Swimming Holes in Illinois
38 natural swimming holes
Illinois has 38 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, creeks, waterfalls scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Bell Smith Springs, Illinois Beach State Park, North Marcum Beach (Rend Lake). 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 Illinois swimming holes
- Bell Smith Springs
- Black Locust Beach (Moraine View State Recreation Area)
- Clark Street Beach
- Crystal Lake Main Beach
- Forest Park Beach
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Johnson Creek Beach (Kinkaid Lake)
- Lake Glendale Beach
- Lake Storey Beach
- Montrose Beach
- North Marcum Beach (Rend Lake)
- Petersen Park Beach
- Poplar Camp Beach
- Pounds Hollow Beach
- South Sandusky Beach (Rend Lake)
- Sullivan Beach
- Sunrise Beach
- Waukegan Municipal Beach
- Apple River Canyon State Park
- Bork's Falls
- Carlyle Lake beaches
- Clinton Lake, Mascoutin beach
- Crab Orchard Campground Beach
- Crystal Lake West Beach
- Fish Lake Beach
- Forbes Lake Swim Beach (Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area)
- Glasener Beach (Comlara Park, Evergreen Lake)
- Independence Grove
- Jackson Falls
- Lake Le-Aqua-Na Beach
- Lake Sara Beach
- Lake Shelbyville, Dam West Beach
- Milnot Beach (Lake Lou Yaeger)
- Morrison-Rockwood State Park Beach (Lake Carlton)
- Rock Cut State Park, Pierce Lake beach
- Shabbona Lake State Park beach
- Three Oaks Recreation Center
- Willow Pond Beach (Middle Fork River Forest Preserve)
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does Illinois have?
Our directory lists 38 swimming holes in Illinois: 31 lakes, 2 creeks, and 2 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 Illinois?
The most commonly listed season across our Illinois spots is june-august (11 of 38 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 Illinois swimming holes require reservations?
None of the 38 listed Illinois 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 Illinois swimming holes free?
Some are — 18 of the 38 Illinois 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 Illinois 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.