Hot SpringAK
Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska — a 106°F natural hot springs lake open year-round at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. Day passes, hours, and winter aurora soaking tips.
View detailsU.S. swimming holes directory
Browse all 862+ mapped spots by state and water type — the full catalog, not a GPS distance list.
What is this directory?
This is the full U.S. catalog of documented natural swimming holes — rivers, creeks, lakes, springs, quarries, and waterfall pools — with directions, fee notes, and safety information. Filter below by type or state. Live inventory counts are on the swimming holes in America dataset. For distance sorting from your device, use the GPS finder.
Quick filters: Free water holes · Swimming quarries · Creeks to swim · Rivers · Lakes · Dog-friendly · GPS distance finder
Regional guides: Eno River swimming holes · Bull Hole & Cooleemee River swimming · Mullica River & Wharton State Forest swimming · Conasauga River & falls swimming · Austin & Central Texas swimming holes · God's Bath & Sierra swimming holes · Quakertown Falls & western PA gorge swims · Devil's Bathtub & southwest Virginia swims · All hubs
862 swimming holes
LakeAK
Big Lake North State Recreation Site
Big Lake North State Recreation Site near Wasilla, Alaska — swimming, boating, and camping on one of Southcentral Alaska’s busiest summer lakes. Fees, facilities, and directions.
View detailsLakeAK
Big Lake South State Recreation Site
Big Lake South State Recreation Site near Wasilla, Alaska — the quieter shore of Big Lake for swimming, camping, and fishing. Fees, access, and what to expect.
View detailsLakeAK
Quartz Lake State Recreation Area
Quartz Lake State Recreation Area near Delta Junction, Alaska — designated swimming beach, beach volleyball, and one of Interior Alaska’s best road-accessible lakes.
View detailsLakeAK
Goose Lake Park
Goose Lake Park in midtown Anchorage, Alaska — a free official swimming beach with picnic shelters, playground, and bike-trail access next to the UAA campus.
View detailsLakeAK
Jewel Lake Park
Jewel Lake Park in south Anchorage, Alaska — free neighborhood swim beach with restrooms, playground, and a stocked fishery kept 50 feet clear of the swim area.
View details
RiverAL
Abbie Creek Park
Abbie Creek Park is a free U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use area on the Chattahoochee River near Columbia and Dothan, Alabama. River swimming with no lifeguards — watch currents and boat traffic.
View details
SpringAL
Blue Pond
Blue Pond lies in Alabama, where Blue Pond draws visitors who want a bank-access swim. Fed by natural springs, the water holds a distinctive blue-green hue that catches the light on a clear morning and makes the surrounding longleaf pines look even greener by contrast.
View detailsSpringAL
Blue Springs State Park
The centerpiece of this beloved state park is Blue Spring itself. A natural limestone spring that pushes crystal-clear water up through a sandy bottom, creating a shimmering, blue-green pool that looks almost too perfect to be real.
View detailsLakeAL
Chattahoochee State Park
The park sits in a quietly spectacular stretch of the Wiregrass region, where longleaf pine forests give way to creek bottoms draped in Spanish moss and the air carries the faint sweetness of warm earth and moving water.
View details
Creek/FallsAL
Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama has a lake beach, waterfall, and trails for swimming and hiking. Alabama State Parks day-use fees apply (about $5 ages 12–61; $3 youth/seniors as of 2026) — confirm alapark.com before you go.
View details
CreekAL
Chickasabogue Park
Chickasabogue Park at 760 Aldock Rd, Eight Mile / Mobile, AL — free Mobile County park with Chickasaw Creek beach access, 12+ miles of trails, splash pad, picnic areas, and camping. Day-use ~7 a.m.–7 p.m.; beach renovations possible in 2026.
View detailsCreekAL
Coldwater Creek Park
Situated in a public green space between Cecil Drive and State Route 78, this officially recognized swimming area. Making it one of the more accessible natural swimming spots.
View detailsRiverAL
Cahaba River Swimming Spots Near Birmingham
Cahaba River Swimming Spots Near Birmingham lies in Alabama. Just a short drive from the buzz of Birmingham, the Cahaba River unspools through forested corridors and over smooth limestone beds, offering some of the most rewarding natural .
View detailsFalls/RiverAL
Cheaha Mountain Swimming Holes
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Cheaha Creek and High Falls Branch, these unofficial pools and cascades feel like a well-kept secret. Even though they sit just a short distance from one of the state's most beloved parks.
View detailsRiver/FallsAL
Desoto Lookout Mountain Swimming Destinations
Perched atop Lookout Mountain in northeastern Alabama, the West Fork of the Little River carves its way through ancient sandstone and dense hardwood forest before plunging dramatically over DeSoto Falls.
View details
Varies - see belowAL
Guntersville Region Swimming Spots
Guntersville Region Swimming Spots near Fort Payne, Alabama is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Majestic High Falls with cliff jumping opportunities; Naturally formed stone bridge for daring jumps. You will find camping. Best visited in May to September. Always scout water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsRiverAL
Little River Canyon Swimming Holes
Little River Canyon Swimming Holes lies in Alabama. Little River is famously one of the few rivers in North America that flows almost entirely atop a mountain.
View detailsLakeAL
Nicol Park
Nicol Park on Lake Nicol near Tuscaloosa, Alabama is a free wooded city lakeshore park for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Tall cliffs and clear water draw locals — no lifeguards; follow City of Tuscaloosa lake rules.
View details
QuarryAL
St Stephens Park
St Stephens Park lies in Alabama, where Quarry moves through a wooded corridor. Stephens Park offers one of the state's most distinctive .
View detailsRiver/FallsAL
Sipsey River Alabama Swimming Spots
Deep in the Bankhead National Forest of northwest Alabama, the Sipsey River carves its way through sandstone canyons and ancient hardwood forest, earning its place as Alabama's only designated Wild and Scenic River.
View detailsCreek/FallsAL
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, Alabama (north of Birmingham) is a free Forever Wild / Jefferson County Greenways preserve with Blue Hole and falls swimming along Turkey Creek. No lifeguards — pack out trash.
View detailsAL
Walls Of Jericho
There are places in the American South that feel genuinely wild. Where the land hasn't been tamed, paved, or packaged for easy consumption.
View detailsRiver/FallsAL
Wetumpka River Swimming Destinations
For thousands of years, and stepping into their currents, you feel the weight of that past in the most elemental way possible. This is central Alabama at its most honest and unhurried.
View detailsRiverAR
Benton
Benton near Little Rock, Arkansas is a river swimming spot on Saline River. What people come for: Easy access off Route 5; Clear, cool waters of the Saline River. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June-August. There are no lifeguards on duty.
View detailsSpringAR
Big Spring Park
A natural spring wells up here with extraordinary clarity, feeding a natural swimming hole. The air smells of cool water and cedar, the canopy filters afternoon light into shifting green and gold, and the sound of kids launching off a swinging rope fills the summer air with the kind of joy that doesn't need a soundtrack.
View detailsCreek/FallsAR
Blue Hole - Wolf Den
There are no crowds here, no entry gates, no snack bars. Just the sound of moving water, birdsong, and the crunch of leaves beneath your boots.
View detailsRiverAR
Bluff Hole
Bluff Hole on the Mulberry River in the Arkansas Ozarks is a free scenic bluff swimming hole with clear river pools. Informal access — scout depth and current after rain.
View detailsRiverAR
Buffalo Point
Carved into the heart of north-central Arkansas, this beloved stretch of the Buffalo National River sits beneath towering limestone bluffs that have been standing since long before anyone thought to name this the first national river in the United States.
View detailsPondAR
Charlton
Fed by the gentle flow of Walnut Creek, the pond sits in a landscape defined by towering hardwoods, fragrant pines, and the quiet hum of a countryside that feels genuinely removed from the everyday.
View detailsSpringAR
Crowleys Ridge State Park
Near Jonesboro in Arkansas, Crowleys Ridge S.P. Perched atop one of Arkansas's most fascinating geological curiosities, Crowley's Ridge State Park rises like a forested spine from the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain of northeastern Arkansas.
View detailsCreekAR
Cadron Creek Swimming Spots In Central Arkansas
Cadron Creek Swimming Spots in Central Arkansas is a creek swimming spot on Cadron Creek near Little Rock, Arkansas. What people come for: Clear waters ideal for swimming and canoeing; Rope swings and jumping rocks for thrill-seekers. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas. Best visited in May to September. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsRiverAR
Cossatot River Swimming And Recreation Area
Situated within the Brushy Creek Recreation Area of Cossatot River State Park-wild spot, this unofficial . The Cossatot River carries one of the most coveted designations in American conservation.
View detailsLakeAR
Dam Site
Dam Site recreation on Greers Ferry Lake near Heber Springs, Arkansas offers Corps of Engineers lake swimming and day-use beaches. USACE fees may apply — confirm before you go.
View detailsVaries, see belowAR
Eureka Springs Region Swimming Spots
Eureka Springs Region Swimming Spots lies in Arkansas, where Varies, See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Hogscald Hollow, The Cliffs, and Trigger Gap.
View detailsRiverAR
Farindale
Farindale is a Saline River swimming hole in central Arkansas within day-trip range of Little Rock, Benton, Sheridan, and Fordyce. Clear river water, informal access, and no lifeguards — scout current after rain.
View detailsCreekAR
Half Bushel
Half Bushel is a creek swimming spot on Big Shoal Creek near Fort Smith, Arkansas. What people come for: Dramatic rock cliff with unique geological features; Clear, refreshing waters ideal for swimming. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in April to October. Always test water depth and check for submerged hazards before entering.
View detailsCreek/FallsAR
Haw Creek Falls Swimming And Recreation Area
Haw Creek Falls Swimming and Recreation Area near Russellville, Arkansas is a creek swimming spot on Haw Creek/Big Piney Creek. What people come for: Historic Fort Douglas Bridge swimming hole; Picturesque Haw Creek Falls. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Spring. Always test water depth before jumping or diving.
View detailsVaries-see belowAR
Hot Springs Arkansas Swimming Destinations
Hot Springs Arkansas Swimming Destinations near Little Rock, Arkansas is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Geothermal hot springs; Lake Ouachita swimming spots. There is a fee or park admission. Best visited in Spring. Check individual bathhouse websites or call ahead for current hours, fees, and reservation policies.
View detailsRiverAR
Jenkins Ferry State Park
Here, history and nature exist in quiet conversation. The same ground where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed in the spring of 1864 now offers a shaded, unhurried escape for swimmers, wildlife watchers, and anyone craving a landscape untouched by commercialization.
View detailsRiverAR
Jasper Buffalo River Swimming Holes
Jasper Buffalo River Swimming Holes is a river swimming spot on Buffalo River near Harrison, Arkansas. What people come for: Buffalo River swimming hole; High bluff for cliff jumping. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always assess water depth and current before entering.
View detailsFallsAR
Kings River Falls
A pristine waterfall tumbles into a wide, clear pool beneath a canopy of dense hardwood forest, offering one of the most rewarding natural .
View detailsCreekAR
Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes
Lee Creek in the Arkansas Ozarks near Cedarville, Natural Dam, and Fort Smith has clear gravel-bar pools and bluff swimming holes with free public access points. Scout depth after rain; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverAR
Little Missouri River Swimming Spots
Little Missouri River Swimming Spots near Glenwood, Arkansas is a river swimming spot on Little Missouri River. What people come for: Scenic swimming holes along the Little Missouri River; Winding Stairs’ natural cascades and deep pools. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in April to June. Check river conditions and weather forecasts.
View detailsCreekAR
Long Pool Recreation Area, Big Piney Creek
Situated on Big Piney Creek between the towns of Russellville and Dover, this unofficial but well-loved . Rugged limestone bluffs shoulder up against the creek, casting dramatic shadows across the water in the early morning hours.
View detailsRiverAR
Mulberry River Swimming Spots, Ozark National Forest
Mulberry River Swimming Spots, Ozark National Forest is a river swimming spot on Mulberry River near Fort Smith, Arkansas. What people come for: Crystal-clear river water; Accessible from Redding and Wolf Pen. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in March to May. Check water conditions: River levels and current speed can change quickly, especially after rainfall.
View detailsRiverAR
Old Davidsonville State Park
Old Davidsonville S. P. is a river swimming spot on Black River near Jonesboro, Arkansas. What people come for: Historic frontier town remains; Swimming in the Black River. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in March-May. Check river conditions and weather forecasts before swimming.
View detailsVaries, see belowAR
Ozark National Forest North Unit Swimming Destinations
Ozark National Forest North Unit Swimming Destinations near Mountain Home, Arkansas is a natural swimming spot on Sylamore Creek. What people come for: Sylamore Creek’s crystal-clear waters; Blanchard Springs Caverns swimming spots. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. No lifeguards are on duty at these natural areas.
View detailsCreek/FallsAR
Petit Jean State Park Swimming Holes
Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton, Arkansas has lake and creek swimming plus waterfall scenery on Petit Jean Mountain. Arkansas State Parks day-use fees apply — confirm arkansasstateparks.com.
View detailsRiverAR
Ponca Buffalo River Swimming Spots
Ponca Buffalo River Swimming Spots near Jasper, Arkansas is a river swimming spot on Buffalo River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Buffalo River; Deep swimming pool below river riffles. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check current river conditions and water levels via the National Park Service before visiting, as the Buffalo River can.
View detailsRiverAR
River Bluff
River Bluff on the Ouachita River near Glenwood, Arkansas is a free riverside swimming hole with bluff scenery. Informal access — scout current after rain.
View detailsRiverAR
Rye
There are no crowds, no snack bars, and no lifeguards here. What you get instead is something harder to find: an honest stretch of Arkansas river, wild and unhurried, where the most complicated decision is whether to wade in slowly or just jump.
View detailsCreekAR
Richland Creek Swimming Holes In The Ozark National Forest
Clear water tumbles over smooth sandstone ledges, carves through boulder gardens, and pools in deep, cold hollows shaded by a dense canopy of oak, hickory, and sycamore.
View detailsRiverAR
Spring River
SPRING RIVER is a river destination on Spring River in AR near Jonesboro, Walnut Ridge, Hardy. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverAR
Saint Joe Buffalo River Swimming Spots
Saint Joe Buffalo River Swimming Spots near Harrison, Arkansas is a river swimming spot on Buffalo River. What people come for: Crystal-clear water; Towering limestone bluff. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Spring. Check the Buffalo River water level and flow conditions before your trip.
View detailsNatural pools in creekAR
Sugar Creek Ozark Region Swimming Spots
Cold, clear Ozark water moving over smooth rock, with the sound of birdsong and rustling leaves as your soundtrack. This is the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately start planning a return trip.
View detailsWaterfall / creekAR
Tanyard Creek Falls
Tanyard Creek Nature Trail Falls near Bella Vista / Bentonville, AR — free waterfall overlook and creek pools below Lake Windsor spillway. Easy family hike with steep drop-offs near the falls.
View detailsRiverAR
West Fork White River Swimming Holes
West Fork White River Swimming Holes near Fayetteville, Arkansas is a river swimming spot on West Fork White River. What people come for: Spring-fed cool water; Clarity of the river. Access is free, and you will find parking. Best visited in Summer. Always scout water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsSpringAZ
Agua Caliente Hot Springs
Agua Caliente Hot Springs south of Tucson / Green Valley, AZ — free undeveloped canyon thermal pools in Coronado National Forest (not Tucson’s Agua Caliente Park). High-clearance FR-183 approach; no facilities; soak at your own risk.
View detailsCreekAZ
Cave Creek
CAVE CREEK is a creek destination on Cave Creek in AZ near Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCreek/lakeAZ
Clear Creek
The creek winds through sandstone formations sculpted by millennia of wind and water, creating a ribbon of blue-green calm that rewards anyone willing to seek it out.
View detailsVaries - see belowAZ
Camp Verde Swimming Holes In Arizona
Tucked into the canyon country of central Arizona, the Camp Verde swimming holes — known locally as the Bull Pen — are one of those rare finds that reward the effort it takes to reach them.
View detailsVaries - see belowAZ
Catalina Mountains Swimming Spots
Tucked deep within the rugged folds of the Catalina Mountains, Frog Hollow is one of southern Arizona's most rewarding natural swimming destinations.
View detailsWaterfallsAZ
Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls near Flagstaff, Arizona is a waterfalls swimming spot on Havasu Creek (tributary to Colorado River). What people come for: Turquoise blue waters from travertine deposits; 100-foot breathtaking waterfall plunge. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find camping. Best visited in March-May. Carry and drink ample water.
View detailsCreekAZ
Mormons Crossing
Mormon Crossing (often searched as Mormon Crossing) is a free creek swimming hole in Arizona used for wading and cooling off. Informal access — scout depth and flash-flood risk in monsoon season.
View detailsCreek / canyon swimming holeAZ
Oak Creek Swimming Holes Of Northern Arizona
Grasshopper Point and Oak Creek swimming near Sedona, AZ — cliff-side creek pools 2 miles up Oak Creek Canyon. Separate day-use fee; lot fills early in summer.
View detailsRiverAZ
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach near Phoenix, Arizona is a river swimming spot on Salt River. What people come for: Salt River swimming and tubing; Picnic tables and family-friendly amenities. Expect a fee of about $6 per vehicle, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in May to September. Wear a life jacket, especially while tubing or if you are not a strong swimmer.
View detailsVaries - see belowAZ
Payson Arizona Swimming Spots
The creek carves its way through a rugged riparian corridor where the Sonoran Desert transitions into the cool ponderosa pine forests of the Mogollon Rim country, creating a landscape that feels surprisingly lush against the Arizona heat.
View detailsHot Springs/LakeAZ
Roper Lake
Roper Lake near Tucson, Arizona is a hot springs swimming spot. What people come for: Natural hot tub for relaxation; Safe swimming areas for families. Expect a fee of about $10.00, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in March to May. Test water temperature before entering hot springs or the lake to avoid scalding or shock.
View detailsCreekAZ
Sycamore Canyon
Sycamore Canyon near Sedona / Clarkdale, Arizona is a remote red-rock canyon with seasonal creek swimming holes. Free hike-in wild access — bring water; monsoon flash floods are dangerous.
View detailsFallsAZ
Wolf Creek Falls
Wolf Creek Falls near Phoenix, Arizona is a falls swimming spot on Wolf Creek. What people come for: Secluded waterfall pool for swimming; Cool, clear waters year-round. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Spring. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with traction for the steep, loose, and rocky trail.
View detailsCA
Fowlers Camp And Ah-di-na Campgrounds
**Fowlers Camp And Ah-Di-Na N.F. Campgrounds.** sits in California.
View detailsHot spring / county park poolsCA
Agua Caliente Park
Agua Caliente County Park near Julian, CA — San Diego County desert mineral pools (outdoor swim + ~102°F indoor spa). Open roughly Labor Day to Memorial Day; fees apply.
View detailsSpring-fed poolCA
Aquatic Park
Aquatic Park near San Francisco, California is a spring-fed pool swimming spot on San Francisco Bay. What people come for: Historic National Landmark status; Calm, sheltered bay waters. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find parking. Best visited in June to August. Check water conditions before entering.
View detailsRiverCA
Auburn American River Swimming Spots
Within the Auburn State Recreation Area, the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River carve their way through dramatic gorges, creating a network of unofficial .
View detailsLakeCA
Bass Lake
A moderate 2.6-mile hike each way over uneven terrain and through patches of steep trail. But the payoff is a serene, crystal-clear lake cradled by coastal scrub and eucalyptus, with almost no amenity between you and pure nature.
View detailsCreek/fallsCA
Black Canyon
Black Canyon near Ramona, California is a Cleveland National Forest creek swimming canyon. An Adventure Pass is typically required to park on forest lands; hike-in pools — no lifeguards.
View details
Cave in rocks near beach where ocean waves fill and empty.CA
Blow Hole
Blow Hole is a cave in rocks near beach where ocean waves fill and empty. swimming spot on Pacific Ocean near Santa Anna, California. What people come for: Rugged coastal scenery; Dynamic wave action. Best visited in Spring. Strong rip currents are common, especially near the northern lifeguard tower.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Big Sur Swimming Holes And Coastal Spots
Big Sur is one of California's most breathtaking stretches of coastline, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific and ancient redwood forests line river canyons carved over millennia.
View detailsHot SpringsCA
Buckeye-travertine Hot Springs And Creek Destinations
Neither destination is developed or officially managed, which means you get something harder to find in the American West: a genuinely wild soak, where the smell of sulfur mingles with sage and pine, and the backdrop is pure Sierra Nevada grandeur.
View detailsFallsCA
Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls near Ramona / San Diego — permitted ~6-mile RT waterfall hike to a plunge pool. $6 Recreation.gov permit; no cliff jumping; summer flow often gone.
View detailsLakeCAClosed
Cull Canyon
CULL CANYON is a lake destination on Cull Creek in CA near San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley. Fee note: Yes, see web site. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Chico Region Swimming Holes
Northern California's Chico region is one of the state's best-kept secrets for natural swimming. The geography shifts dramatically across the region.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Death Valley Swimming Spots Near Furnace Creek And Panamint Springs
Water and Death Valley seem like contradictions. And yet, Set within one of the harshest landscapes on the planet, rare pockets of water do exist.
View detailsRiverCA
Forest Glen
Forest Glen lies in California, where South Fork Of The Trinity River moves through a wooded corridor. Here, the South Fork of the Trinity River winds through a landscape of towering conifers, mossy boulders, and fern-draped banks.
View detailsRiverCA
Gods Bath
God’s Bath is a deep granite pool on the South Fork of the Tuolumne River near Yosemite’s western approach (Carlon / Lumsden corridor). Free hike-in Sierra swim — cold water; scout jump depth every time.
View detailsHot SpringsCA
Harbin Hot Springs
Nestled near the small town of Middletown, the property sits within a folded landscape of oak woodland and chaparral, where the earth itself pushes mineral-rich water to the surface in a quiet, almost ceremonial act of geology.
View detailsFallsCA
Hatchet Creek
Hatchet Creek is a falls swimming spot on Hatchet Creek near Redding, California. What people come for: Crystal-clear water perfect for swimming; Opportunities for jumping from rocky ledges. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always scout jumping areas thoroughly for depth and submerged hazards before entering the water.
View detailsHot CreekCA
Hot Creek
Hot Creek is a hot creek swimming spot on Hot Spring Creek near Bishop, California. What people come for: Geothermal hot springs; Scenic Eastern Sierra views. Access is free, and you will find restrooms. Best visited in Summer. Do not swim or submerge in the main creek channel.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Happy Camp Swimming Holes And Recreation Area
Happy Camp Swimming Holes and Recreation Area is a natural swimming spot near Yreka, California. What people come for: Family-friendly tubing at The Eddy; Natural Jacuzzi at Indian Creek - South Fork. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, camping and parking. Best visited in June through September. Always assess water conditions: current strength, depth, temperature, and submerged hazards before entering.
View detailsRiverCA
Humboldt Redwoods Swimming Holes
Humboldt Redwoods Swimming Holes is a river destination on Eel River, South Fork Eel River in CA near Eureka, Scotia, Redcrest. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Kern River Swimming Destinations
Kern River Swimming Destinations near Bakersfield, California is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Secluded swimming spot in Kern River; Cool, clear waters fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Late spring to early summer. Always check current river flow rates and water temperature before entering.
View detailsCreek/ Hot SpringsCA
Lake Arrowhead And Deep Creek Swimming Spots
Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek swimming spots in California’s San Bernardino Mountains include creek pools and lake accesses (Aztec Falls area among them). Access rules vary — some trailheads require Adventure Passes; confirm before you go.
View detailsCA
Mccloud Area
Mccloud Area lies in California. Volcanic geology shapes everything here.
View detailsFallsCA
Mccloud Falls
Few places in Northern California stop you in your tracks quite like McCloud Falls. Sculpted by ancient volcanic geology, the landscape here feels primordial.
View detailsRiverCA
Mccloud River Preserve
Mccloud River Preserve in California is a river swimming spot. What people come for: Crystal-clear emerald waters; Scenic swimming holes. Best visited in May to September. The river current can be strong and water cold.
View detailsCreekCA
Memorial Park
Here, ancient coastal redwoods rise hundreds of feet overhead, their massive trunks filtering the California sun into shifting ribbons of gold and shadow.
View detailsCreek/Hot SpringsCA
Mono Hot Springs
Mono Hot Springs near Fresno, California is a creek swimming spot on South Fork of San Joaquin River. What people come for: Geothermal hot springs; South Fork San Joaquin River swimming. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to October. Test water temperature carefully before entering.
View detailsRiver/FallsCA
Mccloud River Swimming Holes In Northern California
McCloud River Swimming Holes in Northern California is a river swimming spot on McCloud River near Redding, California. What people come for: Three distinct waterfalls with swimming areas; Crystal-clear water fed by snowmelt. Access is free. Best visited in June-August. The rocks around the falls are extremely slick.
View detailsRiverCA
Navarro River Swimming Spots
Navarro River Swimming Spots lies in California. This is the kind of place you almost feel lucky to find.
View detailsCreekCA
Rock Pool
Rock Pool is a creek swimming spot on Malibu Creek near Thousand Oaks, California. What people come for: Scenic freshwater pool surrounded by cliffs; Moderately challenging hike with wildlife sightings. Expect a fee of about $12, and you will find restrooms, camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. Check water depth before jumping.
View detailsRiverCA
Russian River Swimming Spots In Sonoma County
Russian River Swimming Spots in Sonoma County is a river destination on Russian River in CA near Santa Rosa, Windsor, Guerneville. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsFallsCA
Switzer Falls
Switzer Falls in Angeles National Forest near Pasadena — waterfall hike down the Arroyo Seco from Switzer Picnic Area off Angeles Crest Highway. Adventure Pass parking and seasonal pool notes.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Salinas Valley Swimming Spots
Salinas Valley Swimming Spots lies in California, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Stretching through the heart of California's Central Coast, the Salinas Valley is far more than the agricultural powerhouse it's famous for swimming.
