kayak 3. canoe 3. hike 2. camp 1. cave 1. You cant miss the spot. We opted for the longest single day float, which is 15 miles long and runs from Twin Bridges to Blair Bridge. The gravel road to get to this site is a bit rough (hello, potholes! A steep dirt road leads into the recreation area, so large campers and RVs might want to steer clear. Along with swimming, Lake Sylvia offers camping, hiking and fishing. If kicking back in an inner tube is more your style, theres plenty of room to soak up the sun on the water. List of frequently asked questions about reservations. Crighton Access - Swim near Springfield, Missouri, swimmingholes.org Missouri Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping. If you want to extend your day outdoors, you can rent a kayak or paddleboat at the marina and paddle along the designated aquatic trail. There were lots of kids on the water, but as with any float trip, youll run into some partiers. This review is the . Water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a . 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. Run by the U.S. Forest Service, this quiet campground has 11 family camping units and offers easy access to several fantastic swimming holes. The Buffalo River's characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. Is there anything else you want to add? Of all the swimming holes Ive visited, this is far and above my favorite. 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. Places to Swim near Marshfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Marshfield MO The parks located on big impounded lakes offer some of the Midwests top water recreation. Our family went scouting and created a list of our favorite ones! Read more about this lake with the, State Park Road, State Pk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA, Don't you feel cooler already just looking at a photo of this cool, clear lake? Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? All "swimming holes" results in Springfield, Missouri, "Not my favorite state park so far. Summers can be brutal in the Ozarks, and nothing eases the sting of a sunburn or jolts you out of mid-afternoon lethargy like a dip into a 40-degree spring. Breakfast was poor. The trail can be muddy so don't do it after it rains. Rocky Falls is the other shut-ins on our list, and although it isnt as big as Johnsons Shut-Ins, this swimming spot has its own charm. 9 Free Swimming Holes near Monett, Missouri - Free Arenas. Sunscreen. Read more. Add Location. The beach features towering bluffs, multiple slides, a volleyball court, Fugitive Beach Bar & Grill, cliff jumps, sandy beaches, and bright, bright blue water all in Rolla, Missouri. Shady Beach is a popular swimming spot, especially on summer weekends. 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. 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. Outdoors. It has a gorgeous view, a variety of depths for all ages to enjoy swimming, and it was clear to the bottom. The setting sun, filtered through the trees that line the bank of the river, casts a golden glow over the swimming area, which is large and deep. There are great picturesque views of the Lake of the Ozarks whether you are relaxing on the beach or swimming in the water. Or just relax on a floating deck chair. Fuzzybutt Falls, Horsetail Falls, Twin Falls and Keefe Falls would all be easy to hit in the same weekend. I dare you to climb it and not feel a little bit like Tom Sawyer. 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. The Ozark Trail (Klepzig Mill to Rocky Falls) near Winona, Missouri, is a hiker's paradise. If you can swing it, visit on a weekday. This beach is great, especially for families, because it is sandy enough to build castles and play, and the water is calm. Valley Water Mill Park is open daily dawn to dusk for fishing, hiking and exploration. I would categorize this as a urban trail even though Branson is rural. 2450 E Valley Water Mill Road. Privacy Policy. One of the state's premier swimming holes is at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, where the Black River has carved out chutes and pools in the ancient rock of the namesake shut-ins area. The swimming area isnt huge, and when the water is low, it can feel crowded. Every time we walk, kids are wading and enjoying time with their families! The marina has boat ramps and a store where you can pick up sunscreen and snacks for the day. This is a great spot to relax if the rushing water of the shut-ins is not your speed or if you have little kids. We would be remiss if we didnt include at least one spot on the Buffalo River, and Steel Creek Campground was recommended to us by Arkansas photographer and back-road wanderer Jeff Rose, whose job pretty much consists of finding the coolest outdoor spots in the Ozarks. You can see the spot from the road, and from there its just a short climb down an embankment to the water. 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) The swimming hole here is deep and wide, and its surrounded by small bluffs on three sides. