Set up camp by the water

Swim & Camp Weekenders

Pair refreshing daytime dips with starlit nights. These itineraries feature reliable camp access—from tent-only coves to RV-ready basecamps.

263
Swim spots with camping nearby
0
Waterfront campgrounds
4
Backpacking-ready escapes
Weekend playbook
  • 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.
Top weekend states
  • Virginia 25 featured trips
  • Pennsylvania 24 featured trips
  • Tennessee 17 featured trips
  • California 16 featured trips
  • Florida 15 featured trips
  • New York 15 featured trips
Reservation reminders

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.

Drive-in ease View details →

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…

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 Free access
Facilities Picnic tables and toilets available nearby at the Seven Springs picnic area. No drinking water provided; visitors shoul…
Drive-in ease View details →

Elk River Falls

North Carolina

<h2>About Elk River Falls</h2><p>Tucked into the rugged highlands of the North Carolina mountains near the small town of Elk Park, Elk River Falls rewards every visitor who makes the journey. A 50-foot curtain of whitew…

Trip highlights
  • 50-foot cascading waterfall
  • Clear swimming pool
  • Lush Appalachian surroundings
Why we love it
50-foot dramatic waterfallHealing local legends
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Best season Spring and summer are ideal for swimming and enjoying lush greenery. Autumn offers vivid foliage for photographers, whi…
Access insights Moderate. The gravel road requires careful driving, but the short path to the falls is accessible for most visitors.
Cost No
Facilities Picnic tables available. Nearby camping options include sites in Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway areas.
Drive-in ease View details →

Chickamauga Creek

Tennessee

<h2>About Chickamauga Creek Swimming Area</h2><p>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.…

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 No
Facilities Picnic tables are available; no restrooms or camping facilities. Bring essentials like water and snacks.
Drive-in ease View details →

Dash Point Beach

Washington

<h2>About Dash Point Beach</h2><p>Tucked along the rugged shoreline of Puget Sound within Dash Point State Park, Dash Point Beach offers one of the most accessible and rewarding coastal swimming experiences in the Pacif…

Trip highlights
  • Expansive views of Puget Sound
  • Family-friendly swimming conditions
  • Tide pools teeming with marine life
Why we love it
Tide pools during low tideSandy beach with mudflats
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Best season Summer months (June to August) for warm water and vibrant atmosphere; Fall for quieter visits and striking foliage; Low…
Access insights Easy access with paved paths and parking close to the beach. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Cost Yes
Facilities Parking, restrooms, picnic areas, showers, and camping facilities are available on-site. The State Park offers well-mai…

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.

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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…

Trip highlights
  • Clear, cool waters of the Mulberry River
  • Rock formations perfect for jumping
  • Family-friendly picnic facilities
Why we love it
Natural rock formations for jumpingProximity to the Mulberry River's most scenic stretches
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Best season Summer for swimming and picnicking; spring for vibrant greenery; fall for striking foliage and cooler weather. Avoid af…
Access insights Easy to moderate. Accessible by car with minimal hiking required to reach the swimming hole.
Cost Free access
Facilities On-site restrooms and picnic tables available. No camping allowed, but nearby campgrounds offer options for extended st…
Trail overnight View details →

Havasu Falls

Arizona

<h2>About Havasu Falls</h2><p>There are places in this world that seem too vivid to be real, and Havasu Falls is one of them. Tucked deep inside the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the red-rock canyon country of norther…

Trip highlights
  • Turquoise blue waters from travertine deposits
  • 100-foot dramatic waterfall plunge
  • Rope swing for adventurous visitors
Why we love it
Surreal turquoise waters from natural mineral depositsDeep cultural ties to the Havasupai tribe
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Best season Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and ideal swimming conditions. Summer can be ver…
Access insights Moderate to Difficult - An 8-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop that requires preparation and physical stamina.
Cost Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee
Facilities Facilities include a lodge and campground with basic amenities. Reservations are required for both.
Trail overnight View details →

