12 natural swimming destinations in Idaho.
Idaho has 12 swimming holes in our directory, including 2 river, 1 creek, 1 waterfall, 4 spring, 2 bay & coastal. Those counts come from our live U.S. swimming holes dataset. Use GPS distance sorting or city nearby lists when you already know your starting point.
Near major cities: Boise
By water type: River (2) · Creek (1) · Waterfall (1) · Spring (4) · Bay & Coastal (2) · Other (2)
Guides: Family friendly (6)
Hot springs: Idaho hot springs (5)
Most-searched spots — open each listing for directions, fees, and safety notes.
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.
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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 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 detailsJerry 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 detailsFeatherville 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 detailsGoldbug 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 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 detailsJerry 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.
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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.
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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 detailsMcCall 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 detailsOld 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.
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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 detailsSwinging 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.
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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 detailsKirkham 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.
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