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Places to Swim near Springfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Springfield MA Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Common, "Shoal Creek" by AbeEzekowitz at en.wikipedia. It is also a scenic beach because of the clear water and the surrounding forest. When we pulled in on Friday night, it became clear we made the right choice. Cookie Notice Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Springfield, Missouri Length: 34.9 mi Est. From Springfield, Missouri. You can zip down huge slides into the refreshing water. . Rocky Falls at Rocky Creek National Park Service Be sure to learn more about this great waterfall swimming hole, and then plan your next visit. So if you love relaxing, or you love fast-paced thrills, you will love Summit Waves. Our S Campbell Ave swimming school has a variety of swim lessons, snorkeling programs, and scuba certifications for people near Springfield, Battlefield, Nixa, Rogersville, Ozark, and Republic. However, it never hurts to call and check the water level ahead of time. The fenced-in area covers a large lawn, Paws Pond, and part of the beach and entire 16 acres of the Twin Lakes Fishing Lake, providing your pooch with . This is a great natural swimming hole in Missouri, so grab your swimsuit and check it out! The swimming spot at Rocky Falls is located at Rocky Creek in the Stegall Mountain Natural Area. 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. 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. Our experienced and passionate teachers in Springfield are dedicated to help kids learn to swim in a fun and safe environment. There are picnic areas throughout the park if you just plan to stay for the day. Full disclosure here, folks, I got lostreally loston my way to this Arkansas spot. A native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and learning new things. 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. And nowhere is it more fun to take advantage of the gift that is cold, clear water than on the North Fork River. To have the complete North Fork experience, jumping into the bone-chillingly cold spring is a must. This summer, ditch the crowded pools and cool off by taking a dip in one of these five oh-so-cool freshwater swimming holes. Classes starting now! Explore the coolest places to swim in the great outdoorsthat you can only find in Missouri and Arkansas. To enjoy some fun in the sand, take Highway 165 from Branson to Table Rock Dam. There's a lot of ways to do this. There is something about swimming holes that evokes nostalgia and excitement in the same moment. Some of the top swimming spots and beaches in the state are on popular lakes that are also great for water recreation, like boating and fishing. There are several options to float on the North Fork, but if youre like most of us, its easiest to go through an outfitter. Mon-Fri: 9 am-8 pm Sat: 9 am-6 pm Sun: noon-5 pm, 5225 S Campbell AveSpringfield, MO 65810Get directions, Phone: (417) 883-5151Fax: (417) 882-9966[emailprotected]. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Head to Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson for the refreshing waters of Big Creek. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. The large public recreation area in the Trail of Tears State Park includes a nice public beach on Lake Boutin near Jackson, which is popular in the summer. Monett, MO, USA. However, the Forest Service does recommend, due to the rough roads, that camping trailers avoid this spot. Address: 13236 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, Saint Louis, Missouri. Thanks. Big Creek is a lovely little stream that runs through Sam A. Baker State Park, and thecampground is next to a gravel bar along the creek. One of the most popular spots during the summer at Stockton Lake State Park in southwest Missouri is the Stockton Lake public beach. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. The Buffalo Rivers characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. Their warning is to be careful where you go. Reviews on Swimming Holes in Springfield, MO - Bennett Spring State Park, Waterfall Trail, Roaring River State Park, Port of Kimberling Marina & Resort, Welk Resorts - Branson Check it out this summer! On Saturday morning, we left for our float around 8:30 a.m. We cant wait to visit again this summer! The trailhead for the North Sylamore hiking trail is located within the campground and leads to 15 miles of gorgeous hiking along the creek through the OzarkSt. In the mornings, I would grab a cup of coffee and enjoy it on the deck overlooking the river. There is a sailing school at the marina. What are some swimming holes with a large number of reviews in Springfield, MO? Get a glimpse of the summer fun that awaits at this, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA, Wakonda Lake features the largest natural sand swimming beach in the Missouri state park system. Website. Sit on the dam and let your legs dangle in the rushing water. Okay, okay. Once you make it about 6 miles into the float, Blue Spring will be on your left. Theres a big flat rockhence the nameand a rope swing thats easily visible from the road. It is located just off Highway 54 near the Grand Glaize Bridge. Classes starting now! The water here tends to stay nice and clear all season long. Pack a lunch because there are no restaurants nearby. Located in Lee, this waterpark offers visitors a day filled with water thrills and spills. 