View detailsVaries- see belowCA
Santa Barbara Swimming Spots
Santa Barbara Swimming Spots near Santa Barbara, California is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Series of interconnected natural pools; Small waterfalls and rock chutes. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or sliding.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Santa Cruz Region Swimming Spots
Santa Cruz Region Swimming Spots lies in California, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by rivers and creeks that wind through towering redwood groves, these spots range from glassy emerald pools sheltered beneath old-growth canopies to rugged ocean coves carved into the water.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Sequoia National Park Region Swimming Spots
Sequoia National Park Region Swimming Spots is a natural swimming spot near Fresno, California. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Varied depths for all swimmers. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in May to July. Always assess water conditions: currents are powerful and unpredictable, especially during spring runoff.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Smith River Swimming And Recreation Areas
Smith River Swimming and Recreation Areas is a natural swimming spot on Middle Fork and South Fork of the Smith River near Crescent City (CA), California. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming; Towering redwoods surrounding the river. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June through August. The river has strong currents and cold water.
View detailsRIVERCA
Standish-hickey State Recreation Area Swimming Holes
Within the boundaries of Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, the river carves through ancient coastal redwood groves, pooling into clear, cool basins that invite swimmers to slow down and surrender to the rhythm of the wild.
View detailsVaries - see belowCA
Truckee-tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots
Truckee-Tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots lies in California, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Located within the Squaw Valley area.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Tule River Swimming Destinations In Sequoia National Forest
Accessed primarily from the Porterville area, this stretch of wild water offers several informal natural . These are not manicured recreation areas.
View detailsRiverCA
Van Duzen River Swimming Spots
Van Duzen River Swimming Spots near Eureka, California is a river swimming spot on Van Duzen River. What people come for: Crystal-clear swimming holes; Surrounded by ancient redwoods. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas. Best visited in July-August. Check river conditions before entering.
View detailsVaries-see belowCA
Willow Creek Swimming Spots In Shasta-trinity National Forest
Willow Creek Swimming Spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest is a natural swimming spot near Redding, California. What people come for: Crystal-clear pools; Rugged rocky bluffs. Access is free, and you will find camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. Check river flow and weather forecasts before departing.
View detailsRiverCA
Yosemite National Park Swimming Spots
Yosemite National Park Swimming Spots lies in California, where Varies -See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Few experiences in the American West match the simple pleasure of slipping into the cold, clear waters of the Merced River with Yosemite's towering granite walls rising around you.
View detailsRiverCA
Yuba River Swimming Holes And Recreation Area
The river has been carving its way through ancient granite for millennia, and the result is a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming. Smooth stone slabs perfect for sunbathing, emerald pools that beg you to jump in, and the constant, hypnotic sound of moving water threading between boulders.
View detailsRiver/FallsCO
Cascade Creek
Cascade Creek is a river swimming spot on Cascade Creek near Durango, Colorado. What people come for: Series of cascading waterfalls; Crystal-clear mountain water. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June to September. Water currents can be strong, especially near waterfalls.
View detailsLakeCO
Curecanti National Recreation Area Swimming Spots
Here, where the Gunnison River was once dammed to create this vast blue expanse, swimmers and wanderers arrive along Route 50 to find something unexpected: a landscape that feels simultaneously ancient and alive, where red-rock mesas drop toward turquoise water and bald eagles circle overhead.
View detailsFalls fed poolCO
Devils Punchbowl
Devil’s Punchbowl on the Roaring Fork River near Aspen / Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a free waterfall plunge-pool swim. Powerful current and cold water — expert caution only; many years see injuries.
View detailsRiver/CreekCO
Dominguez Canyon
Dominguez Canyon near Grand Junction, Colorado is a river swimming spot on Gunnison River, Little Dominguez Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear swimming holes along Little Dominguez Creek; Towering sandstone cliffs with dramatic colors. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June-August. Assess water conditions carefully.
View detailsRiverCO
Durango-animas
Durango-Animas near Durango, Colorado is a river swimming spot on Animas River. What people come for: Cool and clear waters of the Animas River; Lush riparian vegetation and wildlife. Access is free. Best visited in July. Skip swimming during high snowmelt / flood stages.
View detailsHot SpringsCO
Glenwood Hot Springs
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a paid commercial hot-springs pool complex on the Colorado River (world’s largest outdoor hot springs pool). Book tickets ahead in peak season — not a free wild soak.
View detailsCreekCO
Guffey Gorge
Carved by Fourmile Creek over millennia, this dramatic natural amphitheater rewards the adventurous with emerald-hued water, soaring cliff walls, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the ordinary world.
View detailsSmall LakeCO
Island Acres
Situated east of Grand Junction along the I-70 corridor, this officially recognized swimming area. Whether you're a family road-tripping through the Rockies or an adventurer chasing the next great .
View detailsCreekCO
Medano Creek
Medano Creek near Pueblo, Colorado is a creek swimming spot on Medano Creek. What people come for: Seasonal creek with surge flow phenomenon; Located at the base of Great Sand Dunes. You will find camping and parking. Best visited in summer. Check current water flow conditions with the park visitor center before visiting, as the creek can be dry.
View detailsCreekCO
Queens Canyon Punchbowls
Queens Canyon Punchbowls near Colorado Springs, Colorado are free cascading granite pools used for swimming. Informal foothills access — check depth; flash floods possible after storms.
View detailsVaries - see belowCO
Steamboat Springs Swimming Spots In Colorado
Steamboat Springs Swimming Spots In Colorado lies in Colorado, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Few towns in Colorado have woven their identity so completely around water as Steamboat Springs.
View detailsCreekCO
Tabeguache Creek
Flowing through BLM land between the communities of Naturita and Grand Junction, this remote creek winds beneath dramatic sandstone cliffs sculpted by centuries of wind and water.
View detailsNatural hot springs and hot springs creekCO
Valley View Hot Springs
Managed by the nonprofit Orient Land Trust, this clothing-optional retreat draws visitors who value wild beauty, ecological stewardship, and the simple, soul-restoring act of sinking into hot mineral water under an open sky.
View detailsHot SpringsCO
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs near Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a private, reservation-required mineral soak on County Road 36 — not a free wild spring. Expect steep unpaved access, limited parking, cash-only day rates, and clothing-optional hours after dark; book ahead on strawberryhotsprings.com.
View detailsBrookCT
Cotton Hollow
At the heart of it all is Roaring Brook, a freshwater stream that winds through a canopy of oak and hemlock, its water running cool and clear even on the muggiest August afternoons.
View detailsRiverCT
Chaplin Natchaug River Swimming Spots
Chaplin Natchaug River Swimming Spots is a river destination on Natchaug River in CT near Hartford, Willimantic, Chaplin. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsStreamCT
Hotchkissville Bridge
Centered on a historic iron bridge spanning the Weekeepeemee River, this unofficial, fee-free gathering spot draws swimmers, jumpers, and rope-swing enthusiasts looking for a genuine, unmanicured slice of New England summer.
View detailsFalls/RiverCT
Indian Well State Park
Indian Well State Park in Shelton, Connecticut has a Housatonic River beach for swimming plus waterfall and picnic areas. CT-plated vehicles park free; out-of-state parking fees apply (about $10 weekday / $15 weekend) — confirm ctparks.com.
View detailsLakeCT
Lake Mashapaug
A 15-minute hike along uneven woodland trails separates you from the parking area and the outside world, and by the time the water comes into view.
View detailsLakeCT
Miller Pond
MILLER POND is a lake destination on Miller Pond State Park in CT near Middletown, Durham. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsBrookCT
Mount Hope Brook
Mount Hope Brook near Hartford, Connecticut is a brook swimming spot on Mount Hope Brook. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Tranquil woodland setting. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Check water depth and current before entering.
View detailsCreekCT
Riga Falls
Cascading down Wachocastinook Creek within the protected embrace of the Mount Riga Preserve, this unofficial wading and swimming. The air here smells of moss and cold water, the forest canopy filters the light into shifting, golden patterns, and the sound of the falls drowns out everything else the moment.
View detailsRiverCT
Salmon River
Salmon River near Hartford, Connecticut is a river swimming spot on Salmon River and tributary. What people come for: Refreshing cool waters; Rope swing for adventurous swimmers. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in late spring through early fall. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverCT
Satans Kingdom
Satans Kingdom near Hartford, Connecticut is a river swimming spot on West Branch Farmington River. What people come for: Refreshing West Branch Farmington River; Tubing and swimming opportunities. Expect a fee of about $18, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May through September. Wear a properly fitted life jacket or PFD while tubing or swimming.
View detailsRiverCT
Saugatuck River
Flowing through the towns of Norwalk, Westport, and Weston, the river carves a path through dense green canopy and mossy rock formations before spilling out from the base of a dam into a natural pool that has drawn swimmers for generations.
View detailsRiverCT
Scantic Rapids
Scantic Rapids near Hazardville, Connecticut is a river swimming spot on Scantic River. What people come for: Dynamic sliding rocks; Seasonal water flow. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring through early summer. Check water levels before visiting.
View detailsLakeCT
Globe Hollow Swimming Area
Globe Hollow Swimming Area at 100 Spring Street in Manchester, Connecticut is a town-operated outdoor swim facility on Globe Hollow Reservoir — lifeguarded in summer, not a wild creek hole. Expect recreation-pass rules and seasonal hours from Manchester Leisure & Recreation.
View detailsRiverDE
Brandywine River
Winding through the rolling hills and wooded valleys just outside Wilmington, Delaware, the Brandywine River is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most beloved informal .
View detailsLakeDE
Lake Como
A small town that punches well above its weight when it comes to community pride. This public lake and park offers a genuinely welcoming slice of outdoor life without the crowds or cost of larger resort destinations.
View detailsRiverDE
Phillips Landing
Phillips Landing near Salisbury, Delaware is a river swimming spot on Nanticoke River. What people come for: Scenic Nanticoke River location; Free entry with picnic facilities. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to August. There are no lifeguards on duty.
View detailsSpringsFL
Apopka Nature Swimming Spots
Apopka-area nature swimming centered on Wekiwa Springs State Park (1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka) — clear ~72°F first-magnitude spring near Orlando. About $6/vehicle; day-use reservations frequently required.
View detailsRiver / shoalsFL
Big Shoals State Park
Big Shoals State Park near White Springs, FL — Florida’s notable Class III Suwannee rapids (at the right gauge) with bluff hikes. $4/vehicle; swimming only in calm edges away from whitewater.
View detailsRiverFL
Blackwater River State Park
BLACKWATER RIVER S. P. is a river destination on Blackwater River in FL near Pensacola, Milton. Fee note: For locations inside the park. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsSpringFL
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring S. P. is a spring swimming spot on Blue Springs near De Land, Florida. What people come for: Largest spring on St. Johns River; Year-round 73°F water temperature. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in December through February. Swim only in designated areas.
View detailsRiver, SpringsFL
Crystal River
There are places in Florida that feel less like . This Gulf Coast gem pushes cold, impossibly clear water up from limestone aquifers at a steady 72°F, year-round, every single day.
View detailsClothing optional beachesFL
Cape Canaveral National Seashore Swimming Spots
Cape Canaveral National Seashore Swimming Spots is a clothing optional beaches swimming spot on Atlantic Ocean near Daytona Beach, Florida. What people come for: Unspoiled Atlantic beaches; Clothing-optional areas. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms and parking. Best visited in Spring. There are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiver, SpringsFL
Chassahowitzka River Swimming Destinations
Explore Chassahowitzka River swimming destinations on Florida’s Nature Coast — spring-fed runs near Crystal River reached by boat from the county campground launch.
View detailsSpringFL
Deleon Springs State Park
Near Orlando in Florida, Deleon Springs S.P. Fed by an ancient underground aquifer, the spring pumps millions of gallons of crystalline water to the surface every day, maintaining a steady 72°F temperature no matter what month you arrive.
View detailsRiverFL
Econ River Tributary
ECON RIVER TRIBUTARY is a river destination on Little Econlockhatchee River in FL near Orlando, Winter Park. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCreekFL
Econfina Creek
Econfina Creek near Tallahassee, Florida is a creek swimming spot on Econfina Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear spring-fed water; Rope swings for added fun. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in March through May. Check water levels and weather conditions before visiting.
View detailsCreek, SpringsFL
Eglin Air Force Base Swimming Holes
Eglin Air Force Base Swimming Holes is a creek swimming spot on Live Oak Creek; Blue Springs near Pensacola, Florida. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Lush forest surroundings. Access is free. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Check base access status and any recreational advisories before departing.
View detailsSpringsFL
Fanning Springs State Park
Fed by a first-magnitude spring. One of Florida's most powerful and prolific.
View detailsSpringsFL
Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Caverns S. P. is a springs swimming spot on Blue Springs near Tallahassee, Florida. What people come for: Crystal-clear Blue Springs; Unique air-filled caves. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in April to July. Always swim with a buddy.
View detailsSpringsFL
Hart Springs
Hart Springs near Gainesville, Florida is a springs swimming spot on Hart Springs (near Suwanee River). What people come for: Crystal-clear freshwater pools; Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Expect a fee of about $4.00 per person, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in March to June. Supervise children closely at all times near the water.
View detailsSpringsFL
Ichetucknee Springs Swimming Destinations
Fed by a chain of natural springs, the Ichetucknee River runs gin-clear through a lush, subtropical landscape draped in cypress, hardwood hammock, and swaying aquatic grasses.
View detailsRiverFL
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson S. P. near Port Saint Lucie, Florida is a river swimming spot on Loxahatchee River. What people come for: National Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River; Diverse ecosystems including mangroves and flatwoods. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in December-February. No lifeguard is stated to be on duty.
View detailsSpringFL
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park near Mayo, Florida is a first-magnitude spring on the Suwannee River with ~72°F blue water. Florida State Parks day-use fees apply; confirm swimming status on the park page — high river levels sometimes close the spring.
View detailsLakeFL
Larry And Penny Thompson Park
Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park in Miami — free woodland park/campground next to Zoo Miami with a seasonal freshwater beach and renovated waterslide (~$6 adults).
View detailsSpringFL
Lithia Springs
Fed by a natural freshwater spring, the pool maintains a cool, steady temperature year-round. A welcome contrast to the thick, humid air that blankets the Tampa Bay region through most of the year.
View detailsRiver/FallsFL
Look And Tremble Falls
This unofficial but beloved natural feature draws swimmers, snorkelers, and curious wanderers to a stretch of river where the water quickens, tumbles, and churns over rocky shoals in a way you simply don't expect from Florida.
View detailsSprings, RiverFL
Manatee Springs State Park
Near Gainesville in Florida, Manatee Springs S.P. Among the most powerful classifications in Florida's legendary spring system.
View detailsRiverFL
Oleno State Park
Few places in Florida reveal the state's geological secrets quite like O'Leno State Park. The Santa Fe disappears into a series of limestone sinkholes, travels underground for roughly three miles, then resurfaces downstream.
View detailsSpringsFL
Ocala National Forest Springs And Swimming Holes
Fed by the ancient Floridan Aquifer deep beneath the sandy soil, these natural pools push crystalline, mineral-rich water to the surface at a nearly constant temperature year-round.
View detailsSpringsFL
Peacock Springs State Park
Peacock Springs State Park near Live Oak, Florida protects clear spring runs popular for cave diving and snorkeling. Florida State Parks day-use fees apply; swimming is in designated spring areas only — confirm floridastateparks.org.
View detailsSpringsFL
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park
Ponce De Leon Springs S. P. is a springs swimming spot on Ponce De Leon Springs near Panama City, Florida. What people come for: Crystal-clear spring water; 68°F year-round temperature. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. Supervise children closely at all times near the water.
View detailsBayFL
Ramrod Key Park
Ramrod Park is a free Monroe County bayfront park on Ramrod Key in the Florida Keys (between Marathon and Key West). Secluded bayside beach for swimming, snorkeling, and kayak launches — open 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
View detailsArtificial ReefFL
Red Reef Park
Red Reef Park is a artificial reef swimming spot on Atlantic Ocean near Boca Raton, Florida. What people come for: Man-made reef for snorkeling; Accessible from Route A1A. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find parking. Best visited in March-May. Check local weather and surf conditions before entering the water.
View detailsRiverFL
Redneck Riviera
There are no signs pointing the way, no ticket booths, no lifeguards on duty. Just a stretch of wild Florida riverbank where the living is easy and the rope swing is always calling your name.
View detailsSpringsFL
Rock Bluff Springs
There are springs in Florida that welcome you with parking lots and gift shops, and then there are places like Rock Bluff Springs. You won't drive up to the water's edge here.
View detailsRiverFL
Rainbow Springs State Park Swimming And Recreation
Rainbow Springs State Park near Dunnellon, Florida has clear spring swimming at the headsprings plus tubing on the Rainbow River. Florida State Parks day-use fees apply (~$2/person); headsprings reservations are often required.
View detailsRiverFL
Spirit Of The Suwanee
Spirit of the Suwanee is a river swimming spot on Suwannee River near Lake City, Florida. What people come for: Thrilling rope swings and jumping points; Unique swim-across access. Expect a fee of about $5.00 per vehicle, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Assess river current strength and depth before swimming across to the rope swing.
View detailsSpring/QuarryFL
Venetian Pool
Venetian Pool is a spring swimming spot on Venetian Springs near Miami, Florida. What people come for: Historic spring-fed pool; Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Expect a fee of about $5.00, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in March to June. Always supervise children closely in and around the water.
View detailsRiver/SpringFL
Wacissa River
Fed by a series of powerful springs that bubble up from the limestone aquifer below, the river runs with a crystalline clarity that feels almost surreal.
View detailsSpringFL
Wakulla Springs State Park
Wakulla Springs S. P. is a spring swimming spot on Wakulla Spring near Tallahassee, Florida. What people come for: World's largest freshwater spring; Glass-bottom boat tours. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Swim only in the designated area.
View detailsSink hole/springsFL
Warm Mineral Springs
Warm Mineral Springs near Sarasota, Florida is a sink hole swimming spot on Springs. What people come for: Geological marvel with mineral-rich waters; Consistent warm temperature of 85°F. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in November through March. The pool has varying depths.
View detailsCreekGA
Blue Hole - Kinchafoonee
Blue Hole - Kinchafoonee near Albany, Georgia is a creek swimming spot on Kinchafoonee Creek. What people come for: Natural swimming hole on Kinchafoonee Creek; Rope swing for adventurous swimmers. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping or swinging.
View detailsSpring-fed poolGA
Blue Hole - Pigeon
Blue Hole - Pigeon lies in Georgia, where Spring moves through a wooded corridor. There are no signs directing you here, no lifeguards, no snack bars.
View detailsSpring-fed poolGA
Cave Spring
What makes it remarkable isn't just the water. A natural limestone cave in the heart of Rolator Park gives birth to the spring, sending a steady rush of crystal-clear water into a concrete pool that has welcomed swimmers for generations.
View detailsGA
Conasauga Area
Conasauga Area in Georgia is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Crystal-clear water; Biodiverse ecosystem. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in July to September. Always tell someone your plans and expected return time when venturing into remote areas.
View detailsVaries, see belowGA
Chattahoochee National Forest Central Swimming Holes
The forest closes in around you as you make your way along a short but uneven trail, the sound of rushing water arriving before the falls ever come into view.
View detailsVaries, see belowGA
Chattahoochee National Forest East Swimming Holes
Chattahoochee National Forest East Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Greenville (SC), Georgia. What people come for: Varied swimming holes with unique geological features; Cool, clear waters ideal for summer relief. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Check water levels and weather forecasts before visiting.
View detailsRiverGA
Diving Rock
Diving Rock is a river swimming spot on Chattahoochee River near Atlanta, Georgia. What people come for: Cliff jumping opportunities; Cool, refreshing waters. Access is free, and you will find parking. Best visited in March to October. The Chattahoochee River has strong currents.
View detailsRiver/RapidsGA
Edge Of The World
Edge Of The World lies in Georgia, where Amicalola Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by the cold, clear waters of Amicalola Creek, this spot draws adventurers, families, and weekend wanderers looking for something more raw and memorable than a crowded public pool.
View detailsRiverGA
Fargo
Fargo lies in Georgia, where Suwanee River moves through a wooded corridor. This unofficial spot on one of the South's most storied waterways sits just east of the small town of Fargo, tucked against the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
View detailsSpring-fed lakeGA
Farmers Lake
Farmers Lake near Dalton, Georgia is a spring-fed lake swimming spot on Farmers Lake. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming; Picnic tables and grills for outdoor meals. Expect a fee of about $5.00 per person, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Autumn. Swim only in designated areas and be aware of your surroundings, as conditions can change.
View detailsCreekGA
Holly Creek Swimming Spots, North Georgia
Holly Creek swimming spots in north Georgia offer free clear mountain-creek pools popular with Atlanta day-trippers. Informal forest access — check depth after rain; no lifeguards.
View detailsSpringGA
Jay Bird Springs
This privately operated destination draws families, couples, and solo adventurers alike, all chasing the simple, timeless pleasure of cool spring water on a sweltering Georgia afternoon.
View detailsCreekGA
Mccosh Mill
Mccosh Mill lies in Georgia, where Wehadkeen Creek moves through a wooded corridor. This unofficial, undeveloped natural retreat sits near the shores of West Point Lake, offering a quiet escape from the summer heat without a parking attendant, a snack bar, or a crowd in sight.
View detailsCreek / city park accessGA
Mill Creek
Rope Mill Park / Mill Creek in Woodstock, GA — free city park trails along Little River and Mill Creek near Atlanta with unofficial creek wading. Hiking and mountain bike focused.
View detailsCreekGA
Pooles Mill
Pooles Mill is a creek swimming spot on Settingdown Creek near Atlanta, Georgia. What people come for: Historic Poole's Mill Covered Bridge; Cool waters of Settingdown Creek. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. Check water depth and for submerged objects before jumping or using the rope swing.
View detailsCreekGA
Rockmart
Rockmart near Atlanta, Georgia is a creek swimming spot on Thompson Creek. What people come for: Cool, refreshing waters perfect for swimming; Accessible via the scenic Silver Comet Trail. Access is free. Best visited in May to September. Always assess water depth and current before entering.
View detailsRiverGA
Sprewell Bluff State Park
Sprewell Bluff S. P. near Atlanta, Georgia is a river swimming spot on Flint River. What people come for: Flint River swimming spots; Scenic bluff views. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring to early summer. Always assess river conditions yourself.
View detailsCreekGA
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek S. P. near Atlanta, Georgia is a creek swimming spot on Sweetwater Creek. What people come for: Historic factory ruins; Shallow rapids for wading. Expect a fee of about $2.00 per car, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. Currents can be swift after rain and rocks are slippery.
View detailsRiverGA
Watson Mill Bridge State Park
The South Fork River winds quietly through the park beneath a canopy of hardwoods, and where it slows and shallows, you'll find one of Georgia's most beloved spots for wading and water play.
View detailsRiverGA
Yellow River Park
This community green space hugs the banks of the Yellow River, a gently moving waterway that winds through piedmont forest and beckons families, hikers, and curious wanderers alike.
View detailsLakeGA
Costley Mill Park Beach
Costley Mill Park Beach in Conyers, Georgia is a Rockdale County lifeguarded swim beach on a millpond — ticketed, capacity-limited, and open Memorial Day–Labor Day when guards are on duty. Not a wild swimming hole; confirm daily beach status before you drive from Atlanta.
View detailsVaries - see belowHI
Kailua Hawaii Ocean Swimming Spot
Kailua, Hawaiʻi (Oʻahu windward side) has ocean-fed shoreline pools and tide pools used for swimming and exploring near town beaches. Rocky volcanic access — wear water shoes and respect surf and reef hazards.
View detailsVaries - see belowHI
Kauai Swimming Destinations: Waimea, Kilauea, And Kealia
Kauai Swimming Destinations: Waimea, Kilauea, And Kealia lies in Hawaii, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Kauai has long been called the Garden Isle, and nowhere does that title feel more earned than at its natural .
View detailsVaries - see belowHI
Maui Swimming Holes And Scenic Spots
Few drives in the world deliver the sensory overload of Maui's Hana Highway, and the freshwater . The air smells of wet fern and hibiscus, the canopy above filters sunlight into shifting green patterns, and the sound of rushing water is nearly constant.
View detailsVaries - see belowHI
Oahu Area3 Places
Carved over millennia by volcanic activity and relentless Pacific surf, the rugged lava benches here tell a geological story that predates human memory.
View detailsRiversIA
Columbus Iowa Swimming Spots
These are places where limestone bluffs frame quiet currents, wildflowers crowd the banks in spring, and the sound of rushing water over rock drowns out the rest of the world.
View detailsRiverIA
Raccoon River Valley Trail
About two miles west of Redfield, the river curves through wooded banks and opens into wide, shallow stretches where families wade in, kids splash in the shallows, and summer afternoons slow down to the pace of moving water.
View detailsRiverIA
Upper Iowa River
Upper Iowa River lies in Iowa. Winding through one of the most geologically dramatic corners of the Midwest, the Upper Iowa River is a living postcard of the Driftless Area.
View detailsVaries-see belowID
Featherville Swimming And Hot Springs
Featherville Swimming and Hot Springs is a natural swimming spot near Boise, Idaho. What people come for: Primitive hot springs at Willow Creek; Developed hot spring at Baumgartner. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. Test water temperature carefully before entering.
View detailsHot spring / hike-in poolsID
Goldbug-salmon Hot Springs And River Adventures
Goldbug Hot Springs south of Salmon, Idaho — free terraced hot pools after a steep ~2-mile hike from the Warm Springs Road trailhead. Private-land easement at the start; pack water.
