Swim & Camp Weekenders
Pair refreshing daytime dips with starlit nights. These itineraries feature reliable camp access—from tent-only coves to RV-ready basecamps.
- Reserve campsites early—popular swim-and-camp combos can book out months ahead in peak season.
- Double-check fire restrictions and pack a stove alternative for no-burn periods.
- Bear hangs or storage lockers are mandatory in many forest and mountain parks—pack accordingly.
- Bring quick-dry camp shoes so you can change out of wet footwear before settling in for the evening.
- Pennsylvania 26 featured trips
- Virginia 25 featured trips
- California 18 featured trips
- Tennessee 17 featured trips
- New York 15 featured trips
- Florida 15 featured trips
Many public lands now require online reservations for both day-use parking and campsites. Confirm requirements two weeks before departure to avoid on-arrival surprises.
Drive-In Basecamps
Arrive, pitch, and play. These sites offer convenient parking, making them ideal for quick getaways or family trips with lots of gear.
Phillips Landing
Delaware
<h1>Discover Phillips Landing: Delaware's Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Why Phillips Landing is a Must-Visit Swimming Hole in Delaware</h2> <p>Tucked away in the tranquil embrace of Delaware’s Nanticoke River, Phillips L…
- Scenic Nanticoke River location
- Free entry with picnic facilities
- Ideal for swimming and wildlife viewing
- Trap Pond State Park (10 miles)
- Downtown Seaford (15 miles)
Virginia Creeper Trail Swimming Spots
Virginia
<h1>Discover Virginia Creeper Trail Swimming Holes in VA</h1> <h2>Overview of Virginia Creeper Trail Swimming Spots</h2> <p>The Virginia Creeper Trail Area, spanning the quaint towns of Abingdon and Damascus in southwes…
- Crystal-clear waters of Whitetop Laurel Creek
- Close proximity to the historic Virginia Creeper Trail
- Picturesque forest surroundings
- Barter Theatre in Abingdon
- Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Lester Park
Minnesota
<h1>Discover Lester Park: Duluth's Hidden Swimming Gem</h1> <h2>Why Lester Park is a Must-Visit Destination in Duluth</h2> <p>Lester Park, located on the eastern edge of Duluth, Minnesota, is a serene escape for nature…
- Cool, clear waters of Amity Creek and Lester River
- Gorgeous rock formations and waterfalls
- Seasonal foliage and wildlife
- Lake Superior shoreline
- Enger Tower
Loyalsock Creek Swimming Destinations In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
<h1>Discover Loyalsock Creek Swimming Holes in Pennsylvania</h1> <h2>Exploring Loyalsock Creek: A Natural Retreat in PA</h2> <p>Loyalsock Creek offers a refreshing escape into the heart of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty,…
- Thrilling cliff jumping at Slabtown
- Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming
- Scenic tubing experiences
- World’s End State Park
- Peter Herdic Transportation Museum in Williamsport
Backpacking Overnights
Earn every plunge. These swimming holes sit along moderate-to-strenuous trails where you will pack in your gear for a remote overnight.
Valley View Hot Springs
Colorado
<h1>Discover Valley View Hot Springs: Colorado's Hidden Gem</h1> <h2>A Tranquil Oasis in Colorado's San Luis Valley</h2> <p>Tucked away in the heart of Colorado’s rugged San Luis Valley, Valley View Hot Springs offers v…
- Geothermal waters with therapeutic properties
- Stunning views of Sangre de Cristo Mountains
- Historical significance tied to Orient Mine
- Historic downtown Salida
- Villa Grove’s rural charm
Mulberry River Swimming Spots, Ozark National Forest
Arkansas
<h1>Explore Mulberry River Swimming Spots in the Ozark National Forest</h1> <h2>Discover the Beauty of the Mulberry River in Arkansas</h2> <p>Tucked away in the heart of the Ozark National Forest, the Mulberry River are…
- Crystal-clear river water
- Accessible from Redding and Wolf Pen
- Stunning surrounding forest views
- Ozark Highlands Trail
- Mount Magazine State Park
Olympic Hot Springs
Washington
<h1>Discover Olympic Hot Springs in Washington's Wilderness</h1> <h2>What Makes Olympic Hot Springs Unique?</h2> <p>Deep within the lush, temperate rainforest of Olympic National Park lies a cluster of geothermal wonder…
- Natural geothermal pools
- Accessible hiking trail
- Rustic and unspoiled setting
- Elwha River Valley
- Hurricane Ridge
Wharton State Forest Mullica River Swimming Spots
New Jersey
<h1>Discover Mullica River Swimming Spots in Wharton State Forest, NJ</h1> <h2>Why Visit the Mullica River Swimming Holes in Wharton State Forest?</h2> <p>Tucked within the sprawling expanse of the Wharton State Forest…
- Scenic Mullica River swimming spots
- Tubing and canoeing opportunities
- Rich historical and cultural significance
- Batsto Village historic site
- Atlantic City boardwalk and casinos
RV & Comfort Camping
Prefer hookups and hot showers? These campgrounds welcome RVs or offer electric loops for a cushier overnight near the water.
