The consistent breeze on Stockton Lake makes it one of the most popular places for sailing in the state. However, if youre just looking to swim, there is no usage fee. Water intersects this fairway about 130 yards from the green. This is also a popular spot for jumping; however, the falls make it tricky to see whats under the water, so be careful if you decide to take the plunge. Shady Beach is a popular swimming spot, especially on summer weekends. In the morning, on your way home, make a side trip to Althea Springs for one more jolt from the North Fork. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding . When I jumped last summer, I ended up hitting the bottom and bruising my foot. Youll find this quaint spot across from the post office. For thousands of years, long before it had a name, the Springfield aquifer flowed beneath the Ozarks hills, carving out cracks and crevices in the soft dolomite and limestone rock, eventually allowing the water to make its way to the surface. The public beach has a sandy area and is a nice swimming beach. You cant technically swim at Ritter Springs Park, but there is a creek to splash around in. This tends to be a pretty popular spot, and it can get quite busy. The closest beach to St. Louis is at Creve Coeur Lake, which is a large natural lake in Missouri. I am a maternity, newborn and family photographer in Springfield MO. Right on Table Rock lake, this is a large resort including a hotel with pool/hot tub, campground and cabins plus a floating restaurant, boat rentals and full marina. If water patrol hasnt recently cut it down, youll typically see a rope swing somewhere on the banks of the river. Add Arena Share. For some old-fashioned fun, be sure to check out Fugitive Beach. With the many swimming holes in Missouri, were never too far from an easy and a fun way to stay cool during the summer. There are also swimming holes downstream and upstream from the camping area. The campsite falls on the rustic side, as far as these things gotheres no running waterbut the serene location more than makes up for it. Editor's Note: Since the initial publication of this article in June 2018, Lindenlure public access has been closed.Located near theintersection of Highway 125 and State Highway JJ in Rogersville is a public access area on the Finley River that is a popular swimming spot. To get to Dogs Bluff, head west on Highway 17 from Houston, Missouri, for three miles. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. These are some swimming holes with a large number of reviews in Springfield, MO: Westgate Branson Woods Resort (137 reviews), Branson Treehouse Adventures (28 reviews). There is ample lodging at Shady Beach, with a nearby campground, cabins, and vacation homes available for rent. Good day swimming spot. This location is my whole familys top pick when headed out to swim. In fact, for scuba, we have an SSI Instructor Certifier on our Springfield team. The Stockton Lake beach is located close to the marina, where you can find snacks and rent boats for a day on the water. Youre going to want to gram a shot of the dam. Life jackets are available. Sunscreen. In the morning, head 3.3 miles south of Richland campground on County Road 68 to find Six Finger Falls. There were many pretty areas of the trail but it was super disappointing to see the west gate resort buildings literally 100 feet or less from the trail and", "What a great place to stay in Kimberling City. Although most access the lake via the beach, if you head to the opposite end of the lake, there's a nice little swim platform. There are two swimming beaches open for the public in the Pomme de Terre State Park that are quieter than some other popular beaches in Missouri. We offer classes for kids of all ages and skill levels so everyone can become confident in the water. Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Wappapello, Long Branch, Pomme de Terre, Stockton, Harry S Truman and Mark Twain state parks all have large lakes perfect for swimming, boating and fishing. In the mornings, I would grab a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the deck overlooking the river. This summer, ditch the crowded pools and cool off by taking a dip in one of these five oh-so-cool freshwater swimming holes. 417-land is rich with opportunities to make a splash in all-natural wonders. Boating is popular, and there are a number of hiking trails to explore. To get there, cross the dam and follow the trail to the other side of the bluff. These are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO: Port of Kimberling Marina & Resort (3.5/5). So enjoy these, and feel free to add to the list in the comments below. Learn More, Put our locations on your website Read more. Your Guide to the 13 Best Swimming Holes in the Ozarks, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield MO 65809. Yep, you read that right. However, here are a few great locations provided by nature that are known for their swimming. Visitors also like this beach because of the diversity of recreation available, from swimming and boating to fishing and hiking on the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, which is easily accessible from the Dewey Short Visitor Center. Our family went scouting and created a list of our favorite ones! My favorite swimming hole is called 5-mile, near Baxter Springs, Kansas near the state line between Kansas and Oklahoma. We cant wait to visit again this summer! The beach park has all the amenities you need for the day, including cabanas, picnic, tables with grills, and concessions. For kids that want to cool off, there are several spray fountains in the park. Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating or splashing around a natural swimming hole. This is a great natural swimming hole in Missouri, so grab your swimsuit and check it out! The public beach is a comfortable gathering spot for vacationers and locals because of the conveniences nearby and activities like the sand volleyball that gives those who are not swimming something to do. There is something about swimming holes that evokes nostalgia and excitement in the same moment. Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. Theres a stretch of gravel road in the Ozark National Forest, about halfway between Springfield and Little Rock, Arkansas, that is simply magical. The beach has great swimming areas and plenty of picnic tables for a full day near the water. The rope swing and idyllic setting are big draws of the swimming hole, but the spot can get a bit rowdy, and there is some explicit graffiti on the nearby bluffs. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. Looking for some high-flying fun? For details and directions, check out Tim Ernsts Arkansas Waterfalls Guidebook. 