Find Secret Swimming Holes

Search out wild swim spots nationwide — tucked-away lakes, quiet river pools, cool springs, and waterfall holes worth the hike.

Swimming holes near me — sort by GPS distance

Swimming holes near me

To find swimming holes near you, allow location on our near-me page and we will sort natural swim spots by distance. We don’t store your location — sorting runs in your browser only.

Pick your state, filter by creek or river type, and read access notes before you drive. Map pins alone are not enough for legal, safe swimming.

How to find swimming holes near you — step-by-step workflow and safety tips.

Your guide to wild swimming in the U.S.

Nothing beats wading into cold, clear water surrounded by forest, canyon, or open sky — the kind of swim municipal pools only hint at. We list 851 vetted places in 50 states, from lazy river bends and spring pools to lake coves and waterfall basins.

Each listing gathers fees, water type, nearby towns, and how to get there. Treat it as your first pass at planning, then double-check access, safety, and rules with local land managers before you head out.

Swimming trip gear & products

The outdoor gear and travel essentials we recommend for planning a natural swimming trip — compared side by side so you can pick the right one fast.

All gear categories →

Disclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Featured swimming holes

Hand-picked places from coast to coast to inspire your next outing.

Chena Hot Springs — hot spring swimming hole near Fairbanks, AK
Hot Spring AK

Chena Hot Springs

Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks, Alaska — a 106°F natural hot springs lake open year-round at the end of Chena Hot Springs Road. Day passes, hours, and winter aurora soaking tips.

Fee required Fairbanks
View details
Big Lake North S.r.s. — lake swimming hole near Big Lake, AK
Lake AK

Big Lake North S.r.s.

Big Lake North State Recreation Site near Wasilla, Alaska — swimming, boating, and camping on one of Southcentral Alaska’s busiest summer lakes. Fees, facilities, and directions.

Fee required Big Lake
View details
Abbie Creek Park — river swimming hole near Dothan, AL
River AL

Abbie Creek Park

Abbie Creek Park is a free U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day-use area on the Chattahoochee River near Columbia and Dothan, Alabama. River swimming with no lifeguards — watch currents and boat traffic.

Free Dothan
View details
Chewacla S. P. — creek/falls swimming hole near Montgomery, AL
Creek/Falls AL

Chewacla S. P.

Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama has a lake beach, waterfall, and trails for swimming and hiking. Alabama State Parks day-use fees apply (about $5 ages 12–61; $3 youth/seniors as of 2026) — confirm alapark.com before you go.

Fee varies Montgomery
View details
Chickasabogue Park — creek swimming hole near Mobile, AL
Creek AL

Chickasabogue Park

Chickasabogue Park at 760 Aldock Rd, Eight Mile / Mobile, AL — free Mobile County park with Chickasaw Creek beach access, 12+ miles of trails, splash pad, picnic areas, and camping. Day-use ~7 a.m.–7 p.m.; beach renovations possible in 2026.

Fee required Mobile
View details
St Stephens Park — quarry swimming hole near Mobile, AL
Quarry AL

St Stephens Park

St Stephens Park lies in Alabama, where Quarry moves through a wooded corridor. Stephens Park offers one of the state's most distinctive .

Fee varies Mobile
View details
Benton — river swimming hole near Little Rock, AR
River AR

Benton

Benton is a River swimming destination near Little Rock in Arkansas. The setting stays informal and low-key.

Free Little Rock
View details

See the full directory

Planning your next dip?

Open the full list or jump straight to swimming holes in a specific state.