Spend less. Swim more.

Free Swimming Holes Near You

Looking for free swimming holes? Our directory has 248 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.

248
Listings reporting no fee
37
States with matching listings
4
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
  • Vermont 22
  • Pennsylvania 22
  • New York 21
  • Tennessee 19
  • Oregon 16
  • North Carolina 15
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 →

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…
Spring favorite View details →

Taos Hot Springs And Swimming Spots

New Mexico

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 and ruggedly beautiful natural soaking experiences. Managed as an…

Trip highlights
  • Geothermal hot springs near the Rio Grande
  • Historic ruins at Manby Hot Springs
  • Sweeping canyon views
Why we love it
Historic stagecoach building ruins at Manby Hot SpringsClear, odorless geothermal waters
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Best season Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for optimal temperatures and manageable water levels. Summer for warme…
Access insights Moderate. Requires hiking on steep trails and navigating unpaved roads. Suitable for those with good mobility and proper footwear.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No developed facilities onsite. Bring your own water, food, and gear. Primitive camping may be allowed, but there are…

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 →

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…
Waterfall escape 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…

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 →

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.
River retreat 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…
River retreat 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.

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 →

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Alabama

This Pinson destination is managed, not an unofficial swimming site. The gallery adds five reviewed views without identifiable visitors. Consult current opening hours before travel. The park manager's guide explains…

Trip highlights
  • Managed creek recreation near Birmingham
  • Reviewed falls, pool, benches and preserve sign photographs
  • Current schedule and water-monitoring resources
Best season As checked October 9, 2026: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; closed Monday-Tuesday. Holiday closures include Thanksg…
Access insights Approach varies by parking assignment; wet rock presents a fall hazard. Accessible parking and toilets do not establish an accessible creek…
Cost Admission and parking are free; donations are optional.
Facilities Toilets at Blue Hole and Falls lots; bring drinking water. The manager reports two accessible toilets and two ADA…
Donation noted View details →

Upper Goose Pond

Massachusetts

AMC's shelter list places the junction 1.6 miles south of US 20, then adds a half-mile side trail. Plan with a current map, not the former 1.7-mile total or the unverified historical town pin. The gallery junction sign…

Trip highlights
  • Corrected cabin side-trail approach
  • Seasonal services explained
  • Designated overnight sites
Best season AMC schedules cabin-closing work for October 11, 2026, including dock removal and canoe storage. That is a planned even…
Access insights Backcountry walking with uneven rock and root terrain; no continuous step-free route verified. Allow for both outward and return travel.
Cost AMC's visitor FAQ lists no cabin or campsite fee, with voluntary donations welcome. This does not establish every parking area's charges or guarantee an overnight space.
Facilities The visitor FAQ says there is no running water or electricity; bring drinking water and treatment equipment. Indoor…
Donation noted View details →

Montezuma Hot Springs

New Mexico

Read the published community agreements before visiting. This is a place to keep a low profile, not a backdrop for a party or promotional shoot. Plan a visit that respects the people already using the tubs. Permission…

Trip highlights
  • Community-managed guest soaking
  • Quiet etiquette rather than party promotion
Best season Confirm current operations for your chosen date before departure. A dated schedule or historical photograph is not a gu…
Access insights Choose a tub entry you can manage without climbing or jumping. A short approach does not establish a safe or accessible soaking experience.
Cost Published guest soaking access is free; donation boxes support the managing group. Confirm any new arrangements directly.
Facilities Uneven surfaces and tub entries require individual assessment. Call the managing group about your access needs rather…

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 →

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.
Listed as no fee View details →

Bear Creek And Wolf Creek Lakes Swimming Spots

North Carolina

Tucked deep within the folds of the southern Appalachians, Bear Creek Lake and Wolf Creek Lake offer something increasingly rare in western North Carolina: genuine seclusion. These two mountain lakes sit inside the…

Trip highlights
  • Two distinct lakes with sandy beaches
  • Clothing-optional sections for privacy
  • Surrounded by Nantahala National Forest
Why we love it
Secluded beachesClothing-optional sections
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Best season Late spring to early fall, specifically May through September, offers the warmest temperatures and optimal swimming con…
Access insights Moderate. Access requires navigating steep and uneven trails but is manageable for most visitors.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Primitive camping allowed; no developed facilities available. Visitors should bring necessary supplies.
Listed as no fee View details →

Long Lake Adirondack Swimming Spots

New York

Tucked deep within the vast wilderness of New York's Adirondack Park, this unofficial swimming destination along the Raquette River rewards those willing to earn it. A four-mile hike through cathedral-like forest…

Trip highlights
  • Clear waters of Raquette River
  • Sandy beach at Canoe Landing
  • Four-mile scenic hike through the forest
Why we love it
Historical ties to indigenous Abenaki cultureAccess to a secluded sandy river beach
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Best season The summer months of June through August are ideal for swimming, with warm water temperatures and lush surroundings. Au…
Access insights Moderate. The four-mile hike to Canoe Landing requires basic fitness and sturdy footwear. The trail is well-marked but includes uneven terr…
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Facilities are minimal and largely unknown. Visitors should prepare for a rustic experience - pack essentials like…
Listed as no fee View details →

Blue Hole - Kinchafoonee

Georgia

Tucked into the rural backroads of southwest Georgia near Albany, Blue Hole is the kind of place that feels like a quiet find - because for a long time, it was. This unofficial swimming hole sits along Kinchafoonee…

Trip highlights
  • Natural swimming hole on Kinchafoonee Creek
  • Rope swing for adventurous swimmers
  • No fees or formal facilities
Why we love it
Rope swing over the creekRustic and untouched atmosphere
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Best season Late spring through early fall (May to September) for the warm weather and vibrant surroundings. Early mornings and wee…
Access insights Moderate. The site is accessible via rural dirt roads and requires careful navigation. GPS may not be reliable, so local guidance is recomm…
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities are available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including food, water, and trash bags. Be…
Listed as no fee View details →

Big Laurel Creek Swimming Spots In Western North Carolina

North Carolina

Tucked into the folds of the southern Appalachians in Western North Carolina, Big Laurel Creek is the kind of place that feels like a discovery even after you've found it. Accessible via a gentle hike along an old…

Trip highlights
  • Three distinct swimming holes
  • Rope swing adventure
  • Lush Appalachian forest setting
Why we love it
Healing folklore tied to the creekThree distinct swimming spots for varied experiences
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Best season Summer months (June to August) are ideal for swimming, while late September to October offers striking fall foliage for…
Access insights Moderate - The hike is approximately 2.5 miles one way with a gentle grade, but requires caution due to uneven terrain and a lack of facili…
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities No facilities are available. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including water, snacks, and trash bags to…
Listed as no fee View details →

Canton Creek Swimming Spots On The North Umpqua River

Oregon

Tucked inside the verdant folds of the Umpqua National Forest, the Canton Creek swimming spots offer one of southern Oregon's most rewarding and accessible natural escapes. Where Canton Creek meets Steamboat Creek and…

Trip highlights
  • Easy access swimming spots
  • Clear waters
  • Lush Pacific Northwest forest surroundings
Why we love it
Confluence of Canton Creek and Steamboat Creek creating diverse swimming environmentsAccessible yet secluded spots
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Best season Summer months, particularly June through August, offer optimal swimming conditions with warm temperatures and clear ski…
Access insights Easy: Short walk along the creek with well-marked paths. Suitable for families and individuals of all fitness levels.
Cost Listed as no fee; confirm current charges.
Facilities Canton Creek Campground offers picnic tables and clean toilets. Parking is available at the dead-end area near the…
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.