Spend less. Swim more.

Free Swimming Holes Near You

Looking for free swimming holes? Our directory has 392 listings whose fee field reports no entry charge. These records are starting points for research, not confirmation of current prices. The selections below group them by water type; confirm swimming permission, entrance fees, parking charges, and reservations with the managing agency before visiting.

392
Listings reporting no fee
43
States with matching listings
2
Listings with donation notes shown below
Why this guide

This guide filters explicit no-fee records and groups them by water type, with more detailed listings shown first. Missing or ambiguous fee records are excluded. General confidence scores and mentions of free facilities are not proof of free entry.

Planning essentials
  • Pack a picnic and reusable water bottles to avoid concession stand costs at nearby parks.
  • Arrive early on weekends—many free-access parks limit the number of vehicles once parking lots are full.
  • Verify current conditions with local ranger stations; trail or road closures can add costly detours if you need to re-route.
  • Consider weekday trips or shoulder seasons to avoid peak parking fees introduced at popular destinations.
Coverage snapshot
  • Pennsylvania 33
  • Vermont 29
  • New York 27
  • Tennessee 25
  • North Carolina 21
  • Arkansas 20
Find free swimming holes near you

Use find swimming holes near me to search by your location, or browse swimming holes by state. Planning a trip? See our seasonal and skill-level planner, the wild swimming beginner's guide, and swim-and-camp weekenders for low-cost overnight ideas.

Spring Listings Reporting No Fee

Compare these spring listings, then confirm current access, water conditions, and any parking or entry charges with the land manager.

Spring favorite View details →

Blue Hole - Pigeon

Georgia

Tucked into the rural countryside near Lafayette, Georgia, Blue Hole – Pigeon is the kind of place that feels like a discovery kept between locals and the landscape itself. There are no signs directing you here, no…

Trip highlights
  • Spring-fed pool with clear water
  • Remote and peaceful location
  • Vibrant seasonal foliage
Why we love it
Striking blue water created by mineral reflectionsSecluded location free from crowds
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Best season Late spring through early fall (May to September) for warm weather and lush scenery. Autumn offers a colorful backdrop…
Access insights Moderate. Gravel road access may be challenging for some vehicles; swimming requires caution due to pool depth and lack of facilities.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities available. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and sunscreen.
Spring favorite View details →

Buckeye-Travertine Hot Springs And Creek Destinations

California

Tucked into the high desert landscape of the Eastern Sierra near Bridgeport, California, Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs represent two of the most rewarding - and wildly different - geothermal soaking experiences in…

Trip highlights
  • Geothermal hot springs
  • Striking Sierra Nevada views
  • Camping facilities at Buckeye
Why we love it
Travertine's snow-white geothermal poolsBuckeye’s cascading hillside hot springs
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Best season The best time to visit is between late spring (May) and early fall (October) when the weather is mild, roads are access…
Access insights Moderate. Buckeye Hot Springs involves a short hike down to the creek, while Travertine requires navigation of an unpaved road.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Buckeye Campground offers picnic tables and toilets, making it suitable for overnight stays. Travertine Hot Springs…
Spring favorite View details →

Agua Caliente Hot Springs

Arizona

Tucked into a rugged canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains, Agua Caliente Hot Springs is one of southern Arizona's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path escapes. Set within the Coronado National Forest southeast of Tucson,…

Trip highlights
  • Natural hot spring with soothing warm water
  • Located in Coronado National Forest
  • Picturesque setting in Santa Rita Mountains
Why we love it
Thermal spring with naturally heated watersRemote location offering solitude
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Best season Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer ideal temperatures for hiking and swimming. Summer provides vi…
Access insights Moderate. Requires driving on dirt roads and a short hike (quarter mile) into the canyon. High-clearance vehicles recommended.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities are available on-site. Visitors should plan ahead and bring necessary items like food, water, and sun…
Spring favorite View details →

San Francisco Hot Springs

New Mexico

Tucked into the remote southwestern corner of New Mexico, San Francisco Hot Springs is one of those rare places that rewards the effort it takes to reach it. Nestled within the vast expanse of Gila National Forest,…

Trip highlights
  • Natural hot springs in Gila National Forest
  • Geothermal pools by the San Francisco River
  • Scenic hiking trails with diverse flora and fauna
Why we love it
Natural hot springs alongside a cool riverRemote location for ultimate tranquility
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Best season Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and good trail…
Access insights Moderate. The trail requires a hike that can vary in difficulty based on weather and river conditions. Consult the ranger station for curre…
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities on-site. Visitors should be self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic experience. Established camping is…

Waterfall Plunge Pools

These waterfall listings report no fee. Check which areas permit swimming and whether the approach requires paid parking or a pass.

