QuarryPA
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 detailsSwimming holes near Reading, Pennsylvania
22 natural swim spots within about 90 miles of Reading, Pennsylvania.
This page lists 22 natural swimming holes near Reading, Pennsylvania, sorted by straight-line distance within about 90 miles — including 1 river, 11 creeks, 2 waterfalls, and 2 lakes. It is a city day-trip list, not the national GPS finder. Open each listing for directions, fees, and access before you drive.
Where can you swim near Reading?
Near Reading, Pennsylvania, our directory maps 22 natural swimming holes within about 90 miles of the city center — including 1 river, 11 creeks, 2 waterfalls, and 2 lakes. The closest mapped spot is Willow Springs Park (18 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 Reading
| Central place | Reading, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Search radius | About 90 miles |
| Mapped spots | 22 |
| Closest listing | Willow Springs Park (18 mi) |
| Water types | River (1), Creek (11), Waterfall (2), Lake (2), Quarry (2), Other (4) |
| Typical fees | 15 free · 7 varies |
All swimming holes near Reading
22 natural swim spots in Pennsylvania, sorted by distance from the city center. Statewide inventory counts are on the U.S. swimming holes dataset. For live GPS sorting from your device, use the GPS finder.
CreekPA
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
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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.
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LakePA
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.
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Varies-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 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
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 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
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
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.
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RiverPA
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 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 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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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 detailsTypes of swimming holes near Reading
Browse by water type in Pennsylvania — each link opens the full state directory for that category.
River (1)
Looking for rivers near you to swim? A river swimming hole is moving water deep enough to swim or wade — often a bend, pool, or slack-water pocket. Browse river spots below, or start with GPS near-me sorting, then confirm access and flow the day you go.
Creek (11)
Looking for swimming creeks near you? Creek swimming holes are smaller stream and brook pools — usually cooler, shallower, and tucked into forests or hollows. Use the list below (or near-me GPS), then confirm water level after rain.
Waterfall (2)
Waterfall swimming holes are plunge pools and cascades fed by falls. Flow is often seasonal; check depth, cold water, and slippery rock before you enter.
Lake (2)
Looking for swimming lakes near you? Only swim where it is allowed — many reservoirs and drinking-water lakes ban body contact. This catalog is lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with documented public swim access: beaches, fees, and no-swim warnings on each listing.
Quarry (2)
Looking for quarry swimming near you? Quarry swimming holes are deep, clear pools in former extraction sites. Depth can change suddenly — never dive without checking, respect posted access rules, and prefer documented public sites over fenced pits.
Other (4)
Mixed or unique water types that do not fit a single category — review each listing for access and conditions.
Creeks, lakes, and water holes near Reading
People search for this in a dozen different ways. Here is what each one means around Reading, with the counts from our directory.
- creeks near me
- Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 11 creek swimming holes. The closest is West Vincent, about 21 mi out. Also searched as: swimming creeks near me, water streams near me. Sort creek swimming holes by distance from you.
- river swimming near me
- Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 1 river swimming hole. The closest is City Island Beach, about 51 mi out. Also searched as: rivers you can swim in near me. Sort river swimming holes by distance from you.
- swimming lakes near me
- Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 2 swimming lakes. The closest is Mount Gretna Lake, about 29 mi out. Also searched as: lakes to swim near me, swimmable lakes near me. Sort swimming lakes by distance from you.
- swimming quarries near me
- Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 2 quarry swimming holes. The closest is Willow Springs Park, about 18 mi out. Also searched as: quarry lake near me. Sort quarry swimming holes by distance from you.
- waterfall swimming holes near me
- Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 2 waterfall plunge pools. The closest is Rock Run Swimming Spots In Lycoming County, about 23 mi out. Also searched as: waterfalls to swim in near me. Sort waterfall plunge pools by distance from you.
- water holes near me
- "Water hole" and "swim spot" are the same search as swimming hole — natural outdoor water deep enough to swim or wade. We map 22 of them within about 90 miles of Reading, across 6 water types. Browse the full directory.
- where to go swimming near me
- For outdoor swimming near Reading, start with the 22 listings on this page sorted by distance from the city center, then read the access notes before you drive — the closest pin is not always one you are allowed to swim in. Municipal pools are not in this directory. Sort everything by GPS distance.
- free places to swim near me
- 15 of the 22 spots near Reading are listed as free or no-fee access. Most are public-land creek and river access points; parking passes can still apply at trailheads. Show free swim spots near me.
What to expect at nearby spots
Highlights and safety notes from our listings — not third-party reviews. Report outdated info or share a tip.
- Willow Springs ParkDeep quarry waters perfect for swimming and scuba diving
- Willow Springs ParkCheck the official park website for any posted water quality advisories or closure notices before visiting
- West VincentCrystal-clear waters of French Creek
- West VincentAlways supervise children closely
- Rock Run Swimming Spots In Lycoming CountyCrystal-clear waters
- Rock Run Swimming Spots In Lycoming CountyAlways test water depth and current strength before entering
- Mount Gretna LakeCrystal-clear spring-fed waters
- Mount Gretna LakeSwim within designated areas and observe all posted rules and warnings
Natural swim spots in the Reading area
Reading is a practical launch point for day trips to natural swimming holes in Pennsylvania. Within about 90 miles you will find 22 mapped destinations in our directory, starting with Willow Springs Park about 18 mi from the city center.
The mix spans river, creek, waterfall, lake, quarry, other — related terms searchers use include creek swimming, river swimming holes, spring-fed pools, and wild swimming.
How distances work near Reading
Every card on this page is a verified directory entry in Pennsylvania with map coordinates. We measure straight-line distance from the Reading 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 Reading 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 Reading 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.
Swimming holes near Reading — FAQ
Where can you swim near Reading?
Near Reading, Pennsylvania, our directory lists 22 natural swimming holes within about 90 miles — mainly 1 river, 11 creeks, 2 waterfalls, and 2 lakes. 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 Reading, Pennsylvania?
This page shows 22 mapped natural swim spots within about 90 miles of Reading. The full Pennsylvania directory may list additional holes farther out or awaiting coordinates. Counts update as we verify new listings.
What is the closest swimming hole to Reading?
The closest open mapped spot to Reading is Willow Springs Park (18 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 Reading free?
15 listings note free or no-fee access; 7 have variable or unverified fees. Open each spot page for current fee details.
What types of swimming holes are near Reading?
Near Reading, documented water types include river, creeks, waterfalls, lakes, quarrys, others. A swimming hole is a natural outdoor pool in moving or spring-fed water — not a chlorinated pool. Filter by type on the Pennsylvania state page or open each card for water-body details.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes near Reading?
Late spring through early fall is the usual swim season near Reading, 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 Reading?
Wild swimming near Reading 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.
Where can I find creeks near Reading?
Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 11 creek swimming holes. The closest is West Vincent, about 21 mi out. Also searched as: swimming creeks near me, water streams near me.
Where can I find river swimming near Reading?
Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 1 river swimming hole. The closest is City Island Beach, about 51 mi out. Also searched as: rivers you can swim in near me.
Where can I find swimming lakes near Reading?
Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 2 swimming lakes. The closest is Mount Gretna Lake, about 29 mi out. Also searched as: lakes to swim near me, swimmable lakes near me.
Where can I find swimming quarries near Reading?
Within about 90 miles of Reading we map 2 quarry swimming holes. The closest is Willow Springs Park, about 18 mi out. Also searched as: quarry lake near me.
Listing data last updated across spots on this page.
Guides: Pennsylvania swimming holes guide · Swimming holes near Philadelphia · Swimming holes near Pittsburgh