A field guide to wild water
Find your water.
America's natural swimming holes — springs, rivers, creeks, waterfalls & lakes.
A swimming hole is nature's swimming pool — a cold spring bubbling out of limestone, a deep green pool under a waterfall, a sandy bend in a desert river. We've mapped thousands of them across all 50 states, with the practical details that matter: how to get there, what it costs, whether you need a reservation, and what to watch out for.
Browse all 50 states25 best swimming holes
Famous swimming holes
Browse by state
Browse by region
Swimming holes grouped by the mountain ranges and regions people actually travel for — plus our 25 best swimming holes in the USA.
Swimming holes near cities
Grouped by the cities people search from — closest spots first, with distances.
Plan your swim
Two free tools for the drive out: find the closest water and budget the trip.
Swimming hole FAQs
What is a natural swimming hole?
A natural swimming hole is a place to swim in untreated, natural water — a spring, river, creek, waterfall plunge pool, lake, or ocean cove. No chlorine, no concrete (mostly), just water.
Are natural swimming holes safe?
They carry real risks: no lifeguards, cold water, currents, and submerged hazards. Check each listing's safety notes, never dive headfirst into unknown water, and verify conditions locally.
Do I need to pay or book ahead?
Many spots are free, but popular ones increasingly require reservations or charge day-use fees. Each listing shows what we know — always confirm with the official link before you go.