View detailsHot SpringID
Hot Springs Campground
Hot Springs Campground near Boise, Idaho is a hot spring swimming spot on Hot Spring/South Fork Payette River. What people come for: Geothermal hot springs with soothing temperatures; Scenic setting in Boise National Forest. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Test water temperature carefully before entering.
View detailsHot SpringID
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs
Jerry Johnson Hot Springs off US-12 on the Lochsa River in Idaho are free riverside geothermal pools reached by an easy ~1-mile trail from Warm Springs Pack Bridge (mile markers 152–153). Day-use only; no camping at the pools.
View detailsFallsID
Jump Creek Falls
Jump Creek Falls near Marsing, Idaho is a ~60-foot desert canyon waterfall with a clear plunge pool southwest of Boise and Nampa. Short hike, free access, extremely slippery rock — no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverID
Laird Park
Laird Park near Moscow, Idaho is a river swimming spot on Palouse River. What people come for: Swimming in a serene creek; Located in Saint Joe National Forest. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June through August. The river current and depth can change.
View detailsVaries - see belowID
Mccall Region Swimming Spots
McCall Region Swimming Spots near Mccall, Idaho is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Granite outcroppings create stunning natural pools; Cold, clear water perfect for summer dips. You will find camping. Best visited in July through September. Test water depth carefully before entering.
View detailsRiverID
Old Dam Rope Swing
Old Dam Rope Swing near Boise, Idaho is a river swimming spot on Payette River. What people come for: Rope swing over the Payette River; Refreshing swimming spot with clear water. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. Always test the rope swing and landing area for stability and depth before use.
View detailsRiver beachID
St Anthony Sand Bar
Anthony Sand Bar is one of those rare finds that locals have quietly cherished for generations. It's the kind of place where a summer afternoon stretches out lazily.
View detailsRiver beachID
Swinging Bridge Beach
Swinging Bridge Beach is a river beach swimming spot on Payette River near Boise, Idaho. What people come for: Historic swinging footbridge; Sandy beach with flat rocks. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. The Payette River has strong currents.
View detailsRiver/Creek/SpringID
Thousand Springs State Park Swimming And Recreation Areas
Thousand Springs State Park Swimming and Recreation Areas is a river swimming spot on Snake River and others near Boise, Idaho. What people come for: Spring-fed pools with crystal-clear water; Cascading waterfalls from basalt cliffs. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before entering.
View detailsHot SpringsID
Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs on the South Fork Payette River near Lowman, Idaho is a Boise National Forest day-use soak (~$5/vehicle). Gate hours typically 7 a.m.–9 p.m. with no overnight camping; walk in across the bridge to riverside pools. Confirm current USFS alerts before you go.
View detailsSpillwayIL
Kincaid Lake Spillway
Situated between the college town of Carbondale and the historic river community of Murphysboro, this unofficial . Entry is free, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the setting rewards anyone willing to make the easy trek from Spillway Road.
View detailsCreekIL
Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations
The Landscape and Setting Each spot within Shawnee carries its own personality. At Pounds Hollow, a quiet lake reflects the surrounding forest canopy like a mirror on calm mornings, its designated .
View detailsQuarryIN
Bloomington Area Quarries
Bloomington-area quarries in Indiana include private and informal flooded limestone pits used for swimming. Access and legality vary widely — many are private or restricted; never trespass.
View detailsRiversIN
Columbus And Edinburg Swimming Spots
Anderson Falls on Fall Fork Creek near Columbus and Edinburgh, Indiana is a popular free county-park cascade swimming hole. Check water level after rain; rocks are slick and there are no lifeguards.
View detailsLakeIN
Speed Lake
Speed Lake near Terra Haute, Indiana is a lake swimming spot on Speed Lake. What people come for: Accessible swimming spot in Terre Haute; Rope swings for adventurous fun. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Test the rope swing and water depth carefully before use.
View detailsCommercial swimming at quarriesIN
St. Paul Indiana Quarry Swimming Holes
St. Paul Indiana Quarry Swimming Holes is a commercial swimming at quarries swimming spot on Quarries near Indianapolis, Indiana. What people come for: Three quarries with swimming, diving, and zip lines; Family-friendly activities at Hidden Paradise Campground. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Check depth before jumping or diving.
View detailsQuarryIN
St. Paul Quarry Swimming Spots
St. Paul Quarry Swimming Spots sits near St. Paul in Decatur County, Indiana, about an hour southeast of Indianapolis. These are flooded limestone pits — deep, clear, and cold below the surface layer. Access and legality vary site to site and much of the quarry ground around St. Paul is private with active enforcement, so use only the permitted, posted sites and never climb a fence to swim.
View detailsSpring/LakeKS
Scott State Park
Scott S. P. is a spring swimming spot on Lake Scott near Hays, Kansas. What people come for: Spring-fed lake with clear waters; El Cuartelejo Indian pueblo site. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Wear a properly fitted life jacket when canoeing.
View detailsLakeKS
Lake Afton
Closest developed swimming beach to Wichita — a 258-acre Sedgwick County lake in Goddard with three designated swim areas.
View detailsLakeKS
Cheney Reservoir
9,500-acre reservoir west of Wichita with designated swim beaches at Cheney State Park (Spring Creek and Geifer Creek on the west shore).
View detailsLakeKS
El Dorado Lake
8,400-acre Flint Hills-edge reservoir 30–40 minutes northeast of Wichita with Walnut River Beach and Bluestem Point swim beaches.
View detailsLakeKS
Marion Reservoir
Quieter Corps reservoir about 60 minutes north of Wichita with a designated swim beach at Hillsboro Cove Campground.
View detailsLakeKS
Fall River Lake
Southern Flint Hills Corps lake about 75 minutes southeast of Wichita with a designated swim beach at Whitehall Bay.
View detailsLakeKS
Council Grove Lake
Flint Hills Corps reservoir about 90 minutes northeast of Wichita. Only designated swim area is Richey Cove beach off Highway 177.
View detailsRiverKY
Blue Heron
Blue Heron near London, Kentucky is a river swimming spot on Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. What people come for: Historical significance as former coal mining site; Crystal-clear waters of the Cumberland River. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. This is an unofficial swimming area with no lifeguard.
View detailsRiverKY
Buena Vista
This unofficial, completely natural spot on the Rolling Fork River offers something harder to find in the modern world: an unadorned, unhurried place to slip into cool water surrounded by nothing but sky, field, and wildlife.
View detailsCreek/RiverKY
Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots
Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots is a creek swimming spot near Pikeville (KY), Kentucky. What people come for: Ratliff Hole: family-friendly swimming and tubing area; Pool Point: cliff jumping and rope swings. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always scout water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsCreekKY
Clear Creek
Fed by mountain springs and shaded by a dense canopy of hardwoods, this quiet creek winds through a landscape that feels genuinely removed from the modern world.
View detailsLake/CliffsKY
Clifty Creek
There are no ticket booths, no snack bars, and no lifeguards. What you get instead is raw, unfiltered nature at its most inviting.
View detailsFallsKY
Dog Slaughter Falls
DOG SLAUGHTER FALLS is a falls destination on Dog Slaughter River in KY near London, Corbin, Williamsburg. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCommercial QuarryKY
Falling Rock Quarry
Falling Rock Quarry (now also operating as Bluegrass Spring) near La Grange, Kentucky is a paid private quarry swim with deep clear water. Adult-oriented commercial site — confirm hours, age rules, and ticket prices before you go.
View detailsFallsKY
Gabes Branch Falls
Gabes Branch Falls lies in Kentucky. Accessed by unmarked dirt roads that wind through dense Appalachian forest, the journey itself sets the tone.
View detailsRiverKY
Licking River
Winding through the rolling hills of northern Kentucky, the Licking River is one of the region's most beloved and unspoiled waterways. Fed by countless tributaries and shaped by centuries of geological change, this river has served as a gathering place for communities.
View detailsLakeKY
Pickle Fork
Sitting along the shores of Paintsville Lake, this entirely undeveloped, unofficial spot draws visitors with its dramatic cliff faces, clear lake water, and the kind of deep Appalachian quiet that's getting harder and harder to find.
View detailsBay - QuarryKY
Rock Quarry
Rock Quarry near Paducah, KY is a free quarry swimming hole on Pisgah Bay (Kentucky Lake) in the Land Between the Lakes area — boat or hike in, scout depth before any jump.
View detailsRiverKY
Red River Gorge Swimming Holes
Red River Gorge swimming holes in eastern Kentucky offer free sandstone creek and river pools amid cliff country. Informal access — check depth; many spots require short hikes.
View detailsCreekKY
Short Creek
Short Creek near the Somerset / London corridor in Kentucky is a cold, spring-fed limestone creek swimming hole. Free informal access — very cold water year-round.
View detailsCreekKY
Temple Hill Area
Temple Hill Area near Bowling Green, Kentucky is a creek swimming spot on Skagg's Creek. What people come for: Two distinct swimming spots: Happy Hollow and Lion’s Club Park; Clear, refreshing waters of Skagg’s Creek. You will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring through early summer. Always enter unknown water feet-first.
View detailsLarge creekLA
Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area
Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area in Kisatchie National Forest near Provencal and Natchitoches, Louisiana has sandstone creek swimming and day-use sites. Forest parking / day-use fees typically apply — confirm USFS rules.
View detailsCreek/RiverLA
Oberlin Louisiana Swimming Holes
Fed by the cool, moving waters of Whisky Chitto Creek. These unofficial spots have been drawing locals for generations, passed down through word of mouth rather than tourist brochures.
View detailsRiverLA
Toledo Bend
Toledo Bend is a river swimming spot on Sabine River near Alexandria, Louisiana. What people come for: Clear, swift waters ideal for swimming; Sandstone boulders and rock ledges. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in March to June. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for hiking on uneven and potentially slippery rock terrain.
View detailsBrook /FallsMAClosed
Bash Bish Falls
Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington, Massachusetts is the state’s highest twin waterfall — a scenic hike and viewpoint in Bash Bish Falls State Park. Swimming and entering the water are prohibited; stay in designated viewing areas.
View detailsRiverMA
Bellevue Falls
Bellevue Falls near Belchertown / western Massachusetts is a free cascade swimming hole with rocky pools. Slippery rock and variable flow — no lifeguards; pack out trash.
View detailsRiverMA
Buck River
Buck River near Springfield, Massachusetts is a river swimming spot on Buck River. What people come for: Natural rock slide; Clear, refreshing water. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsMA
Cummington
Cummington Beach / Westfield River swimming near Cummington, Massachusetts is a free river swimming hole popular in the Hilltowns. Rocky bottom; check flow after storms.
View detailsPondMA
Dean Pond
Dean Pond near western Massachusetts is a free pond swimming spot used by locals for summer cooling. Informal access — confirm local rules and water quality before swimming.
View detailsKettle PondMA
Duck Pond
Carved by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. Sits in an untouched natural setting where the loudest sounds you're likely to hear are birdsong and the soft lap of clear water against a sandy shore.
View detailsCreekMA
Glendale Falls
Glendale Falls near Middlefield, Massachusetts is a free cascade swimming hole with dramatic waterfall pools in the Hilltowns. Slippery rock and strong flow after rain — no lifeguards.
View detailsBrookMA
Granville Gorge
Granville Gorge in western Massachusetts near Southwick and Granville has brook-fed gorge pools and cascades with free roadside access. Rocks are slippery; check flow after storms before swimming.
View detailsRiverMA
Greenfield Area
Greenfield Area is a river swimming spot on Green River near Greenfield, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear water; Accessible location. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. No lifeguard service is indicated.
View detailsRiverMA
Green River Swimming Spots In Great Barrington
Green River Swimming Spots In Great Barrington lies in Massachusetts. Flowing quietly through the pastoral farmland of Great Barrington in the southern Berkshires, the Green River is one of those places that feels like a genuine secret.
View detailsPondMA
Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park lies in Massachusetts, where Hawksnest Pond moves through a wooded corridor. This completely undeveloped wild spot surrounds Hawksnest Pond, a serene freshwater pond cradled by dense forest.
View detailsVaries-see belowMA
Huntington Region Swimming Holes
The Westfield River and its tributaries carve through forested hillsides and ancient rock formations, creating a spectrum of spots that range from a welcoming family beach at a managed state park to wild, hidden gorge pools that reward the adventurous.
View detailsRiverMA
Ipswich River
No crowds, no lifeguards, no snack bars. Just the soft murmur of a river moving through a wooded landscape that hasn't changed much in centuries.
View detailsPondMA
Leominster State Forest
Here, a natural freshwater pond sits cradled by dense forest, offering a cool, shaded retreat that feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby cities.
View detailsBrookMA
Margaret Lindley Park
Margaret Lindley Park is a brook swimming spot on Hemlock Brook near Williamstown, Massachusetts. What people come for: Cool, clear waters of Hemlock Brook; Accessible location near cultural landmarks. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth and current before entering.
View detailsPondMA
Micahs Pond
Micahs Pond is a pond swimming spot on Micah's Pond near Hyannis, Massachusetts. What people come for: Refreshing rope swing experience; Crystal-clear freshwater. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. There are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverMA
Mount Hope Park
Mount Hope Park lies in Massachusetts, where Green River At Hopper Brook moves through a wooded corridor. Situated where the Green River meets Hopper Brook, this unofficial .
View detailsRiverMA
Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes In Western Massachusetts
Mohawk State Forest Swimming Holes in Western Massachusetts is a river swimming spot near Greenfield, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Scenic forest trails. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always check water conditions.
View detailsDamMA
Orange Dam
There are no entrance fees, no ticket booths, and no crowds of strangers in matching swimsuits. Just the river, the trees, and the unhurried rhythm of a summer afternoon in the Pioneer Valley.
View detailsPondMA
Puffers Pond
Puffers Pond near Amherst, Massachusetts is a pond swimming spot on Puffers Pond. What people come for: Crystal-clear water for swimming; Seasonal foliage for stunning views. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Check water conditions yourself before entering.
View detailsLakeMA
Punchbowl
Punchbowl is a lake swimming spot on Punchbowl Lake near Falmouth, Massachusetts. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Rope swing adventure. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Inspect the rope swing and landing area for safety before each use.
View detailsFallsMA
Royalston Falls
Royalston Falls lies in Massachusetts, where Falls Brook moves through a wooded corridor. A dramatic 50-foot waterfall plunges through a granite gorge carved by Falls Brook, sending up a cool mist that hangs in the air and clings to the moss-covered walls around it.
View detailsFallsMA
Umpachene Falls
Umpachene Falls on the Mill River in New Marlborough / Southfield, Massachusetts is a free cascading waterfall swim with clear pools. Family-friendly Berkshire Hilltowns spot — rocks are slippery.
View detailsPondMA
Upper Goose Pond
This unofficial freshwater gem sits along one of America's most beloved long-distance trails, offering a rare combination of athletic purpose and pure, unhurried relaxation.
View detailsPondMA
Walden Pond State Reservation
Walden Pond State Resreve is a pond swimming spot on Walden Pond near Boston, Massachusetts. What people come for: Historical significance tied to Henry David Thoreau; Crystal-clear waters. Expect a fee of about $5.00, and you will find restrooms, camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Swim only in designated areas and be aware of your surroundings in the water.
View detailsCreek and LakeMA
Windsor State Forest
Windsor State Forest lies in Massachusetts, where Westfield River/Steep Bank Brook moves through a wooded corridor. Ancient hemlocks crowd the ridgelines, ferns carpet the forest floor, and the sound of rushing water follows you down nearly every trail.
View detailsQuarryMD
Beaver Dam
Beaver Dam lies in Maryland, where Quarry moves through a wooded corridor. What was once a working marble quarry has transformed over generations into a crystalline freshwater oasis.
View detailsRiver (Tidal)MD
Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach, Kent County MD — free sandy swim beach on the Sassafras River / upper Chesapeake. Seasonal lifeguards Thu–Sun; bathhouse and pavilion amenities.
View detailsCreekMD
Camp Harding Park
The creek winds through a corridor of overhanging trees and native vegetation, carving out a cool, clear refuge from the summer heat. This isn't a managed beach or a designated swim zone.
View detailsLakeMD
Cascade Lake
Cascade Lake near Westminster, Maryland is a lake swimming spot. What people come for: Family-friendly activities; Scenic countryside location. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in Summer. Check the official website for any water quality advisories or facility closures before visiting.
View detailsWaterfallMD
Cunningham Falls State Park
Cunningham Falls S. P. near Frederick, Maryland is a waterfall swimming spot. What people come for: Maryland's largest cascading waterfall; 43-acre man-made lake. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. Water conditions are unknown.
View detailsBayMD
Elk Neck State Park
Near Wilmington (De) in Maryland, Elk Neck S.P. Perched at the southern tip of a wooded peninsula where the Elk River meets the upper Chesapeake Bay, Elk Neck State Park is one of Maryland's most quietly rewarding waterfront destinations.
View detailsBayMD
Ferry Park
Ferry Park near Chestertown, Maryland is a bay swimming spot on Chesapeake Bay. What people come for: Chesapeake Bay swimming; Stunning sunsets. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Supervise children closely near the water at all times.
View detailsCreekMD
Green Ridge State Forest Swimming Spots
Green Ridge State Forest sprawls across more than 46,000 acres in the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachians, and it shows. Steep forested ridges give way to narrow hollows carved by streams, and exposed sandstone and shale formations jut from the hillsides like the bones of the land itself.
View detailsCreek/RiverMD
Gunpowder Falls State Park Central Swimming Areas
Gunpowder Falls State Park Central Swimming Areas is a creek swimming spot near Baltimore, Maryland. What people come for: Natural swimming at Long Green Creek; Unique geological features. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring. Always enter unknown water feet-first.
View detailsCreekMD
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hereford Area Swimming Holes
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hereford Area Swimming Holes lies in Maryland, where Big Gunpowder Creek moves through a wooded corridor. The Big Gunpowder Creek winds through a dramatic river corridor flanked by hemlocks, sycamores, and rhododendron thickets, carving out a series of deep, cold pools.
View detailsLakeMDClosed
Loch Raven
A guide to the unofficial Loch Raven “swimming hole” near Baltimore, MD — hiking access, parking, safety, and why swimming is prohibited in this drinking-water reservoir.
View detailsCreekMD
Meadowside
You won't find crowds, snack bars, or roped-off swim zones here. Just the sound of moving water, the rustle of leaves overhead, and the kind of unhurried peace that's increasingly hard to come by this close to a major metropolitan area.
View detailsRiverMD
Patapsco Valley State Park Swimming Holes
Patapsco Valley State Park Swimming Holes is a river swimming spot on South Branch Patapsco River near Baltimore, Maryland. What people come for: Deep swimming spots at Sykesville; Rope swing at Henryton. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June-August. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverMD
Potomac State Forest Swimming Holes, Maryland
Potomac State Forest Swimming Holes, Maryland near Oakland, Maryland is a river swimming spot on Potomac River & tributaries. What people come for: Crystal-clear swimming holes in Potomac River tributaries; Scenic cascades and deep natural pools. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in May through September. Always assess water conditions.
View detailsCreekMD
Rocks State Park Swimming Holes, Maryland
Deer Creek winds through the park like a living ribbon, cold and clear, carving out a series of . The park offers not just one spot but three distinct places to get into the water, each with its own personality and appeal.
View detailsFountainMD
Silver Spring Kids Fountain
Silver Spring Kids Fountain is a free interactive splash plaza in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland — water jets for kids, not a natural swimming hole. Open seasonally in the urban plaza near Metro, shops, and restaurants.
View detailsWaterfalls/River/CreekMD
Swallow Falls State Park Swimming Spots
Swallow Falls State Park Swimming Spots is a waterfalls swimming spot on Youghiogheny River/Muddy Creek/Tolliver Run near Oakland, Maryland. What people come for: Maryland's tallest waterfall; Rope swings over natural pools. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Always scout water depth and check for submerged hazards like logs and rocks before jumping or diving.
View detailsRiverME
Bristol Dam
Bristol Dam swimming hole in Bristol, Maine is a free small-town dam pool popular for summer cooling. Informal local access — scout depth; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverME
Carrabassett River Valley Swimming Holes
Carrabassett River Valley Swimming Holes lies in Maine, where South Branch Carrabassett River moves through a wooded corridor. Scattered along one of western Maine's most scenic drives, the swimming area.
View detailsRiverME
Cold River Swimming Holes Of Western Maine
Cold River swimming holes in western Maine near Bethel and Gilead include emerald pools like Rattlesnake and Emerald Pool. Hike-in clear water, slippery rock, and serious jump hazards — test depth every time.
View detailsFallsME
Gulf Hagas Wilderness Swimming Spots
Deep in the forested heart of Maine's North Woods, Gulf Hagas earns its nickname. With every step you take along its slate-walled gorge.
View detailsFallsME
Houston Brook Falls
No crowds, no snack bars, no parking lot noise. Just the roar of falling water, the smell of pine and cold stone, and the particular quiet that only deep Maine woods can offer.
View detailsCoveME
Lakewood
Though it sits technically within the boundaries of Acadia National Park, this unofficial cove on Lake Wood requires no entry fee. Making it a beloved local secret and a genuine gift to budget-conscious adventurers and families alike.
View detailsPondME
Leigh's Mill Pond
An impoundment of the Great Works River, this unofficial freshwater . There are no snack bars, no roped-off swim zones, no lifeguards on duty.
View detailsRiverME
Long Dam
Accessible via gravel roads and a short hike, this unofficial riverside spot sits along a gentle bend in the river where the current slows and the water pools into something irresistible on a warm summer afternoon.
View detailsFallsME
Moxie Falls
Standing at the edge of the viewing area, you hear Moxie Falls before you see it. A deep, resonant roar that rises through the trees like a distant thunderstorm growing closer with every step.
View detailsPond (Freshwater)ME
Roque Bluffs State Park
Roque Bluffs State Park lies in Maine. The park sits on a peninsula that juts into the cold Atlantic, where bold rocky headlands overlook Englishman Bay and the forest presses right down to the shore.
View detailsRiverME
Royal River
Royal River is a river swimming spot on Royal River near Yarmouth, Maine. What people come for: Cool, clear waters ideal for swimming; Thrilling rope swing. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to October. Test the water depth and check for submerged objects before jumping or using the rope swing.
View detailsRiver (Tidal)ME
Reid State Park Coastal Swimming Destinations
Reid State Park Coastal Swimming Destinations is a river (tidal) swimming spot near Portland, Maine. What people come for: Coastal swimming spots; Unverified Robinhood Cove mystery. You will find picnic areas. Best visited in June through August. Check tide charts and be aware of strong currents and undertows common in coastal and tidal river areas.
View detailsRiverME
Route 25 Maine River Swimming Holes
Strung between the towns of Portland, Standish, East Limington, and Porter, this corridor follows two of Maine's most beloved rivers. Offering a refreshing, crowd-free alternative to the state's busier beaches.
View detailsVaries, see belowME
Rumford Maine Swimming Holes
Fed by the Swift River, the Ellis River, and the cool expanse of Lake Anasagunticook, these unofficial spots draw locals and wandering adventurers alike to their rocky banks each summer.
View detailsRiverME
Salmon Falls
Salmon Falls lies in Maine, where Saco River moves through a wooded corridor. This unofficial, undeveloped .
View detailsRiverME
Sandy River
No crowds, no entrance kiosks, no overhead announcements. Just the sound of water moving over river stones, the rustle of trees overhead, and the kind of easy afternoon that feels like it belongs to another era.
View detailsFallsME
Smalls Falls
Smalls Falls lies in Maine, where Sandy River moves through a wooded corridor. A well-marked rest area off Maine Route 4 delivers you almost directly to the water's edge, where a series of four cascading waterfalls tumble through rust-colored gorge walls into emerald-green pools below.
View detailsFallsME
The Ledges
The Ledges near Wilmington / southwestern Maine is a free rocky river swimming hole with jump spots. Scout every landing; depth changes after rain and there are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverME
Weston's Beach
Weston'S Beach is a river swimming spot on Saco River near Fryeburg, Maine. What people come for: Sandy riverside beach; Clear, refreshing water. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. The Saco River has a current.
View detailsRiverME
Woolen Mill Hole
Woolen Mill Hole lies in Maine, where Sandy River moves through a wooded corridor. If you're looking for the Maine that locals actually live in, this is a good place to start.
View detailsRiverME
Frenchman's Hole
Frenchman's Hole on the Swift River in Byron, Maine — free cliff-lined swimming hole popular with Rangeley / Rumford day trips. Cold mountain water, jump rocks, and busy summer weekends; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverMI
Farquar-metsa Park
The kind of landscape that makes you feel genuinely far from the rest of the world, even if you arrived by car just minutes ago. The Upper Peninsula has a way of slowing everything down, and Farquar-Metsa Park is no exception.
View detailsQuarryMI
Jamison Road Quarry
Jamison Road Quarry lies in Michigan. The rugged stone walls that once echoed with the sounds of machinery now rise above still, clear water, draped at their edges with encroaching greenery.
View detailsFallsMI
Ocqueoc Falls
Set along the gentle, winding Ocqueoc River, the falls spill over broad shelves of pale limestone in a series of low, approachable cascades that feel less dramatic than a canyon waterfall and more like the land itself exhaling.
View detailsRiverMI
Palmer Park
Clair, Michigan, Palmer Park is one of those local gems that residents guard with quiet pride. This unofficial riverside spot offers something harder to find in the Great Lakes region: uncomplicated, direct access to a genuinely beautiful body of moving water.
View detailsLakeMI
Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake in Pinckney Recreation Area near Ann Arbor, Michigan has a small beach and clear kettle-lake swimming when the recreation area is open. A Michigan Recreation Passport or day pass is required for parking.
View detailsLakeMI
Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a lake swimming spot on Lake Superior. What people come for: Stunning sandstone cliffs with colorful mineral streaks; Clear, refreshing waters of Lake Superior. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Autumn. Lake Superior is powerful and cold.
