Budget & Free-Access Swimming Holes
Keep costs low without compromising on scenery. These handpicked swimming holes offer clear water, memorable settings, and either no entrance fee or donation-only access.
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
- Oregon 7
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.
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
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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
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Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots
New Mexico
<h2>About Taos Hot Springs: Black Rock and Manby Hot Springs</h2><p>Tucked deep within the dramatic walls of the Rio Grande Gorge, the Black Rock and Manby hot springs offer one of northern New Mexico's most rewarding a…
- Geothermal hot springs near the Rio Grande
- Historic ruins at Manby Hot Springs
- Sweeping canyon views
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Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots
New Mexico
<h2>About the Jemez Springs Natural Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the folds of north-central New Mexico's volcanic highlands, the Jemez Springs area delivers one of the Southwest's most rewarding collections of natu…
- McCauley Warm Springs with its scenic hike and clear pools
- San Antonio Hot Springs' dramatic mountain views
- Spence Hot Springs' easy access and lively atmosphere
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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.
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
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Ozone Falls
Tennessee
<h2>About Ozone Falls</h2><p>Tucked into the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau, Ozone Falls is one of Tennessee's most dramatic natural surprises. Here, Fall Creek hurls itself 110 feet off a sandstone ledge, cra…
- 110-foot plunge waterfall
- Natural swimming pool
- Hollywood filming location
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North Umpqua River Swimming Holes
Oregon
<h2>About the North Umpqua River Swimming Holes</h2><p>Tucked into a forested canyon along the North Umpqua Highway between Roseburg and Glide, the swimming holes of the North Umpqua River are the kind of places you stu…
- Crystal-clear water
- Thrilling rock chute at Narrows Park
- Rich biodiversity
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Glide Oregon Swimming Spots
Oregon
<h2>About the Glide Area Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the forested hills of Douglas County, the swimming spots around Glide, Oregon offer a quintessential Pacific Northwest escape. Here, along the North Umpqua Rive…
- Family-friendly swimming and tubing
- Clear, cool waters
- Accessible via North Umpqua Highway
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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.
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
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Hot Creek
California
<h2>About Hot Creek Geothermal Area</h2><p>Tucked into the high desert landscape of the Eastern Sierra, Hot Creek is one of California's most otherworldly natural destinations. Steam rises from turquoise and jade-colore…
- Geothermal hot springs
- Scenic Eastern Sierra views
- Wildlife observation
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Clear Creek
Arizona
<h2>About Clear Creek Swimming Hole</h2><p>Tucked into the high desert of north-central Arizona between the storied railroad town of Winslow and the ponderosa-draped hills near Flagstaff, Clear Creek offers something ra…
- Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming
- Thrilling jumping spots upstream
- Camping opportunities at McHood Park
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Richland Creek Swimming Holes In The Ozark National Forest
Arkansas
<h2>About Richland Creek Swimming Holes in the Ozark National Forest</h2><p>Tucked deep into the rugged hills of the Ozark National Forest in north-central Arkansas, Richland Creek and its tributary Falling Water Creek…
- Falling Water Falls with roadside access
- Deep swimming hole at Richland Creek Campground
- Hiking to Richland Falls and Twin Falls
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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
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More Free-Access Favorites
Rounding out the list, these spots stretch across 32 states—from coastal hideaways to inland forests. Pack a map or download offline directions before you go.
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
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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
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Green River Swimming Spots Near Seattle
Washington
<h2>About the Green River Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the forested mountains east of Seattle, the unofficial swimming spots along the Upper Green River offer something increasingly rare in the Pacific Northwest: a…
- Emerald-green waters of the Upper Green River
- Tranquil swimming spots in Wenatchee National Forest
- Ideal for photography and nature enthusiasts
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Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots
Kentucky
<h2>About Breaks Interstate Park Swimming Spots</h2><p>Tucked into the rugged Appalachian highlands where Kentucky and Virginia share a border, Breaks Interstate Park is home to some of the most dramatic natural scenery…
- Ratliff Hole: family-friendly swimming and tubing area
- Pool Point: cliff jumping and rope swings
- Grassy Creek: serene pools with crystal-clear waters
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Ricketts Glen S. P.
Pennsylvania
<h2>About Ricketts Glen State Park</h2><p>Few places in the northeastern United States can match the raw, unhurried grandeur of Ricketts Glen State Park. Tucked into the Appalachian ridges of north-central Pennsylvania,…
- 24 named waterfalls
- Old-growth forests
- Clear, cold waters for swimming
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Coquille-Myrtle Grove S. P.
Oregon
<h2>About Coquille-Myrtle Grove State Park</h2><p>Tucked into the forested hills of southern Oregon, Coquille-Myrtle Grove State Park delivers exactly what its name promises: a quiet, green sanctuary along the Coquille…
- Crystal-clear Coquille River waters
- Easy access and family-friendly
- Picnic tables and restrooms available
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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.