Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes
Swimming hole in Fort Smith, Arkansas · Creek
Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes is a creek swimming hole. It is near Fort Smith, Arkansas. Access is free. Best season: Late Spring through early summer (April to June) for optimal water levels and vibrant ecosystems.
Typical season: Late Spring through early summer (April to June) for optimal water levels and vibrant ecosystems
About Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes
Near Fort Smith in Arkansas, Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes offers a straightforward outdoor swim.
Whether you're after a mellow afternoon wading in crystal-clear shallows or an adrenaline-charged leap from a rocky ledge, this stretch of northwest Arkansas delivers both. Often within the same afternoon. The creek cuts through layered sandstone bluffs draped in hardwood forest, and the sound of moving water follows you everywhere you walk here.
Lee Creek winds through a landscape that feels genuinely wild. Tall sycamores and oaks lean over the water, their roots gripping mossy banks, while native wildlife. Box turtles, herons, the occasional white-tailed deer. Move through the understory at the edges of your awareness. The Natural Dam site, managed by the US Forest Service, offers one of the more accessible entry points, with a broad, flat rock formation that creates a natural weir across the creek. It's the kind of place where you can spread out a picnic blanket on warm stone and let the sound of water do all the work.
No lifeguards patrol Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes. Facilities are limited, so judge depth, current, and weather when you arrive.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Creek
- Water body
- Lee Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Fort Smith
- State
- Arkansas
- Best season
- Late Spring through early summer (April to June) for optimal water levels and vibrant ecosystems; autumn for stunning foliage.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate; Natural Dam is easier to access with family-friendly trails, while Lee Creek near the bridge involves rough terrain and cliff navigation.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- North of here at Devils Den S. P. (Gravel road from Lee Creek to Devils Den)
- Land manager
- U.S. Forest Service
- Activities
- Swimming, jumping, zip line
- Facilities
- Natural Dam offers picnic tables and restrooms; Lee Creek near the bridge has no facilities, so plan accordingly.
- Last verified
- July 13, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late Spring through early summer (April to June) for optimal water levels and vibrant ecosystems; autumn for stunning foliage.
- Access Moderate; Natural Dam is easier to access with family-friendly trails, while Lee Creek near the bridge involves rough terrain and cliff navigation.
- Facilities Natural Dam offers picnic tables and restrooms; Lee Creek near the bridge has no facilities, so plan accordingly.
- Camping nearby North of here at Devils Den S. P. (Gravel road from Lee Creek to Devils Den)
Highlights & features
- Natural Dam swimming hole managed by US Forest Service
- Thrilling zip line and cliff jumps at Lee Creek
- Scenic trails and wildlife sightings
- Family-friendly picnic spots
- Panoramic views for photography
- Unofficial zip line at Lee Creek
- Diverse ecosystems and native wildlife
- Contrasting serene and adventurous swimming experiences
How to get there
Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes lies in Arkansas near Fort Smith, Cedarville, and Natural Dam. 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.
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Location: Arkansas (AR) Nearby Towns
Fort Smith, Cedarville, Natural Dam Natural Dam This .S. Forest Service and offers picnic tables, toilets, and trails. It is a semi-official area, meaning there are no lifeguards on duty. Driving Directions: Starting from Fort Smith or Van Buren, take Route 59 north. Continue on Route 59 through Cedarville until you reach the split of Route 220 and Route 59. At the split, keep left and stay on Route 59 north. Follow Route 59 to the town of Natural Dam. In Natural Dam, turn west (left) off Route 59 at the only intersection in town. Drive about 0.25 miles down the road to Lee Creek and the .
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Helpful notes
Parking is available near the . In addition to the .
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GPS Coordinates: Latitude 35.64987, Longitude -94.39775 Google Maps Link
Click here for location Lee Creek
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This large, unofficial . Visitors can enjoy cliff jumping (about 40 feet) and . Driving Directions
Starting from Fort Smith or Van Buren, take Route 59 north. Continue on Route 59 through Cedarville until you reach the split of Route 220 and Route 59. At the split, keep right and take Route 220 north. Drive about 10 miles on Route 220. As you approach the bridge over Lee Creek, look for a turn-off on the east side (right side) just before the bridge.
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Turn off and follow the road down to a large parking area near the .
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Helpful notes: The .
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Parking is available near the .
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GPS Coordinates: Latitude 35.70333, Longitude -94.32722 Google Maps Link
Click here for location Have a safe visit to the Lee Creek Ozark ! Always exercise caution when .
Plan your visit
Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes works well as a day trip from Fort Smith or Cedarville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Cadron Creek Swimming Spots In Central Arkansas or browse more Arkansas creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Arkansas, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Both areas have no entry fee. The Natural Dam site has basic facilities (picnic tables, toilets). The unofficial hole has no facilities. Neither location has lifeguards. Parking is available at both, but capacity may be limited on busy days. Always check current conditions before visiting.
Top picks for this trip
Merrell Hydro Moc
If you want one shoe that handles the walk in, the swim, and the lounge afterward, the Hydro Moc is the easiest pick.
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Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Buy two — a large for drying off and a small for gear — and you still spend less than one cotton beach towel.
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What to pack for Lee Creek Ozark Swimming Holes
Gear we compare side by side for creek swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Lee Creek near Fort Smith?
Yes. Lee Creek in the Arkansas Ozarks near Cedarville, Natural Dam, and Fort Smith has clear gravel-bar pools and bluff swimming holes with free public access points. Water level changes after rain — scout depth before you enter.
How do you get to Lee Creek swimming holes?
Lee Creek swimming holes sit northwest of Fort Smith toward Cedarville and Natural Dam, Arkansas. Use marked public access roads off the local highway network and confirm the put-in you want before cell service drops.
When is the best time to swim Lee Creek?
Late spring through early fall offers the best swimming when levels are moderate. After heavy rain the creek can run high and cloudy — wait for it to clear and drop before swimming.
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Nearby swimming holes
Culture & history
The area reflects the Ozarks' natural beauty and is near Fort Smith, a city with rich frontier and military history.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect creek ecosystems and wildlife. Avoid disturbing natural habitats and pack out all trash.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.