Benton
Swimming hole in Little Rock, Arkansas · River
Benton is a river swimming hole. It is near Little Rock, Arkansas. Access is free. Best season: Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather and ideal.
Typical season: Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather and ideal
About Benton
Benton is a River swimming destination near Little Rock in Arkansas. The setting stays informal and low-key.
It's the kind of place you hear about from a coworker or a neighbor who grew up splashing around in these waters on sweltering Arkansas afternoons. And once you find it, you understand immediately why people keep coming back.
The Saline River moves through this stretch of central Arkansas with a relaxed, unhurried energy, framed by woody riverbanks and the dappled green canopy that characterizes the region. Despite sitting just a short drive from the suburbs of Benton and the bustle of Little Rock, the site feels genuinely removed from the everyday. The bridge overhead provides a sense of shelter and a touch of industrial character against the natural surroundings, but your eye is quickly drawn downstream to where the river opens up and the water glimmers in the summer light. Birdsong, the soft rush of the current, and the crunch of gravel underfoot are the dominant sounds here. In autumn, the surrounding trees ignite in shades of amber and russet, making this a quietly stunning spot for photography even outside of .
Swim at your own risk at Benton. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- Saline River
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Little Rock
- State
- Arkansas
- Coordinates
- 34.60560, -92.61920
- Best season
- Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather and ideal . Autumn (September-November) provides stunning foliage, while spring (March-May) brings colorful wildflowers and moderate temperatures.
- Access difficulty
- Easy access; no hiking required. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but water shoes are recommended for navigating the rocky riverbed.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- No camping at site. Camping west of here in Ouachita N. F.,
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities available on-site. You should come prepared with their own supplies, including water, snacks, and towels.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Summer months (June-August) offer warm weather and ideal . Autumn (September-November) provides stunning foliage, while spring (March-May) brings colorful wildflowers and moderate temperatures.
- Access Easy access; no hiking required. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but water shoes are recommended for navigating the rocky riverbed.
- Facilities No facilities available on-site. You should come prepared with their own supplies, including water, snacks, and towels.
- Camping nearby No camping at site. Camping west of here in Ouachita N. F.,
Highlights & features
- Easy access off Route 5
- Clear, cool waters of the Saline River
- Natural setting with no facilities
- Great for photography and wildlife viewing
- Perfect day trip from Little Rock
- Located directly under a bridge for easy access
- Secluded despite proximity to Benton and Little Rock
- Unspoiled natural surroundings
How to get there
Benton lies in Arkansas near Little Rock, Benton. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
-
If you're traveling from Little Rock, Use these driving notes to reach the
Start in Little Rock Begin your trip by getting onto Interstate 30 (I-30) heading southwest.
-
Drive toward Benton
Continue on I-30 for about 15 miles until you reach the Benton area.
-
Exit onto Highway 5
Take the exit for Highway 5 (also referred to as State Route 5) and head northwest.
-
Reach the Saline River Crossing
Drive a very short distance on Highway 5 until you arrive at the point where Highway 5 crosses the Saline River. The .
-
Additional Details
-
Parking
Look for parking areas near the bridge or along the roadside. Be mindful of any posted signs or restrictions to ensure you park legally and safely. Access to the : Once parked, you may need to walk a short distance to reach the riverbank. Exercise caution when descending to the water, as the terrain may be uneven or slippery. Landmarks The bridge over the Saline River is a key landmark to identify the . Have a safe visit to the Benton .
Plan your visit
Benton works well as a day trip from Little Rock or Benton. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Bluff Hole or browse more Arkansas river spots in our directory. For the full list in Arkansas, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial, undeveloped swimming area. Parking is informal, typically along the roadside near the Highway 5 bridge over the Saline River. Always check for and respect any posted signage regarding access or parking restrictions.
Top picks for this trip
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Bottle
A do-everything bottle that holds ice through a full hot day at the water.
Check price on
Willit Rashguard Swim Shirt UPF 50+
The best all-around sun shirt for swimming holes — light enough to swim in, dry enough to hike out in.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Benton
Gear we compare side by side for river swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Benton?
Yes. Benton near Little Rock and Benton in AR is a river swimming spot on Saline River. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Benton free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Benton?
Benton is in AR within day-trip range of Little Rock and Benton. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Benton’s historical significance as the county seat of Saline County adds depth to the area. The city’s origins date back to Arkansas’s early statehood years, and its proximity to Little Rock ties it to the broader history of the state.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect the natural environment. Help preserve the Saline River’s beauty for future generations.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.