How many swimming holes are in NY?

Our directory lists 53 natural swimming destinations in NY, spanning 4 water types: Creeks (13), Rivers (7), Varies-see belows (5), Lakes (4). Of these, 7 (13%) are free to access and 46 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does NY have?

NY's 53 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Varies-see below, Ausable River, Mill Creek, Upper Hudson River, Buttermilk Creek.

Which swimming holes in NY are free?

7 of the 53 swimming holes in NY (13%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 46 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 NY?

Swimming destinations in NY are clustered around KINGSTON, MARBLETOWN, ASHOKAN, BOICEVILLE. 43 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 10 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

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

Based on the conditions reported across NY's listed sites, fall 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 NY safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 43 officially managed sites in NY 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 NY?

Most swimming holes in NY 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. 46 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 NY?

Our directory lists 53 natural swimming destinations in NY, spanning 4 water types: Creeks (13), Rivers (7), Varies-see belows (5), Lakes (4). Of these, 7 (13%) are free to access and 46 require an entry fee or parking pass.

What types of swimming spots does NY have?

NY's 53 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Varies-see below, Ausable River, Mill Creek, Upper Hudson River, Buttermilk Creek.

Which swimming holes in NY are free?

7 of the 53 swimming holes in NY (13%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 46 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 NY?

Swimming destinations in NY are clustered around KINGSTON, MARBLETOWN, ASHOKAN, BOICEVILLE. 43 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage. 10 are informal or unofficial access points — these require more research before visiting.

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

Based on the conditions reported across NY's listed sites, fall 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 NY safe for families and children?

Safety varies significantly by location. 43 officially managed sites in NY 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 NY?

Most swimming holes in NY 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. 46 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 NY

Discover 53 amazing natural swimming destinations across NY. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

Swimming Holes

Types

Free Access

Fee Required

53 locations found

Varies-see below

Fee

Ashokan Catskills Swimming Spots

KINGSTON

Guide to Marbletown Beach in the Ashokan Catskills. Find directions, access details, and safety tips for swimming in Lower Esopus Creek.

Varies-see below

Swimming Holes in NY

Ashokan Catskills Swimming Spots

Au Sable River Swimming Holes

BASH BISH FALLS

BLACK HOLE

Blue Ledges Swimming Spots in the Adirondacks

BUTTERMILK FALLS S. P.

Canajoharie Gorge Swimming and Recreation Area

Chautauqua Gorge Swimming Destinations

CHENANGO VALLEY S. P.

COLES CREEK S. P.

CROTON POINT PARK

Durham Catskills Swimming Holes

EEL WEIR S. P.

FILLMORE GLEN S. P.

THE FLOATING POOL LADY

GEORGE BRIDGE

GLENERIE

Higley Flow Region Swimming Holes

KAATERSKILL AREA

Keene Adirondack Swimming Holes

Kerhonkson Region Swimming Holes

LAKEVIEW WMA

Lake Luzerne Hudson River Swimming Spots

Lake Placid Region Swimming Holes

Long Lake Adirondack Swimming Spots

Max Shaul Park Swimming Spots

Minnewaska State Park Swimming Destinations

MOSQUITO POINT

Nassau Kinderhook Creek Swimming Holes

NORTH HAVEN POND

ORE PIT POND

Petersburg Region Swimming Holes

Phoenicia Catskills Swimming Holes

POINT AU ROCHE S. P.

POINT ROCK

RATTLESNAKE GULF

Red Hook Hudson Valley Swimming Spots

RIVER POOL AT BEACON

ROCK STREAM

Roscoe Catskills Swimming Holes

SALAMANCA

SALMON RIVER FALLS

Saranac Lakes Adirondack Swimming Destinations

SKANEATELES

SIX MILE CREEK AREA

Speculator Adirondack Swimming Destinations

Split Rock Falls Swimming Holes in the Adirondacks

STONY BROOK S. P.

Stratford Region Swimming Spots in Upstate New York

TREMAN S. P.

TROUT LAKE

Woodstock and Saugerties Swimming Holes

ZOAR VALLEY

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