View detailsRiverMI
Sleeping Bear
Sleeping Bear lies in Michigan, where Platte River moves through a wooded corridor. Where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan, something quietly magical happens.
View detailsQuarry PondsMI
The Ponds
The Ponds lies in Michigan, where Quarry Ponds moves through a wooded corridor. What was once an industrial landscape has been reclaimed by nature.
View detailsRiver/FallsMN
Lester Park
Here, Amity Creek and the Lester River carve their way through ancient volcanic rock, shaping natural pools and tumbling over waterfalls that have drawn swimmers, hikers, and picnickers for generations.
View detailsQuarryMN
Quarry Park
Quarry Park is a quarry swimming spot on Quarry near Minneapolis, Minnesota. What people come for: Crystal-clear quarry pools; Cliff jumping adventures. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Check water depth and for submerged objects before jumping or diving.
View detailsFallsMN
Silver Bay North Shore Swimming Spots
The stretch of Minnesota's North Shore highway running north of Duluth is one of the great American scenic corridors. A rugged ribbon of boreal forest, volcanic rock, and Lake Superior's cold blue expanse.
View detailsRiverMN
St. Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis
Croix River Swimming Spots Near Minneapolis lies in Minnesota. Forming the natural border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St.
View detailsCreekMO
Cherry Corner Access
Cherry Corner Access near Joplin, Missouri is a creek swimming spot on Shoal Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Rope swing for adventurous fun. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Spring. Test water depth carefully before jumping or swinging.
View detailsRiverMO
Crighton Access
It's unofficial, unhurried, and refreshingly undeveloped. A stretch of natural riverbank where the water does the talking and the crowds stay away.
View detailsVaries-see belowMO
Mark Twain National Forest Swimming Holes, Missouri
Spread across the rolling hills and river hollows of the Missouri Ozarks, the Mark Twain National Forest is one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets for natural swimming.
View detailsWaterfallMO
Rocky Falls
Rocky Falls in Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, Missouri is a free NPS shut-in cascade and plunge pool on Rocky Creek — not Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Short walk from the picnic parking area; vault toilets and tables on site; slippery rhyolite rock.
View detailsCreekMS
Bluff Creek Park
Bluff Creek Park near Biloxi, Mississippi is a creek swimming spot on Bluff Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming; Surrounded by lush hardwood and pine forests. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always supervise children closely near and in the water.
View detailsRiverMS
Bogue Chitto Water Park
Its name rooted in the Choctaw language, meaning roughly "big creek". Winds lazily through a canopy of hardwoods and riverside vegetation, carving out sandy banks that feel tailor-made for bare feet and long summer afternoons.
View detailsCreekMS
Black Creek Swimming Holes, Mississippi
Winding through the heart of Mississippi's De Soto National Forest, Black Creek moves at its own unhurried pace. Dark with tannins from surrounding pine and hardwood forests, cool enough on a summer afternoon to make you catch your breath, and clear enough to watch your feet sink into white sand.
View detailsCreek/FallsMS
Clark Creek Natural Area
Clark Creek Natural Area near Woodville, MS — $2/person access to 50+ waterfalls and creek pools on steep loess trails. Directions from McComb and what to bring.
View detailsSpring-fed lakeMS
Clear Springs
Fed by a genuine spring, the lake lives up to its name. The water is genuinely, strikingly clear, offering a cool and refreshing contrast to Mississippi's warm, humid summers.
View detailsCreekMS
Dunns Falls Water Park
The park is anchored by a stretch of Chunky Creek. A clear, gentle waterway that has been drawing visitors to its banks since long before the park was ever officially designated.
View detailsRiver/FallsMS
Mendenhall Region Swimming Spots
Merit Water Park and D'Lo Water Park sit an easy day trip from one another, each with its own personality. One a creek-carved wonderland of sculpted rock, the other a wide river bend with enough current to make you feel genuinely alive.
View detailsCreekMS
Okatoma Creek
Okatoma Creek near Seminary, Mississippi is a popular creek swim and float stretch. Public access is at the Hwy 590 / East Main Street bridge landing — not residential side streets.
View detailsFallsMS
Owens Creek Falls
Owens Creek Falls in Mississippi is a free cascade swimming hole with clear pools. Informal access — slippery rock; no lifeguards.
View detailsCreekMS
Perk Beach
Sitting along the banks of Red Creek near the small community of Perkinston, this informal natural . If you're willing to navigate the back roads to find it, the reward is genuinely worth the effort.
View detailsLake/Creek/RiverMS
Presleys Outing
Presleys Outing is a lake swimming spot on Goodes Mill Lake, Franklin Creek, Escatawpa River near Mobile, Mississippi. What people come for: Accessible swimming areas in Goodes Mill Lake; Activities like kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. Check local water conditions and weather forecasts before visiting, as currents can vary.
View detailsPondMS
Shongelo
Set among towering pines and hardwoods that define this corner of the Deep South, the recreation area centers on a peaceful pond that gleams through the tree line like a secret the forest has been keeping.
View detailsRiverMS
Strong River
Located near the bridge crossing on MS Route 18, close to the quiet town of Puckett, this unofficial, undeveloped stretch of river offers a genuinely rustic escape from the summer heat.
View detailsRiverMS
Wolf River
Wolf River swimming spots in southern Mississippi offer free informal sandy-bottom river swimming and floating. Currents vary — wear a PFD when floating and respect private property.
View detailsFamily owned, huge warm spring swimming area.MT
Gigantic Warm Springs
Here, thermal spring water wells up from the earth and fills a spacious . The Setting Montana's central heartland stretches out in every direction.
View detailsLake/CreekMT
Glacier National Park Swimming Spots
Glacier National Park Swimming Spots near Missoula, Montana is a lake swimming spot on Lake McDonald, McDonald Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear alpine waters; Pebble beaches along Lake McDonald. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find parking. Best visited in spring. The water is extremely cold year-round.
View detailsVaries - see belowMT
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots
Great Falls Montana Swimming Spots near Great Falls, Montana is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Sandy beach and dock; Calm Missouri River waters. Access is free. Best visited in June through August. The Missouri River has variable and often strong currents.
View detailsCreek/FallsMT
Mill Creek Falls
Mill Creek Falls near Missoula, Montana is a creek swimming spot on Mill Creek. What people come for: Clear freshwater pool fed by a waterfall; Moderate hiking trail through Bitterroot National Forest. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in Autumn. Creek flow can be swift, especially in spring.
View detailsRiverMT
Yaak Falls Campground
Yaak Falls Campground is a river swimming spot on Yaak River near Couer D'Alene (ID), Montana. What people come for: Serene Yaak River pools; Rustic 7-site campground. You will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. The river current can be strong and water is cold year-round.
View detailsFalls.NC
Big Laurel Falls
Big Laurel Falls near Fontana and Robbinsville, North Carolina is a free cascade swimming hole in the Nantahala National Forest area. Short hike to clear pools; rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverNC
Bullhole
Bullhole lies in North Carolina, where South Fork Yadkin River moves through a wooded corridor. The South Fork Yadkin River carves a scenic corridor through the North Carolina Piedmont, and at Bullhole, it reveals one of its most photogenic stretches.
View detailsFalls, Creek, LakeNC
Bear Creek And Wolf Creek Lakes Swimming Spots
These two mountain lakes sit inside the sprawling Nantahala National Forest, shielded from the outside world by dense hardwood canopy, ridgeline silhouettes, and the kind of quiet that settles over you like a second skin.
View detailsFalls, CreekNC
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots lies in North Carolina. Fed by cold, clear mountain streams tumbling down ancient ridgelines, Big Creek and its tributary Mouse Creek offer a string of .
View detailsCreekNC
Big Laurel Creek Swimming Spots In Western North Carolina
Big Laurel Creek Swimming Spots in Western North Carolina is a creek swimming spot on Big Laurel Creek near Asheville, North Carolina. What people come for: Three distinct swimming holes; Rope swing adventure. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Always assess water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsVaries - see belowNC
Boone Region Swimming Holes
Boone Region Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Boone, North Carolina. What people come for: Winklers Creek with rope swing; Trash Can Falls with a natural water slide. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Always check water depth before jumping.
View detailsVaries, see belowNC
Cashiers Region Waterfall Swimming Holes
Cashiers Region Waterfall Swimming Holes near Asheville, North Carolina is a natural swimming spot. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Submerged rocks and variable depths make it extremely hazardous.
View detailsCreekNC
Deep Creek Swimming Spots In Asheville And Bryson City
Deep Creek Swimming Spots in Asheville and Bryson City near Asheville, North Carolina is a creek swimming spot on Deep Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and tubing; Lush forest setting within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May through September. Wear sturdy water shoes to protect feet from the rocky creek bottom.
View detailsFallsNC
Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc
DuPont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western NC is a falls swimming spot on Little River near Asheville, North Carolina. What people come for: Easy access to six waterfalls and swimming holes; Cool, clear mountain water. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and parking. Best visited in May-September. Rocks are extremely slippery.
View detailsWaterfallNC
Elk River Falls
A 50-foot curtain of whitewater thunders over ancient Appalachian rock and crashes into a wide, deep pool below. The kind of scene that stops you mid-step and makes you reach for your camera before you even think about your swimsuit.
View detailsRiverNC
Elk Shoals
Elk Shoals on the South Fork New River near Jefferson / West Jefferson, North Carolina is a free rocky river swimming and tubing spot. Popular on hot weekends — arrive early for parking.
View detailsRiver/QuarryNC
Eno River Swimming Spots In North Carolina
West Point on the Eno (5101 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC) is CLOSED July 2026–January 2027 for renovations — no public vehicle or pedestrian access. Use nearby Eno Quarry and Eno River State Park swim accesses instead; confirm Durham Parks before you drive.
View detailsLake BeachesNC
Falls Lake S. R. A.
Falls Lake State Recreation Area near Raleigh / Durham, North Carolina has multiple lake swim beaches and day-use areas. North Carolina State Parks fees apply — confirm ncparks.gov for beach status.
View detailsCreek/Falls.NC
Fires Creek Region Swimming Spots
Fires Creek Region Swimming Spots lies in North Carolina. Cold, crystalline water rushes through forested hollows, mossy boulders frame natural pools, and the sound of the creek becomes the only soundtrack you need.
View detailsRiver BeachNC
Goose Creek State Park
Goose Creek S. P. is a river beach swimming spot on Pamlico River near Rocky Mount, North Carolina. What people come for: Refreshing swimming in the Pamlico River; Diverse ecosystems with rich wildlife. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. No lifeguard is mentioned as being on duty.
View detailsRiver Water ParkNC
Green Springs Water Park
Green Springs Water Park near New Bern, North Carolina is a river water park swimming spot on Neuse River. What people come for: Thrilling zip lines and rope swings; Relaxing swimming areas in the Neuse River. Best visited in Summer. Always check river conditions, including current strength and water depth, before entering.
View detailsFallsNCClosed
Hickory Nut Falls
Hickory Nut Falls near Chimney Rock / Lake Lure, North Carolina is a tall cliff waterfall viewed from Chimney Rock State Park. Park admission is required; swimming at the falls base is not a free roadside wild swim — follow park rules.
View detailsNatural hot spring water in fiberglass hot tubsNC
Hot Springs Resort
It's something rarer and more restorative. Natural mineral-rich water, geothermally heated far below the surface, is channeled directly into private fiberglass hot tubs where you can soak at your own pace, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Southern Appalachians.
View detailsRiverNC
Linville Gorge Area
Carved over millennia by the relentless force of the Linville River, Linville Gorge has earned its nickname. This federally designated wilderness in western North Carolina plunges more than 2,000 feet from rim to riverbed, walling the water in with towering quartzite cliffs that glow amber and swimming.
View detailsRiverNC
Little Uwaharrie River
Far removed from the buzz of Charlotte and Greensboro, this unofficial . A stretch of river where the water runs clear, the forest closes in around you, and the only soundtrack is moving water over smooth stones.
View detailsVaries - see belowNC
Lake James Region Swimming Spots
Lake James region swimming near Morganton, Marion, and Nebo, North Carolina includes Lake James State Park beaches plus nearby creek and waterfall pools. State park day-use fees apply at park accesses; other spots vary.
View detailsWaterfalls, PoolsNC
Looking Glass Rock Swimming Spots, Asheville-brevard Nc
Looking Glass Rock Swimming Spots, Asheville-Brevard Nc lies in North Carolina. These are unofficial, locally cherished places where cold mountain water tumbles over ancient stone into shaded pools, offering a kind of refreshment that no resort pool can replicate.
View detailsRiverNC
Mount Mitchell South Toe River Swimming Holes
South Toe River swimming holes near Mount Mitchell and Burnsville, North Carolina offer cold mountain-river pools with free informal access. Check flow after storms; parking can be limited on summer weekends.
View detailsRiver BeachNC
Neuse River
Neuse River lies in North Carolina. Forest Service as an official .
View detailsCreekNC
New Hope Creek
New Hope Creek near Durham, North Carolina is a creek swimming spot on New Hope Creek. What people come for: Towering bluffs and rocky outcroppings; Cool, refreshing waters. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in March to June. Water conditions are not monitored.
View detailsRiverNC
North Mills River
North Mills River is a river swimming spot on North Fork Mills River near Asheville, North Carolina. What people come for: Refreshing river water perfect for swimming and tubing; Located in Pisgah National Forest with lush surroundings. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June-August. This is an unofficial, unsupervised swimming area with no lifeguards.
View detailsVaries (see below)NC
Nantahala Gorge Swimming Spots
Nantahala Gorge Swimming Spots lies in North Carolina. The Nantahala River and its tributaries carve through ancient rock beneath a cathedral canopy of hemlocks and rhododendrons, creating pockets of clear, cold water that feel worlds away from the ordinary.
View detailsCreekNC
Rocky Bluff
The creek carves through ancient stone, polishing the rock into smooth, sweeping formations that funnel water into a series of cool, clear pools.
View detailsFallsNC
South Mountains State Park
South Mountains S. P. is a falls swimming spot on Jacob Fork near Asheville, North Carolina. What people come for: Jacob Fork's refreshing swimming pools; 80-foot High Shoals Falls. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring to early fall. Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction for the rocky, uneven trail with stairs.
View detailsRiver / waterfall poolsNC
Sunburst
Sunburst swimming hole / Sunburst Falls on NC 215 near Waynesville — West Fork Pigeon River pools under the stone arch bridge in Pisgah National Forest. Free access; tiny pull-off parking.
View detailsWaterfallNC
Sapphire Valley Swimming Holes
Sapphire Valley Swimming Holes near Asheville, North Carolina is a waterfall swimming spot on Horsepature River. What people come for: Turtleback Falls sliding adventure; Rainbow Falls' serene swimming pool. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Water conditions change rapidly.
View detailsNatural waterslide / plunge poolNC
Sliding Rock Swimming Area In Pisgah National Forest
Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC — a 60-foot natural rock slide into a deep mountain pool on Looking Glass Creek. Summer fee, hours, and US 276 parking tips.
View detailsFallsNC
Stone Mountain State Natural Area Swimming Holes
Stone Mountain State Natural Area Swimming Holes lies in North Carolina, where Big Sandy Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Along Big Sandy Creek and its tributaries, a series of waterfalls carve their way through ancient granite, creating cool, clear pools and a natural rock slide that draws.
View detailsLakeNC
White Lake
White Lake is a managed spring-fed swimming lake near Fayetteville and Elizabethtown, NC — clear, current-free water, sandy bottom, parking fees, and family-friendly beaches.
View detailsFallsNC
Wildcat Falls
This is the kind of place that feels earned. A hidden gem where the sound of rushing water grows louder with every step, building anticipation until the falls finally reveal themselves in a breathtaking cascade of white water and green moss.
View detailsWaterfallsNC
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes In North Carolina
Wilson Creek Swimming Holes in North Carolina is a waterfalls swimming spot on Wilson Creek and tributaries near Asheville, North Carolina. What people come for: Hunt Fish Falls with dual waterfalls; Gragg Prong’s secluded swimming spots. Access is free, and you will find camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Always check water levels and weather forecasts.
View detailsLakeNC
Buddle Creek Swim Area
Buddle Creek Swim Area on High Rock Lake near Lexington, North Carolina is a free public boat-access beach with a boom-marked swim zone — not a hidden mountain creek. No lifeguards; check Yadkin Riverkeeper / Swim Guide bacteria results in summer before you go.
View detailsLakeND
Lake Metigoshe State Park
Lake Metigoshe State Park near Bottineau, North Dakota — designated swim beach in the Turtle Mountains near the Canadian border. Fees, hours, and rentals.
View detailsReservoirND
Lake Sakakawea State Park
Lake Sakakawea State Park near Pick City, North Dakota — swim beach on the third-largest man-made reservoir in the US, beside Garrison Dam. Fees and access.
View detailsReservoirND
Fort Stevenson State Park
Fort Stevenson State Park near Garrison, North Dakota — north-shore Lake Sakakawea swim beach, two marinas, and rentals in the "Walleye Capital" of the state.
View detailsLakeND
Icelandic State Park
Icelandic State Park near Cavalier, North Dakota — Lake Renwick swim beach under old oaks, plus North Dakota’s first state nature preserve. Fees and access.
View detailsLakeND
Grahams Island State Park
Grahams Island State Park on Devils Lake, North Dakota — wooded island swim beach on a world-class walleye fishery. Fees, hours, and shoreline conditions.
View detailsReservoirND
Lake Ashtabula
Lake Ashtabula near Valley City, North Dakota — three designated Army Corps swimming areas on a Sheyenne River reservoir with seven recreation areas.
View detailsReservoirNE
Lake Mcconaughy State Recreation Area
Lake McConaughy near Ogallala, Nebraska — white-sand beaches and clear water on the state’s largest reservoir. Beach access, park permits, and swimming tips for "Big Mac."
View detailsRiverNE
Smith Falls State Park
Smith Falls State Park near Valentine, Nebraska — wade and swim the Niobrara National Scenic River beneath the state’s tallest waterfall. Permits, tubing, and access.
View detailsLakeNE
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area west of Fremont, Nebraska — 20 sandpit lakes with buoyed swimming areas, camping, and water skiing an easy drive from Omaha.
View detailsLakeNE
Louisville State Recreation Area
Louisville State Recreation Area near Omaha, Nebraska — designated swim beach on Lake No. 2 plus a lifeguarded floating playground. Hours, permits, and rentals.
View detailsLakeNE
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
Two Rivers State Recreation Area west of Omaha, Nebraska — swim beach on Lake No. 4, trout lake, and Union Pacific caboose cabins. Permits, seasons, and access.
View detailsReservoirNE
Calamus Reservoir State Recreation Area
Calamus Reservoir near Burwell, Nebraska — sandy Sandhills shorelines with open swimming, three campgrounds, and standout walleye fishing. Permits and access.
View detailsRiverNH
(merr)
This is the kind of place locals have known about for generations, passed along by word of mouth rather than glossy tourism brochures. The Merrimack River here moves with the quiet authority of a waterway that has shaped this region for centuries.
View detailsCreekNH
Beard Creek
Beard Creek is a creek swimming spot on Beard Creek near Hillsboro, New Hampshire. What people come for: Clear, cool waters ideal for swimming; Scenic views with forested surroundings. You will find restrooms. Best visited in Summer. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before entering.
View detailsVaries-see belowNH
Campton Region Swimming Spots
Campton Region Swimming Spots lies in New Hampshire, where Varies-See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Spread across state and national forest lands near the towns of Plymouth and Campton, three distinct destinations.
View detailsVariousNH
Conway White Mountains Swimming Holes
Conway White Mountains Swimming Holes is a various swimming spot on Various near Conway, New Hampshire. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Diverse swimming spots. Access is free, and you will find restrooms. Best visited in June to August. Always assess water conditions for depth, current, and submerged obstacles before entering.
View detailsFallsNH
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes
Crawford Notch Region Swimming Holes lies in New Hampshire, where Varies, See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Threading along Route 302 through a dramatic glacial valley hemmed in by granite walls and old-growth forest, this corridor offers everything from a quick roadside dip to a full.
View detailsBrookNH
Falling Waters
Falling Waters lies in New Hampshire, where Dry Brook moves through a wooded corridor. A corridor of granite ridges, boreal forest, and crystalline mountain water that draws visitors in every season for good reason.
View detailsRiverNH
Gorham White Mountains Swimming Spots
Gorham White Mountains Swimming Spots is a river swimming spot near Gorham, New Hampshire. What people come for: Cool freshwater swimming; Surrounded by White Mountain views. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. Always test water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsVariousNH
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Swimming Holes
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Swimming Holes near Conway, New Hampshire is a various swimming spot on Various. What people come for: Crystal-clear natural pools; Thrilling rock slides. Expect a fee of about $5.00, and you will find picnic areas and parking. Best visited in June through August. Always scout the water entry and exit points before getting in.
View detailsVaries (see below)NH
Lincoln Region Swimming Holes
Lincoln Region Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Lincoln, New Hampshire. What people come for: Family-friendly swimming at Crystal Cascade; Secluded natural pools at Georgiana Falls. Access is free. Best visited in Fall. Always assess water depth and current before entering.
View detailsRiverNH
Merrimack River
Merrimack River is a river swimming spot in New Hampshire. What people come for: Cool, clear waters perfect for swimming; Rich industrial and Indigenous history. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in Spring. Always wear a USCG-approved life jacket when on or near the water.
View detailsVariousNH
North Conway Swimming Holes In White Mountain National Forest
North Conway swimming holes in White Mountain National Forest include clear creek pools and rock slides near New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley. A WMNF parking pass is typically required at forest trailheads.
View detailsFallsNH
Packers Falls
Packers Falls is a falls swimming spot on Lamprey River near Durham, New Hampshire. What people come for: Calm waters of the Lamprey River; Seasonal wildlife sightings. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. There are no lifeguards.
View detailsSwimming place in a pond.NH
Pisgah State Park
This is not a beach with a parking lot and a snack bar. It's a living, breathing piece of old-growth wilderness where the water is cool, the crowds are thin, and the loudest sound is usually a loon or the wind moving through the canopy overhead.
View detailsVaries (see below)NH
Pinkham Notch Swimming Spots In New Hampshire
Pinkham Notch Swimming Spots in New Hampshire is a natural swimming spot near Jackson, New Hampshire. What people come for: Crystal-clear mountain waters; Family-friendly Jackson Falls. Access is free, and you will find restrooms. Best visited in June-August. Never swim alone and always supervise children closely near moving water.
View detailsCreekNH
Sawyer Area
The Sawyer area near Bartlett, New Hampshire has clear White Mountains creek pools and cascades used for swimming. Free informal access — cold water; slippery rock.
View detailsFallsNH
Sculptured Rocks
Sculptured Rocks near Hebron, New Hampshire is a falls swimming spot on Cockermouth River. What people come for: Intricate rock formations sculpted by nature; Crystal-clear swimming pools. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Test water depth before jumping.
View detailsRiverNH
Swiftwater Bridge
Swiftwater Bridge swimming is a free Wild Ammonoosuc River hole in Swiftwater / Bath, New Hampshire beside a historic covered bridge. Clear river water, no lifeguards — check current after rain.
View detailsRiverNH
Weare
Weare lies in New Hampshire, where Piscataquog River moves through a wooded corridor. This is not a groomed beach with a parking attendant and a snack bar.
View detailsLakeNH
Ware's Grove Beach
Ware's Grove Beach on Spofford Lake in Chesterfield, New Hampshire is the town’s public paid swim beach (open to non-residents) — not the residents-only North Shore Beach. Season runs Memorial Day–Labor Day; swim inside buoy lines and follow lightning closures.
View detailsWaterfallNH
Livermore Falls
Livermore Falls on the Pemigewasset River near Campton and Plymouth, New Hampshire — free river swimming above and below the cascades in Livermore Falls State Forest. Short walk from Livermore Road parking; stay well clear of the strong mid-channel current.
View detailsWaterfallNH
Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls on Wildcat Brook in Jackson, New Hampshire — free multi-tier cascade pools a few minutes from North Conway and Pinkham Notch. Informal roadside / neighborhood parking; slick granite and cold water; pack out trash.
View detailsWaterfallNH
Glen Ellis Falls
Glen Ellis Falls in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire — a 64-foot White Mountain National Forest waterfall with a short paved/stairs path from the Route 16 scenic parking. Primarily a viewing hike; swimming at the falls is typically discouraged — use nearby Wildcat Brook / Jackson Falls for swimming.
View detailsSpringNJ
Blue Hole
Blue Hole NJ in the Winslow Wildlife Management Area — cold Pine Barrens spring pool near Vineland and Hammonton. Trail directions, free access, and why swimming is discouraged.
View detailsRiverNJ
Bulls Island State Park
Bulls Island Recreation Area on the Delaware River near Stockton, New Jersey (D&R Canal State Park) offers river swimming, trails, and camping. NJ State Parks day-use / parking fees typically apply — confirm dep.nj.gov before visiting.
View detailsWaterfall / creek poolNJClosed
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls in Mendham, NJ — India Brook Park waterfall pool near Morristown. Free hike access; township rules prohibit swimming even though the pool looks inviting.
View detailsRiverNJ
Devils Hole
People who know that the best natural experiences often come without a parking lot or a fee booth. You'll arrive to find a scene that feels genuinely wild for a place so close to the urban sprawl of northern New Jersey.
View detailsVaries - see belowNJ
Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots
Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots is a varies - see below destination on Varies - see below in NJ near Stroudsburg (Pa). Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsLakeNJ
Farrington Lake
Farrington Lake near North Brunswick and Milltown, New Jersey has informal shoreline swim access but is not a lifeguarded public beach. Confirm local rules before entering the water; currents and depth vary.
