Natural swimming hole

Richey Cove Swim Beach

Lake · Kansas

About this swimming hole

Richey Cove is the only designated swimming area on Council Grove Lake, a USACE lake set in the Flint Hills. The swim beach is buoyed off from boat traffic and has a life-jacket loaner board for kids, with posted hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is the natural swim stop if you are driving the Flint Hills Scenic Byway in summer.

Good to know

Water typeLake
FeesBeach day-use fees temporarily suspended (per USACE page)
Reservations requiredNo
Hours8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
AmenitiesLife-jacket loaner board on the beach
CountyMorris
Nearest townCouncil Grove
Safety notesNo lifeguards; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; pets and glass bottles not allowed on the beach; zebra mussels in the lake — footwear recommended

Map

Official information

Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.

Nearby swimming holes

Frequently asked questions

Does Richey Cove Swim Beach require reservations?

No reservations are required at Richey Cove Swim Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.

Is there a fee to visit Richey Cove Swim Beach?

Reported fee info: Beach day-use fees temporarily suspended (per USACE page). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.

Is Richey Cove Swim Beach safe for swimming?

Reported safety notes: No lifeguards; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; pets and glass bottles not allowed on the beach; zebra mussels in the lake — footwear recommended. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — swim at your own risk.

Keep exploring

Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026