Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations

Tucked into the southernmost tip of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets — a sprawling wilderness of sandstone bluffs, hardwood hollows, and creek-carved canyons that most of the country hasn't discovered yet. Three distinct swimming destinations give you options depending on how much adventure you're after, ranging from a mellow lakeside beach to remote creek holes that reward the determined hiker.

The Landscape and Setting

Each spot within Shawnee carries its own personality. At Pounds Hollow, a quiet lake reflects the surrounding forest canopy like a mirror on calm mornings, its designated swimming beach offering easy access for families and casual swimmers. The water here is cool and dark with that characteristic tannin-kissed tint of forest lakes, fringed by trees that lean toward the surface as if listening to the water below.

Iron Furnace draws you deeper into the forest along Big Creek, where the ruins of a 19th-century iron smelting operation loom dramatically above the waterway. The creek pools beneath limestone ledges and overhanging vegetation, giving the whole scene a moody, almost theatrical quality. Getting here takes some navigation through a more remote stretch of the forest, but the isolation is part of the reward.

Bell Smith Springs is the most ambitious of the three — a destination that earns its reputation through rugged sandstone canyon walls that rise dramatically above a network of spring-fed swimming holes. The terrain demands physical fitness and sure footing, but those who make the effort find themselves swimming inside a geological showcase, surrounded by ancient rock formations carved over millennia by water and wind.

What Swimming Is Like

Across all three areas, the water sources vary — lake, creek, and spring — but they share the refreshing chill of naturally cooled water that makes a summer plunge feel genuinely restorative. At Pounds Hollow, the lake swimming is the most conventional, with a beach area that makes entry comfortable. At Iron Furnace and Bell Smith Springs, you're wading into creek and spring waters that run cooler and clearer, pooling in natural basins among the rocks. Water levels and conditions fluctuate with rainfall, so late spring through early fall — roughly May through September — offers the most reliable and enjoyable conditions.

Plan Your Visit

Basic facilities including toilets and water are available to support your day, and two Forest Service campgrounds sit nearby if you want to extend your stay into a multi-day exploration. Fees are not confirmed, so come prepared to pay just in case. The difficulty levels vary meaningfully across the three sites: Pounds Hollow is accessible to nearly everyone, Iron Furnace requires moderate comfort with remote roads, and Bell Smith Springs demands solid physical fitness and trail awareness — check conditions before heading out. Shawnee National Forest sits within reach of Harrisburg, Illinois, as well as Evansville, Indiana and Paducah, Kentucky, making it a practical day trip or weekend escape from any of those regional hubs. Stock up on supplies in town before heading into the forest, and give yourself enough time to explore the trails that connect many of these swimming areas to the broader landscape.

Directions to Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations Pounds Hollow Recreation Area Description: Pounds Hollow features a small, picturesque lake with an official swimming beach. It is part of a Shawnee National Forest recreation area and campground. Driving Directions: From Paducah, KY, take I-24 north into Illinois. Merge onto I-57 north and continue to Exit 54 at Marion, IL. Take Route 13 east from Marion to Harrisburg, IL. From Harrisburg, continue east on Route 13 for approximately 14 miles. Turn south (right) onto Route 1 and drive for about 9 miles. Turn right onto Route 5600E (Pounds Hollow Road) and continue for approximately 2 miles. Arrive at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. The swimming beach is located on the lake. Helpful Details: Parking is available at the recreation area. Follow signs for the swimming beach once you arrive. This location also offers picnic areas and camping facilities. Coordinates: Latitude: 37.61566, Longitude: -88.2736 Google Maps Link Iron Furnace Recreation Area Description: Iron Furnace is a historic site listed on the National Register. It features picnicking, hiking trails, and a swimming hole in Big Creek. Driving Directions: From Paducah, KY, take I-24 north into Illinois. Merge onto I-57 north and continue to Exit 54 at Marion, IL. Take Route 13 east from Marion to Harrisburg, IL. From Harrisburg, head south on Route 145 for approximately 6 miles. Turn east (left) onto Route 34 and drive for about 12 miles. Turn east (left) onto an unnamed road toward County Road 225E and continue for 3.3 miles. The road will curve to the right twice. Turn right onto County Road 225E and drive for 2.2 miles. Arrive at Iron Furnace Recreation Area, located at the junction of County Road 225E and Route 12. The swimming hole is located in Big Creek. Helpful Details: Parking is available near the Iron Furnace historic site. Follow signs for Big Creek to locate the swimming hole. Picnic tables and hiking trails are also available. Coordinates: Latitude: 37.49904, Longitude: -88.3284 Google Maps Link Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area Description: Bell Smith Springs is one of the most scenic areas in Shawnee National Forest, featuring clear streams, rocky canyons, sandstone cliffs, and lush vegetation. It offers interconnected hiking trails and swimming spots. Driving Directions: From Paducah, KY, take I-24 north into Illinois. Merge onto I-57 north and continue to Exit 54 at Marion, IL. Take Route 13 east from Marion to Harrisburg, IL. From Harrisburg, head south on Route 145 for approximately 15 miles. Turn west (right) onto Water Tower Road and drive for about 2.5 miles. Continue straight onto McCormick Road/Ozark Road and drive for another 1.2 miles. Turn south (left) onto Forest Road 447, passing Teal Pond, and continue for about 2 miles. Arrive at Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area. Helpful Details: Parking is available at the recreation area. Follow signs to trailheads and swimming spots. The area includes multiple trails, scenic overlooks, and rock formations. Campgrounds are located nearby for extended visits. Coordinates: Latitude: 37.52191, Longitude: -88.66211 Google Maps Link Enjoy your visit to Shawnee National Forest and its beautiful swimming destinations! Always follow posted signs and guidelines for safety and preservation of the natural areas.

Basic facilities including toilets and water are available to support your day, and two Forest Service campgrounds sit nearby if you want to extend your stay into a multi-day exploration. Fees are not confirmed, so come prepared to pay just in case. The difficulty levels vary meaningfully across the three sites: Pounds Hollow is accessible to nearly everyone, Iron Furnace requires moderate comfort with remote roads, and Bell Smith Springs demands solid physical fitness and trail awareness — check conditions before heading out. Shawnee National Forest sits within reach of Harrisburg, Illinois, as well as Evansville, Indiana and Paducah, Kentucky, making it a practical day trip or weekend escape from any of those regional hubs. Stock up on supplies in town before heading into the forest, and give yourself enough time to explore the trails that connect many of these swimming areas to the broader landscape.

Access and fees vary by site. Pounds Hollow has a developed beach area. Iron Furnace and Bell Smith Springs offer natural water access. Check current US Forest Service conditions before visiting, as water levels and trail access can change.

The Iron Furnace site serves as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage, while Bell Smith Springs showcases the geological history of southern Illinois.

Follow Leave No Trace principles. Respect local wildlife and flora. Avoid littering and stay on marked trails to prevent erosion.