View detailsOcean beachNJ
Gunnison Beach
Here, the Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly before you, salt wind threading through the dune grass while shore birds wheel overhead. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
View detailsPool (Natural)NJ
Highlands Natural Pool
Highlands Natural Pool near Paterson, New Jersey is a pool (natural) swimming spot. What people come for: Stream-fed natural pool; Ecological haven with aquatic life. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June through August. There is no information provided about lifeguard presence.
View detailsQuarryNJ
Hopewell Quarry
Hopewell Quarry near Hopewell and Pennington, New Jersey is a private members-only quarry swim with clear blue-green water. Not a public free swim — membership or arranged access required; call for current rates.
View detailsRiverNJ
Milford
The river moves with quiet authority here, its current neither lazy nor aggressive, but steady and purposeful, the way a great river should feel in summer.
View detailsRiverNJ
Musconetcong River
Designated a National Wild and Scenic River, this storied waterway carries with it centuries of history. From its deep roots in Lenape culture to its role in shaping the communities that grew along its banks.
View detailsBrook/FallsNJ
Otter Hole
Otter Hole near Paterson, New Jersey is a brook swimming spot on Posts Brook. What people come for: Natural cascades and rocky gorge; Clear, clean water perfect for cooling off. Access is free. Best visited in Spring. The rocky bottom is covered in algae and can be extremely slippery.
View detailsLakeNJ
Surprise Lake
Surprise Lake near Highlands / Sandy Hook area New Jersey is a free (or locally managed) swimming lake used by day-trippers from the Jersey Shore corridor. Confirm current access rules and hours before swimming.
View detailsRiverNJ
Trestle Bridge
The centerpiece is a historic railroad trestle that arches over the river. Weathered iron and timber framing a sky that shifts from bright summer blue to the burnished gold of autumn.
View detailsRiverNJ
Wharton State Forest Mullica River Swimming Spots
Deep in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands, the Mullica River threads quietly through Wharton State Forest like a secret the locals have kept for generations.
View detailsHot SpringNM
Faywood Hot Springs
Faywood Hot Springs near Silver City / Deming, NM — private geothermal resort with clothing-required and clothing-optional pools. Day-use ~$18.25; reservations required.
View detailsSwimming holes and hot springsNM
Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots
Spread across the Santa Fe National Forest along the winding corridor of Route 4, these unofficial sites range from steaming hillside hot springs to cool, clear river pools shaded by cottonwoods and ponderosa pines.
View detailsHot SpringNM
Montezuma Hot Springs
Montezuma Hot Springs near Las Vegas, NM — free historic pools beside the Gallinas River on UWC land. Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; clothing required; no pets, glass, or alcohol.
View detailsHot SpringNM
San Francisco Hot Springs
San Francisco Hot Springs is a hot spring swimming spot near Las Cruces, New Mexico. What people come for: Natural hot springs in Gila National Forest; Geothermal pools by the San Francisco River. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in March-May. Check current conditions with the Glenwood Ranger Station before departing.
View detailsSpring/pondNM
Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa lies in New Mexico, where Spring moves through a wooded corridor. Rising up from the sun-baked earth of the Llano Estacado, this spring-fed pool glows an almost surreal shade of turquoise.
View detailsFallsNM
Sitting Bull Falls
Sitting Bull Falls west of Carlsbad, NM — spring-fed desert cascades and a cold swim pool in Lincoln National Forest. ~$10/vehicle day-use; gated hours; swimming when open.
View detailsHot springs / riverNM
Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
Black Rock Hot Springs near Taos / Arroyo Hondo, NM — free BLM rock pools beside the Rio Grande (~106°F source). Short steep hike from John Dunn Bridge; pools can flood.
View detailsHot Springs/RiverNV
Goldstrike Canyon Hot Springs And Colorado River Spots
Few places within striking distance of Las Vegas reward effort the way Goldstrike Canyon does. You'll navigate rocky terrain, grip knotted ropes to lower yourself over boulder drops, and pick footholds along narrow ledges.
View detailsSpringNV
Mcgill Springs
In a region defined by sagebrush flats, wide-open skies, and the silence of the Great Basin, stumbling upon a crystal-clear, spring-fed pool feels genuinely extraordinary.
View detailsCreekNV
Red Rock Canyon Oak Creek Swimming Spots
Red Rock Canyon Oak Creek Swimming Spots lies in Nevada. Just thirty miles west of the Las Vegas Strip, the red sandstone walls of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area rise dramatically from the Mojave Desert floor, and Set within their shadows, something remarkable happens: water appears.
View detailsTruckee RiverNV
Reno-verdi Truckee River Swimming Spots
Reno-Verdi Truckee River Swimming Spots is a truckee river destination on Truckee River in NV near Reno, Verdi. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsVaries-see belowNY
Ashokan Catskills Swimming Spots
Ashokan Catskills Swimming Spots near Kingston, New York is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming; Family-friendly lifeguarded zones. There is a fee or park admission. Best visited in June-August. Check for posted rules and lifeguard schedules upon arrival.
View detailsRiverNY
Au Sable River Swimming Holes
Au Sable (Ausable) River swimming holes in New York’s Adirondacks near Au Sable Forks, Jay, and Upper Jay offer clear mountain-river pools. Free informal access — currents can be strong near dams; never dive blind.
View detailsFallsNYClosed
Bash Bish Falls
The falls earn their reputation honestly. Twin cascades thunder down through a deep, shadowed gorge, split apart by a bold wedge of ancient rock before reuniting in a plunge pool below.
View detailsCreekNY
Black Hole
Black Hole near Lake George, New York is a creek swimming spot on Mill Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming; Natural rock ledges for jumping. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June-August. Always check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsFallsNY
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls S. P. near Ithaca, New York is a falls swimming spot on Buttermilk Creek. What people come for: Stunning cascading waterfalls; Refreshing swimming hole below falls. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June through August. Swim only in the designated, officially sanctioned pool area below the falls.
View detailsRiverNY
Blue Ledges Swimming Spots In The Adirondacks
Blue Ledges Swimming Spots in the Adirondacks is a river swimming spot on Upper Hudson River near Lake George, New York. What people come for: Scenic rock ledges; Sandy riverbanks. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late summer. Check river conditions and water levels before your trip.
View detailsUnknownNY
Chenango Valley State Park
Chenango Valley State Park near Binghamton, New York has a lake beach for swimming plus trails and camping in a wooded river valley. New York State Parks vehicle use fees typically apply — confirm parks.ny.gov.
View detailsCreekNY
Coles Creek State Park
The park sits near the confluence of Coles Creek and the great Saint Lawrence, offering swimmers a refreshing escape framed by open skies, lush riverside vegetation, and the gentle sounds of moving water.
View detailsRiverNY
Croton Point Park
CROTON POINT PARK is a river destination on Hudson River in NY near Tarrytown, Ossining, Croton-On-Hudson. Fee note: Yes, see web site. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverNY
Canajoharie Gorge Swimming And Recreation Area
Canajoharie Gorge Swimming and Recreation Area near Utica, New York is a river swimming spot on CANAJOHARIE River. What people come for: Unique pothole formations; Warm shallow waters. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring. Swimming and entering the gorge waters is illegal and dangerous due to currents, submerged hazards, and private property.
View detailsCreek/FallsNY
Chautauqua Gorge Swimming Destinations
Chautauqua Gorge Swimming Destinations is a creek/falls destination on Chautauqua Creek in NY near Buffalo, Erie (Pa), Westfield. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCreekNY
Durham Catskills Swimming Holes
Fed by mountain streams and shaded by dense woodland canopy, the creeks here run cold and clear even deep into summer, offering a refreshing escape from the heat that feels entirely earned once you've made the descent to reach them.
View detailsRiverNY
Eel Weir State Park
Eel Weir S. P. near Ogdensburg, New York is a river swimming spot. What people come for: Calm swimming conditions in the Oswegatchie River; Camping facilities available. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June through September. No lifeguard is mentioned as being on duty.
View detailsCreekNY
Fillmore Glen State Park
Fillmore Glen S. P. is a creek swimming spot on Dry Creek near Syracuse, New York. What people come for: Five stunning waterfalls; Refreshing swimming hole. Expect a fee of about $7, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. Check water levels and current conditions before entering Dry Creek.
View detailsCreekNY
George Bridge
George Bridge is a creek swimming spot on Oatka Creek near Rochester, New York. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Oatka Creek; Natural limestone formations. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsCreekNY
Glenerie
GLENERIE is a creek destination on Esopus Creek in NY near Kingston, Saugerties, Glasco. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverNY
Higley Flow Region Swimming Holes
Higley Flow Region Swimming Holes lies in New York, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Lawrence County, Allen Falls is the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered something the rest of the world hasn't found yet.
View detailsVaries - see belowNY
Kaaterskill Area
Set along Cook Brook in the historic Kaaterskill region, this informal natural pool draws those willing to earn their swim with a short hike across rocky, uneven terrain.
View detailsRiver/fallsNY
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes
Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes is a river swimming spot on East Branch of the Ausable River near Elizabethtown, New York. What people come for: Flat-water swimming at Marcy Field; Stunning waterfall at Hulls Falls. You will find picnic areas. Best visited in May to October. Always enter unknown water feet-first.
View detailsCreeksNY
Kerhonkson Region Swimming Holes
Kerhonkson Region Swimming Holes is a creeks destination on Varies - see below in NY near Ellenville, Kerhonkson, Wawarsing. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsLake BeachNY
Lakeview Wildlife Management Area
Lakeview Wma near Syracuse, New York is a lake beach swimming spot on Lake Ontario. What people come for: Lake Ontario's clear waters; Wide sandy beaches. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June-August. There are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiver/LakeNY
Lake Luzerne Hudson River Swimming Spots
Here, well above the bustle of cities and industry, the river slows to a quiet, glassy stretch held calm by the presence of a downstream dam.
View detailsVaries-see belowNY
Lake Placid Region Swimming Holes
This is not a manicured beach or a roped-off lake swim. It's raw, cold, crystalline mountain water carving its way through a glacially-sculpted landscape, pooling into spots that feel like they were placed there just for you.
View detailsRiverNY
Long Lake Adirondack Swimming Spots
Long Lake Adirondack swimming spots sit along the Raquette River in New York. A four-mile hike reaches a sandy beach at Canoe Landing with clear water and quiet forest scenery.
View detailsCreekNY
Mosquito Point
Mosquito Point in New York is a free riverside swimming spot with informal access. Scout depth and current; no lifeguards.
View detailsCreekNY
Max Shaul Park Swimming Spots
Shaul State Park offer a genuinely local, off-the-beaten-path escape along the banks of a winding creek. This is not a manicured beach with snack bars and posted schedules.
View detailsVaries-see belowNY
Minnewaska State Park Swimming Destinations
Perched high on the Shawangunk Ridge in New York's Hudson Valley, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is one of the most visually striking natural .
View detailsPondNY
North Haven Pond
North Haven Pond lies in New York. This freshwater pond sits at the crossroads of three storied communities.
View detailsCreekNY
Nassau Kinderhook Creek Swimming Holes
Nassau Kinderhook Creek Swimming Holes lies in New York. These are not manicured park beaches with painted signs and entry gates.
View detailsflooded quarryNY
Ore Pit Pond
Ore Pit Pond near Tahawus / Newcomb, New York is a flooded quarry pond swim in the Adirondacks with day-use fees. About $6 day-use historically — confirm current DEC / site rates.
View detailsLakeNY
Point Au Roche State Park
Point Au Roche S. P. near Plattsburg, New York is a lake swimming spot on Lake Champlain. What people come for: Lake Champlain's crystal-clear waters; Family-friendly sandy beach. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in Fall. No lifeguard is on duty at this unofficial spot.
View detailsCreekNY
Point Rock
There are no snack bars, no entry gates, no lifeguards on duty. Just clear creek water, birdsong, and the unhurried pace of a summer afternoon in upstate New York.
View detailsVaries- see belowNY
Petersburg Region Swimming Holes
Petersburg Region Swimming Holes near Troy, New York is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Historical significance of Troy and Brunswick; Varied water depths and clarity. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. Always enter water feet first.
View detailsVaries-see belowNY
Phoenicia Catskills Swimming Holes
Phoenicia Catskills swimming holes include Esopus Creek tubing and clear creek pools near Phoenicia, Big Indian, and Oliverea off Route 28. Access and fees vary by spot — some are free pullouts, others use nearby state park areas.
View detailsFallsNY
Rattlesnake Gulf
Rattlesnake Gulf near Syracuse, New York is a falls swimming spot on Fall Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Fall Creek; Limestone gorges and dramatic cliffs. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Autumn. Wear sturdy footwear for uneven, rocky trails.
View detailsSwimming Pool in Hudson RiverNY
River Pool At Beacon
This isn't a hidden gorge or a remote mountain . It's a thoughtfully designed, man-made .
View detailsCreekNY
Rock Stream
Rock Stream is a creek swimming spot on Rock Stream near Elmira, New York. What people come for: Clean, refreshing creek water; Tranquil atmosphere. Best visited in June-August. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsCreek/FallsNY
Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots
Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots is a creek swimming spot near Rhinebeck, New York. What people come for: Stony Creek Falls' cascading pools; Twin Lakes' floating dock and grassy beach. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. There are no lifeguards or official safety services.
View detailsVaries - see belowNY
Roscoe Catskills Swimming Holes
Roscoe Catskills Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Liberty, New York. What people come for: Two distinct swimming holes; Rope swing for adventurous fun. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. Heed all posted signs prohibiting swimming, climbing, and jumping.
View detailsCreekNY
Salamanca
Salamanca lies in New York, where Little Valley Creek moves through a wooded corridor. There are no ticket booths, no lifeguards, no snack bars.
View detailsFallsNY
Salmon River Falls
Salmon River Falls lies in New York. At 110 feet tall, the falls thunder down a sheer rock face into a deep gorge carved over millennia by the relentless force of the Salmon River.
View detailsCreek/Falls/ReservoirNY
Six Mile Creek Area
Six Mile Creek Area is a creek swimming spot on Six Mile Creek near Ithaca, New York. What people come for: Geological beauty of Six Mile Creek Gorge; Natural swimming pools with varying depths. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Check water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsLakeNY
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a lake swimming spot on Skaneateles Lake near Syracuse, New York. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Convenient village location. Expect a fee of about $3 per person, and you will find restrooms and parking. Best visited in June through August. Swim only in the designated area.
View detailsRiverNY
Stony Brook State Park
Near Rochester in New York, Stony Brook S.P. A dramatic gorge carved by millennia of patient water flow.
View detailsLakeNY
Saranac Lakes Adirondack Swimming Destinations
These are not groomed beaches with snack bars and lifeguard chairs. They are raw, glacially carved lakes fringed by hemlock and white pine, where the call of a common loon carries across still water in the early morning and bald eagles circle overhead without a second glance at the humans below.
View detailsVaries- See belowNY
Speculator Adirondack Swimming Destinations
It's an entire landscape inviting you to explore, discover, and cool off on your own terms. Whether you're a family looking for a calm lakeshore afternoon or an adventurer chasing a harder-to-reach river bend, you'll find something that fits your stride here.
View detailsWaterfall / gorge poolNY
Split Rock Falls Swimming Holes In The Adirondacks
Split Rock Falls near Elizabethtown, NY — free roadside Adirondack waterfall pools on the Boquet River. Tiny US-9 parking; slick rock and strong current make swimming high-risk.
View detailsVaries, see belowNY
Stratford Region Swimming Spots In Upstate New York
Stratford Region Swimming Spots in Upstate New York is a natural swimming spot near Albany, New York. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters at Pine Lake; Diverse wildlife and serene landscapes. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in late spring through early autumn. Always assess water conditions yourself.
View detailsSwimming Pool in East RiverNY
The Floating Pool Lady
And then there is The Floating Pool Lady, a one-of-a-kind public pool that bobs gently on the East River at Barretto Point Park in the Bronx.
View detailsFalls/CreekNY
Treman State Park
Robert H. Treman State Park near Ithaca, NY — lifeguarded natural pool below Lower Falls in Enfield Glen, plus gorge trails to Lucifer Falls. Seasonal vehicle fee and swim rules.
View detailsLakeNY
Trout Lake
Trout Lake near Lake George, New York is a lake swimming spot on Trout Lake. What people come for: Crystal-clear spring-fed waters; Secluded Adirondack location. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. There are no lifeguards or safety patrols.
View detailsCreekNY
Woodstock And Saugerties Swimming Holes
These unofficial spots have drawn locals, artists, and wanderers for generations, offering creek . No admission booths, no concrete, no loudspeakers.
View detailsCreek, waterfallsNY
Zoar Valley
Zoar Valley near Gowanda and Buffalo, NY is a wild Cattaraugus Creek gorge with steep cliffs and swimming pools — unmaintained access, serious drop-offs, and strong current after rain.
View detailsCreekNY
Deep Hole
Deep Hole near High Falls / Kerhonkson, New York — free roadside creek pool on the Coxing Kill corridor (near Split Rock / Clove Road approaches). Easy access, 6–8 ft pockets reported, very crowded weekends; pack out trash.
View detailsWaterfallNY
Vernooy Kill Falls
Vernooy Kill Falls (Vernooy Falls) in the Sundown Wild Forest near Kerhonkson, New York — free DEC hike to a multi-drop cascade with swim pockets when flow allows. ~2-mile round trip options from Trails End Road; no lifeguards.
View detailsWaterfallNY
Auger Falls
Auger Falls on the Sacandaga River near Wells and Speculator, New York — free Adirondack gorge cascade with short trails from NY-30. Viewing and careful wading; steep slick banks — swimming in the main gorge is hazardous.
View detailsWaterfallNY
High Falls (ulster County)
High Falls in Ulster County, New York — Rondout Creek waterfall and village swimming searches near New Paltz / Rosendale. Scenic falls by the hamlet; swimming access is limited and often informal — confirm posted rules and private land.
View detailsWaterfallNY
Plattekill Falls
Plattekill Falls in Platte Clove / Catskills near Palenville, New York — free hike to a scenic cascade. Steep clove terrain; swimming is limited and hazardous near drops — treat primarily as a waterfall hike.
View detailsWaterfallNY
Russell Brook Falls
Russell Brook Falls near Downsville / Roscoe, New York — free Catskills cascade and brook pools popular with western Catskills day trips. Short hike; cold water; pack out trash.
View detailsLakeOH
Alum Creek Reservoir
Swimming guide for Alum Creek Reservoir / Alum Creek Beach north of Columbus, Ohio — free state-park beach (Ohio’s largest inland beach), parking, and safety tips.
View detailsRiver/FallsOH
Chagrin Falls River Swimming Spots
Chagrin River swimming spots near Chagrin Falls and Cleveland’s east suburbs offer free informal creek and river pools. Respect private property; depth and flow change after rain.
View detailsRiverOH
Gatton Rock
Gatton Rocks on the Kokosing River near Mount Vernon, Ohio is a free rocky river swimming hole popular with Central Ohio day-trippers. Scout depth before jumping; rocks are slippery when wet.
View detailsRiver/CreekOH
Little Miami River Valley Swimming Spots
Little Miami River Valley Swimming Spots lies in Ohio. Fed by cold springs and shaded by dense hardwood canopies, this corridor of water and wilderness invites swimmers, hikers, and photographers to slow down and let the current do the talking.
View detailsQuarryOH
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
Nelson's Ledges Quarry Park near Garrettsville, OH — private spring-fed quarry with lifeguarded swimming, rope swings, and cliff jumps Memorial Day–Labor Day. Day passes and waivers required.
View detailsGlacial lake beachOH
Punderson State Park
Punderson State Park near Newbury / Cleveland, OH — free public beach on a 150-acre glacial kettle lake. Pets banned on the beach; lodge pools are a separate paid option.
View detailsCreekOH
The Bolt
The Bolt lies in Ohio, where Sunfish Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by the cool, clear waters of Sunfish Creek, this unofficial .
View detailsCreekOH
The Tubbs
The Tubbs is a secluded swimming hole on the North Fork of Little Beaver Creek in eastern Ohio near East Liverpool, Calcutta, and Fredericktown. Free informal creek access — no facilities or lifeguards.
View detailsQuarry/LakeOH
White Star Park
White Star Park is a quarry swimming spot on White Star Quarry near Columbus, Ohio. What people come for: Crystal-clear quarry waters; Diving opportunities. Expect a fee of about $5.00, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Autumn. Swim and dive at your own risk.
View detailsSwimming hole in creek/riverOK
Boy Scout Hole
Boy Scout Hole near Tulsa, Oklahoma is a swimming hole in creek swimming spot on Barron Fork Creek/Illinois River. What people come for: Clear waters ideal for swimming; Varied depths for wading and jumping. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Always check water depth visually before jumping.
View detailsLake/poolOK
Gage Artesian Beach
Gage Artesian Beach near Gage, Oklahoma is a free (or locally managed) clear artesian swimming spot popular in western Oklahoma. Confirm current access and any local fees before you go.
View detailsWaterfall/poolOK
Little Niagara
Little Niagara near Sulphur / Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma is a cascade swimming spot in the Travertine Creek area (often associated with Chickasaw National Recreation Area). Confirm NPS access and any fees.
View detailsLake/Water ParkOK
Pawnee Bath House Water Park
Pawnee Bath House Water Park near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a lake swimming spot on Pawnee Lake. What people come for: Historic 1930s bath house; Diving boards and water slides. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June through August. Swim within designated areas and be aware of changing lake conditions.
View detailsCreek/DamOK
Pennington Creek Park
Fed by the cool, clear waters of Pennington Creek, this official recreational area draws families, anglers, and warm-weather wanderers who want something more intimate than a crowded reservoir.
View detailsCreek/SpringOK
Salina Oklahoma Swimming Hole
The Salina, Oklahoma swimming hole (often searched as Blue Hole Oklahoma) is a clear spring-fed creek swim popular in northeastern Oklahoma. Fees may apply at developed access — confirm locally.
View detailsCreekOK
Spring Creek Northeastern Oklahoma Swimming Spots
Spring Creek swimming spots in northeastern Oklahoma offer free clear creek pools popular for summer swimming. Depth and flow change after rain; respect private land along the corridor.
View detailsWaterfallOK
Turner Falls
Turner Falls near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a waterfall swimming spot on Honey Creek. What people come for: 77-foot waterfall; Clear Honey Creek waters. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Check water conditions and depth before jumping or diving.
View detailsHot SpringsOR
Alvord Hot Springs
Alvord Hot Springs near Winnemucca (NV), Oregon is a hot springs swimming spot on Alvord Hot Springs. What people come for: Geothermal heated waters; Remote desert location. Expect a fee of about $5 per person, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. This is extremely remote country.
View detailsRiver/LakeOR
Applegate Valley Swimming Spots
Applegate Valley Swimming Spots is a river swimming spot near Medford, Oregon. What people come for: Diverse swimming experiences; Historical gold rush connections. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to September. Always assess water conditions.
View detailsHot Springs/ Swimming HoleOR
Bagby Hot Springs And Swimming Area
Bagby Hot Springs and Swimming Area is a hot springs swimming spot on BAGBY AREA near Portland, Oregon. What people come for: Crystal-clear blue-green water; Short and scenic hike to access. Expect a fee of about $5 per person, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in late spring–early fall. Carry cash for the $5 soak fee; confirm road status before the drive.
View detailsRiverOR
Coquille-myrtle Grove State Park
Near Roseburg in Oregon, Coquille-Myrtle Grove S.P. This official state recreation area sits an easy day trip from Roseburg, Coos Bay, and Myrtle Point, yet feels worlds away from the bustle of the coast.
View detailsRiverOR
Cross Park - High Rocks
High Rocks at Cross Park near Molalla / Oregon City, Oregon is a rocky Clackamas-area jump and swim spot popular with Portland day-trippers. Free informal access — scout depth every time; injuries are common from blind jumps.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River
Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River lies in Oregon. Where Canton Creek meets Steamboat Creek and the greater North Umpqua River system, a series of informal, unhurried pools invites you to slow down, wade in, and let the Pacific Northwest work its quiet magic.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Corvallis Region Swimming Spots
Swimming holes near Corvallis, Oregon — river and creek day trips around Corvallis, Philomath, Alpine, and Junction City with public-access notes and trip planning tips.
View detailsLakeOR
Crater Lake National Park Swimming Spots
There are few places on earth where you can stand at the rim of an ancient volcano and gaze down into water so impossibly blue it looks digitally enhanced.
View detailsRiverOR
Dovre
Dovre is a river swimming spot on Nestucca River near Salem, Oregon. What people come for: Refreshing Nestucca River waters; Scenic Tillamook State Forest setting. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Check river conditions and water flow before entering.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Falls City Falls
Falls City Falls near Falls City, Oregon is a free waterfall swimming hole with clear plunge pools popular with Willamette Valley day-trippers. Rocks are slick; check depth before jumping.
View detailsFallsOR
Flora Dell Falls
This unofficial but breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole. There are no signs pointing you here, no crowds jostling for space.
View detailsCreek swimming holesOR
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest
Fall Creek Swimming Holes, Willamette National Forest lies in Oregon. The creek winds through old-growth Douglas fir and red alder, filtering light into shifting patterns on the water below.
View detailsCreekOR
Grayback
Grayback lies in Oregon, where Sucker Creek Or Cave Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by the cool, clear waters of Sucker Creek or Cave Creek, this informal natural .
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
Glide Oregon Swimming Spots
Here, along the North Umpqua River and its tributaries, you'll find cool, clear water rushing through a landscape draped in Douglas fir, bigleaf maple, and wild rhododendron.
View detailsRiverOR
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots
Illinois River Forks State Park Swimming Spots near Cave Junction, Oregon is a river swimming spot on Illinois River. What people come for: Crystal-clear river water; Family-friendly swimming spots. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverOR
Koberg Beach State Park
Koberg Beach State Recreation Site on the Columbia River near Hood River, Oregon is a free Oregon State Parks day-use beach for swimming and wind sports. I-84 access; confirm park status and wind conditions.
