Swimming Holes in West Virginia
37 natural swimming holes
West Virginia has 37 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, waterfalls, creeks scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Blue Hole - Big Sandy Creek, Wonder Falls - Coopers Rock, Red Creek - Dolly Sods Wilderness. 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 West Virginia swimming holes
- Beech Fork Lake - Stowers Branch Beach
- Big Bend Campground - South Branch Potomac River
- Blue Bend Recreation Area - Anthony Creek
- Blue Hole - Big Sandy Creek
- Brush Creek Falls
- Cacapon Lake Beach - Cacapon Resort State Park
- Glade Creek - Babcock State Park
- High Falls of the Cheat - Shavers Fork
- Holly River State Park - Left Fork Falls
- Horseshoe Recreation Area - Horseshoe Run
- Lake Sherwood Recreation Area
- Mash Fork Falls - Camp Creek State Park
- Millstone Point Beach - Cheat Lake Park
- Pendleton Lake - Blackwater Falls State Park
- Red Creek - Dolly Sods Wilderness
- Rock Cliff Lake - Trout Pond Recreation Area
- Shaw Beach - Jennings Randolph Lake
- Summersville Lake
- Wonder Falls - Coopers Rock
- Audra State Park - Middle Fork River
- Beechy Run Falls - Cranberry Wilderness
- Bluestone State Park - Bluestone Lake
- Burnsville Lake
- Cathedral Falls - New River Gorge
- Diamond Falls - Dolly Sods
- Douglas Falls - Blackwater Canyon
- East Lynn Lake - East Fork Swimming Beach
- Falls of Hills Creek
- Mill Creek Falls - Kumbrabow State Forest
- Otter Creek Wilderness
- Seneca Creek Falls
- Seneca Rocks - North Fork River
- Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
- Stuart Recreation Area - Shavers Fork River
- Sutton Lake
- Tygart Lake State Park
- Valley Falls State Park
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of swimming holes does West Virginia have?
Our directory lists 37 swimming holes in West Virginia: 14 lakes, 13 waterfalls, and 6 creeks. 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 West Virginia?
The most commonly listed season across our West Virginia spots is may-september (30 of 37 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 West Virginia swimming holes require reservations?
None of the 37 listed West 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 West Virginia swimming holes free?
Some are — 28 of the 37 West 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 West 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.