Bring water shoes, drinking water, sun protection, a dry bag, snacks, and basic first aid to a swimming hole — natural sites lack rentals, shops, and lifeguards.
- Must-have
- Water shoes, drinking water, sunscreen
- Highly recommended
- Dry bag, first aid, hat, snacks
- Often forgotten
- Cash for parking, offline maps
- Leave home
- Glass containers, single-use inflatables you will abandon
- Etiquette
- Pack it in, pack it out
Natural swimming holes do not have rental shops, concession stands, or lifeguard lockers — what you carry in is what you have when someone cuts a foot on rock or the sun peaks at 2 p.m. This checklist covers a typical summer day at a river, creek, or waterfall pool.
Essentials (do not skip)
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Water shoes or secure sandals | Grip on algae-covered rock; protection from glass and gravel |
| Drinking water | More than you think — swimming and hiking dehydrate quickly |
| Sunscreen + hat | Shade disappears at the pool; reflected water intensifies burn |
| Towel or quick-dry layer | Warm up on the hike out, especially in mountain water |
| Dry bag or waterproof pouch | Keys, phone, wallet |
Safety and comfort
- Small first aid kit — adhesive bandages, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Snacks — maintain energy on hike-in spots.
- Cash — Many forest recreation areas use self-pay envelopes.
- Offline maps — Cell service often fails in gorges.
- Light jacket — Mountain water and evening air drop temperature fast.
Optional but useful
- Polarized sunglasses (reduce glare off water).
- Microfiber towel (packs small).
- Mesh bag for wet suits and shoes in the car.
- Ziplock for trash you pack out (including food wrappers).
Swimming hole etiquette
Good etiquette keeps spots open for everyone:
- Pack out everything you pack in — including fruit peels and dog waste.
- Respect quiet hours — sound carries up canyons.
- Do not blast music — many visitors come for nature, not a party.
- Stay on durable surfaces — avoid trampling riverside vegetation.
- Follow posted rules — closures protect habitat and safety.
- Give wildlife space — snakes and birds use the same banks.
What not to bring
- Glass bottles — banned on many rivers; dangerous when broken on rock.
- Cheap floats you will abandon — pollution and wildlife hazard.
- Speakers at full volume — frequent cause of local backlash.
- Expectation of facilities — assume no bathroom unless the listing says otherwise.
Match your pack to the trip type
Drive-up river afternoon: Shoes, water, sun protection, dry bag.
Hike-to-swim: Add calories, headlamp buffer, extra layer — see our hike-to-swim guide.
Free day on public land: Confirm fees and access before you leave — parking may still cost.
Check the specific listing in our directory for access notes, fee status, and safety tips before you load the car.
Frequently asked questions
What should you bring to a swimming hole?
Water shoes, drinking water, sun protection, towel, dry bag for electronics, snacks, and a small first aid kit. Add layers if the hike in is long or elevation is high.
Do you need water shoes at swimming holes?
Strongly recommended. Slick rock, broken glass, and sharp gravel are common at popular entry points.
What is swimming hole etiquette?
Pack out all trash, keep noise reasonable, respect private property and closures, and give space to families and wildlife. Do not alter rock cairns or build new fire rings outside designated areas.