The Natural Swimming Hole In Missouri That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days
Liz Oliver
Author
With the many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Missouri, there are tons of great spots for a swim. If you’re looking for a natural swimming hole in Missouri that will bring back memories of splashing in the streams on a hot summer day, there is no better spot than one of the famous Show-Me State shut-ins. If you’re not familiar with a shut-in, it’s an Ozark term used to describe a river that is naturally confined within a deep, narrow channel. More than ninety shut–ins are located within and around the St. Francois Mountains region of southeast Missouri, and they’ve long been part of summer in Missouri. While the most famous in Missouri is likely Johnson’s Shut-Ins, there is another great shut-in in the state, the Castor River Shut-Ins, that’s a hidden gem worth exploring this summer.
Related Stories
This Remote Lake In Missouri Is A Must-Visit This Summer
This Nighttime River Float That Glows In The Dark Belongs On Your Missouri Bucket List
An Underrated Trail In Missouri, Island Trail, Leads To A Hidden Turquoise Lake
Take a look at this video by @moretolifemedia8216:
Have you been to the Castor River Shut-Ins? Did you know about this natural swimming hole in Missouri? Please share your thoughts and comments — and your favorite swimming holes! — with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!
Are you looking for more great swimming spots in Missouri? Check out this list of awesome places to swim in the Show-Me State and make a splash this summer!
And if you’re interested in more incredible places to hike to, check out AllTrails+ for free!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Natural Swimming Hole in Missouri
What's another natural swimming hole in Missouri I need to check out this summer?
Other natural swimming holes in Missouri include the following:
- Echo Bluff State Park. is one of Missouri's newer state parks, Echo Bluff truly has something for everyone. Whether your family likes swimming, hiking, or even mountain biking you can do it all at Echo Bluff — you can even stay for the weekend in the lodge or rough it at one of the campsites!
- Rocky Falls is a swimming hole that is part of the Ozark Scenic Riverways, and it's truly a little slice of paradise. This shut-in flows down the rocks to the wider basin pool that's accessible and great for families. Rocky Falls is a perfect swimming spot and a great place to have a picnic, too!
- Fugitive Beach typically opens in mid-May and is a perennial favorite for Missourians that's a wonderful destination for swimmers of all ages. This re-purposed quarry has a huge water slide, cliff jumps, a white sandy beach, and a play area for kids. Think water park, but in a natural environment. There are amenities here, too. Stay all day and grab lunch and drinks from the bar and grill!