Did you know the best places to take a dip in the Land of Lincoln are the one-of-a-kind swimming holes in Illinois? There’s nothing more relaxing and refreshing than taking the plunge in one of the state’s myriad swimming holes and beaches. In fact, if you want to turn your day dip into an overnight trip, many of these swimming holes offer nearby camping and a wealth of scenic views you won’t soon forget, making for a fun little getaway in Illinois! Keep reading to uncover the swimming holes in Illinois every Illinoisan needs to know…

1. Kinkaid Lake Spillway - 1 Spillway Rd. in Murphysboro
Kinkaid Lake Spillway, Shawnee National Forest, 432 N Spillway Rd, Gorham, IL 62940, USA
Flickr/Curtis Abert
Locals love to traverse the rocky paths and winding trails to Kinkaid Lake, an amazing fresh-water pool. It is located at the end of the lake and is perfect for swimming during the warm months.
2. Independence Grove - 16400 W Buckley Rd. in Libertyville
Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W Buckley Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048, USA
Facebook/Events at Independence Grove
This beautiful oasis features 400 feet of sandy beach around the 115-acre lake. It is perfect for swimming and hiking, and is so gorgeous that couples often wed there.
3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort - 32223 US-12 in Volo
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort, 32223 N US Hwy 12, Volo, IL 60073, USA
Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort Facebook page
You'll love the shape of this beautiful campground and watering hole in Illinois. So named for its fish-like appearance, the hot spot allows you to camp near Six Flags, kayak, and swim in the outdoor pool. Pitch your tent right by the water and take a dip whenever you like.
4. Silver Springs State Park - 13608 Fox Rd. in Yorkville
13608 Fox Rd, Yorkville, IL 60560, USA
Wikimedia Commons/IvoShandor
Situated along the Fox River, this spring is so named for the way it sparkles in the sun. It contains a natural, spring-fed pool you can enjoy any time of year. Please note: While this area is usually open for kayaking and boating, swimming is not always allowed.
5. Bork Falls - Ozark
Bork Falls, Regent Ln, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
Facebook/Illinois Ozarks
Deep in the Shawnee National Forest along the Ohio River lies caves, bluffs, and wonders you've only before seen in your dreams. Take a dip in this waterfall swimming hole during the spring and summer months for an unforgettable experience at Bork Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfall swimming holes in Illinois!

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6. Kayak Morris - 801 Kayak Morris Rd. in Morris
Kayak Morris Campground, 801 Kayak Morris Rd, Morris, IL 60450, USA
Kayak Morris Facebook page
You can camp right on the beach at this cool spot. Access the lake anytime for swimming, kayaking, and more.
7. Rend Lake - Franklin and Jefferson counties
Rend Lake, Illinois, USA
Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center Facebook Page
Locals love to spend time boating, fishing, and, of course, swimming at this beautiful lake. It is 13 miles long and three miles wide with many beaches and activities to explore.
8. Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park - 8542 N Lake Rd. in Lena
8542 N Lake Rd, Lena, IL 61048, USA
Derek Such/Google Local
This man-made lake is 40 acres large and contains the clearest water in all of Illinois. Float across the smooth surface or race from end to end while being surrounded by beauty.
9. Centennial Beach - 500 W. Jackson Ave. in Naperville
Centennial Beach, 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Supracoriolis
Once a limestone quarry, this swimming hole holds 6.2 million gallons of water and goes as deep as 15 feet. The shallow end includes play areas with slides, jungle gyms, and sand, and there are even diving boards.
10. Bell Smith Springs - Pope County near Eddyville
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area, Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL 62972, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
This lovely place actually contains many holes in which you can swim. It is part of the Shawnee National Forest and features sandstone cliffs, creeks, and eight miles of trails. The pools are most frequented during the spring and summer.

Have you ever been to one of these swimming holes in Illinois? If so, which ones were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Still looking for more places to cool off? Check out these 15 blissful Illinois waterparks.

If you’re still in the mood for more Illinois adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

Adventures in Illinois

Sarah M. | June 07, 2022

Where can we find the best beaches in Illinois?

  • Leone Beach in northern Chicago sits along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan not far from a residential neighborhood.
  • Keyesport Beach in Keyesport is a semi-private beach centered around Carlyle Lake, the largest man-made lake in Illinois.
  • Pearl Lake Beach in South Beloit is known for its clear blue waters and unique shape.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful beaches in Illinois.

Where can we find museums in Illinois?

  • The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum in Peoria is an interactive children's museum centered around science-themed exhibits.
  • The Livingston County War Museum in Pontiac features uniformed mannequins, photos, relics, and other military-related artifacts.
  • The Northwest Territory Historic Center in Dixon features galleries related to former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln, American farming, Native American and prairie life in Illinois, and more.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fascinating museums in Illinois.

Where can we find small towns in Illinois?

  • Galesburg holds a great deal of history and was once an important stop along the Underground Railroad.
  • Nauvoo is where Joseph Smith, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his followers came to escape religious persecution decades ago.
  • Marion is home to the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Marion Carnegie Library.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other charming small towns in Illinois.

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