Waterfall escape View details →

Dupont State Forest Swimming Holes, Western Nc

North Carolina

Tucked into the rolling mountains of Western North Carolina, the swimming holes of DuPont State Recreational Forest rank among the most spectacular natural escapes in the entire Southeast. Fed by the cold, clear waters…

Trip highlights
  • Easy access to six waterfalls and swimming holes
  • Cool, clear mountain water
  • Ideal for families and solo adventurers
Why we love it
Combination of waterfalls and swimming holesA mix of bustling and secluded spots
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Best season Late spring to early fall (May-September) for warm weather and ideal swimming conditions; autumn (October-November) for…
Access insights Easy to moderate. Hooker Falls Access offers flat trails suitable for all ages, while hikes to Triple Falls and Wintergreen Falls require m…
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Restrooms available at Hooker Falls Access parking. Limited facilities at other trailheads. Pack essentials like water…
Waterfall escape View details →

Cascade Creek

Colorado

Tucked into the rugged folds of the San Juan National Forest along the legendary Million Dollar Highway north of Durango, Cascade Creek is the kind of place that rewards those willing to work a little for their reward.…

Trip highlights
  • Series of cascading waterfalls
  • Clear mountain water
  • Surrounding alpine forest
Why we love it
Multiple waterfalls in quick successionUntouched wilderness setting
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Best season Summer and early fall are ideal, from June to September, offering warmer weather and vibrant scenery. Spring is perfect…
Access insights Moderate. The 3-mile hike includes rocky terrain and uneven paths, requiring sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No formal facilities are available at Cascade Creek. Visitors should come prepared with water, snacks, and any…
Waterfall escape View details →

Blue Hole - Wolf Den

Arkansas

Tucked deep within the Ozark National Forest, Blue Hole at Wolf Den Hollow is the kind of place that rewards the curious and the persistent. This unofficial, natural swimming destination sits along Hurricane Creek,…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters of Hurricane Creek
  • Remote and scenic location in Ozark National Forest
  • Moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike
Why we love it
Remote location far from urban areasNatural swimming hole fed by Hurricane Creek
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Best season Spring and early summer offer the best conditions, with higher water levels and vibrant foliage. Autumn also provides s…
Access insights Moderately challenging due to uneven terrain and potential bushwhacking. Sturdy footwear and navigation skills are recommended.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Minimal facilities at the site. Nearby camping options available at Bayou Bluff Campground.
Waterfall escape View details →

Buttermilk Falls - Homewood

Pennsylvania

Tucked into the wooded hollows of western Pennsylvania, Buttermilk Falls is the kind of place that locals keep half to themselves - a cascading gem on Clark Run where cold, clear water spills over mossy ledges and the…

Trip highlights
  • Cool, clear water fed by Clark Run
  • Tiered waterfall ideal for photography
  • Accessible hiking trail from parking lot
Why we love it
Unspoiled natural beauty with no facilitiesDynamic seasonal variations
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Best season Late spring to early autumn offers optimal conditions for swimming and sightseeing. Fall brings striking foliage, while…
Access insights Easy to moderate hike; the trail is well-marked but may include rocky or slippery terrain near the falls.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities are present; visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and swim gear.

River Beaches & Swimming Holes

These river and creek listings report no fee. Use their access notes as a starting point and check local restrictions before choosing a place to enter the water.

River retreat View details →

Au Sable River Swimming Holes

New York

Tucked into the wild heart of New York's Adirondack Mountains, the Au Sable River Swimming Holes offer something that polished, developed beaches rarely can: the feeling that you've stumbled onto a discovery. The…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters
  • Rich historical context
  • Abundant wildlife
Why we love it
Swimming near a historic damLush Adirondack surroundings
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Best season Summer months (June to August) are ideal for swimming. For quieter visits, early fall (September to October) offers coo…
Access insights Moderate. Accessible by car with a short walk to the swimming hole; path is unpaved but manageable.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Picnic tables are available near the swimming hole, but there are no restrooms or formal camping facilities.
River retreat View details →