417-land is rich with opportunities to make a splash in all-natural wonders. Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? The waterfall was constructed near the children's area and combined with a 180-foot pool. Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site, Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site, Teaching American History Black Wall Street: Men and Women Entrepreneurship, Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site. Towering pine and oak trees surround the lake, creating an idyllic location that feels far, far away from the everyday worries of life. Art, gardens, and fountains are other features of the park, including a path featuring 24 sculptures. There is a plethora of camping options, and the area is beautiful, so you might as well stay for a bit. Back in the canoe, you have another 9 miles of river to enjoy, so kick back and relax. 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 hearing people on patios and seeing the resort grass. Clear, spring-fed Ozark rivers are great for cooling off in the hot summer months. If you are new to Missouri and looking for an easy swimming spot while on vacation, Grand Glaize is a nice pick. This is a great spot for kids to splash around and hunt for crawdads. One of the best and most popular beaches in Missouri is at Mark Twain Lake in Mark Twain State Park near the village of Florida, which is the birthplace of the famous American author. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. Top 5 Swimming Holes in Springfield MO: 1. 417-847-2539. (Bonus points if you can pull off a flip.) Washington has a public swimming pool, while others have sand beaches. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. There are many entrances along the way to the Trail. 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. Swimming in the lakes, streams and rivers in state parks is at your own risk. Each of these parks has a designated beach area. Good day swimming spot. Here in the Ozarks, youre never far from capturing that feeling. I am shocked this one is not more popular! Out of the way spots most likely abound, but are unknown to this writer. Did you know that we can also find some of the clearest lakes in Missouri, too? This is a spot you can bring the whole family. Other activities include kayaking and exploring the many hiking trails through the prairies in the state park. Once youre behind the falls, the roar of the water is all you can hear, and you feel as if youre in your own little world, a thick sheet of rushing water separating you from everything else. Read more about this, 1514 Co Rd 253, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA, Rocky Falls features that famous clear running water of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Posted by 2 years ago. Looking for more outdoor adventures this summer? We've recorded your comments. Close. Entrance to the park starts at $5 a person. Read more about this natural swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article. Saturday and Sunday anyone under the age of 18 are not permitted in the aquatic centers until open swim starts at noon. The swimming area is just a short walk from the day use parking lot, and there is a nice big dock here with a roped off swimming area. Twin Bridges Bar and Grill has live music most weekends during floating season and offers a selection of bar food and home-style cooking. Moon Shine Beach is a spacious sandy beach with swimming access on Table Rock Lake. 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. Why it's great: The Mother Road is the classic road trip, born in Springfield and stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. . All year long, water gushes over a 12-foot ledge of chert rock, cascading into a wide pool below. If you want to drive a ways, there are some really clean and beautiful springs a couple hrs east of town, alley springs and blue springs are two that come to mind. This is a review for swimming holes in Springfield, MO: "Very easy trail well marked but the end of the trail isn't marked well. You cant technically swim at Ritter Springs Park, but there is a creek to splash around in. Stay informed by signing up for our monthly Park Board Newsletter. Depending on how high the water is running, there could be several waterfalls flowing, but the water tends to be pretty decent here all season, so you should get to see at least one. The mercury is starting to creep up, which means its time to gather the family, hit the road and make a splash at one of these gorgeous swimming holes within driving distance of 417-land. Bring all of your beach gear for a day of fun under the sun. Whether youre camping or just visiting for the day, there is a $7 usage fee. The forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding . But alcohol is sold on-site, and the vibe can tend to skew pretty heavy on the party side. