Swimming Holes in IL

Discover 8 amazing natural swimming destinations across IL. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

8
Swimming Holes
6
Types
2
Free Access
6
Fee Required
8 locations found
Creek
Fee

Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations

EVANSVILLE (IN)

Guide to swimming holes & beaches in Shawnee National Forest, IL. Find directions, safety tips, and details for Pounds Hollow Lake, Iron Furnace, and Bell Smith Springs.

Varies - see below
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Spillway
Free

KINCAID LAKE SPILLWAY

CARBONDALE

A guide to the unofficial swimming area at Kincaid Lake Spillway in Illinois. Find directions, safety tips, and essential visitor information.

Kincaid Lake Spillway
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Fee

BLOOMINGTON AREA QUARRIES

BLOOMINGTON

A guide to the quarries near Bloomington, IL. Learn about access, safety considerations, and what to know before you visit for swimming or exploration.

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Rivers
Fee

Columbus and Edinburg Swimming Spots

COLUMBUS

Explore official swimming spots near Columbus and Edinburg, IL. Guide to Anderson Falls, Owens Bend Park, Heflen Park, and more with directions, access, and safety tips.

Varies-see below
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Commercial swimming at quarries
Fee

St. Paul Quarry Swimming Spots, Illinois

INDIANAPOLIS

Guide to swimming, zip lines, and slides at St. Paul's quarry water parks. Details on fees, directions, and safety tips for White Rock Park and Paradise Water Park.

Quarries
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Lake
Free

SPEED LAKE

TERRA HAUTE

A guide to Speed Lake near Terre Haute, IL. Details on swimming, rope swings, access via Rose-Hulman campus, and essential safety tips.

Speed Lake
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River
Fee

RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL

DES MOINES

Find the unofficial swimming spot on the Raccoon River via the Raccoon River Valley Trail near Redfield, IL. Details on access, fees, and safety.

Raccoon River
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River
Fee

UPPER IOWA RIVER

ROCHESTER

Guide to the Upper Iowa River in Illinois & Iowa. Find access points, directions from Rochester, and safety tips for swimming, kayaking, and tubing.

Upper Iowa River
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Safety & Responsibility

  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, and hazards change quickly.
  • Follow posted signs and local regulations. Do not trespass.
  • Never jump or dive without checking depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for non‑swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

Overview

IL features 8 natural swimming spots across 6 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.

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Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many swimming holes are in IL?
Our directory lists 8 natural swimming destinations in IL, spanning 4 water types: Rivers (2), Creeks (1), Spillways (1), Rivers (1). Of these, 2 (25%) are free to access and 6 require an entry fee or parking pass.
What types of swimming spots does IL have?
IL's 8 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs. Notable water bodies include Varies - see below, Kincaid Lake Spillway, Varies-see below, Quarries, Speed Lake.
Which swimming holes in IL are free?
2 of the 8 swimming holes in IL (25%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 6 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 IL?
Swimming destinations in IL are clustered around EVANSVILLE (IN), PADUCAH (KY), HARRISBURG (IL), CARBONDALE. 5 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 3 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in IL?
Based on the conditions reported across IL'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. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.
Are swimming holes in IL safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 5 officially managed sites in IL 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 IL?
Most swimming holes in IL 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. 6 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.