Francis National Forest. Out of the way spots most likely abound, but are unknown to this writer. The closest beach to St. Louis is at Creve Coeur Lake, which is a large natural lake in Missouri. However, once you find it, you can easily spend a day here. However, theres only one swimming beach that leads into the lake and thats Moonshine Beach. The one downside to this place is it can get crowded, and there is a limit to the number of people the park rangers let in for the day, so if youre going on a weekend, be sure to get there early. Join us on social media and stay up to date on swimming lessons and scuba diving at our Springfield location! 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 Travel Channel's "Top Secret Swimming Holes," which says it's "on a mission to uncover the world's most secluded, sexy and extreme natural places to cool off," makes a stop in Missouri on Sunday. Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? Back in the canoe, you have another 9 miles of river to enjoy, so kick back and relax. 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. Lake Boutin is where the public beach is located, but you can also canoe and fish along the shoreline. We've recorded your comments. Find the best places to swim near Monett, Missouri. I asked my oldest what he remembered most about the memories we made over the summer, and finding local swimming holes was his favorite! 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. Located in Lee, this waterpark offers visitors a day filled with water thrills and spills. 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. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. If you are looking for a Missouri beach where you can spend a couple of days or a full vacation, this one is it. Cookie Notice Twin Lakes Recreation Area. 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. Cool Parks gear for sale. Phone: (417) 833-9962. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Close. Embed. The public beach has a sandy area and is a nice swimming beach. Address: 1505 Peabody Road, Columbia, Missouri. Some locations have trash build-up, while others are clear. I didn't grow up around here so the secret swimming spots are still a secret to me :) Where's your favorite spot? 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. Indulge your inner Tarzan, and give it a go. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Physical Address. Places to Swim near Stockton - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Stockton MO There are some amazing local swimming holes in Missouri. Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about sharing their love of scuba. But alcohol is sold on-site, and the vibe can tend to skew pretty heavy on the party side. For an added activity, you can look for some of the 149 species of birds that have been spotted in this park. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This beach is great, especially for families, because it is sandy enough to build castles and play, and the water is calm. 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. The beach park has all the amenities you need for the day, including cabanas, picnic, tables with grills, and concessions. Located on the Piney River, Dogs Bluff is a nice little swimming hole that is easy to find and easy to access. Residence Inn Springfield features an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. So enjoy these, and feel free to add to the list in the comments below. The actual beach is approximately a quarter-mile long, but this location is nice because of the access to the Elk River near Noel, Missouri. This beach is nice because there is a lot of space, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. When youre shoulder-deep in the lake, looking out over the water and into the green kaleidoscope of the Ouachita Forest, you wont have a care in the world. 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. Serving Springfield, MO, Kansas City, Joplin, Branson, & the lovely State of Missouri, TOP 11 PLACES TO SWIM IN SPRINGFIELD MO AND SURROUNDING AREAS, TOP 14 OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SPRINGFIELD MO, Top 7 Indoor Playgrounds in Springfield MO, Why You Need To Book Your Photographer Early| Family Photography Joplin MO. This beach is nice because there is a lot of space, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. To have the complete North Fork experience, jumping into the bone-chillingly cold spring is a must. Theres a lot to experience in the area, and to make sure you have time to enjoy it all, I recommend making a weekend of it. With the many swimming holes in Missouri, were never too far from an easy and a fun way to stay cool during the summer. Due to the deep water of the quarry, guests must sign a waiver agreeing to the beach rules upon entering. They have cabanas to rent with a grill. The Buffalo Rivers characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. I would categorize this as a urban trail even though Branson is rural. Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating or splashing around a natural swimming hole. 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. Our experienced and passionate teachers in Springfield are dedicated to help kids learn to swim in a fun and safe environment. I have not swum here, but I have lots of friends that say this is their favorite spot. The water slide and pool were supposed to be heated but were cold, we had to make reservations for our time to swim and slide, but yet they let just anyone walk in and play.". Fugitive Beach bills itself as family-friendly; there are lifeguards on duty, and you will definitely see lots of kids while youre there. Outdoors. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. There is also a 4.5-mile water trail for kayaking that connects several lakes. Constructed in the 1930s, the wall was built on North Sylamore Creek by the Civil Conservation Corps and was crafted from local stones. Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake. When youre planning your trip to Fugitive Beach, its best to prepare as if you were actually going to spend a day at the beach. Let us know in the comments! At a glance, the dam almost looks like its naturally occurring, or maybe like something you would read about in a J.R.R. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. We have our regions unusual topography to thank for our plethora of swimming spots. Privacy Policy. Near the bridge over the East Fork Black River, on the downstream side, we think, there is a swimming hole . They have fountains that go off every 30 minutes and a little wading pool for kids to splash in. