Cool Off, America: Here's Where to Swim in All 50 States

Cool Swimming Holes in Every State

Cheapism; Tripadvisor; tomofbluesprings/istockphoto

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Where to Swim in All 50 States
wundervisuals/istockphoto

Dive Right In

Escape the summer heat with a splash in one of the most inviting swimming spots in your state. Some of these top picks, based on online rankings and reviews from visitors, are spring-fed, drawing water mostly from pure, deep aquifer sources — a natural alternative to public pools. In many places, access is free or the price of admission is only a nominal parking fee. But no charge can mean no lifeguard, so play it safe.


Related: 22 Magical Waterfalls Perfect for a Refreshing Swim

Lake Martin, Alabama
Lake Martin, Alabama by Rebecca Hagen (CC BY)

Alabama: Lake Martin

This 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir in Wind Creek State Park is a favorite for residents of nearby Alexander City. Fish, swim, boat, or stay and camp: More than 150 of the park's campsites abut the water.


Related: The Best Lakes in All 50 States

Kennicott River in Wrangell  St Elias National Park,McCarthy,Alaska.
brytta/istockphoto

Alaska: McCarthy Swimming Hole

Park at the Kennicott River, then walk five minutes to find this classic swimming hole way off the beaten path near Kennicott Glacier, northwest of the town of McCarthy. When the sun shines, the water warms up enough to take a dip.


For more great travel guides and vacation tips,
please sign up for our free newsletters.

Grasshopper Point
fs.usda.gov

Arizona: Grasshopper Point

Located some 2 miles from Sedona, Grasshopper Point offers a spot of shade and a place for a refreshing dip amid the triple-digit temperatures that often mark Arizona summers. Three hiking trails are available, as well. 

Falling Water Falls, Arkansas
tomofbluesprings/istockphoto

Arkansas: Falling Water Falls

Passers-by can see this beauty right from the road. A gorgeous little waterfall in Ozark National Forest spills into a large swimming hole that draws crowds during summer months.

Lower Mccloud Falls, Redding, California
©TripAdvisor

California: Lower McCloud Falls

Said to be the most popular swimming waterfall in the region, Lower McCloud Falls in McCloud is yet another inviting place for a summer swim or dive. The lowest of three levels of the well-known McCloud River Falls, the waterfall allows jumping 12 feet into the large pool at the base of the falls, and there are plenty are places at the water's edge for sunbathing on the rocks. The waterfall is easily accessible by trail and road.

Dominguez-Escalante NCA
Dominguez-Escalante NCA by Bureau of Land Management (CC BY)

Colorado: Big Dominguez Canyon

Hikers love the warm, mild swim offered in pools fed by the Gunnison River, which come as welcome breaks along the roughly 8-mile roundtrip hike through Big Dominguez Canyon in Western Colorado, near Grand Junction and Delta. There are three bigger pools and a few smaller ones to discover along the way.

Enders Falls, Connecticut
©TripAdvisor

Connecticut: Enders Falls

Cool off in this series of waterfalls in Enders State Forest in Granby. All five are worth a plunge, but for a more tranquil experience, head to the last pool. It sits at the base of a 15-foot waterfall and tends to be less crowded.

Delaware: Killens Pond Water Park
©TripAdvisor

Delaware: Killens Pond Water Park

Thrill-seekers love the super-tall slides at the water park in Killens Pond State Park. Kids like to splash in the interactive water features, and tot pools feature small slides and bubblers. In 2023, admission was $8 to $10 a person on weekdays and $10 to $12 on weekends, based on height.

Madison Blue Spring State Park, Florida
©TripAdvisor

Florida: Madison Blue Spring State Park

Pack a picnic and head to this pristine swimming hole on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. The spring-fed pool isn't huge — about 72 feet by 82 feet — so go early to avoid the afternoon masses. But but check first, sometimes the swimming area may be closed due to high river levels. 

Red Clay Resort, Georgia
©TripAdvisor

Georgia: Red Clay Resort

Formerly known as Farmer’s Lake, Red Clay Resort near Red Clay State Park features a large spring-fed pool, changing rooms, a concession stand, and picnic and play areas. The privately owned facility earns praise for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. Admission is $8 per person Monday-Wednesday; $9 per person Thursday-Sunday and $10 on holidays.

Waimea Falls, Oahu, Hawaii
Hiromi Nagatsuka/istockphoto

Hawaii: Oahu Waimea Falls

There are many beautiful swimming spots in Hawaii, but Waimea Falls is one of the most accessible. Located within Waimea Valley amid a unique botanical garden, the 45-foot waterfall is part of a stream that flows from the north end of the Koolau Mountains. There's a changing room near the falls, and a lifeguard who loans required life vests. Admission isn't cheap, though, at $25 for adults, and swimming access depends on waterfall conditions, so check first. 


