Swimming holes near me

Sourced below, last checked November 4, 2026. Confirm with the park or city that manages the spot before you go.

We only cover four states so far: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. If you live elsewhere, your state parks agency and local city parks department are the best sources. Pick a state or a Texas city below; every spot listed has official public access.

Dallas

Rivers, springs and lake beaches.

Austin

Barton Springs and Hill Country creeks.

San Antonio

Guadalupe and Frio rivers.

Oklahoma

Turner Falls and Chickasaw NRA.

Arkansas

Buffalo River and lake beaches.

Missouri

Johnson's Shut-Ins and Ozark lake beaches.

Status snapshot

Across the four states (checked November 4, 2026)
Balmorhea pool, TXOpen [6]
Hamilton Pool, TXSwimming closed for high bacteria [7]
Turner Falls, OKSwimming closed for winter until May 1 [5]
Chickasaw NRA, OKFree entry; no lifeguards [2]
Buffalo National River, ARNo entrance fee [3]
Lake Catherine SP, ARFree beach swimming, no lifeguard [8]
Missouri state parksNo entrance fee [4]
Texas state parksNo lifeguards; swim in designated areas [1]

How we pick spots

A place makes the list only when a park agency, city or owner says the public may swim there. We do not list spots reached by crossing private land, and we do not rely on map pins. Every page shows the date we checked and links to the source so you can confirm before you drive.

Common questions

What states does Outdoor Swim Guide cover?

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. More may be added later.

How current is this information?

Every fact was checked on November 4, 2026 against the official sources linked on each page. Conditions can change daily.

Sources

  1. TPWD: State park rules. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  2. NPS Chickasaw NRA: Swimming. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  3. NPS Buffalo National River: Fees and passes. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  4. Missouri DNR: State parks Gold Medal finalist (no entrance fees). Last checked November 4, 2026.
  5. Turner Falls Park: Home. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  6. TPWD: Balmorhea park alerts. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  7. Travis County Parks: Hamilton Pool Preserve. Last checked November 4, 2026.
  8. Arkansas State Parks: Lake Catherine. Last checked November 4, 2026.