Cave Creek

Arizona

Tucked into a rugged canyon in the Sonoran Desert, the swimming hole at Cave Creek feels like a discovery the desert is almost reluctant to share. Part of the Seven Springs Recreation Area within Tonto National Forest,…

Trip highlights
  • Secluded swimming hole surrounded by rocky formations
  • Trail through juniper stands and canyon slopes
  • Rich wildlife including mule deer and songbirds
Why we love it
Blend of desert and riparian ecosystemsHistorical significance tied to the Hohokam people
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Best season Spring (March-May) for wildflowers and mild weather; Summer (June-August) for cooling off in the creek; Fall (September…
Access insights Moderate hike with creek crossings and uneven terrain; accessible to most hikers with proper footwear.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Picnic tables and toilets available nearby at the Seven Springs picnic area. No drinking water provided; visitors…
River retreat View details →

Chickamauga Creek

Tennessee

Tucked into the folds of the Tennessee landscape just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga, Chickamauga Creek offers one of the region's most beloved natural escapes. This unofficial, user-maintained swimming…

Trip highlights
  • Clear aquamarine pools
  • Rope swings and cliff jumps
  • Easy hiking access
Why we love it
Series of unique swimming spotsIconic 'Blue Hole' with rope swings and cliffs
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Best season Spring for wildflowers and fewer crowds, Summer for prime swimming conditions, Autumn for striking foliage, Winter for…
Access insights Easy hike; trail is wide and accessible, with a 30-minute walk to the main swimming hole.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Picnic tables are available; no restrooms or camping facilities. Bring essentials like water and snacks.
River retreat View details →

Blue Hole - Buffalo River

Tennessee

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Middle Tennessee, the Blue Hole on the Buffalo River is the kind of place that feels like a local discovery - even when a dozen cars are parked along the road on a hot July…

Trip highlights
  • Clear Buffalo River waters
  • Bridge jumping opportunities
  • Accessible from Nashville
Why we love it
Bridge jumping into the riverUnspoiled natural beauty
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Best season Summer for warm weather and popular swimming conditions; early autumn for quieter visits and striking fall foliage.
Access insights Easy to access via road; minimal hiking required but no developed facilities on-site.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No developed facilities on-site; private campground nearby offers camping and canoe rentals.

Listings With Donation Notes

These fee records mention donations. Confirm whether payment is optional, whether other charges apply, and whether public swimming access is currently available.

Donation noted View details →

St Stephens Park

Alabama

Tucked into the rolling, forested landscape of rural Mobile County, Alabama, St. Stephens Park offers one of the state's most distinctive swimming experiences: a former quarry transformed by time and nature into a…

Trip highlights
  • Quarry swimming with clear turquoise waters
  • Rich historical significance as Alabama's territorial capital
  • Diverse wildlife and lush vegetation
Why we love it
Historical ruins alongside natural beautyTurquoise quarry waters surrounded by cliffs
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Best season Spring through early fall (March to October) when temperatures are warm and vegetation is lush. Summer offers ideal swi…
Access insights Easy access with no strenuous hiking required. The swimming area is located near the parking lot, making it suitable for all ages.
Cost Donation requested
Facilities Amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, shaded spots, and parking. Camping facilities cater to long-term RV stays.
Donation noted View details →

Hot Springs S. P.

Wyoming

Tucked into the high desert canyon country of north-central Wyoming, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis offers something genuinely rare: a place where the earth exhales warmth year-round, where mineral-laden water…

Trip highlights
  • Therapeutic hot springs at 104°F
  • Legend Rock petroglyph site
  • Bison herd and wildlife viewing
Why we love it
Healing thermal watersAncient petroglyphs at Legend Rock
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Best season Spring for blooming wildflowers, summer for lush greenery, autumn for warm colors, and winter for serene snowy landscap…
Access insights Easy access via Route 20; facilities available for visitors of all abilities.
Cost None (Donations accepted)
Facilities State Bath House with moderated pools, clean restrooms, changing areas, and showers. No camping; day-use only park.

More Listings Reporting No Fee

Explore more matching listings and confirm the total cost of your visit, including parking, permits, and any seasonal charges.