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake. If you choose to hike past the waterfalls keep a look out for turtles along the trail we saw three.". Due to the deep water of the quarry, guests must sign a waiver agreeing to the beach rules upon entering. With lakes, rivers, ponds and streams galore, there is no shortage of Missouri swimming holes. However, if youre like me and your inner child is always looking for something to climb on and jump off of, theres plenty of adventure to be had. Restrooms are in the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks building, on the south side of the park. Swimming in the lakes, streams and rivers in state parks is at your own risk. This is a great natural swimming hole in Missouri, so grab your swimsuit and check it out! The beach has great swimming areas and plenty of picnic tables for a full day near the water. I asked my oldest what he remembered most about the memories we made over the summer, and finding local swimming holes was his favorite! Roark Bluff runs down along the campground, and it's a real stunner. Stepping onto the sandy shores of Fugitive Beach, youll feel more like youre on spring break somewhere in Florida than in the Ozarks, but thats part of the fun. 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. There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. Located on the northeast corner of the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Sylvia a little slice of Ozarks paradise. There are two public swimming beaches at Truman Lake, both with changing facilities and restrooms.One public beach is located at the campground and designated for use by campers only, but there is also a day-use beach. I spent a summer researching and visiting swimming holes in and around southwest Missouri, and because there are too many to include all of them here, Ive rounded up 13 of my favorites. When you see Blair Bridge, start heading for shore. If youre going with a large group, it might be worth it to splurge on one of the pavilions or cabanas, which can be booked ahead of time online (fugitive-beach.com). Address: County Road NN-526, Winona, Missouri. Cross the footbridge and follow the trail until you reach the rope swing. Table Rock Lake is a popular place for scuba divers because of the dramatic rock formations. The stair-stepped design of the wall creates a striking visual effect, but its not just pretty to look at. The park is in northeast Missouri and has a great public recreation area including a sizable public beach on the north side of the park. This trail leads you from one of the most amazing waterfalls in the area (also a great swimming hole) to some natural shut-ins. 11,800-square-foot swim and scuba facility, 25-yard heated pool ranging in depth from 3.5 to 14 feet, Pool and surrounding air temperature steady 88-90, Large retail space for top-brand swim and scuba gear, Multiple classrooms with audiovisual capabilities. The rock formations here have been carved out by the east fork of the Black River, and centuries of erosion have worn them smooth, leaving the rocks perfect for slipping and sliding over. Theres a stretch of gravel road in the Ozark National Forest, about halfway between Springfield and Little Rock, Arkansas, that is simply magical. Physical Address. You can reach this gorgeous Missouri swimming hole via a, Kiddos love to splash in the shallow shore, while more adventurous types should hike Mooner's Hollow Trail to access some secluded, clear, cool swimming holes. In second-stage of career life, this former college instructor enjoys contributing to OIYS, blogging, reading, and spending time with her kids. Finger Lakes, St. Joe, Trail of Tears, Thousand Hills, Wakonda and Watkins Mill also are state parks with smaller lakes for swimming. The place can fill up, though, and I recommend reserving a camping spot or calling ahead to check availability. One of the states premier swimming holes is at Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, where the Black River has carved out chutes and pools in the ancient rock of the namesake shut-ins area. Our Review of Seor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill. According to the National Park Service, Rocky Falls was formed when molten rock from deep within the earth burst onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. The area is a former quarry that has been turned into a top summer water destination in the state. From Battlefield Road, take a right onto South Farm Road 187. Don't forget to read our handy swimming holes safety guide before you go. Check out this, No list of Missouri swimming holes would be complete without this one. And for those hungry kiddos, dont despair, there are great bites to eat offered at Fugitive Beach. Address: 28615 Visitor Center Road, Macon, Missouri. From Kearney Street, head north on Highway 13 for about three miles. Just dont wear yourself out too much; theres plenty more fun to be had. