If you are new to Missouri and looking for an easy swimming spot while on vacation, Grand Glaize is a nice pick. With Swimming Pool - Homes for Sale in Springfield, MO 16 Homes Sort by Relevant Listings Brokered by Keller Williams Realty - Greater Springfield For Sale $3,250,000 6 bed 5.5 bath 7,843. You dont want to get caught on the river without it. Bluffs, sandbars and crystal clear water abound along this float, with ample opportunities to pull over and go for a dip. Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors are passionate about sharing their love of scuba. 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. One way to beat the crowds and guarantee entrance to the park is to camp at Johnsons Shut-Ins. Finger Lakes, St. Joe, Trail of Tears, Thousand Hills, Wakonda and Watkins Mill also are state parks with smaller lakes for swimming. Have a look around the blog and make sure to contact me ASAP! There are a few road crossings along the route. The beaches at the central Missouri Pomme de Terre Lake in Pittsburg are smaller but nice if you are planning a camping trip or just want a smaller beach experience for the family. 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 Copyright 2023 417 Magazine. There is a plethora of camping options, and the area is beautiful, so you might as well stay for a bit. First of all, although Johnsons Shut-Ins is a blast, it can be dangerous, and if the water is moving too fast, youll want to steer clear. Here in the Ozarks, youre never far from capturing that feeling. You can rent or buy just about everything you might want for a day on the water at Fugitive Beach, but that can quickly start to add up. Roark Bluff runs down along the campground, and its a real stunner. The swimming area isnt huge, and when the water is low, it can feel crowded. 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. We offer a wide range of scuba classes from scuba certification to professional courses. The dam, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, is located near campsites 16 and 17. Check out this, No list of Missouri swimming holes would be complete without this one. Located on the Piney River, Dogs Bluff is a nice little swimming hole that is easy to find and easy to access. 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. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Common, "Shoal Creek" by AbeEzekowitz at en.wikipedia. Dont forget to consider flotation devices, chairs, water shoes and shade. Physical Address. Youll find this quaint spot across from the post office. If you choose to hike past the waterfalls keep a look out for turtles along the trail we saw three.". So, pack a picnic lunch and plan your day by the water with our list of the best beaches in Missouri. ), but its nothing a regular car cant manage as long as you slow down and drive carefully. Even our (water-hating) dogs loved it! Places to Swim near Springfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Springfield MA Okay, okay. Explore the coolest places to swim in the great outdoorsthat you can only find in Missouri and Arkansas. I even have a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from! 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. St. Francois and Washington state parks are on the Big River. 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. A modern campground in the park is a nice option for overnight stays. Along with swimming, Gunner Pool Recreation Area, which is run by the U.S. Forest Service, offers camping, fishing and hiking. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail. There is a baseball field, tennis courts, etc. They have cabanas to rent with a grill. You can book a campsite or stay in a cabin or vacation rental near the lake. 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. However, here are a few great locations provided by nature that are known for their swimming. There are great picturesque views of the Lake of the Ozarks whether you are relaxing on the beach or swimming in the water. Constructed in the 1930s, the wall was built on North Sylamore Creek by the Civil Conservation Corps and was crafted from local stones. Grand Glaize is a popular beach for swimming, but the state park has many other things to do and outdoor recreation if you want to add other activities to your stay. 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? 36.9289502, -93.9277071 Arenas . (Editors note: County Road 68, Forest Road 1205 and Falling Water Road are all the same road.) 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. Youll absolutely love the man-made Table Rock Lake in Branson. What are some highly rated swimming holes in Springfield, MO? The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Mark Twain National Forest has a wide range of popular recreation opportunities. The day-use fee is $3 per vehicle, with camping fees starting at $10 per night. Meramec and Onondaga Cave state parks are located along the Meramec River. Thank you! 417-847-2539. The falls are on the right if youre facing south. 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. If you can get to the campground before nightfall, I suggest setting your camping equipment aside and heading straight to the water. There are several swimming holes near Steel Creek, including a couple right in front of the tent camping site. Add Location. Long Branch State Park near Macon is popular with families, with a nice sandy public beach for swimming in the lake. Swimming in the lakes, streams and rivers in state parks is at your own risk. So read on and then be sure to check out the best swimming holes in Missouri. Thank you! Youll still be able to splash around, and the location is totally Instagram-worthy. The place can fill up, though, and I recommend reserving a camping spot or calling ahead to check availability. 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. 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. 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. In fact, Johnsons Shut-Ins is more like a water park than a swimming hole, complete with natural slides, waterfalls, jumping cliffs and pools. You can see the spot from the road, and from there its just a short climb down an embankment to the water. Located in Lee, this waterpark offers visitors a day filled with water thrills and spills. There are several big boulders close by that are ideal for sunbathing on, jumping off of or fishing from. Youll want to watch for McKee Bridge around mile 11, which can be dangerous when the water is high. Public Beach #1 in the Lake of the Ozarks is one of a few public beaches that are easily accessible. Did you know Missouris largest continuous waterfall is right here in 417-land? This summer, ditch the crowded pools and cool off by taking a dip in one of these five oh-so-cool freshwater swimming holes. There is more than 958 miles of shoreline in the Harry S. Truman State Park, with spectacular views of forests and steep bluffs surrounding it. and our The OzarkSt. Address: 16875 County Road 5285, Rolla, Missouri, Official site: https://www.fugitive-beach.com. Places to Swim near Marshfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Marshfield MO 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. (Bonus points if you can pull off a flip.) 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. This is your takeout point where buses will be waiting to take you back to the Twin Bridges campground. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. Besides swimming, other popular activities here are canoeing, fishing, and scuba diving. Phone: 417-864-1049. 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. 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. Swimming holes around Springfield area? If you are looking for a Missouri beach where you can spend a couple of days or a full vacation, this one is it. Although most of the destinations are easy enough to find, some are a little off the beaten path (which is what we want, right?). It has been restored to it's former elegance and is stunningly. Twin Bridges offers several different lengths of floats. If you dont mind a little walk, you can walk down to their creek near their pond and splash around. Youll see a sign and a small parking area, which lets you know youre in the right spot. It is also a scenic beach because of the clear water and the surrounding forest. Take a look at the most notable dog-friendly beaches in Missouri. Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? We offer classes for kids of all ages and skill levels so everyone can become confident in the water. This beach is nice because there is a lot of space, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. When you see Blair Bridge, start heading for shore. Tolkien novel. The Buffalo River's characteristic bluffs are part of what makes this spot worthy of a visit. The beach is located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, just off Highway 134. I asked my oldest what he remembered most about the memories we made over the summer, and finding local swimming holes was his favorite! 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. 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. Looking for some high-flying fun? Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Fax: (417)-833-3334 . On top of the waterfall is a large shallow rock shelf that runs back to the dam. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. 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. Along with offering canoe rentals, a shuttle service and camping, Twin Bridges has a restaurant, and I liked the idea of not having to worry about packing coolers full of food and cooking over a campfire after a long day of floating. We've logged that you went. Address: 28615 Visitor Center Road, Macon, Missouri. The spacious beach is reminiscent of the ocean and offers plenty of space to kick back and relax. The area is a former quarry that has been turned into a top summer water destination in the state. Creve Coeur Lake is a great lake for renting a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and enjoying the calm waters. Love Missouri? Don't forget to read our handy swimming holes safety guide before you go. Take a peek at this, Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA, It's no wonder Cuivre River State Park's beach is a popular summer hangout - the water feels just as good as it looks. All year long, water gushes over a 12-foot ledge of chert rock, cascading into a wide pool below. I have not swum here, but I have lots of friends that say this is their favorite spot. We've recorded your comments. It is located just off Highway 54 near the Grand Glaize Bridge. Theres a stretch of gravel road in the Ozark National Forest, about halfway between Springfield and Little Rock, Arkansas, that is simply magical. You can hike or bike as far or as short as you want. Want to sign up for snorkeling classes in Springfield? Our Review of Seor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill. There are several options to float on the North Fork, but if youre like most of us, its easiest to go through an outfitter. List of frequently asked questions about reservations. Pack a lunch because there are no restaurants nearby. Once youre done swimming, take a two-mile hike up to Steel Creek Overlook for some killer views of Roark Bluff, considered by many to be the most beautiful bluff on the river. Cassville, MO 65625. The parking lot gate is locked at sundown. When you stroll down the grassy slope to the swimming hole, youll feel a bit like youve stepped right into a Norman Rockwell painting. The Valley Water Mill Park is a microcosm of the Ozarks with streams, springs, a 13-acre lake, caves, sinkholes and diverse types of habitat. 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. Located in Rolla, this former quarry offers up a ton of swimming fun for the whole family. 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. Run by the U.S. Forest Service, this quiet campground has 11 family camping units and offers easy access to several fantastic swimming holes. Just dont wear yourself out too much; theres plenty more fun to be had. This beach is nice because there is a lot of space, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. Once youve had your fill of Six Finger Falls, hop back in your car and drive another 3.6 miles south. There are also several large, flat rocks surrounding the pool, so in between jumping and swimming you can enjoy a catnap or partake in a picnic. Springfield, MO 65803. 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. There is ample lodging at Shady Beach, with a nearby campground, cabins, and vacation homes available for rent. You would think that swimming would at least come with a purchase of a campsite Campsites are very limited for basic site", "Very easy trail well marked but the end of the trail isn't marked well. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. There is plenty of grass and shady trees near the river if you feel like spreading out a blanket for a snooze. This is a nice sandy beach, with several picnic areas with tables and outdoor grills, restrooms, and changing facilities nearby. 15 Free Swimming Holes near Branson, Missouri - Free Arenas. 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. Towering pine and oak trees surround the lake, creating an idyllic location that feels far, far away from the everyday worries of life. We did the research and put together a set of printable directionsbecause cell service is spotty at timesthat you can take on your journey. The restaurant was housed in a building that felt like a cross between a cabin and a lodge, and when we walked in for dinner, there was live music and a nice selection of craft beer on tap. Learn about swimming holes such as Cherry Corner Access, Tanyard Creek Falls, The Cliffs at Beaver Lake, Moon Shine Beach, Hogscald Hollow, Eureka Springs Area, Crighton Access,. Two hours and 55 minutes south of Springfield, near Sand Gap, Arkansas, Two and a half hours south of Springfield, near Aurora, Arkansas, Two hours northeast of Springfield, near Rolla, One hour and 15 minutes west of Springfield in Joplin, One hour and 30 minutes southwest of Springfield in Anderson, Only if theyre older and can hold their own in the river, Binoculars to spot wildlife along the creek, Four hours south of Springfield, near Perryville, Arkansas, Three hours and 20 minutes northeast of Springfield, near Black, Missouri, A pair of water shorts so you dont tear your swimsuit, Two hours and 20 minutes east of Springfield, near Eminence, A waterproof phone case so you can take videos of the shut-ins, One hour and 45 minutes east of Springfield near Houston, Missouri, One hour and 45 minutes east of Springfield, near West Plains. Moon Shine Beach is a spacious sandy beach with swimming access on Table Rock Lake. 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