Here Are 29 Arkansas Swimming Holes That Will Make Your Summer Memorable
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Tiffany
Author
It’s that time again, friends: increasingly hot days are upon us, and it’s time to find the most exciting ways to cool off. For those who are tired of water parks, Arkansas offers up many chances for swimmers to have fun the natural way on a camping trip or day visit to a state park. Check out the all-time best swimming holes in Arkansas which are great for cooling down on a hot day.
Cedar Creek, AR 72950, USA
Park visitors should know the trip requires about a two-mile round trip hike starting behind the Mather Lodge. Watch your step and enjoy the water! This is one amazing hiking trail in Arkansas you won't want to miss.
Steel Creek Campground, Arkansas 72641, USA
This campground in Arkansas is one of the more popular spots on the Buffalo, featuring horse and tent camping in addition to excellent opportunities for photography.
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Richland Creek, Arkansas, USA
One good way to experience Richland Creek is to hike the Ozark Highlands Trail, a 178-mile long (and expanding) path which includes an interesting route through Richland Valley.
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Story, AR 71970, USA
River Bluff Float Camp is located off of AR Hwy 27 north of Mt. Ida, and is right on the banks of the Ouachita River approx. 32 miles downstream from the Pine Ridge Access.
Big Spring Park, Big Spring Pkwy, Cotter, AR 72626, USA
Bull Shoals Dam was completed in 1951 and as Bull Shoals Lake filled the flow at Dew Spring increased. In 1954 it was determined that the source was an arm of the lake called Jimmy's Creek. Now called Big Spring it flows 28.9 million gallons every 24 hours. There is a nice sitting area with park benches overlooking the spring and the White River.
Woolum Campground, Arkansas 72675, USA
Buffalo National River has three federally designated wilderness areas within its boundaries. Totalling over 30,000 acres, the three areas capture the essence of the wild Ozarks.
Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, USA
Mammoth Spring, flowing at over nine million gallons of 58-degree water per hour, serves as the headwaters for the river and provides plenty of fresh water throughout the year. The river is crystal-clear, with long pools and whitewater falls. The scenery is mostly hardwood forest with some rocky bluffs. Access is from U.S. 63, which parallels much of the upper Spring. The constant flow from Mammoth Spring makes the Spring River one of the state's best year-round floats even during the summer months when river levels tend to fall.
Sugar Creek Township, AR 72927, USA
This swimming destination is also popular with campers and day-trippers on ATVs. We personally can't get enough, either, so we get it.
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Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, Waterfall Trail, Bella Vista, AR, USA
Snakes are a common site in the creek (and sometimes sunning themselves beside the paths) but are mostly harmless and not a threat if they are left alone. Contrary to popular belief, water moccasins are not a common snake in Northwest Arkansas and nearly all the snakes you will see in the creek is the harmless midland water snake or another harmless water snake species. When it comes to the best swimming holes in Arkansas, this one is toward the top of the must-do list!
West Fork White River, Arkansas 72959, USA
Forming south of Fayetteville, along US Highway 71 near Winslow, the West Fork of the Upper White River flows as a Class I stream with Class II potential at high water levels. The river flows south to north through Fayetteville to Beaver Lake, where it meets the flow from the Upper White River to the east.
Sylamore Creek Camp, 214 Sylamore Creek Rd, Mountain View, AR 72560, USA
Directions: From Mountain Home, take Route 5 southeast about 40 miles to Sylamore. North Sylamore Creek Trail is one of the best hikes in Arkansas, and it leads to one of the best swimming holes in Arkansas, too!
Black River Township, AR, USA
In Arkansas, the Black River is joined by the Little Black River, the Current River, the Spring River and the Strawberry River. Old Davidsonville State Park offers swimming from a dock on the Black River.
Mulberry River, Arkansas, USA
The Mulberry River is a free flowing stream unimpeded by dams. None of the tributaries are dammed except Hurricane Creek at Shores Lake. No major springs feed the river. Literally no list of the best swimming holes in Arkansas is complete without mentioning Little Mulberry.
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Mill Creek, AR 72802, USA
Always check the current river level. The Mulberry is very temperamental. One day it can be a lazy meandering stream, the next it might be too full to run. Kirkwood Falls is pretty awesome, though.
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Big Piney Creek, Arkansas 72847, USA
It hurries over ledges and numerous rapids in a twisting course through Newton, Johnson, and Pope Counties. The creek and adjacent public lands provide an ideal setting for floating, fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, and swimming - not to mention other rituals like rock-skipping and plain old relaxing.
Little Missouri River, Arkansas 71857, USA
The Little Missouri River is a rocky mountain river that flows through narrow forested canyons. This river has numerous small waterfalls, crystal clear water, and outstanding scenery including towering rocky bluffs crowned with pine.
Lee Creek, Arkansas, USA
Lee Creek flows from Arkansas into Oklahoma, then returns to Arkansas before its confluence with the Arkansas River near Van Buren. In Arkansas, upstream of the Oklahoma border, Lee Creek is classified by the State of Arkansas as an Extraordinary Resource Waterway. Come see why this little spot is easily one of the best swimming holes in Arkansas!