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. It is slow-moving water, which makes it easy for our toddlers to swim in and clear to the bottom! With an 8,000 square foot wave pool, a lazy river, and epic water slides, there is something at Summit Waves for everyone. Phone: (417) 833-9962. Last summer, when I floated the North Fork, my friends and I camped at and floated from Twin Bridges Canoe and Campground in West Plains. In the morning, head 3.3 miles south of Richland campground on County Road 68 to find Six Finger Falls. Take a look at the most notable dog-friendly beaches in Missouri. Address: 16875 County Road 5285, Rolla, Missouri, Official site: https://www.fugitive-beach.com. Youll appreciate our classrooms and state-of-the art pool. Find one of the natural pools, sit back, relax and enjoy the view looking out over Rocky Creek. The camping spots are private and shady, and there is even one right by the swimming hole if youre lucky enough to grab it. There are several campgrounds and RV parks located close to the beach, or you can stay at the Hampton Inn Rolla or the Best Western Coachlight in Rolla, which are just a few miles away. There are some great swimming holes in Missouri for kids. Fugitive Beach bills itself as family-friendly; there are lifeguards on duty, and you will definitely see lots of kids while youre there. The creek at busiek can be nice but often dries up. This repurposed rock quarry offers a huge swimming area, a 65-foot waterslide, several jumping cliffs, sand volleyball courts and, starting this summer, another waterslide 50 feet long. I spent a long time wandering down gravel roads before I found the trailhead to Kings River Falls, and although it was worth it in the end, I would recommend printing out your directions ahead of time because there is a good chance you will lose service on your way to this swimming hole. I've been to a few, and although this places has a ton of amenities, I feel like it is capitalizing on every aspect as often as possible. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Thank you! Whether it's hanging out in a quiet lake cove, exploring one of Missouris pristine Ozark rivers or plopping in a pool, state parks offer swimming experiences that the entirefamily can enjoy. Copyright 2023 Diventures. Once you reach Grand Falls, theres plenty to do. There was a wonderful swimming hole my dad and I would frequent where Pierce Creek meets Little Meramec River, about 1 mile west of Lonedell in Franklin County. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. Youll still be able to splash around, and the location is totally Instagram-worthy. This is one of those places that, once you visit, youll want to return to time and time again. There are also swimming holes downstream and upstream from the camping area. With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri's most popular state parks. Steel Creek is close to other noteworthy locations. Did you know Missouris largest continuous waterfall is right here in 417-land? Once youve thoroughly explored Dabbs Greer, another swimming hole is only a 10-minute drive away. 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. Boating is popular, and there are a number of hiking trails to explore. Scuba diving lessons for kids are a fun and safe way for kids to deepen their love of the water. Take a left onto Kinser Road and then turn left onto South Farm Road 193. The waterfalls were ok but I would definitely not call them the swimming holes. This beautiful beach gives visitors a view of the large clear lake, with surrounding forest of hickory You've got to have an account to like, share, and collect. Springfield, in southern Missouri, has great historical sites and natural areas, including caverns. The entrance to the park is on your left. If water patrol hasnt recently cut it down, youll typically see a rope swing somewhere on the banks of the river. It wasnt serious, but its good to always err on the side of safety if you have any doubts. One of our favorite things to do in the summer is going to a swimming hole to splash around, fish, look for animals, get a tan, and spend time together! Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Grand Falls sits just off of Highway 44, within the town limits of Joplin. Cassville, MO 65625. Is there anything else you want to add? For the brave, there are 10- to- 20-foot cliff jumps around the beach from the steep ledges of the quarry. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parksto provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. There is also playground equipment near the beach for children who need a break from water activities. Located northeast of Springfield, the park features a 1.5-mile hiking trail around the lake, accessible fishing piers and boardwalk, an outdoor classroom pavilion, water- and stream-side learning stations and offices for the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Embed. 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There is a baseball field, tennis courts, etc. 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. The North Fork is close enough that you could make it a day trip, but wheres the fun in that? Where to Stay: If you are looking for a more pampered vacation, there are many resorts in Missouri, from the quiet Ozark Mountains to the tourist center of Branson. Dont forget to consider flotation devices, chairs, water shoes and shade.