Related: 20 Tips for Visiting Hawaii on a Budget

Redfish Lake, Idaho
gjohnstonphoto/istockphoto

Idaho: Redfish Lake

Placid water surrounded by the stunning Sawtooth mountain range, this 4.5-mile lake with white sandy beaches offers a range of experiences — some offer solitude but others come with friendly crowds of families and dogs. There's a marina where you can rent boats to paddle out into the river; a trailhead is to the south.

Bell Smith Springs, Illinois
baluzek/istockphoto

Illinois: Bell Smith Springs

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest serves up clear streams and scenic canyons, linked by 8 miles of hiking trails. Watch out for jagged rocks at the bottom. 

France Park, Loganport, Indiana
Brandon H./Tripadvisor.com

Indiana: France Park

An abandoned quarry is the home of this Logansport swimming spot about an hour and half north of Indianapolis. With a sandy beach surrounded by beautiful cliffs, France Park is also destination for scuba divers and campers. Gate fee is $5 per person.

Raccoon River Valley Trail
©TripAdvisor

Iowa: Raccoon River Valley Trail

The "north loop" of the Raccoon River Valley Trail runs from Waukee to Jefferson. Just north of Redfield, several trails lead to river sandbars perfect for swimming and sunning.

Lake Scott State Park
Lake Scott State Park by Kansas Tourism (CC BY-NC-ND)

Kansas: Lake Scott

The state tourism department boasts that National Geographic named Scott State Park, which surrounds 100-acre Lake Scott, one of 50 must-see state parks. Natural springs and rocky bluffs create a beautiful setting for swimming. Day permits start at $5.


Related: The Best State Park in Every State

Ratliff Hole
©TripAdvisor

Kentucky: Ratliff Hole

This spot on the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River, in Breaks Interstate Park, is popular for swimming and inner tubing. Take Route 80 east of Elkhorn City until you see signs for the Breaks Interstate Park.  

Lake Bruin
Lake Bruin by Kelly Jeanne (CC BY-NC-ND)

Louisiana: Lake Bruin State Park

On the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River by the town of St. Joseph, Lake Bruin State Park offers a family-friendly environment for swimmers complete with bathhouse, restrooms, picnic tables, and barbecue pits.   

Frenchman's Hole, Maine
©TripAdvisor

Maine: Frenchman's Hole

Just a few miles beyond the Sunday Ski Resort in the town of Newry lies this fantastic swimming hole in Sunday River. Tucked beneath a 10-foot waterfall, it's popular with in-the-know locals, who pack picnics and stay for the day, and some folks have been known to swim in the nude at this secluded spot. 

Betterton Beach
Betterton Beach by Art Anderson (CC BY)

Maryland: Betterton Beach

Jump in the Chesapeake Bay from its largest public beach, where fresh water from the Sassafras River makes swimming less salty. Public restrooms, picnic tables, and roughly 300 feet of access make this small-town spot a family favorite.


Related: The 20 Best Beaches on the East Coast

Walden Pond, Massachusetts
AlizadaStudios/istockphoto

Massachusetts: Walden Pond

You don't have to be a literary geek to appreciate the calm of Walden Pond in Concord. For a bit of culture between soaks in the more than 100-foot-deep, melted glacier water pond, tour a replica of the cabin where Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden."

Millennium Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kathy E./yelp.com

Michigan: Millennium Park

Visitors to western Michigan's largest urban park (1,600 acres) have a host of amenities when visiting Millennium Park, including changing rooms, a concession stand and a 100-acre lake at their disposal. There's also a splash pad for the kiddies. 

Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Minnesota
©TripAdvisor

Minnesota: Quarry Park and Nature Preserve

Choose from two swimming quarries at this 683-acre park, one 40 feet deep with a sandy beach, the other plunging to 116 feet — and winning recognition on Orbitz's 2018 list of best beaches in every landlocked state. Picnic areas and restrooms are available.

Bluff Creek, Mississippi
Bluff Creek Campground

Mississippi: Bluff Creek

If you're looking for a no-frills swimming experience, check out Bluff Creek in Vancleave. It costs a few bucks to get into this privately owned 120-acre campground, but inside there's a small gem of a sandbar with deep, dark (but clean) water and a rope swing. There's also minimal boat activity to get in the way of recreation.