Listed as no fee View details →

Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots

North Carolina

Tucked into the remote northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waterville, North Carolina, the Big Creek area is one of the park's lesser-known spots. Fed by cold, clear mountain streams…

Trip highlights
  • Easily accessible swimming hole at the picnic area
  • Secluded unnamed hole with a waterfall
  • Midnight Hole’s jacuzzi-like double falls
Why we love it
Jacuzzi-like pool at Midnight HoleHistorical Cherokee trails nearby
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Best season The best time to visit is summer (June to August) for warm temperatures and optimal swimming conditions. Spring offers…
Access insights Moderate - trails range from 1 to 2.5 miles with some rocky paths, requiring sturdy footwear and basic hiking experience.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Picnic tables and toilets are available at the Big Creek Recreation Area. Camping is offered at Big Creek Campground…
Listed as no fee View details →

Auburn American River Swimming Spots

California

Tucked into the rugged canyon country of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the American River swimming spots near Auburn offer something that chlorinated pools simply cannot replicate: the raw, elemental pleasure of cold,…

Trip highlights
  • Cool, clear waters fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt
  • Granite rock formations and sandy shores
  • Rich Gold Rush history surrounding the area
Why we love it
Historical significance tied to the Gold RushDiverse wildlife including river otters and hawks
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Best season Spring for dynamic swimming conditions due to snowmelt; summer and early fall for calm waters and warm weather; winter…
Access insights Moderate: Trails leading to the swimming holes can be steep and rocky, requiring sturdy footwear and basic fitness.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Facilities are limited, so visitors should come prepared with essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. Camping…
Listed as no fee View details →

Lake Luzerne Hudson River Swimming Spots

New York

Tucked into the forested hills of the southern Adirondacks, the swimming spots along the Hudson River near Lake Luzerne offer something increasingly rare: a genuine, unhurried encounter with one of America's most…

Trip highlights
  • Calm, clear waters of the Hudson River
  • Rocky ledges perfect for sunbathing
  • Rich local wildlife and plant life
Why we love it
Minimal current due to the downstream damNatural rocky ledges for sunbathing
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Best season Summer is ideal for swimming due to warm temperatures. Late spring and early fall offer cooler weather and beautiful na…
Access insights Moderate. Requires a short walk from the parking area on unpaved trails, suitable for most visitors.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities There are no facilities at the site. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and sun…
Listed as no fee View details →

Arnold Valley Pool

Virginia

Tucked deep into the folds of the Appalachian highlands of western Virginia, Arnold Valley Pool is the kind of place that rewards the curious and the patient. Fed by the cool, clear waters of East Fork Elk Creek, this…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters
  • Natural rock slide
  • Secluded forest setting
Why we love it
Natural slide carved by the creekRope swing over the water
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Best season Late spring through early fall (May to October) for warm temperatures and ideal swimming conditions. Autumn offers stri…
Access insights Moderate. Access requires navigating unmarked gravel roads; suitable for vehicles with good ground clearance.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.
Listed as no fee View details →

Conasauga River Swimming Spots

Tennessee

Tucked into the rolling green folds of the Cherokee National Forest along the Tennessee-Georgia border, the Conasauga River swimming spots offer something increasingly rare: genuinely wild water in an undisturbed…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters for swimming and snorkeling
  • Rich Cherokee cultural history
  • Diverse wildlife and plant life
Why we love it
Dual rivers offering varied swimming experiencesHistorical ties to Cherokee heritage
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Best season Late spring through early fall when temperatures are warm and water conditions are optimal. Avoid winter for swimming d…
Access insights Moderate. Gravel roads and trails require proper footwear and some physical effort. Accessible but requires planning.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Primitive camping near Jacks River Falls, developed camping at Sylco Campground, and organized camping at Fort…
Listed as no fee View details →

Brockways Mills Gorge

Vermont

Tucked away in the green hills of southeastern Vermont, Brockways Mills Gorge is one of those rare places that feels like a genuine discovery. Carved by the Williams River over countless millennia, this natural gorge…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters
  • Dramatic rock formations
  • Tranquil swimming experience
Why we love it
Uncrowded swimming experienceGeologically striking gorge formations
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Best season Summer (June to August) for swimming; autumn (late September to early November) for striking foliage; spring (April to…
Access insights Moderate. Short walk through wooded paths with uneven terrain. Suitable for most visitors with proper footwear.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and towels.
Check for fee changes
Free today does not always mean free tomorrow. Park systems occasionally introduce seasonal parking permits or reservation fees. Always confirm costs with the managing agency before you depart.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.