school, small town, fun. In this day and age people have no right to complain about the cost of admission into places. Read up online before you go. Its that simple. I agree with another reviewer that charging for a one yet old is ridiculous, but on the same score, its what they do. If you dont like it, youre more than welcome to turn around and go elsewhere. If you want cheap, then get out your garden hose. If you want clear water, go the Six Flags. If you want more lifeguards, take a lifeguard course and become certified yourself. No matter whether they have 2 lifeguards, or 20, you are still responsible for your own children. You should be fully able and alert whenever your children are in or near the water.