This tends to be a pretty popular spot, and it can get quite busy. This beach is nice because there is a lot of space, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. If youre still hankering for adventure, there are several other neat spots close by. The entrance to the park is on your left. Learn more about this, Dying to take a dip? This trail leads you from one of the most amazing waterfalls in the area (also a great swimming hole) to some natural shut-ins. Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? From there, its a little over a half-mile walk to the swimming hole. For some old-fashioned fun, be sure to check out Fugitive Beach. 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. 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. 15 Free Swimming Holes near Branson, Missouri - Free Arenas. Their warning is to be careful where you go. There is an abundance of wildlife to see at the park, as well as recreation like boating, fishing, and hiking. ), but its nothing a regular car cant manage as long as you slow down and drive carefully. Clear, spring-fed Ozark rivers are great for cooling off in the hot summer months. Scrambled eggs were cold. It wasnt serious, but its good to always err on the side of safety if you have any doubts. The stair-stepped design of the wall creates a striking visual effect, but its not just pretty to look at. Hickory Hills Pool in Springfield, MO Bright cabanas and plenty of space set the Hickory Hills Country Club pool apart, creating a relaxing place for all ages. The Buffalo Rivers characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. To get there, cross the dam and follow the trail to the other side of the bluff. The Gunner Pool dam is probably unlike anything youve seen before. 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. Each of these parks has a designated beach area. 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. 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. There are some amazing local swimming holes in Missouri. Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating or splashing around a natural swimming hole. 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. Were pretty lucky here in 417-land. Address: 28615 Visitor Center Road, Macon, Missouri. 10h 56m This is a new paved trail that follows the Old Railway tracks through the great Ozarks. They have cabanas to rent with a grill. Whitaker Point, Big Bluff and Lost Valley are within a short drive. Use your discretion. What are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO? There are several big boulders close by that are ideal for sunbathing on, jumping off of or fishing from. Let us know in the comments! The trail can be muddy so don't do it after it rains. Best Springfield Hotels with a Swimming Pool on Tripadvisor: Find 22,273 traveler reviews, 3,657 candid photos, and prices for 45 hotels with a swimming pool in Springfield, Missouri, United States. The swimming spot at Rocky Falls is located at Rocky Creek in the Stegall Mountain Natural Area. List of frequently asked questions about reservations. intersection of Highway 125 and State Highway JJ in Rogersville is a public access area on the Finley River that is a popular swimming spot. 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. Public Beach #1 in the Lake of the Ozarks is one of a few public beaches that are easily accessible. One of the most popular spots during the summer at Stockton Lake State Park in southwest Missouri is the Stockton Lake public beach. Water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a . Before you head down to the water, there are a few things to know. The river is gorgeous. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. Bluffs, sandbars and crystal clear water abound along this float, with ample opportunities to pull over and go for a dip. There is a plethora of camping options, and the area is beautiful, so you might as well stay for a bit. 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. What do you think are the best swimming holes in Missouri? The dam, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, is located near campsites 16 and 17. There is a day-use area near the beach, with picnic areas and changing facilities. Second, there is a huge cliff at the bottom of the shut-ins that is a popular jumping spot. 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. This 18-hole championship course is exceptionally designed to maximize the challenges of the game amidst a breathtaking setting. The Twin Lakes Recreation Area, lying in the southern outskirts of Columbia, offers doggy fun. Have you ever thought about having a water-themed photography session? Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Missouri is not necessarily known for its beach scene, but the landlocked state has many sandy spots that are great for a swim and a day in the sun. Falling Water Falls is on the left. 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 . However, once you find it, you can easily spend a day here. Springfield, MO 65803. 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. There are many entrances along the way to the Trail. You dont want to get caught on the river without it. If you are looking for a Missouri beach where you can spend a couple of days or a full vacation, this one is it. Is there anything else you want to add? When we pulled in on Friday night, it became clear we made the right choice. 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. Check it out this summer! I have not swum here, but I have lots of friends that say this is their favorite spot. Near the bridge over the East Fork Black River, on the downstream side, we think, there is a swimming hole . The beach park has all the amenities you need for the day, including cabanas, picnic, tables with grills, and concessions. Due to the deep water of the quarry, guests must sign a waiver agreeing to the beach rules upon entering. The swimming hole here is deep and wide, and its surrounded by small bluffs on three sides. Off to the side, theres a tree ladder that you can climb to get to the top of the bluff. 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. But if youre willing to take a swim on the wild side, Fugitive Beach might just be what the doctor ordered. If you continue south through Miami, Oklahoma you can visit the famous Coleman Theater where Will Rogers (father of route 66) performed. Youre going to want to gram a shot of the dam. Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about sharing their love of scuba. Looking for more outdoor adventures this summer? SPRINGFIELD: LAT, LON: lat=37.15464, lon=-93.19917(source: map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP : . Because of the clean and clear water in the lake, beginning divers often come here to practice their skills. 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. Written July 29, 2021. 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. The shut-in pool at the base of the waterfall provides awesome views of the 40-foot falls - the largest in the state. 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. With its 10-foot waterfall, rope swing, turquoise water and lush scenery, Falling Water Falls is a little slice of swimming hole heaven. Every time we walk, kids are wading and enjoying time with their families! 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. Here in the Ozarks, youre never far from capturing that feeling. 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. There are a few road crossings along the route. Once you cross the bridge, turn right into the parking lot. 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. There are also swimming holes downstream and upstream from the camping area. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Or, depending on the water flow, you might be able to find a natural waterslide running down the rock wall, but dont blame us if you end up with a bruised bum. 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. This is one of those places that, once you visit, youll want to return to time and time again. 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! There are many public beaches in the state parks throughout Missouri around the Lake of the Ozarks. Stockton Lake is also a top place in the state for scuba divers. Just 34 miles south of Joplin is the small town of Anderson, which has two swimming holes that are not to be missed: Dabbs Greer Town Hole and Flat Rock. You can swim or play on one of the large inflatable waterslides or join in a game of beach volleyball. 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. Springfield This hotel, located 12 miles from the Bass Pro Shop, offers grocery shopping service and a picnic area. You cant technically swim at Ritter Springs Park, but there is a creek to splash around in. 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. There is also playground equipment near the beach for children who need a break from water activities. 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. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Stockton State Park is home to. Whether youre camping or just visiting for the day, there is a $7 usage fee. Long Branch State Park near Macon is popular with families, with a nice sandy public beach for swimming in the lake. My favorite swimming hole is called 5-mile, near Baxter Springs, Kansas near the state line between Kansas and Oklahoma. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. From Springfield, Missouri. The Stockton Lake beach is located close to the marina, where you can find snacks and rent boats for a day on the water. 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