Swimming Holes in IN

Discover 8 amazing natural swimming destinations across IN. 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 in Shawnee National Forest, IL. Find directions to Pounds Hollow Lake, Bell Smith Springs, and Iron Furnace. Tips for safety and access.

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, access notes, and essential safety tips for visitors.

Kincaid Lake Spillway
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Fee

BLOOMINGTON AREA QUARRIES

BLOOMINGTON

Explore the Bloomington area quarries in Indiana. Discover essential safety tips, access notes, and seasonal advice for visiting these unique outdoor sites.

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Rivers
Fee

Columbus and Edinburg Swimming Spots

COLUMBUS

Guide to swimming holes near Columbus and Edinburg, Indiana. Find directions to Anderson Falls, Owens Bend Park, and other river spots with practical access and safety info.

Varies-see below
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Commercial swimming at quarries
Fee

St. Paul Indiana Quarry Swimming Holes

INDIANAPOLIS

Visit two commercial quarry swimming holes in St. Paul, IN. Enjoy slides, zip lines, and diving. Check websites for fees, hours, and rules before visiting.

Quarries
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Lake
Free

SPEED LAKE

TERRA HAUTE

A guide to Speed Lake in Terre Haute, IN. Find directions, swimming info, and safety tips for this campus lake with a rope swing.

Speed Lake
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River
Fee

RACCOON RIVER VALLEY TRAIL

DES MOINES

Guide to the unofficial swimming hole on the Raccoon River in Iowa. Find directions, access notes, and essential safety tips for a safe visit.

Raccoon River
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River
Fee

UPPER IOWA RIVER

ROCHESTER

Discover the Upper Iowa River for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. Find access points, safety tips, and directions for this unofficial recreation area.

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

IN 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 IN?
Our directory lists 8 natural swimming destinations in IN, 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 IN have?
IN'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 IN are free?
2 of the 8 swimming holes in IN (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 IN?
Swimming destinations in IN 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 IN?
Based on the conditions reported across IN's listed sites, summer 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 IN safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 5 officially managed sites in IN 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 IN?
Most swimming holes in IN 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.