Swimming Holes in Arkansas
35 natural swimming holes
Arkansas has 35 natural swimming holes in our directory — rivers, lakes, waterfalls scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Buffalo National River - Steel Creek, Buffalo National River - Ponca Access, Buffalo National River - Tyler Bend. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All Arkansas swimming holes
- Blanchard Springs - North Sylamore Creek
- Buffalo National River - Buffalo Point
- Buffalo National River - Ponca Access
- Buffalo National River - Steel Creek
- Buffalo National River - Tyler Bend
- Caddo River - Glenwood
- Cossatot River State Park Natural Area
- Devil's Den State Park - Lee Creek
- Falling Water Falls
- Gunner Pool Recreation Area
- Haw Creek Falls Recreation Area
- Little Missouri Falls - Albert Pike
- Long Pool - Big Piney Creek
- Mulberry River - Turner Bend
- Richland Creek Recreation Area
- Six Finger Falls
- Spring River - Hardy
- Triple Falls - Richland Creek Wilderness
- Barkshed Recreation Area
- Buffalo National River - Gilbert
- Cedar Falls - Petit Jean State Park
- Cove Lake Recreation Area
- Daisy State Park - Lake Greeson
- DeGray Lake State Park
- Glory Hole Falls
- Greers Ferry Lake - Devil's Fork
- Gulpha Gorge - Hot Springs National Park
- Jacksonport State Park - White River
- Kings River - Rockhouse Access
- Lake Catherine State Park
- Lake Ouachita State Park
- Lake Wedington Recreation Area
- Pam's Grotto
- Shores Lake Recreation Area
- Woolly Hollow State Park - Bennett Lake
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does Arkansas have?
Our directory lists 35 swimming holes in Arkansas: 11 rivers, 9 lakes, and 8 waterfalls. Every listing shows its water type, location, fees, and safety notes so you can pick the right one.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in Arkansas?
The most commonly listed season across our Arkansas spots is may-september (32 of 35 spots). Late spring through early fall is generally prime swimming season — spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high, so check local conditions.
Do Arkansas swimming holes require reservations?
None of the 35 listed Arkansas spots currently show a reservation requirement, but popular parks can add timed entry — check each listing's reservation field and the official park link before you go.
Are Arkansas swimming holes free?
Some are — 28 of the 35 Arkansas spots in our directory report free entry. State parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee; each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in Arkansas safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely. Spots with known hazards carry safety flags on their listing.