Free Swimming Holes Near You
Looking for free swimming holes? Many natural spots—spring-fed pools, river bends, and waterfall plunge pools—are free to enter. Some sit inside parks or trailheads that charge a parking or day-use fee, and a few rely on donations, so it pays to verify the cost with the managing agency before you go. Below we group 126 verified free-access locations by type so you can find one to swim near you.
We combed through every listing that promises no or low-cost access, prioritized locations with detailed directions and highlights, and grouped them by the type of experience you will find on arrival.
- 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.
- Pennsylvania 21
- Arkansas 12
- California 10
- Washington 9
- Virginia 8
- North Carolina 7
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.
Crystal-Clear Spring Escapes
Slip into turquoise water that stays cool all season long. These spring-fed pools are free to enter and offer exceptional clarity, perfect for snorkels and underwater photos.
Buckeye-Travertine Hot Springs And Creek Destinations
California
<h2>About Buckeye and Travertine Hot Springs</h2><p>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 w…
- Geothermal hot springs
- Striking Sierra Nevada views
- Camping facilities at Buckeye
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
San Francisco Hot Springs
New Mexico
<h2>About San Francisco Hot Springs</h2><p>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…
- Natural hot springs in Gila National Forest
- Geothermal pools by the San Francisco River
- Scenic hiking trails with diverse flora and fauna
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Big Spring Park
Arkansas
<h2>About Big Spring Park</h2><p>Tucked into the rolling Ozark hills just outside Mountain Home, Arkansas, Big Spring Park is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever bother with a chlorinated pool. A natura…
- Clear waters fed by Big Springs
- Swinging rope for fun dives
- Picnic tables and restroom facilities
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Hot Springs S. P.
Wyoming
<h2>About Hot Springs State Park</h2><p>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…
- Therapeutic hot springs at 104°F
- Legend Rock petroglyph site
- Bison herd and wildlife viewing
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Waterfall Plunge Pools
These donation-supported or free-access cascades pair dramatic drops with refreshing spray. Expect slippery rocks—bring water shoes for safe footing.
Big Creek Smoky Mountains Swimming Spots
North Carolina
<h2>About Big Creek Swimming Holes – Great Smoky Mountains, NC</h2><p>Tucked into the remote northeastern corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Waterville, North Carolina, the Big Creek area is one of the p…
- Easily accessible swimming hole at the picnic area
- Secluded unnamed hole with a waterfall
- Midnight Hole’s jacuzzi-like double falls
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River
Oregon
<h2>About Canton Creek Swimming Spots on the North Umpqua River</h2><p>Tucked inside the verdant folds of the Umpqua National Forest, the Canton Creek swimming spots offer one of southern Oregon's most rewarding and acc…
- Easy access swimming spots
- Clear waters
- Lush Pacific Northwest forest surroundings
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Douglas Creek
Washington
<h2>About Douglas Creek</h2><p>Tucked into a remote canyon in central Washington, Douglas Creek offers something increasingly rare in the modern world: genuine solitude in a landscape shaped by forces almost incomprehen…
- Basalt rock formations shaped by Ice Age floods
- Cool, clear waters for swimming
- Hiking trails with scenic views
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Falls Of Dismal
Virginia
<h2>About Falls of Dismal</h2><p>Tucked into the forested hills of western Virginia, Falls of Dismal is one of those rare finds that rewards the curious traveler willing to trade pavement for trail. Flowing along Dismal…
- Natural pool under tiered waterfalls
- Lush forest surroundings
- Cool, clear waters year-round
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
River Beaches & Swimming Holes
Wade into slow-moving river bends and creek-fed shallows that locals love. Most offer sandy bars or smooth rock ledges for lounging between swims.
