Natural swimming hole
HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach
Lake · Kansas
About this swimming hole
HorseThief Reservoir is a 450-acre lake on Buckner Creek nine miles west of Jetmore that opened in 2010 and is one of Kansas's newest reservoirs. The park maintains a sandy beach area for swimming, described by one visitor guide as a designated area where swimming is permitted. The reservoir park also offers camping, yurts and cabins, floating docks, and kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Reservoir is up to 39 feet deep at conservation pool (per Kansas Tourism) |
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Daily and annual user passes are sold at the park office (per park guides) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Park lots at 19005 SW Hwy 156, Jetmore |
| Amenities | swim beach, playgrounds, picnic tables and shade structures, shower houses, floating docks, kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, campground |
| County | Hodgeman County |
| Nearest town | Jetmore |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; swim in the designated beach area; Kansas Tourism reports the lake has lost several feet of water during ongoing drought, so shoreline access conditions vary |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach?
Yes — HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kansas. Heads-up: No lifeguard; swim in the designated beach area; Kansas Tourism reports the lake has lost several feet of water during ongoing drought, so shoreline access conditions vary. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach?
Reported fee info: Daily and annual user passes are sold at the park office (per park guides). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit HorseThief Reservoir Swim Beach?
The best season is typically June-August.