View detailsReservoir/creek/pondOR
Lithia Park
Lithia Park in Ashland, OR — free downtown park with Granite Street swimming reservoir and Ashland Creek wading. Weekly water-quality testing in summer; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverOR
Loeb State Park
Loeb S. P. near Grants Pass, Oregon is a river swimming spot on Chetco River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of the Chetco River; Towering myrtlewood forests. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Always check current river conditions and water flow before entering.
View detailsRiver and othersOR
Mckenzie River East Swimming Holes
McKenzie River swimming holes near McKenzie Bridge and Belknap Springs, Oregon include clear Cascade river pools with free forest-road access. Cold water year-round; check USFS fire and road advisories.
View detailsRiver and othersOR
Mckenzie River West Swimming Destinations
The McKenzie River is one of Oregon's most celebrated waterways, threading through the Willamette National Forest in a ribbon of astonishing clarity.
View detailsRiverOR
North Santiam River Swimming Spots
Towering Douglas firs and red alders shade the banks, their branches filtering afternoon sunlight into shifting patterns across the surface.
View detailsRiver/FallsOR
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes
North Umpqua River Swimming Holes is a river/falls destination on North Umpqua River in OR near Roseburg, Glide. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsFallsORClosed
Oneonta Falls
Oneonta Gorge near Portland remains closed — no legal creek walk to Lower Oneonta Falls. Use Oneonta Trail to Triple Falls and other Columbia Gorge alternatives instead.
View detailsRiverOR
Oakridge Willamette River Swimming Holes
Accessible via Forest Road 19 near the small town of Oakridge, this stretch of river winds through a deep, forested canyon where Douglas fir and red alder lean over the water, filtering sunlight into shifting patterns of gold and shadow.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Row River Swimming Holes Of Oregon
Row River Swimming Holes of Oregon near Eugene, Oregon is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Mosby Creek with rope swing; Clear and cool water perfect for summer. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June through August. Always test water depth and check for submerged hazards before entering.
View detailsCreekOR
Sugar Creek
Accessed via a 1.25-mile hike along Sugar Creek Trail #824 from the Sugar Creek Campground, this unofficial . Cool, crystal-clear water threading through a remote canyon landscape, far from the noise of crowded recreation areas.
View detailsRiverOR
Sandy River Swimming Destinations Near Portland And Troutdale
Sandy River swimming holes near Troutdale and Portland, Oregon include clear Cascade foothill river beaches. Some trailheads require fees or timed entry — confirm before you go.
View detailsCreekOR
Silverton Oregon Swimming Spots
Silverton, Oregon swimming spots include Coolidge-McClaine Park creek access and nearby clear pools in the Willamette Valley foothills. Free city-park access at Coolidge-McClaine — no lifeguards at creek swims.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
South Santiam River Swimming Spots
South Santiam River Swimming Spots lies in Oregon, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. They are living, breathing slices of the Pacific Northwest wild, where cold, clear water tumbles over ancient basalt and pools into natural .
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
South Umpqua River Swimming Spots
South Umpqua River swimming spots near South Umpqua Falls / southern Oregon offer free clear river pools and waterfall swims. Informal forest access — cold water; slippery rock.
View detailsVaries - see belowOR
Sweet Home Oregon Swimming Holes
Sweet Home Oregon Swimming Holes near Albany, Oregon is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Crystal-clear, cold waters; Diverse swimming spots including 'The Jumping Rocks'. Access is free. Best visited in June to August. Always enter cold water slowly to avoid shock.
View detailsQuarryOR
The Quarry
THE QUARRY is a quarry destination on Quarry in OR near Medford, Ashland. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsWater slideOR
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots
Triangle Lake Region Swimming Spots lies in Oregon, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Here, where towering Douglas firs form a cathedral canopy overhead and Pontius Creek carves its patient path through ancient stone, you'll discover a scenic swimming spot.
View detailsHot SpringsOR
Umpqua Hot Springs
Umpqua Hot Springs east of Roseburg, OR — geothermal tub above the North Umpqua reached by a short steep trail. $5 day-use or forest pass; day-use only with nudity common.
View detailsRiverOR
Upper Rogue River Swimming Spots
Upper Rogue River Swimming Spots lies in Oregon. Stretching through the heart of southern Oregon, the Upper Rogue River is one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved natural playgrounds.
View detailsHot SpringsOR
Whitehorse Hot Springs
Whitehorse Hot Springs near Winnemucca (NV), Oregon is a hot springs swimming spot on Whitehorse Hot Springs. What people come for: Remote desert location; Geothermal hot springs. Access is free, and you will find restrooms. Best visited in April-May. Vehicle Preparedness: A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is strongly advised.
View detailsCreekPA
Blue Hole Barronvale
Blue Hole Barronvale on Laurel Creek near Somerset, Pennsylvania is a free clear creek swimming hole in the Laurel Highlands. Unique rock formations and cold mountain water — no lifeguards.
View detailsFallsPA
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood is a falls swimming spot on Clark Run near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Cool, clear water fed by Clark Run; Tiered waterfall ideal for photography. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring to early autumn. Wear sturdy footwear for the uneven trail and slippery rocks near the water.
View detailsCreekPA
Blackwell Region Swimming Holes
The wild waterway that carved Pennsylvania's own Grand Canyon. There's no single destination here, but rather a series of discoveries waiting along one of the most scenic creek corridors in the northeastern United States.
View detailsRiverPA
City Island Beach
City Island Beach is a river swimming spot on Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Located in the heart of Harrisburg; Gentle waters ideal for families. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. No lifeguard services are indicated.
View detailsCreekPA
Conococheague Creek
You don't need a trail map or a full-day commitment. Just a warm afternoon, a pair of shorts, and the willingness to follow the sound of laughing kids and splashing water to a place that feels surprisingly removed from the surrounding streets.
View detailsRiverPA
Cook Forest State Park
Cook Forest S. P. is a river swimming spot on Clarion River near Marienville, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Historic virgin white pine and hemlock forest; Crystal-clear Clarion River. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Autumn. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when tubing or canoeing.
View detailsCreek/FallsPA
Creek Falls
Creek Falls is a creek swimming spot on Jacobs Creek near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Refreshing water from Jacobs Creek; Secluded location for tranquility. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. Remain alert for trains when walking on or near the active railroad tracks.
View detailsCreekPA
Davidsville
Davidsville is a creek swimming spot on Stonycreek River and Paint Creek near Johnstown, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Cool, clear water ideal for swimming; Scenic single-lane bridge access. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsCreekPA
Devils Well
Devil’s Well near southwestern Pennsylvania is a free creek swimming hole with clear pools. Informal access — scout depth before jumping and pack out trash.
View detailsQuarryPAClosed
Dutch Springs
Dutch Springs lies in Pennsylvania, where Quarry moves through a wooded corridor. What was once a working limestone quarry has been transformed into a thriving aquatic recreation facility.
View detailsCreekPA
Eleven Foot Hole
Carved into Swift Run Creek over centuries of patient water work, this deep natural pool earns its name. Plunging to a depth that gives swimmers room to truly disappear beneath the surface.
View detailsCreekPA
Elijah Rock
Elijah Rock is a creek swimming spot on Elijah Run/Kinzua Bay/Allegheny Reservoir near Warren, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Rock jumping into deep waters; Beach-style swimming area. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June through September. Always check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping.
View detailsCreekPA
Four Quarters Farm
Access to this private retreat requires either a membership or registration for one of the seasonal festivals held on-site. A small hoop to jump through that keeps the crowds away and the atmosphere genuinely special.
View detailsCreekPA
Fairhope Wills Creek Swimming Holes
There are no signs, no snack bars, no lifeguards. Just the sound of rushing water over smooth stone, the cool shade of overhanging hardwoods, and a creek that has been carving its path through this ridge-and-valley landscape long before anyone thought to swim in it.
View detailsRiver/CreekPA
Ford City Allegheny River Swimming Spots
Ford City Allegheny River Swimming Spots near Pittsburgh (PA), Pennsylvania is a river swimming spot on Allegheny River and Roaring Run Creek. What people come for: Cool, clear waters ideal for swimming; Rich historical significance along the Allegheny River. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. The Allegheny River has currents.
View detailsCreek/LakePA
Galeton
Where Pine Creek and Berger Lake come together, you'll find cool, clear water framed by the green hills and hardwood forests that define this corner of north-central Pennsylvania.
View detailsLakePA
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Greenwood Furnace S. P. is a lake swimming spot on East Branch Standing Stone Creek near State College, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Historic ironworks ghost town; Clear, cool creek for swimming. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Swim only in the designated area.
View detailsCreekPA
Hammersley Hole
Hammersley Hole is a creek swimming spot on Hammersley Fork near Williamsport, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Secluded natural pool in Pennsylvania; Challenging 12-mile hike to access. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Autumn. The round-trip hike is over 12 miles on demanding, unmarked trails.
View detailsVaries-see belowPA
Hickory Run State Park Area
Near Wilkes-Barre in Pennsylvania, Hickory Run S.P. Nestled within PA State Game Lands #40, adjacent to Hickory Run State Park, this unofficial, secluded spot feels like a secret the woods have kept to themselves.
View detailsVaries-see belowPA
Jim Thorpe Area
The park surrounds a man-made lake that has aged gracefully into its natural surroundings, its shoreline edged with a blend of sandy stretches and rocky outcroppings that give the place a wild, unhurried feel.
View detailsCreekPA
Kellettville
Kellettville lies in Pennsylvania, where Tionesta Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by cold mountain streams, Tionesta Creek winds through a landscape of towering hardwoods, mossy banks, and rocky creek beds, offering one of the most refreshing and unspoiled .
View detailsCreekPA
Little Rocky Glen
Little Rocky Glen is a creek swimming spot on South Branch Tunkhannock Creek near Scranton, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Striking sedimentary rock formations; Crystal-clear creek waters. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Respect this rule for safety and conservation.
View detailsCreekPA
Little Sewickley Creek
Little Sewickley Creek near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a creek swimming spot on Little Sewickley Creek. What people come for: Clear, cool creek waters; Rich biodiversity and wildlife. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring to early autumn. Verify water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsFalls/CreekPA
Little Shickshinny Creek Falls
Little Shickshinny Creek Falls near Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is a falls swimming spot on Little Shickshinny Creek. What people come for: Secluded forest location; Refreshing swimming experience. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. Wear sturdy footwear for the uneven, rocky trail and creek bed.
View detailsCreekPA
Loleta
Loleta near Ridgway, Pennsylvania is a creek swimming spot on Millstone Creek. What people come for: Historical ghost town setting; Crystal-clear Millstone Creek. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June through August. No lifeguard is on duty.
View detailsCreekPA
Loyalsock Creek Swimming Destinations In Pennsylvania
Loyalsock Creek Swimming Destinations in Pennsylvania is a creek destination on Loyalsock Creek in PA near Williamsport, Laporte, Forksville. Fee note: Varies, see below. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCreekPA
Martins Mill Bridge
Martins Mill Bridge lies in Pennsylvania, where Conococheague Creek moves through a wooded corridor. The historic covered bridge arches over the Conococheague Creek, its weathered timbers casting dappled reflections on the water below, and on a warm summer afternoon, it's easy to understand why.
View detailsLakePA
Mount Gretna Lake
Fed by the cool, spring-influenced waters of Lake Conewago, this officially recognized swimming area. The lake's crystal-clear water catches the summer light in a way that makes the sandy bottom visible from the surface.
View detailsVaries - see belowPA
Milford Pa Swimming Holes
Milford PA Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Milford, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Refreshing spring-fed waters; Picturesque waterfalls. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check current water conditions and weather forecasts before visiting.
View detailsCreekPA
Neshannock Creek Swimming Spots In Western Pennsylvania
Neshannock Creek Swimming Spots in Western Pennsylvania is a creek swimming spot on Neshannock Creek near Pittsburgh (PA), Pennsylvania. What people come for: Crystal-clear water perfect for swimming; Rustic and untouched natural setting. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsCreekPA
Ole Bull State Park
Ole Bull S. P. near Williamsport, Pennsylvania is a creek swimming spot on Kettle Creek. What people come for: Historical significance tied to Ole Bull; Clear, refreshing waters of Kettle Creek. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always supervise children closely in and near the water.
View detailsMeadow RunPA
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole
Ohiopyle Meadow Run Swimming Hole lies in Pennsylvania. Fed by the cold, clear waters of Meadow Run, this semi-official spot has earned a devoted following among families, hikers, and anyone who has ever wanted to ride a waterslide carved entirely by nature.
View detailsRiverPA
Pirate Rock
Pirate Rock lies in Pennsylvania, where Tioga River moves through a wooded corridor. There are no signs pointing you here, no entry gates, no lifeguard stands.
View detailsCreekPA
Pine Creek Swimming Holes In Pennsylvania
Pine Creek swimming holes in Pennsylvania’s PA Wilds near Waterville and Jersey Shore (Williamsport area) include clear roadside and creek pools along Route 44. Free access — levels rise fast after rain.
View detailsCreek/FallsPA
Quakertown Falls
QUAKERTOWN FALLS is a creek/falls destination on Quakertown Creek in PA near New Castle. Fee note: none. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsSpring-fed lake at damPA
R.b.winter State Park
R.B.Winter S. P. near Williamsport, Pennsylvania is a spring-fed lake at dam swimming spot on Rapid Run, Halfway Lake. What people come for: Spring-fed Halfway Lake with cool temperatures; Surrounded by Bald Eagle State Forest. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Supervise children closely at all times in and near the water.
View detailsCreekPA
Ricketts Glen State Park
Few places in the northeastern United States can match the raw, unhurried grandeur of Ricketts Glen State Park. Kitchen Creek winds its way through old-growth hemlocks and hardwoods, dropping over 24 named waterfalls as it descends through the glacially carved glen.
View detailsCreekPA
Roaring Brook
This is not a manicured beach or a staffed recreation area. The creek's name tells you something about its character: water moves here with purpose, carving through ancient rock and forest floor to create cool, clear pools that feel like they belong to another century.
View detailsCreekPA
Robinson Hole
Robinson Hole on Montour Run near Robinson Township / Pittsburgh Airport, Pennsylvania is a free clear creek swimming hole. Accessible Pittsburgh-area swim — check depth and current after rain.
View detailsCreek/FallsPA
Rock Run Swimming Spots In Lycoming County
Rock Run in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania has clear creek pools and natural rock slides near Trout Run and Ralston, north of Williamsport. Remote PA Wilds swimming — check depth before sliding; no lifeguards.
View detailsCreekPA
Short Hole
Thornbottom Creek carves its way through a densely forested hollow, and at Short Hole, the creek has spent centuries sculpting natural rock basins into the streambed.
View detailsCreekPA
Sugar Creek
Sugar Creek is a creek swimming spot on Sugar Creek near Williamsport, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Crystal-clear creek water; Rope swing for adventurous fun. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet first.
View detailsCreekPA
Swatara
This unofficial spot draws locals who know the creek well. Families spreading out on picnic blankets, kids splashing in the shallows, and the occasional great blue heron standing motionless at the water's edge.
View detailsVaries- see belowPA
Stroudsburg And Port Jervis Swimming Spots
This region draws swimmers, hikers, and families who want their summer memories made in nature, not a parking lot. Here, the creek carves through ancient glacial rock, forming deep pools that glimmer green and blue beneath the tree canopy.
View detailsCreekPA
The Gorge
The Gorge is a creek swimming spot on Muddy Creek near York, Pennsylvania. What people come for: Secluded natural swimming hole; Tubing opportunities along Muddy Creek. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in May through September. Muddy Creek can have strong currents after rain and submerged hazards.
View detailsCreekPA
Thorn Creek
No crowds, no lifeguards, no snack bars. Just the sound of moving water, birdsong, and the rustle of leaves overhead.
View detailsCreekPA
Tionesta
Tionesta near Warren, Pennsylvania is a creek swimming spot on Tionesta Creek. What people come for: Clear freshwater ideal for swimming; Accessible location near Tionesta Recreation Area. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June-August. Always assess water depth and current before entering.
View detailsVaries- see belowPA
Trough Creek Region Swimming Spots
Trough Creek Region Swimming Spots is a varies- see below destination on Varies- see below in PA near Altoona, Huntingdon, Entriken. Fee note: No. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsCreekPA
West Vincent
Tucked away in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the West Vincent swimming hole is one of those rare finds that feels like a secret passed between locals — an unofficial, uncommercialized stretch of French Creek where the water runs clear and the surrounding woodland closes in close
View detailsCreekPA
White Clay Creek
A federally protected waterway winding through dense woodland, the creek carves out a series of natural pools that have drawn swimmers and tubers to its banks for generations.
View detailsQuarryPA
Willow Springs Park
Willow Springs Park near Reading / Berks County, Pennsylvania is a paid quarry swim park with clear deep water. Commercial day-use facility — confirm hours and ticket prices before you go.
View detailsCreekPA
Wintergreen Gorge
Carved over millennia by the steady work of Fourmile Creek, this dramatic ravine cuts through ancient layers of shale and sandstone, exposing a geological story written in stone.
View detailsCreekPA
Yellow Breeches Creek
Yellow Breeches Creek near Carlisle and Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania has clear limestone creek swimming holes with free informal access. Cold spring-fed water; respect private property along the corridor.
View detailsRiverRI
Alton
Alton is a free Wood River swimming hole in southwestern Rhode Island near Carolina, Bradford, and Wood River Junction. Clear river water, no lifeguards, and easy day-trip access from the South County villages.
View detailsPondRI
Ashville Pond
Ashville Pond in Rhode Island is a freshwater pond swimming spot used by locals for summer cooling. Confirm current public-access rules before swimming.
View detailsBay (salt water)RI
Colt State Park
The park carries the quiet dignity of its storied past. Once the grand seaside estate of the Colt family.
View detailsBayRI
Fort Wetherill State Park
Perched on the rocky southeastern tip of Conanicut Island, Fort Wetherill State Park is one of Rhode Island's most dramatic and memorable . The park overlooks Rhode Island Sound, where the water runs clear and cold, carved into coves and channels by centuries of Atlantic tides.
View detailsPondRI
Lincoln Woods
Whether you're a family looking for a lazy summer afternoon or an adventurer eager to explore boulder-strewn landscape, Lincoln Woods delivers a genuine sense of retreat without the long drive.
View detailsBay (salt water)RI
Point Judith
Perched at the southern tip of Rhode Island where Narragansett Bay meets the open Atlantic, Point Judith is one of New England's most storied coastal destinations.
View detailsBayRI
Twelve O'clock High
Twelve O'Clock High lies in Rhode Island, where Rhode Island Sound moves through a wooded corridor. Perched along the windswept edge of Rhode Island Sound near Newport and Brenton Point, Twelve O'Clock High is one of those rare coastal spots that feels genuinely discovered rather than packaged.
View detailsRiverSC
Black River
Black River is a river swimming spot on Black River near Andrews, South Carolina. What people come for: Swinging rope for fun jumps; Lush wildlife and plant life. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas and parking. Best visited in Spring. Check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving from the rope swing.
View detailsRiverSC
Edisto River Area
The Edisto River moves through the South Carolina Lowcountry the way time moves through the South. Unhurried, amber-colored, and thick with stories.
View detailsWaterfallSC
Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls lies in South Carolina, where Cedar Shoals Creek moves through a wooded corridor. Set along Cedar Shoals Creek, this unofficial waterfall and swimming hole.
View detailsArtesian SpringSC
Lee State Park
The park sits between the towns of Florence and Sumter, wrapped in a canopy of hardwoods and bordered by wetlands that hum with life. A place where the land itself seems to breathe slowly, inviting you to do the same.
View detailsFallsSC
Moonshine Falls Scenic Swimming Spots
Moonshine Falls Scenic Swimming Spots lies in South Carolina, where Varies, See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Whether you're chasing the roar of a waterfall, looking for a shaded pool to cool off in, or simply seeking a stretch of nature largely untouched by development, Moonshine Falls.
View detailsSpring fed pondSC
Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
Parsons Mountain Recreation Area near Augusta, South Carolina is a spring fed pond swimming spot on Lake. What people come for: Crystal-clear lake for swimming; Developed camping facilities. Expect a fee of about $3.00, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. No lifeguard is on duty according to provided information.
View detailsFalls/RiverSC
Sumter National Forest Area
Near Westminster in South Carolina, Sumter N. Near the small town of Westminster, a 30-foot cascade on Ramsey Creek tumbles dramatically into the Chauga River, carving out crystal-clear .
View detailsFallsSC
Todd Creek Falls
Todd Creek Falls near Travelers Rest and Greenville, South Carolina is a free cascade swimming hole with clear mountain-creek pools. Short hike; rocks are slick — no lifeguards.
View detailsVaries - see belowSD
Hot Springs South Dakota Swimming Spots
Hot Springs South Dakota Swimming Spots is a varies - see below destination on Varies - see below in SD near Rapid City, Hot Springs. Fee note: Varies - see below.. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsVaries - see belowSD
Mount Rushmore Region Swimming Spots
Mount Rushmore Region Swimming Spots near Rapid City, South Dakota is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Cliff jumping at Horsethief Lake; Scenic waterfall at Hippie Hole. There is a fee or park admission, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June through August. Always check water depth and underwater hazards before jumping or diving.
View detailsRiver/LakeSD
Oahe Downstream
Army Corps of Engineers, this stretch of river moves with purpose. Cold, clear water released from the dam surges through a landscape of cottonwood groves, grassy banks, and wide-open prairie sky.
View detailsVaries - see belowSD
Rapid City And Nemo Swimming Spots
Rapid City and Nemo Swimming Spots near Rapid City, South Dakota is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Cool, clear creek waters; Surrounded by Black Hills scenery. There is a fee or park admission. Best visited in June to August. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsCreekSD
Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon near Rapid City, South Dakota is a creek swimming spot on Spearfish Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Spearfish Creek; Breathtaking limestone cliffs. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in late spring through early fall. Always test water depth and current before entering.
View detailsFalls/CreekTN
Backbone Rock
Tucked into the wooded hollows of the Cherokee National Forest along Beaver Dam Creek, Backbone Rock is one of those rare places that rewards visitors with both history and natural beauty in a single stop.
View detailsCreekTN
Big Creek Area
Big Creek Area lies in Tennessee. The creek itself is the star of the show.
View detailsRiverTN
Blue Hole - Buffalo River
Blue Hole - Buffalo River is a river swimming spot on Buffalo River near Nashville, Tennessee. What people come for: Crystal-clear Buffalo River waters; Bridge jumping opportunities. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. Always scout water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping.
View detailsStreamTN
Blue Hole - Mill Creek
Blue Hole - Mill Creek near Bristol, Tennessee is a stream swimming spot on Mill Creek (Trib. of Stony Creek). What people come for: Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming; Rock formations for adventurous jumps. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth and for submerged obstacles before jumping or diving.
View detailsRiverTN
Blue Hole - Ocoee
Blue Hole on the Ocoee River near Ocoee / Ducktown, Tennessee is a clear quarry-style swimming hole popular with Chattanooga day-trippers. Access and parking rules can change — confirm before you go; no lifeguards.
View detailsFallsTN
Baby Falls On The Tellico River
A 15-foot cascade tumbles down the Tellico River into a wide, deep pool so inviting that once you see it, the only question is how quickly you can get in.
View detailsRiverTN
Big South Fork Swimming Holes And Recreation Spots
Big South Fork Swimming Holes and Recreation Spots near Knoxville, Tennessee is a river swimming spot on Big South Fork of the Cumberland River (and others, see below). What people come for: Gentlemen’s Swimming Hole with historical ties; Burnt Mill Bridge offering swimming and canoeing. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May-August. Always assess river conditions.
View detailsCreek/FallsTN
Carmac Falls
Carmac Falls is a private waterfall swimming hole on the historic Evins Mill property near Smithville, Tennessee (Nashville / Cookeville day-trip range). Paid access and registration required — not a free public swim.
View detailsCreekTNClosed
Chickamauga Creek
CLOSED March 23, 2026–~2027: North Chickamauga Creek Gorge Blue Hole in Soddy-Daisy / Chattanooga is shut for state-park construction. Do not attempt access. Use Blue Hole Ocoee instead.
View detailsFallsTN
Cummins Falls
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Blackburn Fork, this stunning 75-foot two-tiered waterfall plunges and cascades into one of the most celebrated .
View detailsWaterfall/RiverTN
Conasauga River Swimming Spots
Here, where the Jacks River and the Conasauga River wind through forested hollows and over smooth river rock, you can wade into cool, gin-clear currents and feel the pressures of modern life dissolve with every step downstream.
View detailsWaterfallTN
Elrod Falls
This unofficial, natural waterfall and swimming hole. Just a dirt road that deposits you at the edge of something genuinely beautiful.
View detailsRiverTN
French Broad
French Broad near Knoxville, Tennessee is a river swimming spot on French Broad River. What people come for: Ancient river with historical significance; Diverse wildlife and plant life. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring to early fall. Always assess water conditions.
View detailsFalls, CreekTN
Fall Creek Falls State Park Swimming Spots
The park straddles the watersheds of Fall Creek and Cane Creek, and while the iconic main waterfall commands most of the attention, savvy visitors know that the real joy of .
View detailsCreekTN
Frozen Head State Natural Area Swimming Holes
Frozen Head State Natural Area Swimming Holes is a creek swimming spot on Flat Fork Creek near Knoxville, Tennessee. What people come for: Five distinct swimming holes along Flat Fork Creek; Crystal-clear waters with varied depths and settings. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in May to September. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsRiverTN
Goochie Ford
Goochie Ford is a shallow river-ford swimming hole near Readyville between Nashville and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Free informal access for wading and cooling off — scout depth and current after rain.