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Mainstream lodging is easy to find in places like St. Louis, where you can stay and do activities in the city, then make day trips to the state parks for swimming. You can book a campsite or stay in a cabin or vacation rental near the lake. This is a great spot for kids to splash around and hunt for crawdads. Sit on the dam and let your legs dangle in the rushing water. Full disclosure here, folks, I got lostreally loston my way to this Arkansas spot. Help us inspire and inform every person to enjoy life and the great outdoors in a responsible way. If you are going with youngsters, children 10 and under are required to wear a life jacket, and all guests are required to wear one if they swim past the buoyed area or are using the jumps or 65-foot slide. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in Missouri. Lake Lincoln in Troy is right at the top of that list. Bluffs, sandbars and crystal clear water abound along this float, with ample opportunities to pull over and go for a dip. Here in the Ozarks, youre never far from capturing that feeling. But if youre willing to take a swim on the wild side, Fugitive Beach might just be what the doctor ordered. List of frequently asked questions about reservations. These are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO: Port of Kimberling Marina & Resort (3.5/5). The North Fork is close enough that you could make it a day trip, but wheres the fun in that? There is a plethora of camping options, and the area is beautiful, so you might as well stay for a bit. The consistent breeze on Stockton Lake makes it one of the most popular places for sailing in the state. This is your takeout point where buses will be waiting to take you back to the Twin Bridges campground. Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. The beach has great swimming areas and plenty of picnic tables for a full day near the water. The Buffalo River's characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. Located in Rolla, this former quarry offers up a ton of swimming fun for the whole family. Springfield, in southern Missouri, has great historical sites and natural areas, including caverns. Thank you! Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. The park was built in an area once used for coal mining, so there are rolling hills great for ATV trekking and a unique scenic landscape.If you want to stay for several days and take advantage of the 70 miles of dirt off-road trails and other water activities, you can book a campsite on the property. The swimming spot at Rocky Falls is located at Rocky Creek in the Stegall Mountain Natural Area. There is ample lodging at Shady Beach, with a nearby campground, cabins, and vacation homes available for rent. Head east on Park Central Square toward Park Central E (413 ft) Turn right onto Park Central N (177 ft) Continue onto N Boonville Ave (0.4 mi) Turn right onto E Chestnut Expy (0.1 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (1.5 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (2.1 mi) 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. Long Branch Lake has three boat ramps around the lake for water access. There are several swimming holes near Steel Creek, including a couple right in front of the tent camping site. The shut-in pool at the base of the waterfall provides awesome views of the 40-foot falls - the largest in the state. There are also a couple of other decent swimming holes upstream, if you feel like exploring. Scuba diving lessons for kids are a fun and safe way for kids to deepen their love of 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. Pack a lunch because there are no restaurants nearby. From Kearney Street, head north on Highway 13 for about three miles. One of the most popular spots during the summer at Stockton Lake State Park in southwest Missouri is the Stockton Lake public beach. With lakes, rivers, ponds and streams galore, there is no shortage of Missouri swimming holes. Work up a good sweat while playing a game of volleyball on the sand before diving into the crystal clear water. 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. Places to Swim near Springfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Springfield MA It is located just off Highway 54 near the Grand Glaize Bridge. We stayed in the hotel and met the", "This hotel was terrible, they did not offer any breakfast at all, NOTHING, on the days we stayed but still paid full price. So read on and then be sure to check out the best swimming holes in Missouri. Sunscreen. There is a section of the valley water mill that you can jump in and swim in. Other activities include kayaking and exploring the many hiking trails through the prairies in the state park. 417-847-2539. Youll find this quaint spot across from the post office. 417-883-7417 | We offer classes for kids of all ages and skill levels so everyone can become confident in the water. 417-land is rich with opportunities to make a splash in all-natural wonders. Once you reach Grand Falls, theres plenty to do. Twin Bridges Bar and Grill has live music most weekends during floating season and offers a selection of bar food and home-style cooking. 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. There were lots of kids on the water, but as with any float trip, youll run into some partiers. Let's get your incredible day on my calendar, and let's create memories that you'll remember for a lifetime. The whole team is passionate about sharing their love of the water and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. There is usually a good amount of activity at the beach and the park in the summer months because it has many picnic areas, boat ramps, and green space that both locals and vacationers like to use. Peckers Beach, 3100 S Farm Rd 193, Springfield, MO 65809, USA 2. The dam, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, is located near campsites 16 and 17. Located close to Dawt Mill, this spring is damned, and the resulting waterfall is a darling little spot to splash around. Hikers pass through forests and along the river the entire way. Address: 136 Shady Beach Lane, Saint Clair, Missouri. Dont jump from here. Monett, MO, USA. A steep dirt road leads into the recreation area, so large campers and RVs might want to steer clear. 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. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! When I jumped last summer, I ended up hitting the bottom and bruising my foot. 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. From finding the perfect outfit location to planning, preparation, and more, I help with it all! The trail can be muddy so don't do it after it rains. You can see the spot from the road, and from there its just a short climb down an embankment to the water. Were pretty lucky here in 417-land. Truman Lake, officially called the Harry S. Truman Reservoir, is a 56,000-acre water playground, including a public beach, in Warsaw, Missouri. 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