If the local swimming pool isn’t exciting enough for you, then you’re probably the type of person who prefers Ohio swimming holes, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. Last summer, we highlighted some of our favorite swimming holes in Ohio. The following are eight more of the best swimming holes in Ohio you should check out this summer. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and let’s go!

1. Mineral Springs Lake
Mineral Springs Lake Resort, Bluegill Road, Peebles, OH, USA
Mineral Springs Lake Resort
Tucked away in Adams County, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mineral Springs Lake, a picturesque lake fed by natural spring water that’s loaded with nature’s healthy minerals. The lake covers more than 100 acres with five and a half miles of peaceful shoreline. Learn more about Mineral Springs Lake in our previous article.
2. Lake Logan
Best Swimming Holes in Ohio
Lake Logan State Park, 20160 St. Rt. 664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Melissa Edens/Google
Lake Logan State Park features one of the best places for Hocking Hills swimming. For a relaxing day in the sun, check out this peaceful lake. Learn more about Lake Logan State Park on its official website.
3. Ludlow Creek
Lee Kreider/Flickr
Ludlow Creek, Ohio, USA
Lee Kreider/Flickr
A gorgeous, wide waterfall flows from Ludlow Creek in Miami County. It's the perfect place to take a dip, and it's been a local favorite swimming hole for several decades. Learn more about Ludlow Creek in our previous article.

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4. Dow Lake
Dow Lake, Canaan Township, OH 45701, USA
Flickr/Sarah Hina
Strouds Run State Park in Athens County features multiple hiking trails, cabin getaways and peaceful swimming and boating on Dow Lake. Learn more about Strouds Run State Park on its official website.
5. Long's Retreat
Long's Retreat Family Resort, Bell Hollow Road, Latham, OH, USA
Long's Retreat Family Resort/Facebook
This southern Ohio family resort in Latham has transformed its swimming hole into a mini water park, complete with a splash pad, diving board and three water slides. Camp here and make a weekend out of it. Learn more about Long's Retreat in our previous article.
6. Tappan Lake
Tappan Lake, Ohio, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Brian Rawson-Ketchum
Near a restored Indian village at Shoenbrunn State Park and the outdoor historical drama, "Trumpet in the Land," Tappan Lake serves as a popular swimming, boating and camping destination. Learn more about Tappan Lake on its official website.
7. Dundee Falls
Beach City Wildlife Area, Dundee, OH 44624, USA
C L Baker/Flickr
Within the Beach City Wildlife Area near the town of Dundee in Tuscarawas County you'll find this lovely waterfall that forms a small pool. It's a serene place to cool off on a hot summer day. Learn more about Dundee Falls in our previous article.
8. Baylor Beach Park
Best Swimming Holes in Ohio
Baylor Beach Park; Water Park & Campground, 8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662, USA
Baylor Beach Park/Facebook
This 2-acre water park lake in Navarre features tons of family fun. Make a mini summer vacation out of it and camp here as well. Learn more about Baylor Beach Park in our previous article.

If you live in Northeast Ohio, here’s a quick YouTube video by WKYC Channel 3 showcasing 3 of the best swimming holes in the area. 

So, have you been to any of these? What are some of your favorite swimming holes in Ohio? Share your experiences with us!

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More to Explore

Swimming Holes in Ohio

Katie Lawrence | June 08, 2022

What are some of the best swimming holes in OH?

If you've been searching for the best swimming holes in OH, look no further than Gatton Rock in Mohican State Park. The pristine Clear Fork River feeds into this popular wading spot, and it has been a favorite place to cool off among local families for years. While the Gatton Rock swimming area is undeniably beautiful, it does tend to get rather crowded. Visiting on a weekday is your best bet, or you could make a splash in one of several other swimming holes in our state. So, here are some more swimming holes in Ohio that we would recommend: 

  • Salt Fork Lake Beach, Salt Fork Lake
  • Cedar Point Beach, Cedar Point
  • Kelleys Island State Park Beach, Kelleys Island
  • Lakeview Park Beach, Lakeview
  • Headlands Beach State Park, Mentor
  • Maumee Bay State Park Beach, Oregon
  • Buck Creek State Park Beach, Springfield
  • Punderson State Park Lake, Newbury Township
  • Cascade Gorge Natural Pool, Youngstown
  • Hinckley Spillway, Hinckley
  • Portage Lakes State Park, Akron
  • Cowan Lake State Park, Wilmington


Be sure to read this article to discover more about these swimming holes in Ohio.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Ohio?

Ohio may not have any ocean beaches, but our beloved Lake Erie boasts over 300 miles of shoreline, so you can enjoy a tropical vacation right here in the Buckeye State. One of the most beautiful beaches in Ohio is, hands-down, Headlands Beach. Located in Mentor, this Cleveland-area oasis is the largest natural beach in the state, measuring a full mile in length. The best part is that the beach is right near all the best things to see and do in The Land, so you can make a whole trip out of it.

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