CreekPA
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 details53 Swimming Holes in Pennsylvania — Lakes, Creeks & Rivers You Can Swim In
53 natural swimming destinations in Pennsylvania.
How many swimming holes are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has 53 swimming holes in our directory, including 3 river, 33 creek, 5 waterfall, 4 lake, 2 quarry. 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.
Clear water holes in Pennsylvania usually come from limestone-filtered creeks, spring-fed pools, and deep gorge basins — not chlorinated blue. High-intent search favorites include Swatara State Park (Bordner Cabin), Pirate Rock Quarry near Blossburg, Devil’s Well, and Rock Run near Ralston.
For scenic river and gorge swims, explore Blue Hole Barronvale in Forbes State Forest, Robinson Hole, Tionesta Creek, and Quakertown Falls.
To match drive time from your starting point, check our nearby pages for Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Scranton, Allentown, Wellsboro, and Williamsport.
Near major cities: Allentown · Altoona · Blossburg · Bloomsburg · Erie · Harrisburg · Johnstown · Lancaster · Lehigh Valley · Lock Haven · Oil City · Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Reading · Scranton · State College · Wellsboro · Wilkes-Barre · Williamsport · York
By water type: River (3) · Creek (33) · Waterfall (5) · Lake (4) · Quarry (2) · Other (6)
Guides: Hidden gems (24) · Family friendly (24)
Popular regions: Quakertown Falls & western PA gorge swims
Guides: Pennsylvania swimming holes guide · Swimming holes near Philadelphia · Swimming holes near Pittsburgh
Popular swimming holes in Pennsylvania
Most-searched spots — open each listing for directions, fees, and safety notes.
RiverPA
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
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.
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Creek/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
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 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 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 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 detailsPennsylvania swimming holes FAQ
Where is the clearest water in PA?
Searches for the clearest water in Pennsylvania point to limestone and spring-fed spots such as Swatara State Park, Rock Run (Lycoming County), Blue Hole Barronvale in Forbes State Forest, and Pirate Rock quarry. Clarity drops after heavy rain — always scout the same day.
Is it safe to swim in PA creeks?
Creek swimming in Pennsylvania can be safe when access is legal, current is manageable, and depth is known. Skip flood-stage or muddy water after heavy rain, wear grippy shoes on slick rock, and never dive without checking depth.
Where is Rock Run Swimming Hole in PA?
Rock Run swimming holes are near Ralston in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the Loyalsock State Forest / McIntyre Wild Area corridor. Multiple waterfall-fed pools sit along the creek — open our Rock Run listing for directions, parking norms, and safety notes.
Where are the best clear water holes in Pennsylvania?
High-intent clear-water spots include Swatara State Park, Rock Run, Pirate Rock (Blossburg quarry), Devil’s Well, Blue Hole Barronvale, Robinson Hole, and Quakertown Falls. Use our Pennsylvania state map and city nearby lists to match drive time.
Are Pennsylvania quarry swimming holes legal?
Some quarries are informal or privately restricted. Always read each listing’s access notes, respect private property and posted signs, and never assume cliff jumping is allowed or safe.
How do I find swimming holes near me in Pennsylvania?
Open our near-me GPS sorter or a Pennsylvania city nearby page (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Scranton, Blossburg, Wellsboro, Williamsport, and more), then confirm directions and fees on each spot page.
All 53 listings
CreekPA
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.
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QuarryPAClosed
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.
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Creek/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.
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Varies-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.
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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.
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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.
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