Cave Creek
Arizona
<h2>About Cave Creek Swimming Hole — Seven Springs Recreation Area, Tonto National Forest</h2><p>Tucked into a rugged canyon in the Sonoran Desert, the swimming hole at Cave Creek feels like a discovery the desert is al…
- Secluded swimming hole surrounded by rocky formations
- Trail through juniper stands and canyon slopes
- Rich wildlife including mule deer and songbirds
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Blue Hole - Ocoee
Tennessee
<h2>About Blue Hole on the Ocoee River</h2><p>Tucked into the Cherokee National Forest along the Upper Ocoee River in Tennessee, Blue Hole is one of those rare swimming spots that feels both discovered and wild. Set jus…
- Olympic history at the Ocoee Whitewater Center
- Diverse swimming and snorkeling options
- Secluded upriver pools for tranquility
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Auburn American River Swimming Spots
California
<h2>About Auburn American River Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the rugged canyon country of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the American River swimming spots near Auburn offer something that chlorinated pools simply can…
- Cool, clear waters fed by Sierra Nevada snowmelt
- Granite rock formations and sandy shores
- Rich Gold Rush history surrounding the area
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Bluff Hole
Arkansas
<h2>About Bluff Hole</h2><p>Tucked along one of the Mulberry River's most scenic stretches in the Arkansas Ozarks, Bluff Hole is the kind of swimming spot that locals have been whispering about for generations. Position…
- Clear, cool waters of the Mulberry River
- Rock formations perfect for jumping
- Family-friendly picnic facilities
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Community-Supported Gems
Donation boxes keep these swimming spots thriving. Bring small bills or use QR codes onsite to contribute—it helps maintain trails, restrooms, and signage.
Hot Springs S. P.
Wyoming
<h2>About Hot Springs State Park</h2><p>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…
- Therapeutic hot springs at 104°F
- Legend Rock petroglyph site
- Bison herd and wildlife viewing
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
More Free-Access Favorites
Rounding out the list, these spots stretch across 30 states—from coastal hideaways to inland forests. Pack a map or download offline directions before you go.
Conococheague Creek
Pennsylvania
<h2>About the Conococheague Creek Swimming Area</h2><p>Tucked right into the heart of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, the Conococheague Creek offers one of the most accessible and genuinely fun unofficial swimming spots in…
- Cool, clear waters ideal for swimming
- Rope swing for adventurous visitors
- Urban location with easy accessibility
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
City Island Beach
Pennsylvania
<h2>About City Island Beach</h2><p>Right in the middle of Pennsylvania's capital city, something unexpected awaits: a genuine riverside beach where the Susquehanna River laps against a sandy shore and the skyline of Har…
- Located in the heart of Harrisburg
- Gentle waters ideal for families
- Scenic views of the Susquehanna River
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Shongelo
Mississippi
<h2>About Shongelo Recreation Area</h2><p>Tucked into the green heart of Bienville National Forest in central Mississippi, Shongelo Recreation Area is one of those quietly rewarding spots that rewards the curious travel…
- Located in Bienville National Forest
- Free entry and camping available
- Swimming, diving, and jumping activities
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Cowlitz River
Washington
<h2>About the Cowlitz River Swimming Spot</h2><p>Tucked deep within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, east of Packwood, Washington, this unofficial swimming hole on the Cowlitz River offers one of the Pacific Northwe…
- Clear water
- Surrounded by lush forest
- Short hike access
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Greenwood Furnace S. P.
Pennsylvania
<h2>About Greenwood Furnace State Park Swimming Area</h2><p>Tucked into the folds of Huntingdon County's Appalachian ridges, Greenwood Furnace State Park is one of Pennsylvania's most quietly captivating destinations —…
- Historic ironworks ghost town
- Clear, cool creek for swimming
- Year-round recreational activities
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
Sugar Creek Ozark Region Swimming Spots
Arkansas
<h2>About Sugar Creek Ozark Region Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the folded hills of western Arkansas, Sugar Creek winds through a landscape of mossy limestone bluffs, oak and hickory forest, and sun-dappled hollows…
- Cliff-jumping from 25-30 feet
- Clear, refreshing waters
- Scenic hiking trails
- [object Object]
- [object Object]
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.