View detailsCreekTN
Grundy Forest Area
The moment you step onto the trail, the forest closes in. A cathedral of hemlock, rhododendron, and hardwood that filters the light into something soft and green.
View detailsRiverTN
Hiwassee
Hiwassee near Chattanooga, Tennessee is a river swimming spot on Hiwassee River. What people come for: Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and tubing; Rich Cherokee cultural history. Expect a fee of about $10., and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when tubing or in moving water.
View detailsCreek-fed, man-made poolTN
Horse Creek Area
Horse Creek Recreation Area in Cherokee National Forest near Greeneville / Erwin, Tennessee has creek swimming and day-use sites in a forested hollow. USFS fees may apply — confirm before you go.
View detailsCreekTN
Laurel Fork
Laurel Fork lies in Tennessee. Fed by cool mountain springs and shaded by a dense canopy of hardwoods and hemlocks, the creek tumbles through a lush gorge carved over millennia.
View detailsCreekTN
Magnolia Bridge
Spanning Whiteoak Creek, this weathered old bridge carries with it the ghost of Magnolia. A small town that has long since vanished from the map but left this scenic crossing behind.
View detailsCreekTN
Metal Ford
Metal Ford is a Natchez Trace river swimming hole in Tennessee with a historic ford crossing and clear shallows. Free informal access along the Trace corridor — scout current after rain.
View detailsRiverTNClosed
Narrows Of The Harpeth S. H. A.
Narrows of the Harpeth near Kingston Springs / Nashville — free river paddling, bluff hikes, and swimming holes on Class I Harpeth water. No swimming at the Montgomery Bell Tunnel pool.
View detailsFallsTN
Ozone Falls
Ozone Falls is a falls swimming spot on Fall Creek near Crossville, Tennessee. What people come for: 110-foot plunge waterfall; Natural swimming pool. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with grip for the rocky, uneven trail.
View detailsVaries- see belowTN
Obed Scenic River Swimming Holes
Carved over millennia by the Obed River and its tributaries, the Obed Wild and Scenic River corridor in the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee is one of the Southeast's most spectacular and underappreciated natural retreats.
View detailsRiverTN
Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations
Piney River Tennessee Swimming Destinations is a river swimming spot on Piney River, Duskin Creek near Chattanooga, Tennessee. What people come for: Swinging Bridge swimming hole with deep pools; White Pines Cascades featuring waterfalls and intimate pools. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to October. Always check water conditions before entering.
View detailsCreekTN
Richland Creek
No ropes, no lifeguards, no entry booths. Just cold, clear water moving over smooth stone and the sound of the forest pressing in around you.
View detailsCreek-fed, man-made pool.TN
Rock Creek
Tucked inside the Cherokee National Forest in the heart of the southern Appalachians, Rock Creek Recreation Area offers one of northeastern Tennessee's most beloved warm-weather retreats.
View detailsRiverTN
Rock Island State Park
Rock Island S. P. is a river swimming spot on Upper Caney Fork River near Chattanooga, Tennessee. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of the Upper Caney Fork River; Scenic Twin Falls Overlook with cascading waterfalls. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. There are no lifeguards on duty at this unofficial area.
View detailsRiverTN
Smoky Mountain - North Area
Just cool, clear mountain water rushing over smooth stone in one of the most celebrated wild places in the eastern United States. It's the kind of place locals have been slipping away to for generations, and it rewards those who seek it out with exactly that: a sense of genuine escape.
View detailsFallsTN
Stillhouse Hollow Falls
A tributary of Big Bigby Creek feeds this dramatic 75-foot cascade, sending water tumbling down a moss-streaked rock face into a cool, inviting pool below.
View detailsRiverTN
Stones River Rentals
This officially recognized access point opens up a beautiful stretch of the Middle Fork Stones River to swimmers, paddlers, and campers who want to linger a little longer than a day trip allows.
View detailsCreekTN
Savage Gulf Swimming Holes
Savage Gulf swimming holes on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau include Fire Scald Creek pools near Greeter Falls and Blue Hole, day-trippable from Tracy City and Chattanooga. Clear creek water on South Cumberland trails — no lifeguards.
View detailsFalls/RiverTN
Smoky Mountain Central Tennessee Swimming Holes
Smoky Mountain Central Tennessee Swimming Holes lies in Tennessee, where Varies, See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Winding between Maryville and the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this corridor threads through a landscape of dense hardwood forest, tumbling streams, and swimming.
View detailsVaries, see belowTN
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee
Smoky Mountain South Swimming Holes - Knoxville, Maryville, Chilhowee is a natural swimming spot near Knoxville, Tennessee. What people come for: Abrams Creek’s accessible deep pool; Little Bottoms trail’s secluded swimming holes. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Check weather and water conditions immediately before departure.
View detailsCreekTN
Turley Hole
Turley Hole is a creek swimming spot on Cove Creek/Turley Branch near Norris, Tennessee. What people come for: Crystal-clear water; Limestone cliffs. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always enter water feet-first.
View detailsFallsTN
Twisting Falls
Twisting Falls lies in Tennessee, where Elk River moves through a wooded corridor. Unofficial and undeveloped, this .
View detailsFallsTN
Walls Of Jericho
Walls of Jericho near Chattanooga, Tennessee is a falls swimming spot on Turkey Creek. What people come for: Dramatic limestone amphitheater; Crystal-clear waters of Turkey Creek. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in March to May. Check weather forecasts and avoid hiking during or immediately after storms.
View detailsWaterfallTN
Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls on Mill Creek near Elizabethton, Tennessee is a free multi-tier waterfall plunge pool in Cherokee National Forest. Park at the small Panhandle Road pull-off off TN-91, then take a short steep path with wooden steps — no facilities or lifeguards; do not cliff-jump.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
Austin And Georgetown Swimming Holes
Explore natural swimming holes near Austin and Georgetown, TX. Find directions, access info, and safety tips for Barton Springs, Blue Hole, and more.
View detailsSpring-fed poolTX
Balmorhea State Park
Visit the iconic San Solomon Springs pool at Balmorhea State Park in Texas. Plan your trip with directions, activities, and essential visitor info.
View detailsRiver/damTX
Blanco State Park
Plan your visit to the Blanco State Park swimming hole in Texas. Find directions, access details, and safety tips for swimming in the Blanco River.
View detailsHot springTX
Chinati Hot Springs
Plan a trip to Chinati Hot Springs in West Texas near Marfa and Presidio — remote private desert soak, reservations, fees, and Pinto Canyon Road driving notes.
View detailsRiverTX
Colorado Bend State Park
Plan your visit to Colorado Bend State Park in Texas for swimming in the Colorado River. Get directions, safety tips, and essential visitor information.
View detailsSpring-fed poolTX
Crystal Springs Beach
Visit Crystal Springs Beach, a spring-fed pool west of Texarkana. Offers swimming, slides, and diving. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.
View detailsRiverTX
Garner State Park
Visit Garner State Park for swimming on the scenic Frio River. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for a Texas Hill Country trip.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
Houston And Beaumont Swimming Spots
Guide to swimming at Village Creek & Huntsville State Parks near Houston and Beaumont, Texas. Details on access, fees, safety, and directions.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
Kerrville Hill Country Swimming Spots
Explore swimming at Louise Hays Park in Kerrville, TX. Find directions, safety tips, and details for this deep-water Guadalupe River spot.
View detailsRiverTX
Luckenbach
Plan a visit to the natural swimming hole on South Grape Creek near Luckenbach, TX. Find directions, safety tips, and what to know before you go.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
Llano Texas Hill Country Swimming Spots
Guide to swimming spots near Llano, TX, including the Llano Slab and Devil's Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips.
View detailsRiverTX
New Braunfels Area
Plan your visit to the New Braunfels area for swimming and tubing on the Guadalupe River. Find directions, access notes, and essential safety tips.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
Pedernales River Swimming Spots In Texas Hill Country
Find swimming spots along the Pedernales River near Austin. Guide covers access, safety, and park details for Pedernales Falls State Park and the Texas Hill Country.
View detailsSpring/poolTX
San Felipe Springs
San Felipe Springs in Del Rio, Texas is a clear spring-fed swimming spot in Horseshoe City Park on San Felipe Creek — community park access with cold, steady spring water.
View detailsVaries (see below)TX
San Marcos And Wimberley Swimming Spots
Plan your trip to San Marcos River and Wimberley's Blue Hole. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for these popular Texas swimming spots.
View detailscreek/SpringsTX
Tonkawa Springs
Plan your visit to Tonkawa Springs in Nacogdoches, TX. Find directions, access info, and safety tips for this popular East Texas swimming spot.
View detailsFallsUT
Capitol Reef
Capitol Reef lies in Utah, where Fremont River/Freemont Falls moves through a wooded corridor. In the sun-scorched heart of Utah's canyon country, where ochre cliffs rise hundreds of feet above a narrow river corridor, the Fremont River offers one of the most unexpected pleasures in the American.
View detailsCreek/FallsUT
Calf Creek Swimming And Recreation Area
Just park, walk a few steps, and let the cool waters of Calf Creek pull you in. Towering sandstone cliffs rise on either side of the creek corridor, their warm orange and rust tones glowing in the Utah sun.
View detailsHot SpringUT
Homestead
Homestead Crater in Midway, UT — ~96°F geothermal spring inside a limestone dome near Park City. Timed soak/swim sessions about $30 with reservations required.
View detailsLakeUT
Lake Powell Swimming Spots Near Las Vegas
Lake Powell Swimming Spots Near Las Vegas is a lake swimming spot on Lake Powell (Colorado River) near Las Vegas, Utah. What people come for: Turquoise waters surrounded by red sandstone cliffs; Popular swimming spots like Hobie Cat Beach. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in June to August. No lifeguards are on duty at any location.
View detailsLakeUT
Mona Rope Swings
Mona Rope Swings near Provo, Utah is a lake swimming spot on Burriston Ponds. What people come for: Thrilling rope swings over Burriston Ponds; Crystal-clear spring-fed waters. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth and for submerged objects before swinging or diving.
View detailsVaries - see belowUT
Moab Swimming Holes And Trails
Just a few miles outside of Moab, Utah, Negro Bill Canyon offers one of the most surprising experiences in all of canyon country: a perennial creek winding through a narrow red rock gorge, lined with cottonwoods and willows, dotted with natural .
View detailsRiver/Creek/FallsUT
Zion National Park Swimming Spots
Few places on earth marry dramatic geology with cool, clear water the way Zion National Park does. Whether you're floating on your back while Navajo sandstone cliffs glow ember-orange in the afternoon sun, or picking your way barefoot across river stones toward a hidden emerald pool, .
View detailsCreekVA
Arnold Valley Pool
Arnold Valley Pool on East Fork Elk Creek near Natural Bridge and Glasgow, Virginia is a free forest creek swim with a natural rock slide. Secluded Blue Ridge access — scout depth before sliding; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverVA
Ben Salem Wayside
Ben Salem Wayside is a river swimming spot on Maury River near Buena Vista, Virginia. What people come for: Maury River swimming; Scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in June-August. The Maury River's current can be strong, especially after rain.
View detailsSlideVA
Big Marys Creek Slide
Big Marys Creek Slide is a slide swimming spot on Big Mary's Creek near Staunton, Virginia. What people come for: Natural water slide carved by Big Mary’s Creek; Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to September. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before sliding or jumping.
View detailsRiverVA
Big Otter River
Big Otter River lies in Virginia. There are no ticket booths, no snack bars, and no crowds.
View detailsWaterfallVA
Big Rock Falls
Big Rock Falls near Luray, Virginia is a waterfall swimming spot on Mill Prong Creek. What people come for: Scenic 1.5-mile hike; Cool, clear waters. There is a fee or park admission, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June through August. The pool depth and underwater hazards are unknown.
View detailsRiverVA
Blacksburg Hole
There are no entrance booths, no lifeguards, and no amenities to speak of. Just you, the river, and the steady pull of one of the oldest waterways in North America.
View detailsCreekVA
Blowing Springs
Blowing Springs is a creek swimming spot on Back Creek near Lexington, Virginia. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters fed by Back Creek; Deep swimming pools near waterfalls. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Always scout water conditions.
View detailsRiverVA
Blue Hole - Bergton
Blue Hole near Bergton, Virginia is a free North Fork Shenandoah River swimming hole in the Shenandoah Valley (Harrisonburg / Broadway day-trip range). Clear water and jump spots — check depth every time.
View detailsRiverVA
Blue Hole - Jonesville
Blue Hole - Jonesville near Jonesville, Virginia is a river swimming spot on Powell River??. What people come for: Crystal-clear spring-fed water; Located in Powell River region. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Water conditions can change.
View detailsVA
Breaks Interstate Park Area
Breaks Interstate Park Area is a natural swimming spot in Virginia. What people come for: Stunning gorge carved by Russell Fork River; Cool, clear waters ideal for swimming. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Summer. Stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from all cliff edges and overlooks.
View detailsRiverVA
Bullpasture Gorge
Bullpasture Gorge is a river swimming spot on Bullpasture River near Staunton, Virginia. What people come for: Rope swing over the Bullpasture River; Swinging bridge access. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Assess water depth and current before entering.
View detailsWaterfall/CreekVA
Campbell Creek
Campbell Creek lies in Virginia. Reaching the creek demands a moderate hike across uneven terrain and steep descents, through forest corridors where poison ivy reminds you this is wild country.
View detailsWaterfallVA
Cascade Falls
The star of the show is a thundering 60-foot waterfall on Little Stony Creek that sends a curtain of white water crashing into a cool, crystal-clear pool below.
View detailsFallsVA
Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls is a falls swimming spot on Big Cedar Creek near Abingdon, Virginia. What people come for: Refreshing creek swimming; Natural rock formations. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring. Always check water levels before swimming or jumping.
View detailsVaries-see belowVA
Cowpasture River Area
Accessible near the quiet towns of Clifton Forge and Millboro Springs, this stretch of unspoiled countryside draws swimmers, wanderers, and nature lovers who are willing to forgo modern conveniences in exchange for something genuinely wild and beautiful.
View detailsVaries - see DIRECTIONSVA
Charlottesville And Crozet Swimming Holes
Charlottesville and Crozet Swimming Holes is a natural swimming spot near Charlottesville, Virginia. What people come for: Cool freshwater swimming; Seasonal beauty and wildlife. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in Summer. Check water conditions upon arrival.
View detailsCreekVA
Dark Horse Hollow
Dark Horse Hollow is a creek swimming spot on Stony Fork Creek near Wytheville, Virginia. What people come for: Clear, spring-fed waters; Accessible location near Wytheville. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Autumn. Check water conditions and depth before entering.
View detailsRiverVA
Double Ford
Double Ford lies in Virginia, where Hazel River moves through a wooded corridor. Fed by the cool, clear waters of the Hazel River, this unofficial spot near Rixeyville offers an honest, unhurried escape from summer heat.
View detailsCreek pool / sandstone chuteVA
Devils Bathtub And Surrounding Swimming Holes In Virginia
Devil's Bathtub near Fort Blackmore, VA — a scoured sandstone chute and jade pool on Devil's Fork after multiple creek fords. Free USFS hike; parking overflows fast.
View detailsCreekVA
Elizabeth Furnace Area
Elizabeth Furnace Area near Winchester, Virginia is a creek swimming spot on Passage Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Passage Creek; Historic iron furnace remnants. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. Always check water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsPotholes/jacuzzisVA
Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone S. P. is a potholes swimming spot on Fairy Stone Lake/ Philpott Reservoir near Roanoke, Virginia. What people come for: Rare fairy stones; Family-friendly swimming area. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June-August. No lifeguard is on duty at this unofficial area.
View detailsWaterfallVA
Falls Of Dismal
Falls of Dismal is a waterfall swimming spot on Dismal Creek near Blacksburg, Virginia. What people come for: Natural pool under tiered waterfalls; Lush forest surroundings. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. There are no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverVA
Falmouth Riverside Park
Falmouth Riverside Park is a river swimming spot on Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. What people come for: Clear, cool waters of the Rappahannock River; Rich historical setting near Fredericksburg. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Spring. There are no lifeguards and the activity is discouraged by the park.
View detailsWaterfallsVA
Foster Falls
FOSTER FALLS is a waterfalls destination on New River in VA near Wytheville, Pulaski. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverVA
Goshen Pass Maury River Swimming Spots
Goshen Pass Maury River Swimming Spots near Lexington, Virginia is a river swimming spot on Maury River. What people come for: Scenic gorge along the Maury River; Numerous swimming and tubing spots. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always scout the water depth and check for submerged obstacles before jumping or sliding.
View detailsCreekVA
Humpback Bridge
The star of the scene is the historic covered bridge itself, a rare humpback-arched structure that curves gently overhead like a wooden rainbow.
View detailsHot springVA
Jefferson Pools
Visit Jefferson Pools (Warm Springs Pools) in Warm Springs, VA — historic geothermal bathhouses with timed soaks, fees, reservations, and directions from Lexington.
View detailsCreekVA
Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park
KEEP LOUDOUN BEAUTIFUL PARK is a creek destination on Goose Creek in VA near Leesburg. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsFallsVA
Little Stony Falls Area
What you find at the end of the trail is nothing short of breathtaking. A dramatic natural amphitheater where waterfalls cascade over layered rock faces into pools of crystalline water, all framed by dense Appalachian forest.
View detailsPondVA
Longdale
At just $2.00 per person, the swimming area. Known locally as Longdale Pond.
View detailsCreek/FallsVA
Mountain Run
Mountain Run near Harrisonburg, Virginia is a creek swimming spot on Mountain Run. What people come for: Secluded swimming hole in George Washington National Forest; Rock-hopping and mini-waterfalls along Mountain Run. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May through September. The trail involves rock-hopping and scrambling.
View detailsRiver/CreekVA
Matts Creek James River Swimming Spots
This unofficial but beloved destination sits at the confluence of wild creek and storied river, accessible via the Appalachian Trail and surrounded by the layered ridgelines and dense hardwood forests that define this corner of the state.
View detailsCreekVA
Narrows Town Park
Narrows Town Park in Narrows, Virginia offers New River access for swimming and riverside recreation in a small-town park setting. Free municipal access — no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverVA
Natural Chimneys
Natural Chimneys near Harrisonburg, Virginia is a river swimming spot on North River. What people come for: 120-foot towering limestone chimneys; Swimming in the North River. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to October. This is an unofficial, unguarded swimming area.
View detailsWaterfallVA
Nottoway Falls
Nottoway Falls near Petersburg, Virginia is a waterfall swimming spot on Nottoway River. What people come for: Cooling freshwater pools; Picturesque forest surroundings. Access is free. Best visited in Summer. Assess water conditions upon arrival.
View detailsCreekVA
North Creek Blue Ridge Swimming Holes
North Creek / Jennings Creek swimming holes in Virginia’s Blue Ridge near Natural Bridge Station offer free forest creek pools. Scout depth after rain; forest roads can be rough.
View detailsFalls/RiverVA
Old Rag Blue Ridge Swimming Spots
Old Rag Blue Ridge Swimming Spots lies in Virginia, where Varies (See Below) moves through a wooded corridor. While most hikers come to the Blue Ridge for the legendary rock scramble up Old Rag Mountain, the waterways threading through this corner of Virginia hold their own kind of magic.
View detailsCreek/FallsVA
Overall Virginia Swimming Spots
Here, cool mountain-fed water tumbles through rocky hollows shaded by sycamore and oak, and the soundtrack is nothing more than moving water and birdsong.
View detailsFallsVA
Panther Falls
No roped-off lanes, no snack bars, no crowds jostling for a patch of shade. Just the sound of cascading water, the smell of damp earth and hemlock, and the sight of a waterfall spilling into a series of crystal-clear freshwater pools.
View detailsSlidesVA
Pauls Creek
Fed by cool mountain runoff, the creek winds through dense hardwood forest before spilling across a series of smooth, water-worn rock formations that have drawn swimmers and thrill-seekers for generations.
View detailsRiver beachVA
Potomac Wayside
The result is a scene of genuine, unspoiled beauty: cascading water, moss-edged rocks, and the steady murmur of a river that has been shaping this landscape for millennia.
View detailsFalls/RiverVA
Piney River Swimming Hole, Shenandoah National Park
Piney River Swimming Hole, Shenandoah National Park near Warrenton, Virginia is a falls swimming spot on Piney River. What people come for: Crystal-clear pools; Waterfall swimming spots. Expect a fee of about $10.00 per car, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Summer. Always assess water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsFalls/CreekVA
Roaring Run
Roaring Run Falls Day Use Area near Eagle Rock / Clifton Forge, VA — free easy ~1.5-mile loop to a ~35-ft cascade on Roaring Run, picnic sites, vault toilets, and the 1832 iron furnace. Cold creek swimming at your own risk; no lifeguards.
View detailsRiverVA
Richmond Downtown James River Swimming Spots
Richmond Downtown James River Swimming Spots lies in Virginia. Few cities in America offer what Richmond does: a wild, rock-strewn river rushing through the heart of downtown, close enough to office buildings that you can hear the city hum while your feet dangle in the current.
View detailsRiverVA
Riverside Drive James River Swimming Spots
Riverside Drive James River Swimming Spots lies in Virginia. Here, the James River widens and slows into a broad, calm stretch of water, inviting swimmers and tubers to wade in and let the current carry their worries downstream.
View detailsFallsVA
St. Marys Falls
St. Marys Falls near Staunton, Virginia is a falls swimming spot on St. Mary's River. What people come for: Refreshing natural pool beneath cascading falls; 2-mile scenic hike through lush forest. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring to early autumn. Wear sturdy footwear for the rocky, uneven trail.
View detailsRiverVA
Sugar Hollow
Sugar Hollow lies in Virginia, where Moorman'S River; North And South Fork moves through a wooded corridor. Here, the North and South Forks of the Moorman's River carve their way through ancient rock and dense forest, creating a chain of .
View detailsRiverVA
Staunton And Rapidan Rivers Swimming Spots, Virginia
Staunton and Rapidan Rivers Swimming Spots, Virginia is a river swimming spot on Staunton River/Run, Rapidan River near Culpeper, Virginia. What people come for: Clear, deep swimming holes; Scenic trails with river views. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in March-May. Always test water depth and check for submerged obstacles before entering.
View detailsRiverVA
Stokesville North River Swimming Spots
There are no snack bars, no entry gates, no roped-off lanes. Just cold, clear mountain water tumbling over smooth stone, a canopy of hardwoods filtering the summer light, and the particular quiet that settles over a forest river on a warm afternoon.
View detailsRiverVA
Tye River
Tye River is a river swimming spot on Tye River near Waynesboro, Virginia. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Scenic Blue Ridge Mountains setting. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Always assess water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsCreekVA
Virginia Creeper Trail Swimming Spots
Virginia Creeper Trail Swimming Spots is a creek swimming spot on Whitetop Laurel Creek near Abingdon, Virginia. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Whitetop Laurel Creek; Close proximity to the historic Virginia Creeper Trail. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to August. Always test depth and current before entering.
View detailsRiverVA
Warrens Ferry
There are no ticket booths, no lifeguard stands, no concession carts. What you get instead is the James River in something close to its natural state: wide, unhurried, and alive with the sounds of the current moving over rock and the occasional great blue heron lifting off from the bank.
View detailsFallsVA
White Rock Falls
White Rock Falls near Waynesboro, Virginia is a falls swimming spot on White Rock Creek. What people come for: Cool, crystal-clear mountain water; Moderate 0.8-mile scenic hike. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Late spring to early summer. Assess pool depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsFalls with small poolVA
Wildcat Pool
Wildcat Pool near Mount Fair, Virginia is a falls with small pool swimming spot on Creek. What people come for: Crystal-clear creek water; Picturesque forest setting. There is a fee or park admission, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May. Submerged rocks and variable depths pose a serious hazard.
View detailsRiver beachVA
Yorktown Beach
Yorktown Beach is a free sandy public beach on the York River in Yorktown, VA — calm river swimming near Riverwalk Landing, Colonial Williamsburg, and Newport News.
View detailsVaries See DescriptionVT
3 Places
The Batten Kill River corridor and the Green Mountain backcountry set the scene: think moss-covered banks, the sound of moving water filtering through stands of birch and maple, and skies that seem somehow bluer once you're surrounded by all that green.
View detailsBrookVT
Adams Hole
There are no signs pointing the way, no entry gates, and no snack bars. Just the brook, the trees, and the sound of water moving over stone.
View detailsVT
Arlington Area
The landscape here is quintessentially New England. Weathered farmhouses punctuating open meadows, forested ridgelines catching the morning mist, and clear mountain streams threading through valley floors.
View detailsBrookVT
Benson's Hole
Unofficial and unimproved, this natural gem rewards those willing to navigate tricky backroads and arrive self-sufficient. No signage, no parking lot, no concession stand.
View detailsFallsVT
Bolton Potholes
Bolton Potholes on Joiner Brook near Bolton, Vermont are free cascading granite pools popular with Burlington and Waterbury day-trippers. Cold mountain water and rock jumping — scout every landing.
View detailsFalls, PoolsVT
Bristol Falls & Circle Current
Bristol Falls & Circle Current near Montpelier, Vermont is a falls swimming spot on New Haven River. What people come for: Natural rock slides; Swirling currents at Circle Current. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to September. Always check water depth before jumping.
View detailsRiverVT
Brockways Mills Gorge
Brockways Mills Gorge is a river swimming spot on Williams River near Brattleboro, Vermont. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Dramatic rock formations. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Water conditions can change rapidly.
View detailsVT
Burlington Area
Burlington Area is a natural swimming spot in Vermont. What people come for: Crystal-clear mountain-fed waters; Varied depths for all swimming levels. You will find restrooms and parking. Best visited in spring. Lake Champlain water temperatures remain cold for much of the year.
