Let’s face it, we can’t survive Oklahoma summers without our swimming spots. From lakes to rivers to creeks, locals and visitors alike have identifying the best swimming holes in Oklahoma down to an exact science. If you’re compiling your list of places to stay cool in the presence of blue skies and warm weather, check out these 7 little known swimming spots in Oklahoma…they will make your summer awesome.

1. Spring Creek (Delaware County)
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Spring Creek in northeastern Oklahoma starts in Delaware County and flows southwest about 34 miles through Cherokee, Delaware, and Mayes Counties. It runs through both private and public land and can be accessed at various spots along the banks. You'll definitely want to check out this spring creek that boasts some of the clearest water in the state. You can easily access the spring for a small fee at Smokey Mountain Campground.

Address: 2223 SE 61.6 Drive, Locust Grove, OK, 74352
2. Blue Hole Park (Salina)
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The mesmerizing Blue Hole Park, just east of Salina, covers 17 acres with a refreshing spring-fed swimming hole as the focal point. It's a little oasis that boasts crystal, blue water that ranges in temperature from about 40 to 50 degrees. That might sound cold, but in the midst of summer, it feels incredible. Bring your lounge chairs and towels and enjoy the whole day at the park. The price of admission is only $10 per car load.

Address: 158 N4470, Salina, OK, 74365
3. Sunset Beach at Foss Lake (Foss)
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Foss Lake can be found in the stunning expanses of western Oklahoma, and it features an area known as Sunset Beach. This enchanting getaway is the perfect spot to lounge around the lake and enjoy the sandy beach and swimming area. The beach features several palapas, grills, fire rings, comfort stations with showers and more. You can also rent pontoon boats at the marina and enjoy a day out on the lake or on the shore. Foss Lake is located in Foss State Park.

Address: 10252 OK-44, Foss, OK, 73647

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4. Gage Artesian Beach (Gage)
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Hiding in northwest Oklahoma is the the state’s largest outdoor swimming pool that is spring-fed from a lake. Great Artesian Beach is the perfect place to go during the hot summer months for an enjoyable afternoon swim in fresh water. Visitors can enjoy the mineral water while jumping off the diving board, slipping down the slide or floating in the pool. In addition, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of one of the loveliest lakes in Gage.

Address: E0480 Road, Gage, OK, 73843
5. Pawnee Bathhouse and Waterpark (Pawnee)
oklahomanews/Youtube
From sandy beaches to historic architecture to high dives and low dives, this fresh water pool will have you relaxing and enjoying a little slice of heaven right here in Oklahoma. The beautiful historic WPA bathhouse was constructed in 1939 and overlooks the two-acre fresh water pool. The pool has a water slide, high and low dives, water trampoline and paddle boats.

Address: Pawnee Lake Road, Pawnee, OK, 74058
6. Travertine Creek (Sulphur)
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
Travertine Creek in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur is a gorgeous creek that runs through stunning scenery in this national park. The creek is not only beautiful but is a perfect spot to cool off in summer, as it maintains an average of 65 degrees year round. Mineral and freshwater springs flow freely and the 2,300 acres of national forest are breathtaking. Travertine Creek is located in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Address: 901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK, 73086
7. Pennington Creek (Tishomingo)
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At Pennington Creek you will find a 15-acre park that provides a fun day of activities, from a simple picnic to a day of swimming. The small dam is a popular swimming area and boasts beautiful scenery. Admission is free of charge.

Address: 400 South Capitol Avenue, Tishomingo, OK, 73460

There are many beaches in Oklahoma, but these coveted swimming spots are some of our favorites. Which of these lovely spots is your favorite? Can you think of any other swimming holes in Oklahoma? Let us know!

If you’re visiting southern Oklahoma, check out the swimming hole at the beautiful Turner Falls in Davis, OK.

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Swimming Holes In Oklahoma

Nikki Rhoades | June 18, 2019

Does Oklahoma have any natural inland lakes?
Oklahoma abounds with natural beauty, and it is one of the most unique states in terms of its landscape. Though it is not tucked against a coast, its 69,899 square miles include nearly 1,500 miles of water. Hundreds of lakes can be found throughout the region, although at least 200 of them were created by dams. Oklahoma features mostly oxbow lakes when it comes to naturally-occurring waterways, and the largest is 272 acres and can be found in McCurtain County.

What is the only state with no natural lakes?
Believe it or not, Maryland is the only state with no natural lakes. This can be contributed to the area's lack of glaciation throughout the last ice age. Interestingly, the glaciers of the previous ice age did not stretch into Oklahoma, a fact that made the area attractive to early humans seeking herds to hunt.

What state has the least amount of lakes?
While Maryland has very few naturally-occurring lakes, it features many man-made reservoirs, ponds, and lakes. You may be surprised to consider that Hawaii, while surrounded by the largest body of water on the planet, has precious few lakes.

What is the cleanest lake in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma includes a number of bodies of water that are crystal clear, both in terms of pollution and in terms of naturally-occurring debris. Lake Murray, the gorgeous body of water surrounded by a state park, has been identified as the cleanest lake by the Oklahoma Clean Lakes Association.

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