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…

Trip highlights
  • Olympic history at the Ocoee Whitewater Center
  • Diverse swimming and snorkeling options
  • Secluded upriver pools for tranquility
Why we love it
Historical Olympic whitewater venueWide range of swimming depths and jumping spots
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Best season Late spring and early fall weekdays for clear water, fewer crowds, and cooler weather. Avoid weekends in summer due to…
Access insights Easy access from parking lot; short walk to the Blue Hole. Moderate difficulty for upriver exploration requiring rock-hopping.
Cost Forest Service fee area; $3 parking fee in the lower Ocoee Whitewater Center (OWC) lot.
Facilities Toilets available at Ocoee Whitewater Center. Free parking for 30 minutes or $3 all-day fee. No camping onsite but near…
Trail overnight View details →

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…

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 Free access
Facilities Facilities are limited, so visitors should come prepared with essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen. Camping opt…

RV & Comfort Camping

Prefer hookups and hot showers? These campgrounds welcome RVs or offer electric loops for a cushier overnight near the water.

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Berkeley Springs S. P.

West Virginia

<h2>About Berkeley Springs State Park</h2><p>Tucked into the heart of downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, this remarkable park invites you into a centuries-old ritual of soaking, relaxing, and letting warm mineral…

Trip highlights
  • Historic mineral spa
  • Year-round hot springs
  • Therapeutic bathing experience
Why we love it
Only state-run spa in the United StatesHistoric Roman Bathhouse
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Best season Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Berkeley Springs State Park, with pleasant temperatures and striking seasonal…
Access insights Easy access, located in downtown Berkeley Springs. Camping in nearby Sleepy Creek Hunting and Fishing Area requires navigating rough roads.
Cost Yes, about $10 per person
Facilities The park offers clean restrooms, changing areas, Roman Bathhouse, outdoor pool, picnic spaces, and spa services such as…
RV-friendly View details →

Blackwater River S. P.

Florida

<h2>About Blackwater River State Park Swimming</h2><p>Tucked into the pine-scented forests of the Florida Panhandle, Blackwater River State Park offers one of the most visually striking natural swimming experiences in t…

Trip highlights
  • Sandy-bottomed Blackwater River
  • Family-friendly swimming spots
  • Diverse wildlife and plant life
Why we love it
Tea-colored waters caused by natural tanninsPure white sandbanks
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Best season March to June for mild weather and optimal water levels; October to November for cooler temperatures and vibrant fall f…
Access insights Easy access; parking near Deaton Bridge and well-maintained trails make it suitable for visitors of all ages.
Cost For locations inside the park
Facilities Full state park amenities including restrooms, picnic areas, parking, and thirty campsites with water and electric hook…
RV-friendly View details →

Harbin Hot Springs

California

<h2>About Harbin Hot Springs</h2><p>Tucked into the rolling hills of Lake County, California, Harbin Hot Springs is one of the most distinctive wellness retreats in the American West. Nestled near the small town of Midd…

Trip highlights
  • Geothermal hot springs with therapeutic waters
  • Clothing-optional soaking experience
  • Workshops and courses onsite
Why we love it
Geothermal pools with mineral-rich watersClothing-optional policy for freedom of expression
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Best season Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is busier with lon…
Access insights Moderate access due to winding roads near the site, but no hiking is required as the springs are within the retreat’s grounds.
Cost Yes, see web site
Facilities Onsite camping available for a fee, limited cafeteria services, workshops, main pools, sauna, and conference facilities.
RV-friendly View details →

Hot Springs Arkansas Swimming Destinations

Arkansas

<h2>About Hot Springs, Arkansas: Where Thermal Waters Meet Mountain Lakes</h2><p>Few destinations in America offer the layered experience that Hot Springs, Arkansas delivers. Here, you can ease into geothermally heated…

Trip highlights
  • Geothermal hot springs
  • Lake Ouachita swimming spots
  • Historic Bathhouse Row
Why we love it
Geothermal waters for therapeutic soakingHistoric bathhouses blending tradition and modernity
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Best season Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds; summer for swimming and beach fun; winter for quiet hot spring soaks.
Access insights Easy to moderate. Bathhouse Row is walkable; Lake Ouachita swimming spots require short drives and light hiking.
Cost Varies-see below
Facilities Bathhouse Row offers spa services; Lake Ouachita sites provide bathroom facilities and sandy beaches; nearby restaurant…

More Weekend Pairings

Still browsing? These additional picks span forests, deserts, and coastlines—each with camping access within a short drive.