Riverton West, Missouri
fs.usda.gov

Missouri: Riverton West

Fast, cold currents draw summer visitors to this swimming hole on the Eleven Point River in the Mark Twain National Forest area. The river has been called the most pristine in the Ozarks area, and the Riverton West access provides picnic tables and pedestal grills. Across the water at Riverton East are paved parking and a launch used by floaters and boaters.


Related: The Most Beautiful River in Every State

Flathead Lake, Montana
11jasons/istockphoto

Montana: Flathead Lake

Thirty miles long and 15 miles wide, Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Carved in the shadows of Glacier National Park and Whitefish Mountain, fishing rules around these parts, but its cool, clear waters also offer a fun place to swim in the summer months. Its Volunteer Park is a popular destination.

City Swimming Pool in Winter
City Swimming Pool in Winter by John Lillis (CC BY-NC-ND)

Nebraska: Harmon Park Pool

This public swimming pool in the city of Kearney is popular for its elaborate, waterpark-style slide, diving boards, and activities, including a morning toddler time. Day passes are $4 or $5, depending on time of day.


Related: Spectacular Outdoor Public Pools in All 50 States

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada
Brigette R./Yelp

Nevada: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Head west from Las Vegas to find cool respite at a spring-fed swimming hole in the stunning Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. An easy 1-mile hike gets you to this natural spring with two large pools for swimming. The water is clear, the area is fairly well-shaded, and bathing suits are optional.

Lower Falls, New Hampshire
Mshake/istockphoto

New Hampshire: Lower Falls

A quick stop off the Kancamagus Highway (or the "Kanc," as locals call it) in Albany, this chain of pools and waterfalls in the White Mountains National Forest is perfect for an impromptu dip. Pack a picnic or something to grill: Facilities are available.

Lake Wawayanda, New Jersey
Lake Wawayanda, New Jersey by Mwanner (CC BY)

New Jersey: Lake Wawayanda

Part of the Wawayanda State Park, Lake Wawayanda near Hewitt is known for its clear waters and scenic location surrounded by forested hills. Nearby are numerous hiking trails, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Canoes, boats, and paddle boats are available for rent.

Blue Hole, New Mexico
©TripAdvisor

New Mexico: Blue Hole

East of Santa Rosa, the crystal-blue waters of Blue Hole offer swimmers a steady year-round temperature of 64 degrees, while visibility up to 80 feet and vibrant limestone walls attract scuba divers to the old Route 66 site. 


Related: Route 66: Then and Now

Treman Falls
Jessica G./Yelp

New York: Treman Falls

Located in an area known for its wild beauty, Treman Falls (also referred to as Lower Falls) is part of Enfield Glenn in Robert H. Treman State Park. Nine miles of trails wind along the gorge passing a total of 12 waterfalls. Treman Falls includes a swimming area at its base that even includes a diving board and lifeguard. Getting to Treman Falls will take you past Lucifer Falls, one of the most impressive falls in New York's Finger Lakes Region.  

Sliding Rock, North Carolina
©TripAdvisor

North Carolina: Sliding Rock

In Pisgah National Forest, near Asheville, a smooth rock waterfall doubles as a waterslide. On a sizzling summer day, nothing is more refreshing than slipping into the falls' frigid waters. Lifeguards monitor the site, and there's a $5 entry fee.

Lake Sakakawea State Park beach July 2014
Lake Sakakawea State Park beach July 2014 by ND Parks and Recreation Department (CC BY-NC-ND)

North Dakota: Lake Sakakawea

This nearly 1,300-acre state park on the Missouri River has lots of natural, sandy beaches, along with amenities and options that will please everyone in a large crowd. (It's even pet-friendly.) Strong swimmers can explore the lake's small islands, although the very smallest ones disappear when the lake is high — and the biggest, dubbed "Alcatraz," is best reached by boat.

Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, Ohio
Madison C./Yelp

Ohio: Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Swim, snorkel, or cliff dive into sparkling blue-green water at this privately owned quarry park in Garrettsville (not to be confused with nearby Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park). On non-festival weekends, day passes cost $6 for children 4 to 14 and $15 for visitors 15 and up.  

Pawnee Bathhouse Water Park, Oklahoma
©TripAdvisor

Oklahoma: Pawnee Bathhouse Water Park

Step back in history with a trip to this 1939 Work Progress Administration bathhouse. The city-owned lake and water park offers an abundance of water fun: paddle boats, diving boards, a water slide, and a water trampoline, usually Memorial Day through Labor Day.  

