How many swimming holes are in CA?

Our directory lists 45 natural swimming destinations in CA, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (9), Varies - see belows (6), Varies-see belows (6), Falls (3). Of these, 14 (31%) are free to access and 31 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does CA have?

CA's 45 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, spring-fed pools, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Hot springs, San Francisco Bay, American River, Bass Lake, Varies - see below.

Which swimming holes in CA are free?

14 of the 45 swimming holes in CA (31%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 31 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.

Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in CA?

Swimming destinations in CA are clustered around SAN DIEGO, ALPINE, BORREGO SPRINGS, SAN FRANCISCO. 36 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 9 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

When is the best time to visit swimming holes in CA?

Based on the conditions reported across CA's listed sites, spring tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Spring-fed pools in the state often maintain consistent temperatures year-round. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.

Are swimming holes in CA safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 36 officially managed sites in CA typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.

Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in CA?

Most swimming holes in CA do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 31 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.

How many swimming holes are in CA?

Our directory lists 45 natural swimming destinations in CA, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (9), Varies - see belows (6), Varies-see belows (6), Falls (3). Of these, 14 (31%) are free to access and 31 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does CA have?

CA's 45 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, spring-fed pools, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Hot springs, San Francisco Bay, American River, Bass Lake, Varies - see below.

Which swimming holes in CA are free?

14 of the 45 swimming holes in CA (31%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 31 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.

Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in CA?

Swimming destinations in CA are clustered around SAN DIEGO, ALPINE, BORREGO SPRINGS, SAN FRANCISCO. 36 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 9 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

When is the best time to visit swimming holes in CA?

Based on the conditions reported across CA's listed sites, spring tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Spring-fed pools in the state often maintain consistent temperatures year-round. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.

Are swimming holes in CA safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 36 officially managed sites in CA typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.

Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in CA?

Most swimming holes in CA do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 31 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.

Swimming Holes in CA

Discover 45 amazing natural swimming destinations across CA. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

Swimming Holes

Types

Free Access

Fee Required

45 locations found

Natural hot spring fed into man-made pools

Fee

AGUA CALIENTE PARK

SAN DIEGO

Visit Agua Caliente Park in Southern California for natural hot spring-fed pools. Find directions, fees, and safety tips for hot tubbing and swimming.

Hot springs

Swimming Holes in CA

AGUA CALIENTE PARK

AQUATIC PARK

Auburn American River Swimming Spots

BASS LAKE

Big Sur Swimming Holes and Coastal Spots

BLACK CANYON

BLOW HOLE

Buckeye-Travertine Hot Springs and Creek Destinations

CEDAR CREEK FALLS

Chico Region Swimming Holes

CULL CANYON

Death Valley Swimming Spots near Furnace Creek and Panamint Springs

FOREST GLEN

GODS BATH

Happy Camp Swimming Holes and Recreation Area

HARBIN HOT SPRINGS

HATCHET CREEK

HOT CREEK

Humboldt Redwoods Swimming Holes

Kern River Swimming Destinations

Lake Arrowhead and Deep Creek Swimming Spots

MCCLOUD AREA

McCloud River Swimming Holes in Northern California

**Fowlers Camp and Ah-Di-Na N.F. campgrounds.**

**From Redding, take I-5 north to town of Mt. Shasta. Take the RT 89 east exit. Drive RT 89 east about 5.5 miles through the town of McCloud, then:**

MCCLOUD FALLS

MCCLOUD RIVER PRESERVE

MEMORIAL PARK

MONO HOT SPRINGS

Navarro River Swimming Spots

ROCK POOL

Russian River Swimming Spots in Sonoma County

Salinas Valley Swimming Spots

Santa Barbara Swimming Spots

Santa Cruz Region Swimming Spots

Sequoia National Park Region Swimming Spots

Smith River Swimming and Recreation Areas

Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area Swimming Holes

SWITZER FALLS

Truckee-Tahoe Sierra Swimming Spots

Tule River Swimming Destinations in Sequoia National Forest

Van Duzen River Swimming Spots

Willow Creek Swimming Spots in Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Yosemite National Park Swimming Spots

Yuba River Swimming Holes and Recreation Area

Overview

No swimming holes found

Explore More Swimming Adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

Fowlers Camp and Ah-Di-Na N.F. campgrounds.

From Redding, take I-5 north to town of Mt. Shasta. Take the RT 89 east exit. Drive RT 89 east about 5.5 miles through the town of McCloud, then: