We occasionally take time off from cutting trees, and were inspired by a quick trip we took to Pomme de Terre lake last weekend to find a good swimming hole.
The lake was flooded, but we managed to get in the water in a very unlikely spot off of a state RV park. It was so much fun that we decided that we should post about swimming holes in Missouri!
Have any better places? Leave us a note so we can get in on the fun!
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Lake Pomme de Terre
About an hour north of Springfield is Pomme de Terre. Pomme de Terre is a wonderful and easily accessible swimming, fishing, or boating experience. It has two public swimming beaches and plenty of areas for camping in a tent or RV. It is a little more than an hour north of Springfield. Here is a website for more info, and directions from Google Maps. Here is the exact place where our family was swimming. If you go camping there, take your kid’s bikes or scooters and they will spend hours cruising the campground.
Location: 23451 Park Entrance Road, Pittsburg, MO 65724
Mill Creek Campground At Table Rock Lake
It can be tough to reserve a campsite at Mill Creek Campground, but their built-in swimming hole is one of the best in the area. It has a wide gravel beach with a partial concrete sloping walkway into the water and ample shade from the surrounding trees, making it great for kids to play all day without getting a sunburn. The area is large, and since they charge a per-car fee to access the park, it is never overly crowded. The adults in our party loved floating all over the swimming area, while the kids tend to play closer to the shallow edge. A day use fee of $5 is required.
Location: 1275 State Hwy RB, Lampe, MO 65681 (White River Arm of Table Rock Lake).
Lindenlure Lake
Lindenlure Lake has been one of the most contested local swimming areas. The upstream lake area is a private community, which leaves most people hanging out near or below the dam. The Finley River isn’t very deep below the dam, but it’s a great place to cool off, and only 20 minutes from Springfield. For years, the landowners had it closed off, but the community fought back and won rights to the access point on Canyon Road in 2024. It gets crowded on the weekends and the Sheriffs love to come out warrant-hunting so make sure your traffic tickets are paid up before you head out there.
Location: Canyon Road off Highway 125, Rogersville Mo 65742
Riverside Inn Park
Those of us who have been around remember the Riverside Inn. Unfortunately, it kept flooding, so they tore it down. It may not be sandy beaches, but what remains is their parking lot and the best river swimming hole near Springfield. As with Lindenlure, this one gets very crowded on the weekends and the trash bins are overflowing most days. That said, it’s a classic haunt for Springfieldians, and the midweek visits aren’t too bad.
Location: 2629 N Riverside Rd, Ozark, MO 65721
Delaware Town Access
Delaware Town Access is close to Springfield, so it is a favorite, but I personally prefer to drive an extra 20 minutes to Shelvin Rock. Delaware Town access has plenty of low water areas for wading, but the rocks underneath are large, smooth and slick. When the water is high, it becomes downright dangerous. It;s great for photography sessions, but we tend to hang out at Shelvin Rock.
Location: From Nixa, take Hwy 14 West 5 miles to Delaware Town Road
Shelvin Rock Access
We found this one while canoeing from Springfield (We put in at Delaware Town Access) down to Hootentown. There were so many people playing here, and we pulled the canoes over, and the kids joined in for 2 hours while we adults chilled and napped. Since then it’s become a frequent hang out spot. It’s a great place to put in for floating, and the shallow to medium depth of water makes it good for little kids and teens alike. A lot of dogs and kind Missouri folk all around.
Location: Highway 14 west, then Route M south 4 miles, and Shelvin Rock Road west 2 miles
Haw Creek Falls
A small but very picturesque waterfall located in the Ozark National Forest, with refreshing water and lush forest surrounding. It is surrounded by lots of great places for swimming, picnicking, and camping. It is more or less two and a half hours south Springfield, in northwest Arkansas. For pictures and more information, click here.
Location: 12000 AR-27 Hector, AR 72843
Natural Dam
Now, we know this one isn’t techically in Missouri, but it’s still worth mentioning. Natural Dam is a stunning 8 foot high and almost 200 foot wide waterfall located in west Arkansas. It is a magnificent place for swimming, wading, and, depending on the time of year, fishing. It also has picnic tables, and is easily accessible from the road. It lies approximately three and a half hours southwest of Springfield. Here is a website for a bit more info and pictures, and directions via Google Maps!
Location: 2137 Natural Dam Road, Natural Dam, AR 7294
Falling Water Falls
This is a stunning waterfall on the Falling Water Creek with a beautiful swimming hole right under it. It is very close to the road, so you would be able to spot it from your car as you pass by. It is, again, approximately two and a half hours south of Springfield, which is really just a short drive when you’re talking about an entire day’s activities. Here is a website for more info, and directions to the Falls on Google Maps.
Location: 1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
Kings River
Kings River is a wonderful place for not only swimming, but also kayaking, canoeing, and fishing! It is especially popular for its smallmouth bass. There are beautiful bluffs and convenient gravel bars on either side of the river, which are fantastic for a picnic lunch. A great place for spending the day or camping! It lies approximately two and a half hours south of Springfield. To learn more, visit this website, or click here for directions on Google Maps.
Location: 1543 Madison 3500, Witter, AR 72776
Gunner Pool Recreation Area
This swimming hole/camping place is a great destination for the whole family. It has clean swimming areas, impressive waterfalls, a fun trail, caves, and more! It is also available for camping, although it has no water or electrical hookups. It lies about 3 hours southeast of Springfield. Here is a website for more info, and a link to directions on Google Maps.
Location: Forest Service Road 1102 in Fifty-Six, Arkansas 72533
Grand Falls
Grand Falls on Shoal Creek is the largest constantly flowing waterfall in Missouri, being twelve feet tall. It is a beautiful area with a fine swimming hole and pleasant picnicking area. It is easily accessible and only about one hour west of Springfield. A great place for a relaxing day out on a warm summer’s day! For a bit more info, visit this website, and to get directions on Google maps, click here.
Location: 5685 Riverside Dr, Joplin, MO 64804
Johnson’s Shut-ins
A popular and beautiful destination for hikers, fishers, swimmers, and campers alike! It has fantastic rock formations and a boardwalk for a pleasant walk around the park, as well as rugged hiking trails. The park also offers tent and RV campsites, cabins, and a general store. It lies about three hours east of Springfield, MO. Here is a website if you are looking for a bit more info, and a link to the Shut-ins on Google Maps.