36.9289502, -93.9277071 Arenas . The parks located on big impounded lakes offer some of the Midwests top water recreation. Youll absolutely love the man-made Table Rock Lake in Branson. Plus, for swim, we have a Certified Instructor Trainer. Moon Shine Beach is a spacious sandy beach with swimming access on Table Rock Lake. The natural water area is made even more beautiful by the waterfall, which creates a natural waterslide for swimmers at the bottom. But if youre willing to take a swim on the wild side, Fugitive Beach might just be what the doctor ordered. And if youve ever swum in a spring-fed river on a 100-degree day in the middle of August, you know just how lucky we are. From there, its a little over a half-mile walk to the swimming hole. We really love summer and swimming, so we've been rounding up some of the best swimming hole destinations in Missouri and Arkansas, like Patrick Bridge and Turner Falls Park, over the years to share with you, our readers. Moonshine beach at Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri is a popular swimming beach near Branson and about 25 minutes from the Rockaway Beach resort community. There are great picturesque views of the Lake of the Ozarks whether you are relaxing on the beach or swimming in the water. Once youve had your fill of Six Finger Falls, hop back in your car and drive another 3.6 miles south. With lakes, rivers, ponds and streams galore, there is no shortage of Missouri swimming holes. Valley Water Mill Creek There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. The water here tends to stay nice and clear all season long. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake. Steel Creek is located about two miles east of Ponca, Arkansas, off of Highway 74 and is a National Park Service campground. If you're looking for somewhere to stay, you'll find inns and hotels a few miles from the state park, including the LakeHouse Hotel with a pool, waterslide, and free breakfast; and the Lodge of Four Seasons, a pet-friendly hotel with a spa, golf course, and suites. I even have a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from! Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Finger Lakes, St. Joe, Trail of Tears, Thousand Hills, Wakonda and Watkins Mill also are state parks with smaller lakes for swimming. It is easy to get to in the Creve Coeur Memorial Park in Maryland Heights community, which is about 20 miles outside of St. Louis. Francis National Forest offers tons of great swimming places, and we dont have space to mention them all here, but Mirror Lake is only about 15 minutes away, and it is definitely worth a visit if you have the time. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes' trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. Must-do list: Route 66 Drive-In ( 17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage, MO, 417-359-5959), Gay Parita (Ash Grove), Blue Whale ( 2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK), Golden Driller ( Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E. 21st St., Tulsa, OK) I also recommend coming early since there is a lot of traffic. 36.61083400306, -93.31010299999. Fugitive Beach bills itself as family-friendly; there are lifeguards on duty, and you will definitely see lots of kids while youre there. Because the lake contributes to a drinking water source for Springfield, no swimming, wading or boating is allowed. Find the trailhead across the creek from the parking lot. Restrooms are in the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks building, on the south side of the park. By recording your visit on FreeArenas.com, you'll have a collection of all the great places you've been and provide valuable information for yourself and others in the future. If you can swing it, visit on a weekday. As a result, the Ozarks has some of the most abundant and clearest sources of groundwater in the country. By watching a little kid who clearly knew all the secrets of Grand Falls, I learned that you can traverse a good portion of the length of the waterfall behind it. They also have walking trails and a playground if the kids want to break up their day! Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. Theres a jumping cliff close to the dam. Whether youre looking for a day of family fun, a romantic escape for the weekend or the perfect place to hang out with friends, there is something for everyone. Breakfast was poor. The creek at busiek can be nice but often dries up. And for those hungry kiddos, dont despair, there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach. Licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Facebook/ Friends of Eleven Point River (Lori L. Eggert). Whether you want to learn to swim or want to improve your technique, we offer lessons for all skill levels designed to meet your goals. There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. Before the float is over, youll also have to navigate The Falls, a 2- to 3-foot rock ledge, but if you stay left you should be fine. All across the region, rivers and lakes abound, filling our little corner of the world with incredible swimming holes. Bluffs, sandbars and crystal clear water abound along this float, with ample opportunities to pull over and go for a dip. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Peckers Beach, 3100 S Farm Rd 193, Springfield, MO 65809, USA, Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA, Rivers Edge Inn Resort, 16392 Tom Akers Rd, Eminence, MO 65466, USA, River's Edge has great swimming and also some pretty sweet, With natural waterslides, this is one of the best, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA, Eleven Point is known for great swimming and also amazing, Eleven Point River, Moore Township, MO, USA, Castor River Shut-Ins, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA. This is your takeout point where buses will be waiting to take you back to the Twin Bridges campground. Once you reach Grand Falls, theres plenty to do. Youll definitely want to stop here. Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Or just relax on a floating deck chair. Phone: (417) 833-9962. The parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Lake Lincoln in Troy is right at the top of that list. The Diventures state-of-the-art facility in Springfield includes a 50-foot pool, heated pool and deck, and family locker rooms all designed for the comfort of our swimmers and divers. The waterfalls were ok but I would definitely not call them the swimming holes. Hikers pass through forests and along the river the entire way. Truman Lake, officially called the Harry S. Truman Reservoir, is a 56,000-acre water playground, including a public beach, in Warsaw, Missouri. Whitaker Point, Big Bluff and Lost Valley are within a short drive. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is just north of the dam. Pack a lunch because there are no restaurants nearby. 15 Free Swimming Holes near Branson, Missouri - Free Arenas. The dam, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, is located near campsites 16 and 17. I would categorize this as a urban trail even though Branson is rural. One of the most popular spots during the summer at Stockton Lake State Park in southwest Missouri is the Stockton Lake public beach. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Read more about this natural swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article. SPRINGFIELD: LAT, LON: lat=37.15464, lon=-93.19917(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP : . Swimming holes around Springfield area? All guest rooms come furnished with a fully equipped kitchen including a refrigerator and dishwasher. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Even our (water-hating) dogs loved it! 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