Swimming holes near New York City

5 natural swim spots within about 100 miles of New York City, New York.

This page lists 5 natural swimming holes near New York City, New York, sorted by distance within about 100 miles.

Where can you swim near New York City?

Near New York City, New York, our directory maps 5 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles of the city center — including 3 rivers, 1 creek, and 1 lake. The closest mapped spot is The Floating Pool Lady (8.9 mi straight-line). Distances are not drive time; open each listing for directions, fee notes, access rules, and safety context before you travel.

At a glance — swimming holes near New York City

Central placeNew York City, New York
Search radiusAbout 100 miles
Mapped spots5
Closest listingThe Floating Pool Lady (8.9 mi)
Water typesRiver (3), Creek (1), Lake (1)
Typical fees3 free · 1 fee · 1 varies

All swimming holes near New York City

5 natural swim spots in New York, sorted by distance from the city center. For live GPS sorting, use swimming holes near me.

The Floating Pool Lady — swimming pool in east river swimming hole near Manhattan, NY
Swimming Pool in East River NY

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.

Fee varies 8.9 mi away Manhattan
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Croton Point Park — river swimming hole near Tarrytown, NY
River NY

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.

Fee required 33 mi away Tarrytown
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River Pool At Beacon — swimming pool in hudson river swimming hole near Newburgh, NY
Swimming Pool in Hudson River NY

River Pool At Beacon

This isn't a hidden gorge or a remote mountain . It's a thoughtfully designed, man-made .

Free 55 mi away Newburgh
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Glenerie — creek swimming hole near Kingston, NY
Creek NY

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.

Free 90 mi away Kingston
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North Haven Pond — pond swimming hole near East Hampton, NY
Pond NY

North Haven Pond

North Haven Pond lies in New York. This freshwater pond sits at the crossroads of three storied communities.

Free 91 mi away East Hampton
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Types of swimming holes near New York City

Browse by water type in New York — each link opens the full state directory for that category.

River swimming holes — natural outdoor swim spots

River (3)

A river swimming hole is a stretch of moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below for access notes, fees, and seasonal flow tips.

Creek swimming holes — natural outdoor swim spots

Creek (1)

Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below to find creek swims by state, then confirm water level after rain.

Lake swimming holes — natural outdoor swim spots

Lake (1)

Lake swimming holes include natural lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with shoreline access — still water that is often easier for families than currents. Browse lakes below for beaches, fees, and amenities.

What to expect at nearby spots

Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.

Natural swim spots in the New York City area

New York City is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in New York. Within about 100 miles you will find 5 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with The Floating Pool Lady about 8.9 mi from the city center.

The mix spans river, creek, lake — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.

How distances work near New York City

Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in New York with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the New York City city center — not driving time. A creek swimming hole 12 miles away on forest roads can take longer than a river access point 20 miles away on a highway.

Wild swimming near New York City includes informal river bends, spring-fed pools, waterfall plunge pools, and developed park swim areas. Rules, fees, and seasonal access differ by land manager. Never assume swimming is allowed without checking the listing and posted signs the day you visit.

Safety and water quality near you

Natural water near New York City changes after rain, snowmelt, and summer heat. Cold shock, currents, submerged rocks, and bacteria are real risks at creek and river swimming holes — most sites have no lifeguard. Check weather and local advisories before you enter the water.

We publish original planning copy, safety tips, and last-updated dates on each listing. See our editorial policy for sourcing standards, or contact us if access or conditions have changed.

How we research listings · Report a correction · Safety disclaimer

Swimming holes near New York City — FAQ

Where can you swim near New York City?

Near New York City, New York, our directory lists 5 natural swimming holes within about 100 miles — mainly 3 rivers, 1 creek, and 1 lake. Each listing links to directions, fee notes, and safety context. Use near me on your phone for live distance sorting from your location.

How many swimming holes are near New York City, New York?

This page shows 5 mapped natural swim spots within about 100 miles of New York City. The full New York directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.

What is the closest swimming hole to New York City?

The closest mapped spot to New York City is The Floating Pool Lady (8.9 mi straight-line). Open that listing for driving directions, access notes, and current fee information — unofficial holes can change without notice.

Are swimming holes near New York City free?

3 listings note free or no-fee access; 1 require a fee or park admission; 1 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.

What types of swimming holes are near New York City?

Near New York City, documented water types include rivers, creek, lake. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the New York state page or open each card for water-body details.

When is the best time to visit swimming holes near New York City?

Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near New York City, but snowmelt, drought, and weekend crowds change conditions week to week. Check each listing before you drive — high water after storms can make creeks and rivers unsafe.

Is it safe to swim in rivers and creeks near New York City?

Wild swimming near New York City carries real risks: cold water, currents, rocks, and no lifeguards at most unofficial sites. Check weather, water level, and posted warnings the day you visit. Read our river safety guide and each listing's safety section before entering the water.

Listing data last updated across spots on this page.