Buck Lake, Oregon
Tulsi R./Yelp

Oregon: Buck Lake

With steady, warm temperatures and crystal-clear water, Buck Lake is an exceptionally serene swimming hole. It's about two hours from Portland by car and a bit tricky to find, but a short hike rewards swimmers with a wondrous experience.

West Branch Ketchum Run (1)
West Branch Ketchum Run (1) by Nicholas A. Tonelli (CC BY)

Pennsylvania: Rock Run

This mountain stream running down a gorge in the Loyalsock State Forest has been one of Lycoming County's best-kept secrets. Three beautiful spots where waterfalls rush into cold, emerald-green pools are accessible via a steep walk down from Rock Run Road.

Olney Pond, Rhode Island
Cathy Z./Yelp

Rhode Island: Olney Pond

Visitors to Olney Pond are treated to a sandy beach, concession stands, and kayak rentals, and a $5.6 million pavilion opened to serve the area in May 2017. A more tranquil experience awaits during off-hours; it gets busy during summer and on weekends. From Providence, follow signs on Route 126 north to Lincoln Woods State Park.

Horseshoe Falls, South Carolina
WendyOlsenPhotography/istockphoto

South Carolina: Horseshoe Falls

Swimmers head to Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek for its beautiful 10-foot cascades. Some also come for its history — the falls played a small role on both sides of the Revolutionary War. Also known as Gordons Mill Falls, this popular spot attracts a boisterous crowd. (Be forewarned: The water isn't always deep enough for swimming.)

Angostura Reservoir, South Dakota
©TripAdvisor

South Dakota: Angostura Reservoir

A dam built in 1949 created breathtaking views and clear waters. The reservoir's 36 miles of shoreline include plenty of sandy beaches for swimmers. The average summertime water temperature is a comfortably cool 66 degrees. Daily access is $8 per vehicle.

Cummins Falls, Tennessee
John_Brueske/istockphoto

Tennessee: Cummins Falls

Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines have admired stunning, 75-foot Cummins Falls, labeling it one of the 10 best swimming holes in the country. Spend the day at scenic Cummins Falls State Park, splashing under the cool waters and relaxing over a shaded picnic. There are no grills or trash cans, so plan to take out what you bring.

Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale, Texas, Pool in the Foreground With Trees and Shoreline in the Background
Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale, Texas, Pool in the Foreground With Trees and Shoreline in the Background by Angi English (CC BY-NC)

Texas: Balmorhea State Park

A highlight of this park is its 1.75-acre, 25-foot-deep swimming pool, the largest spring-fed pool in the world. The water is 72 to 76 degrees year-round, perfect for those warm Big Bend summer afternoons. Entry to the state park is $7 but there is no additional cost to use the pool, which is open every day. Scuba diving is also popular at Balmorhea, and requires a $5 dive fee.

Toquerville Falls, Utah
©TripAdvisor

Utah: Toquerville Falls

It requires some effort to get to this magical swimming hole just outside Zion National Park. Brave a bumpy yet scenic drive, about 6 miles from Toquerville, and you'll be rewarded by a trio of pristine waterfalls.

Warren Falls, Vermont
©TripAdvisor

Vermont: Warren Falls

The emerald pools at Warren Falls on the Mad River in Vermont are drop-dead gorgeous. Casual swimmers flock here for a series of small plunges, while adrenaline junkies come for the cliff jumping.

Natural Bridge Station, VA
Natural Bridge Station, VA by jpmueller99 (CC BY)

Virginia: Arnold Valley Pool

Swimming, sliding, and (sometimes) rope swinging reign at this classic swimming hole on Elk Creek tucked just under Virginia's Natural Bridge Station. Cool water temperatures and a gradual (read: kid-friendly) slope make this pool a family favorite.

Lake Washington, Washington
july7th/istockphoto

Washington: Lake Washington

Grab a float, board a boat, or simply jump in and enjoy this urban oasis within the Seattle city limits. Madison Park Beach is a popular launching point where lifeguards keep watch. Dog lovers can bring their pets to the off-leash area of Warren G. Magnuson Park for a treat. 

Audra State Park, West Virginia
©TripAdvisor
River View in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Sedra Abdrabbo/istockphoto

Wisconsin: Eau Claire River

Find a secluded spot on the river east of Eau Claire. Park along the road and walk a windy trail to the beach. Clear water and a shallow sandy bottom encourage wading — water ranges from ankle deep to waist deep in the summer months. Skinny-dipping is allowed (although the sand gets very hot in the sun, so shoes are advised even if you're not wearing anything else).

Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Flaming Gorge Reservoir by Jimmy Emerson, DVM (CC BY-NC-ND)