The local pool is a bit overcrowded and you need a new place to swim. We’ve rounded up the best swimming holes in Ohio– some right here in Southwest Ohio– others a good day trip away.
Mineral Springs
160 Blue Gill Road, Peebles, Ohio
With over 250 acres of land to explore, Mineral Springs arguably has the clearest water in Ohio. The springs is home to camping, disc golf, riding trails, kayak, canoe and golf cart rentals, new water slide, floating obstacle course, monthly music and daily swim passes.
Long’s Retreat
50 Bell Hollow Rd, Latham, OH 45646
You don’t need to stay overnight to have a blast at Long’s Retreat! Pack up the car and head out east to spend the afternoon on the lake. Attractions are for both children & adults and include go-karts, bounce houses, one of Ohio’s top swimming holes, water slides, carousel, miniature golf, kiddie train, canoe rental and Oasis dining area. Overnight stays at Long’s Retreat is available only by cabin rental or permanent camping. Please note, Long’s Retreat is cash only.
White Star Quarry
901 S Main St, Gibsonburg, OH 43431
White Star Quarry is a 15 acre man made lake with an average depth of 40’ with the center of the quarry approaching 50 feet. The crystal clear quarry beach is worth the drive for this gorgeous swimming hole!
Dundee Falls
8525 Dundee Wilmot Rd NW, Dundee, Ohio 44624
To reach the waterfall in about five minutes, park in the gravel lot off of 96 on the east (Beach City Wildlife Area). You won’t miss the clear path on the northeast side of the lot before trekking back into a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by a rocky gorge. The 15 foot waterfall allows for large swimming holes and cooling off in the shade. Please note: if it hasn’t rained in several days, the swimming hole might not be very deep.
Baylor Beach Park
8777 Manchester Ave SW, Navarre, OH 44662
The Water Park has many fun things to offer for guests of all ages! We have diving boards for low or high adventures or why not see if you can be the one to stay on the log rolls the longest?! Enjoy our 90 foot, “Tube of Terror” slide or our fantastically fun, kiddie slides that will thrill old and young alike! There are numerous fountains, sprayers and take a guess at who will be the next to get wet underneath the “Buckets of Fun!” This top swimming hole also has an entire separate lake for water-sport rentals. (pictured)
Gatton Rocks
Gatton Rocks is situated nearby the Lutheran Cemetery and Clear Fork Alliance Church, 44813.
Experience a swim under the cliffs of Clear Fork River near Bellville. This area has a rich history and is suitable for younger children and adults. There are both shallow and deep areas of the river for swimming and splashing.
Buck Creek
1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, OH 45502
Buck Creek State Park features a 2,400-foot sand beach. Swimming is permitted in designated areas. Surrounded by rich agricultural lands, this region was home to both Native Americans and early pioneers. Buck Creek State Park features a large reservoir for unlimited horsepower boating. An accessible pier adds more options for anglers of all abilities. Hikers and horseback riders will find miles of multi-use trails passing through meadows and wetlands. The park’s overnight accommodations include family vacation cabins and a modern campground.
Cowan Lake
1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH 45177
A 1,000-foot public beach is located on the south lake shore. Changing house and restrooms are available for public use. Swimming is permitted during daylight hours only in designated areas. The beach is a carry in, carry out area, no trash cans are available. Please bring your own trash bags.
Centennial Quarry
5773 Centennial Rd Sylvania, OH 43560
Centennial Quarry, a deep-water, spring-fed swimming hole with an average depth of about 22 ft., features diving platforms, water toys, several swim rafts, a beautiful swimming hole as well as sand volleyball courts and a basketball court. The quarry is a great place for teens and young adults to spend sultry summer days. Both seasonal and 10 day admission punch card passes are available!
For more beaches to swim and explore, visit our round up here!