View detailsFallsVT
Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls near Rutland, Vermont is a falls swimming spot on Branch Brook. What people come for: Exciting swimming and jumping activities; Picturesque cascades and lush surroundings. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in Summer. Always check water depth before jumping.
View detailsRiverVT
Cavendish Gorge
Carved over millennia by the Black River, this dramatic gorge cuts through ancient rock with a quiet authority, offering one of the most visually striking natural .
View detailsLakeVT
Congdon's Point
This is not a beach with a parking lot and a snack bar. It's the kind of place you find by following a wooded trail, navigating around boulders, and suddenly arriving somewhere that feels entirely your own.
View detailsRiverVT
Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont
Clarendon Gorge Swimming Spots, Vermont lies in Vermont, where Mill River moves through a wooded corridor. The Mill River has spent millennia carving its way through the bedrock here, leaving behind a dramatic channel of sculpted stone, deep cold pools, and sheer rock faces that seem almost too.
View detailsRiverVT
Dog River
There are no crowds, no entrance booths, and no manicured facilities. Just cold, clear Vermont river water and the steady sound of current moving over stone.
View detailsQuarryVT
Dorset Quarry
It's the oldest marble quarry in the United States, carved out of the earth centuries ago and now filled with water so clear and still that the white marble walls shimmer beneath the surface like something out of a dream.
View detailsRiverVT
Dummerston Region Swimming Holes
Scattered along the banks of the West River and Rock River in Southern Vermont, the Dummerston Region . These are unofficial, unhurried spots where the water runs cold and clear, the forest leans close overhead, and the only agenda is the afternoon itself.
View detailsRiverVT
East Middlebury Gorge
East Middlebury Gorge is a clear Middlebury River swimming hole in Vermont with rock ledges and cold mountain water near Middlebury and East Middlebury. Free informal access — check depth before any jump.
View detailsBrookVT
Falls Of Lana
Fed by the cold, clear waters of Sucker Brook, this unofficial . There are no signs directing you to a snack bar, no lifeguard whistles, no manicured lawns.
View detailsLakeVT
Floating Bridge
Floating Bridge lies in Vermont, where Sunset Lake moves through a wooded corridor. The Floating Bridge on Sunset Lake in Brookfield, Vermont is unmistakably the latter.
View detailsBrookVT
Four Corners
Situated where the towns of Lowell, Troy, and Jay converge, this beloved unofficial gathering place sits along Bugbee Brook, a clear, cold tributary of the Missisquoi River.
View detailsRiver poolsVT
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes
Felchville Vermont Swimming Holes lies in Vermont, where North Branch Black River moves through a wooded corridor. These are places you stumble upon and remember for years.
View detailsLakeVT
Glen Lake
This is not a developed beach with snack bars and crowds. It's the kind of place you discover, return to, and tell only your closest friends about.
View detailsPondVT
Hapgood Pond
Fed by glacial history and framed by dense, cathedral-like stands of northern hardwoods and conifers, this clear-water pond offers the kind of .
View detailsRiverVT
Jamaica Vermont Swimming Holes
Jamaica Vermont Swimming Holes lies in Vermont, where Varies moves through a wooded corridor. Salmon Hole at Jamaica State Park and Pikes Falls.
View detailsRiver, PondVT
Kents Corner Area
Dirt roads wind past old stone walls, weathered barns, and stands of birch and maple. And the sound of moving water seems to follow you everywhere.
View detailsRiverVT
Lamoille River Valley Swimming Holes
Lamoille River Valley Swimming Holes near Stowe, Vermont is a river swimming spot on Lamoille River. What people come for: Jeff Falls' 7-foot waterfall; Secluded pools at Brewster River Gorge. You will find parking. Best visited in June to August. Always enter feet-first.
View detailsRiverVT
Mad River Area
Mad River Area near Montpelier, Vermont is a river swimming spot on Mad River, Lincoln Brook. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters; Natural rock slides. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and camping. Best visited in Summer. Assess water conditions upon arrival.
View detailsQuarryVT
Marble Street Quarry
Marble Street Quarry near Vermont is a flooded quarry swimming hole with clear deep water. Access rules vary — confirm it is open to the public before entering; never trespass.
View detailsVT
Middlebury Area
Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Addison County, the Middlebury area is one of New England's most rewarding destinations for natural swimming.
View detailsVariousVT
Middlebury And Burlington Vt Swimming Holes
Middlebury and Burlington-area Vermont swimming holes include Dog Team Falls and other clear creek pools within day-trip range of Lake Champlain towns. Free informal access — cold mountain water.
View detailsFallsVT
Montgomery Center Vermont Swimming Holes
Montgomery Center, Vermont has several waterfall and creek swimming holes in the northern Green Mountains near Lowell and Stowe day-trip range. Cold clear water, short hikes, and no facilities at most pools.
View detailsBrookVT
Osgood Brook Culvert
This is not a developed recreation area with signage, parking lots, or crowds. It's a simple, roadside pause along Osgood Brook, where the water gathers into a small, inviting pool beside a rustic culvert, framed by the unhurried rhythms of central Vermont's countryside.
View detailsRiverVT
Ompompanoosuc River Swimming Spots In Vermont
A name as lyrical and untamed as the landscape it carves through. Winds quietly through the hills of eastern Vermont, passing through small villages and dense forest before emptying into the Connecticut River.
View detailsRiverVT
Poultney River Swimming Holes
Poultney River Swimming Holes lies in Vermont. Accessible from pull-outs along Route 140 east of East Poultney, these unofficial .
View detailsRiverVT
Quechee Gorge
QUECHEE GORGE is a river destination on Ottauquechee River in VT near White River, Woodstock, Quechee. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverVT
Rochester
Rochester is a river swimming spot on Branch of White River near Rutland, Vermont. What people come for: Cool, clear water ideal for swimming and tubing; Accessible location near Rochester, VT. Best visited in September-October. Always scout the river current and depth before entering.
View detailsLakeVT
Red Rocks Park Swimming Area, Burlington Vt
Perched on the southeastern shore of Lake Champlain, Red Rocks Park is one of Burlington's most beloved natural escapes. A place where ancient geology, clear freshwater, and a laid-back Vermont spirit converge.
View detailsRiverVT
Stockbridge Vermont River Swimming Holes
Stockbridge Vermont River Swimming Holes near Rutland, Vermont is a river swimming spot on White River, Tweed River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of White and Tweed Rivers; Natural rock slides for adventurous fun. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in spring. Always check water conditions and depth before entering.
View detailsVariesVT
Stowe Vermont Swimming Holes
Spread across the river corridors and forested ravines surrounding Stowe, Morrisville, and Montpelier, these spots draw swimmers, hikers, and photographers into cold, clear water framed by moss-covered ledges, dramatic cascades, and canopies of maple and birch.
View detailsRiverVT
The Cornfield
The Cornfield lies in Vermont, where West River moves through a wooded corridor. There are no signs announcing its presence, no entry gates, no snack bars.
View detailsReservoirVT
The Ledges
The Ledges on Harriman Reservoir near Wilmington, Vermont is a rock-slab shoreline swim known as one of New England’s established clothing-optional beaches. Free informal access — pack out trash and respect other users.
View detailsBrook flowing through a breached damVT
The Mill
Set along the clear, cold waters of Minister Brook near Worcester, this unofficial . A remnant of an earlier era that nature has spent decades reclaiming and reshaping.
View detailsCreekVT
The Power Station
Its name tells the story: this informal . There are no signs pointing you here, no lifeguards on duty, and no manicured amenities.
View detailsRiverVT
Timber Crib Dam
This unofficial, undeveloped spot sits between the towns of Brattleboro and Guilford, offering a genuinely rustic river experience far removed from manicured beaches and crowded pools.
View detailsDam/ RiverVT
Tolles Hill Dam
Tolles Hill Dam is a dam swimming spot on Black River near Ludlow, Vermont. What people come for: Cool and refreshing Black River waters; Scenic forested surroundings. Best visited in Summer. Exercise extreme caution around the dam structure.
View detailsRiverVT
White River
It's unofficial, unpolished, and entirely genuine. A place where locals have been cooling off for generations and visitors quickly understand why.
View detailsLakeWA
Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots
Banks Lake Region Swimming Spots near Wenatchee, Washington is a lake swimming spot on Banks Lake. What people come for: Clear, warm waters perfect for swimming; Located within Steamboat Rock State Park. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. The lake has no lifeguards.
View detailsRiver/FallsWA
Battle Ground Region Swimming Spots
Spread across Clark County parks and the edge of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, these freshwater spots draw swimmers, families, and explorers looking for something real: cold water, forested banks, and the kind of quiet that only nature provides.
View detailsRiverWA
Cowlitz River
Cowlitz River swimming spots in southwestern Washington offer free informal river access for summer swimming and floating. Currents can be strong — wear a PFD when floating and scout put-ins.
View detailsSoundWA
Dash Point Beach
Dash Point Beach near Tacoma, Washington is a sound swimming spot on Puget Sound. What people come for: Expansive views of Puget Sound; Family-friendly swimming conditions. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in June to August. Be aware of changing water levels and currents in the sound.
View detailsCreek/waterfallsWA
Douglas Creek
This perennial creek winds through basalt walls carved and sculpted by the catastrophic Ice Age floods that reshaped the Columbia Basin thousands of years ago.
View detailsRiver poolsWA
Eatonville Washington Swimming Spots
Here, the Mashel and Tilton rivers carve through mossy rock and old-growth timber, pooling into cool, clear reaches that draw swimmers, waders, and daydreamers from late spring through early fall.
View detailsCreekWA
French Cabin Creek
French Cabin Creek lies in Washington. Fed by Cascade snowmelt, the water runs crystal clear and bracingly cold, threading through a corridor of old-growth conifers before pooling into two distinct .
View detailsRiverWA
Green River Swimming Spots Near Seattle
Green River Swimming Spots near Seattle is a river swimming spot on Upper Green River near Seattle, Washington. What people come for: Emerald-green waters of the Upper Green River; Tranquil swimming spots in Wenatchee National Forest. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June through September. The river current can be strong and water is cold year-round.
View detailsLakeWA
Lowell Johnson Park
Lowell Johnson Park is a lake swimming spot on Florence Lake (Columbia River) near Tacoma, Washington. What people come for: Clear waters of Florence Lake; Abundant wildlife and lush vegetation. Access is free, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in June through September. There are no lifeguards on duty.
View detailsHot SpringsWA
Olympic Hot Springs
Olympic Hot Springs near Port Angeles, WA — natural pools requiring a long hike/bike because Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed to cars at Madison Falls. Park entry fee; soak at your own risk.
View detailsCreekWA
Quarry Pool
Carved from the living rock by quarry workers more than a century ago, this extraordinary sandstone basin now holds cool, clear water fed by Squire Creek.
View detailsRiverWA
Rainbow Falls State Park
Rainbow Falls S. P. is a river swimming spot on Chehalis River near Tacoma, Washington. What people come for: Clear Chehalis River waters; Gentle cascading falls. You will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to September. Always supervise children closely near the river and waterfall.
View detailsCreekWA
Rock Island
Where tall ponderosa pines and Douglas firs line the creek banks, and the jagged peaks of the Cascade Range rise dramatically in every direction.
View detailsRiverWA
Rainier East Little Naches River Swimming Spots
Rainier East Little Naches River Swimming Spots is a river swimming spot on Little Naches River near Yakima, Washington. What people come for: Little Naches River’s clear, cool waters; Picturesque surroundings in the Wenatchee National Forest. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Spring. Always assess water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsCreekWA
Squire Creek Park
Squire Creek Park is a creek swimming spot on Squire Creek near Everett, Washington. What people come for: Crystal-clear creek waters; Easy accessibility from Route 530. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in May to July. Check creek water levels and current speed before entering.
View detailsLakeWA
Seattle And Bellevue Lake Washington Beaches
Stretching along the eastern and western shores of one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved urban lakes, the public beaches of Lake Washington offer something rare in a major metropolitan area: genuine, refreshing, natural .
View detailsRiver/Hot SpringWA
Skykomish Region Swimming Spots
Skykomish Region Swimming Spots lies in Washington, where Varies -See Below moves through a wooded corridor. Eagles wheel overhead, old-growth conifers crowd the banks, and the river itself shifts personality with the seasons.
View detailsFalls/RiverWA
Snoqualmie River Swimming Spots
Snoqualmie River Swimming Spots lies in Washington. Fed by cold mountain snowmelt that gradually warms through the summer months, this stretch of river rewards those willing to make the short hike with deep, jewel-toned pools, dramatic rock formations, and the kind of forested silence that reminds.
View detailsCreekWA
Taneum Creek
Taneum Creek lies in Washington. This unofficial local favorite rewards those willing to navigate a short but moderately challenging hike with uneven terrain and the occasional log jam.
View detailsRiverWA
Teanaway River
Teanaway River near Ellensburg, Washington is a river swimming spot on Teanaway River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming; Short scenic hike to the river. There are no facilities on site. Best visited in May. Always scout water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsLake/RiverWA
Wanapum Lake
Wanapum Lake near Ellensburg, Washington is a lake swimming spot on Wanapum Lake (Columbia River). What people come for: Columbia River reservoir with stunning cliffs; Half-mile hike to secluded swimming cove. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. The Columbia River has strong currents and cold water.
View detailsFalls/CreekWA
Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham, WA — free city park on Whatcom Creek with waterfall views and informal Whirlpool swimming. Directions, cliff-jump warnings, and trail tips.
View detailsRiverWA
Walla Walla Region Swimming Destinations
Southeastern Washington doesn't often make the shortlist for iconic . The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers wind through this high desert country, offering a variety of informal .
View detailsRiverWA
Washougal River Swimming Holes
Washougal River Swimming Holes near Vancouver, Washington is a river swimming spot on Washougal River. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters for swimming; Picturesque natural surroundings. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and parking. Best visited in June to August. No lifeguards are on duty at these unofficial locations.
View detailsHot Springs/FallsWA
Wind River Region Swimming Retreats
Wind River Region Swimming Retreats is a hot springs swimming spot on Hot Springs/Dry Creek near Portland (OR), Washington. What people come for: Invigorating cold-water swimming at Dry Creek Falls; Therapeutic soaking at Wind River Hot Springs. Access is free. Best visited in Late spring through early autumn. The water at Dry Creek Falls is very cold.
View detailsRiverWA
Salmon La Sac Swimming Hole
Salmon La Sac swimming hole on the Cle Elum River near Cle Elum and Roslyn, Washington is a popular late-summer National Forest river swim by the Salmon La Sac Trailhead — not a chlorinated beach. Expect NW Forest Pass parking, vault toilets, very crowded summer weekends, and cold snowmelt water.
View detailsLakeWA
Cranberry Lake Swim Beach
Cranberry Lake Swim Beach inside Deception Pass State Park near Oak Harbor and Anacortes, Washington is a freshwater state-park beach (Discover Pass required) — not a saltwater cove. No lifeguards; swim only in designated areas and check park alerts before you go.
View detailsFallsWI
Amnicon Falls State Park
Amnicon Falls State Park near Superior, WI — waterfall swimming and wading on the Amnicon River by a covered bridge. State park sticker required; no lifeguards or designated beach.
View detailsRiverWI
Eau Claire River
Eau Claire River near Eau Claire, Wisconsin is a river swimming spot on Eau Claire River. What people come for: Shallow sandy beaches; Dynamic terrain shaped by spring melt. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in June to August. Check water depth and current strength before entering, especially after rain.
View detailsQuarryWI
Jaycee Quarry Park
Jaycee Quarry Park near Sheboygan, Wisconsin is a quarry swimming spot on Quarry. What people come for: Clear freshwater swimming in a quarry; Family-friendly facilities. You will find restrooms, picnic areas, camping and parking. Best visited in Spring. No lifeguard is mentioned, so constant supervision of children is essential.
View detailsLakes/PondsWI
Kettle Moraine State Forest Swimming Spots
Kettle Moraine State Forest Swimming Spots near Whitewater, Wisconsin is a lakes swimming spot. What people come for: Glacially carved lakes; Family-friendly amenities. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring to early summer. No lifeguards are on duty at any of these locations.
View detailsLakes/PondsWI
Madison Wisconsin Swimming Spots
Madison Wisconsin Swimming Spots is a lakes/ponds destination on Varies - see below in WI near Madison, Middleton, Cross Plains. Fee note: Varies - see below. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsBayWI
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach near Green Bay, Wisconsin is a bay swimming spot on Lake Michigan. What people come for: Crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan; Picturesque pebble-strewn shoreline. Best visited in May to September. No lifeguard services are indicated.
View detailsQuarryWI
Redgranitequarry
REDGRANITEQUARRY is a quarry destination on Redgranite Lake in WI near Redgranite. Fee note: None. Confirm current access and conditions before you go — no lifeguards at informal spots.
View detailsRiverWV
Anvil Rock
This unofficial but beloved natural gathering spot sits an easy day trip from Lewisburg, Ronceverte, and Alderson, offering a raw, unpolished slice of Appalachian river life that no developed park can replicate.
View detailsRiverWV
Audra State Park
Near Clarksburg in West Virginia, Audra S.P. Fed by cool, spring-influenced waters that stay refreshingly crisp even on the hottest July afternoons, the river carves through mossy hemlock-shaded banks and smooth sandstone shelves, creating a scenic swimming spot.
View detailsCreekWV
Anthony Creek Greenbrier Swimming Spots
Anthony Creek Greenbrier Swimming Spots is a creek swimming spot on Anthony Creek/Greenbrier River near Lewisburg, West Virginia. What people come for: Serene waters of Flat Rock in the Greenbrier River; Lush Appalachian landscapes and wildlife. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in June to August. Check water conditions and depth before entering.
View detailsFalls/riverWV
Bemis Area
The Bemis area on Shavers Fork near Elkins / Glady, West Virginia has waterfall and river swimming pools in the Monongahela National Forest region. Free informal access — cold mountain water; check flow after rain.
View detailsHot SpringsWV
Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs S. P. near Martinsburg, West Virginia is a hot springs swimming spot on Hot Springs. What people come for: Historic mineral spa; Year-round hot springs. Expect a fee of about $10 per person, and you will find restrooms and picnic areas. Best visited in Spring. The mineral water is for external bathing only.
View detailsRiverWV
Big Bend
Big Bend near Petersburg, West Virginia is a river swimming spot on South Branch Potomac River. What people come for: Unique river bend formation; Sandy beach access. Access is free, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in May to September. Check river conditions and weather forecasts.
View detailsCreeks /WaterfallWV
Big Sandy Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Clustered near the historic Jenkinsburg Bridge where Big Sandy Creek spills into the Cheat River, this unofficial destination rewards those willing to earn it.
View detailsFalls/creekWV
Camp Creek Area
Unhurried, unguarded, and entirely honest about what they are: wild places where Appalachian nature does exactly what it pleases. The star attractions here are three distinct waterfalls, each with its own personality.
View detailsCreekWV
Cedar Creek State Park
The park sits between the small towns of Burnsville and Glenville, far enough from the interstate bustle that the loudest thing you're likely to hear is the gurgle of Cedar Creek working its way over smooth stones and through sun-dappled hollows.
View detailsRiverWV
Cranberry River Area
Cranberry River Area lies in West Virginia. They're discovered by those willing to follow gravel roads and unmarked footpaths until the sound of rushing water pulls them forward.
View detailsCreekWV
Deckers Creek Trail
Built along a former railroad corridor, this multi-use rail trail winds beside its namesake creek through a narrow, green-walled valley where limestone and sandstone cliffs rise above the water and hemlocks lean into the current.
View detailsRiverWV
Elk River Swimming Holes In Webster County
This is backcountry Appalachia at its most elemental. A river threading through sandstone hollows, mountain laurel crowding the banks, and the persistent soundtrack of moving water echoing off ancient rock.
View detailsWaterfalls/poolsWV
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia
Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia lies in West Virginia. Carved over millennia into sandstone and shale formations.
View detailsCreek/RiverWV
Grafton Region Swimming Holes
The Grafton region in West Virginia has creek and river swimming holes including Fortney’s Mill sliding rocks. Free informal access — check depth and private-property boundaries.
View detailsRiver/chuteWV
Holly River State Park
Near Buckhannon in West Virginia, Holly River S.P. The Left Fork Holly River winds through a landscape of dense hardwood forest, moss-covered boulders, and sandstone hollows.
View detailsCreekWV
Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots, Tucker County Wv
Dense Appalachian woodland pressing close on either side, the air sweet with the scent of moss and running water. This is not a manicured beach with roped-off lanes.
View detailsCreekWV
Knapp Creek Area
Strung along a scenic corridor of Route 39, three distinct . Just you, the creek, and the sound of water finding its way downhill.
View detailsVaries-see belowWV
Kingwood Region Swimming Holes
Scattered along the Cheat River and its tributary Pringle Run, these unofficial spots draw locals and adventurous visitors alike who are willing to trade manicured amenities for raw, unfiltered nature.
View detailsVaries- See belowWV
Kumbrabow State Forest Swimming Spots
No lifeguards, no beach umbrellas, no crowds. Just you, the forest, and water so cold and clean it'll take your breath away the moment you wade in.
View detailsRiverWV
Meadow River East Area
Meadow River East Area near Beckley, West Virginia is a river swimming spot on Meadow River. What people come for: Series of swimming holes along Meadow River; Bubbie Hole - clothing optional spot. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May to September. Always check water depth and current strength before entering.
View detailsVaries -see belowWV
Mount Storm Swimming Spots
Mount Storm Swimming Spots in West Virginia is a natural swimming spot. What people come for: Barnum Hole: Deep, dramatic swimming pool with rock bluff for jumping.; Abrams Creek: Rustic retreat with waterfalls, cascades, and wildlife. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find restrooms, picnic areas and camping. Best visited in Late spring to early fall. Always assess river current strength and water depth before entering.
View detailsCreekWV
Otter Creek Wilderness Swimming Spots
Fed by cold, clear Appalachian springs and shaded by a dense canopy of hardwoods, these unofficial . There are no lifeguards, no snack bars, and no crowds.
View detailsRiverWV
Petersburg Region Swimming Holes
Petersburg Region Swimming Holes near Petersburg, West Virginia is a river swimming spot. What people come for: Easy access for families; Crawdad catching opportunities. Access is free, and you will find picnic areas and parking. Best visited in Late spring through early fall. Submerged rocks or logs may be present.
View detailsFalls/SlideWV
Red Creek
Red Creek is a falls swimming spot on Red Creek near Petersburg, West Virginia. What people come for: Three picturesque waterfalls; Refreshing natural swimming pools. Access is free, and there are no facilities on site. Best visited in May through September. Assess water depth and check for submerged hazards before jumping or sliding.
View detailsRiverWV
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls near Hinton, WV — widest falls on the New River with free boardwalk overlooks in New River Gorge National Park. Prime viewing spot; river swimming below the falls is hazardous.
View detailsRiver/FallsWV
Seneca Area
Seneca Area is a river swimming spot near Petersburg, West Virginia. What people come for: Dramatic quartzite formations at Seneca Rocks; Crystal-clear swimming holes. Access is free, and you will find camping. Best visited in June through August. Always test water depth and check for submerged hazards before entering.
View detailsCreekWV
Stuart
Stuart lies in West Virginia, where Shaver'S Fork moves through a wooded corridor. A clear, mountain-fed creek near the small community of Bowden.
View detailsLake/CliffsWV
Summersville Lake Cliff Swimming Spots
Rise sharply from the shoreline, and on a summer afternoon the air rings with the sound of splashing, laughter, and the occasional ecstatic whoop from a jumper launching off a ledge.
View detailsRiverWV
Watoga State Park
The river moves with quiet confidence through a corridor of hardwood forest, its waters running cool and clear over smooth river stones. Meaning you'll find nature in its honest, unmanicured form rather than roped-off lanes and lifeguard stands.
View detailsCreekWV
Williams River Swimming Spots In Monongahela Forest
Williams River Swimming Spots In Monongahela Forest lies in West Virginia, where Varies - See Below moves through a wooded corridor. These are not the kind of places you stumble upon from a parking lot.
View detailsNatural hot water led into concrete pool - open year round.WY
Granite Hot Springs
The drive in follows the Hoback River canyon, where pine-draped ridgelines rise on either side and the air carries that clean, resinous scent of high-altitude wilderness.
View detailsHot SpringsWY
Hot Springs State Park
This is not a manufactured spa experience. It is geology made personal, a living landscape shaped by centuries of mineral deposition, rising steam, and the quiet power of thermal water finding its way to the surface.
View detailsHot springs/riverWY
Saratoga
No admission fee, no hiking required, no crowds fighting over a hidden gem. Just warm mineral water, open sky, and the kind of unhurried Western hospitality that defines this corner of the state.
View detailsRiver/Hot SpringsWY
Yellowstone National Park Swimming Spots
Yellowstone National Park Swimming Spots near Yellowstone N.P., Wyoming is a river swimming spot. What people come for: Stunning volcanic rock formations; Cool, clear waters for swimming. There is a fee or park admission, and you will find camping. Best visited in June to August. Avoid all areas with visible rapids or strong currents.
View detailsNo swimming holes match your search. View all locations
Directory FAQ
How do I browse this directory?
Filter this catalog by state, water type (creek, river, lake, quarry), and free entry. Open any card for directions, fees, and safety notes. Confirm access on each listing before you drive.
Is this a map of every U.S. swimming hole?
It is our mapped catalog of 862+ documented spots — not every unnamed bend in the country. Counts and type mix are published on the swimming holes in America dataset. Submit a missing place via contact if you have a public, legal site.
What does free entry mean here?
Free entry means we have no swim-ticket fee on file. Parking, recreation passes, or park day-use can still apply — always read the listing fee field.
How is the directory different from the GPS finder?
This page is the full U.S. catalog you can filter and scan. The GPS finder sorts the same listings by distance from your device. Use the catalog to browse; use GPS only when you already know you want spots close to you.