Swimming Holes in Virginia
41 natural swimming holes
Virginia has 41 natural swimming holes in our directory — waterfalls, lakes, rivers scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Devil's Bathtub, St. Mary's Falls - St. Mary's Wilderness, Whiteoak Canyon - Lower Whiteoak Falls. 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 Virginia swimming holes
- Bear Creek Lake State Park
- Belle Isle - James River Park
- Blue Hole - Dry River
- Cascade Falls - Jefferson National Forest
- Claytor Lake State Park
- Devil's Bathtub
- Douthat State Park - Douthat Lake
- Fairy Stone State Park
- Falls Ridge Preserve
- Foster Falls - New River
- Goshen Pass - Maury River
- Hone Quarry - George Washington NF
- Hungry Mother State Park
- James River State Park
- Lake Anna State Park
- Natural Chimneys Park - North River
- Pony Pasture - James River Park
- Roaring Run Falls
- Shenandoah River State Park
- Sherando Lake Recreation Area
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park
- St. Mary's Falls - St. Mary's Wilderness
- Twin Lakes State Park - Goodwin Lake
- Westmoreland State Park - Potomac River Beach
- White Rock Falls - Blue Ridge Parkway
- Whiteoak Canyon - Lower Whiteoak Falls
- Belle Isle State Park - Rappahannock River
- Bullpasture River - McDowell
- Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area
- Chippokes State Park - James River Beach
- Dark Hollow Falls - Shenandoah NP
- Falling Spring Falls
- First Landing State Park - Chesapeake Bay
- Holliday Lake State Park
- Kiptopeke State Park - Chesapeake Bay
- Overall Run Swimming Hole - Shenandoah NP
- Philpott Lake - Jamison Mill Swim Beach
- Rappahannock River - Old Mill Park
- Rose River Falls - Shenandoah NP
- Stiles Falls
- Yorktown Beach - York River
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does Virginia have?
Our directory lists 41 swimming holes in Virginia: 13 waterfalls, 12 lakes, and 12 rivers. 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 Virginia?
The most commonly listed season across our Virginia spots is may-september (41 of 41 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 Virginia swimming holes require reservations?
None of the 41 listed Virginia 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 Virginia swimming holes free?
Some are — 16 of the 41 Virginia 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 Virginia 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.