Weekend favorite View details →

Dutch Springs

Pennsylvania

<h2>About Dutch Springs</h2><p>Tucked into the rolling landscape of eastern Pennsylvania, Dutch Springs is one of the Mid-Atlantic's most beloved and unique aquatic destinations. What was once a working limestone quarry…

Trip highlights
  • Spring-fed quarry with clear water
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities
  • Camping onsite for extended visits
Why we love it
Exceptional water clarityDepths over 100 feet
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Best season Summer for warm water and peak activities; autumn for striking foliage and fewer crowds; spring for tranquility and blo…
Access insights Easily accessible with clear pathways and facilities, suitable for all skill levels. Diving requires proper training.
Cost Yes, see web site
Facilities Full amenities including rental gear, changing rooms, restrooms, and camping facilities. Staff onsite to ensure safety…
Weekend favorite View details →

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…

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 Free access
Facilities Canton Creek Campground offers picnic tables and clean toilets. Parking is available at the dead-end area near the cree…
Weekend favorite View details →

Arnold Valley Pool

Virginia

<h2>About Arnold Valley Pool</h2><p>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 w…

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 No
Facilities No facilities available. Visitors should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and safety gear.
Weekend favorite View details →

Baby Falls On The Tellico River

Tennessee

<h2>About Baby Falls on the Tellico River</h2><p>Tucked into the emerald corridors of Cherokee National Forest in southeastern Tennessee, Baby Falls is one of those places that earns its reputation entirely on its own t…

Trip highlights
  • 15-foot cascading waterfall
  • Deep pool for swimming and jumping
  • Unique astro-turf-like surface on falls
Why we love it
Astro-turf-like grass at the falls' topDeep natural pool perfect for jumping
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Best season Summer (June to August) for swimming and warm weather; Autumn (September to November) for striking foliage; Avoid sprin…
Access insights Moderate - Accessible via scenic drives and short walks, but requires caution on slippery rocks and near strong currents.
Cost No
Facilities No facilities on-site. Nearest amenities are in Tellico Plains, approximately 6 miles away.
Weekend favorite View details →

Bagby Hot Springs And Swimming Area

Oregon

<h2>About Bagby Hot Springs and Swimming Area</h2><p>Tucked deep within the ancient Douglas fir and western red cedar forests of Mount Hood National Forest, Bagby Hot Springs and Swimming Area is one of Oregon's most be…

Trip highlights
  • Clear blue-green water
  • Short and scenic hike to access
  • Bathing suits optional
Why we love it
Optional bathing attire policyUnspoiled natural surroundings
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Best season Late spring through early fall, specifically May to September, for warm weather and accessible trails. Autumn offers st…
Access insights Easy to moderate; the 0.5-mile trail is well-marked but can be slippery during wet conditions.
Cost Forest pass required
Facilities No facilities available; visitors should bring their own supplies and plan accordingly. Nearby campgrounds provide addi…
Weekend favorite View details →

Alvord Hot Springs

Oregon

<h2>About Alvord Hot Springs</h2><p>Few places in the American West deliver the kind of elemental contrast that Alvord Hot Springs offers. Here, in the vast high-desert expanse of southeastern Oregon, steaming geotherma…

Trip highlights
  • Geothermal heated waters
  • Remote desert location
  • Views of Steens Mountains
Why we love it
Geothermal pools in a desert settingPrivately managed with facilities
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Best season Late spring through early fall for warm weather and clear skies; winter offers solitude and stark beauty for adventurou…
Access insights Moderate access due to remote location; suitable for most vehicles but the final stretch of road may be rough.
Cost Yes, in 2013 - $5 per person for 24 hours access
Facilities Includes a toilet and small store; no camping allowed directly at the site.
Know before you go
Verify campsite check-in times, quiet hours, and whether wood gathering is permitted. Having the details handy keeps your crew focused on swimming, not scrambling.
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.