Kings River Township, AR, USA
The Kings' most attractive features are the flora and fauna found along the rocky banks and bluffs. The rest of the river offers excellent floating and fishing with deep pools, overhanging trees, occasional rapids, and several large bluffs.
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Blakely Dam Road, Royal, AR, USA
Directions: Take Albert Pike Route 270 west out of Hot Springs and turn right (north) on Mountain Pine Road - Route 227 (just after the bridge over Lake Hamilton.) Take Route 227 north, then near the town of Mountain Pine, continue onto Blakley Dam Road and follow signs to Blakely Dam.
North Crystal Springs Road, N Crystal Springs Rd, Arkansas 71968, USA
Directions: Take Albert Pike west out of Hot Springs then turn north onto North Crystal Springs Road. Follow the road down to the swimming area.
Big Shoal Creek, Arkansas, USA
Directions: From Fort Smith, go east on I-40 about 50 miles to Exit 57 near the town of Clarksville. From here, take Route 109 south about 15 miles (through Scranton) to Midway. In Midway go east (left) on Route 22 for about half a mile and turn south (right) on Sorghum Hollow Road. About 2 miles down Sorghum Hollow Road (in the National Forest), you will come upon Shoal Creek bridge.
Trigger Gap, Arkansas 72616, USA
Directions: Take Route 62 east to Berryville then Route 221 southwest several miles until you cross the over bridge spanning the Kings River. Then turn left on Star Lane, (it's a dirt road.) Follow the signs to the Kings River Outfitters.
Blue Hole, Arkansas 72141, USA
This is also a special interest area in the Bayou Ranger District of the Ozark National Forest.
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Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas, USA
The lake is surrounded by an abundance of rock outcropping, trees, and wildlife making it a leading tourist destination.
Crowley's Ridge State Park, 2092 AR-168 North, Paragould, AR 72450, USA
Directions: From Jonesboro, Arkansas, take Route 141 north 15 miles to signs for the park.
Cossatot River, Arkansas 71846, USA
The river may be reached via two state highways (278 and 246), Weyerhaeuser roads (particularly #52000 which leads to Ed Banks Bridge and #52600 which goes to the Sandbar low-water bridge above Cossatot Falls), and Forest Service Road 31.
Cadron Creek, Arkansas, USA
Like most spots on this creek, they are rain dependent and can dry up into swampy conditions for a couple of months each year, usually July and August.
Buffalo Point Arkansas, 858 Hamil Rd, Ravenden Springs, AR 72460, USA
Swimmers should be mindful of the current when the river is high. Downstream from Buffalo Point is Rush Landing, and many people canoe between the two.
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Walnut Creek, Arkansas, USA
The town of Charlton is three miles past the town of Crystal Springs on Route 270 from Hot Springs.
Well, this list should keep your calendar filled with all the best swimming holes in Arkansas to keep you busy (and chilled). These places and more offer up plenty of summer fun for natives of the Natural State as well as travelers all over America. How many of these swimming holes in AR have you visited? Which ones would you call the best swimming holes in Arkansas? If you know there are any other awesome swimming places that we forgot to mention, sound off in the comments!
Otherwise, if you know of a hidden swimming hole or other natural attraction that you think we should know about, be sure to nominate it by filling out this form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming article!
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More to Explore
Best Swimming Holes in Arkansas
What are the most beautiful beaches in Arkansas?
Despite Arkansas being a landlocked state, it does offer a few beautiful beaches to sink your toes into and catch some rays. While Arkansas may not be the first place you think of when you want to enjoy a beach day, there are plenty that might just end up on your favorite summer attractions list. One of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Arkansas is Lake Charles in Powhatan. Visitors to this lovely area can enjoy the 654-acre lake, enjoy a hike down Cedar Trail, and sprawl out on the beautiful beach overlooking the lake. Lake Austell in Wynne is a hidden gem of a beach that’s nestled within the Village Creek State Park. A favorite for bass fishermen, those that prefer a more relaxing experience can lay down a towel and sunbathe on the sandy beach with gorgeous treelined views of the lake.
What are the top trails in Arkansas to add to my bucket list?
With its varied terrain, the Natural State is home to countless beautiful hiking trails that are perfect for the outdoor explorer. Some of the top trails in Arkansas that you should add to your bucket list include Pack Rat Falls Trail in Clarksville which is ideal for waterfall chasers. The moderate trail features a stunning 24-foot waterfall that’s simply mesmerizing after a hard rainfall. If you prefer tree-top views, the Goat Trail in Ponca is an absolute must. The 6-mile trail will take you up 350 feet, giving you incredibly gorgeous views of Big Bluff and the Buffalo River.
How many state parks are in Arkansas?
Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, each one more beautiful than the next. Arkansas’ oldest state park, Petit Jean State Park, opened in 1923 and is one of the state’s most visited state parks. One of the newest state parks, the Mississippi River State Park, was established in 2009, and features 536 acres within the St. Francis National Forest.