Pennington Creek Park
Oklahoma
<h1>Discover Pennington Creek Park: A Hidden Gem in Tishomingo, OK</h1> <h2>Explore the Natural Beauty of Pennington Creek Park</h2> <p>Pennington Creek Park, located in the charming town of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, offers…
- Clear, refreshing creek waters
- Rich Chickasaw Nation history
- Abundant wildlife and scenic views
- Chickasaw Nation Capitol Building
- Little Niagara in Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Bulls Island S. P.
New Jersey
<h1>Discover Bulls Island State Park: NJ's Scenic Swimming Spot</h1> <h2>A Serene Escape Along the Delaware River</h2> <p>Bulls Island State Park, a serene 79-acre haven along the Delaware River, offers visitors a harmo…
- Refreshing Delaware River swimming
- Historic canal trail and towpath
- Diverse wildlife and scenic views
- Lambertville's art galleries and antique shops
- New Hope's riverside cafes and boutiques
Mount Mitchell South Toe River Swimming Holes
North Carolina
<h1>Discover Mount Mitchell's South Toe River Swimming Holes in NC</h1> <h2>A Hidden Gem in Western North Carolina</h2> <p>Tucked away in the tranquil reaches of North Carolina’s Mount Mitchell area, the South Toe River…
- Crystal-clear water for swimming
- Tubing-friendly gentle currents
- Rich cultural history tied to Native American tribes
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drives
Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots, Tucker County Wv
West Virginia
<h1>Discover Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots in Tucker County, WV</h1> <h2>An Introduction to Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots</h2> <p>Tucked away amidst the rolling Appalachian hills of Tucker County, West Virginia, the Hor…
- Crystal-clear, cool waters
- Rich Appalachian history
- Diverse wildlife and plant life
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Canaan Valley Resort
More Weekend Pairings
Still browsing? These additional picks span forests, deserts, and coastlines—each with camping access within a short drive.
Glide Oregon Swimming Spots
Oregon
<h1>Discover the Glide Oregon Swimming Spots in Southern OR</h1> <h2>A Scenic Oasis: What Makes Glide Oregon Swimming Spots Special</h2> <p>Tucked within the lush, green expanse of southern Oregon, the Glide Area offers…
- Family-friendly swimming and tubing
- Clear, cool waters
- Accessible via North Umpqua Highway
- Umpqua National Forest
- Roseburg wineries
Rainbow Falls S. P.
Washington
<h1>Explore Rainbow Falls State Park: A Hidden Gem in Washington</h1> <h2>Why Visit Rainbow Falls State Park in WA?</h2> <p>Rainbow Falls State Park in Washington offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts and adven…
- Clear Chehalis River waters
- Gentle cascading falls
- Lush forest surroundings
- Historic downtown Chehalis
- Doty countryside
Buttermilk Falls S. P.
New York
<h1>Discover Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY</h1> <h2>What Makes Buttermilk Falls State Park Unique</h2> <p>Nestled within the verdant landscapes of the Finger Lakes region, Buttermilk Falls State Park in Itha…
- Stunning cascading waterfalls
- Refreshing swimming hole below falls
- Seasonal scenic beauty
- Robert H. Treman State Park
- Cayuga Lake
North Mills River
North Carolina
<h1>Discover North Mills River: A Hidden Swimming Hole in NC</h1> <h2>Why Visit North Mills River in North Carolina?</h2> <p>Tucked away in the lush Pisgah National Forest of Western North Carolina, North Mills River is…
- Refreshing river water perfect for swimming and tubing
- Located in Pisgah National Forest with lush surroundings
- Family-friendly amenities like toilets and picnic tables
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- DuPont State Recreational Forest
Umpqua Hot Springs
Oregon
<h1>Discover Umpqua Hot Springs: Oregon's Geothermal Gem</h1> <h2>What Makes Umpqua Hot Springs Unique?</h2> <p>The Umpqua Hot Springs, tucked away in the rugged embrace of the Umpqua National Forest in southern Oregon,…
- Geothermal pools with warm mineral water
- Scenic views of the North Umpqua River
- Intimate and peaceful soaking experience
- Tokatee Falls
- Tokatee Lake Campground
Whitehorse Hot Springs
Oregon
<h1>Discover Whitehorse Hot Springs: Oregon's Hidden Desert Oasis</h1> <h2>Where Are Whitehorse Hot Springs Located?</h2> <p>Whitehorse Hot Springs, tucked away in the remote expanse of southeastern Oregon, offers a uni…
- Remote desert location
- Geothermal hot springs
- Free access and informal camping
- Steens Mountain Wilderness Area
- Alvord Desert