We all know Oklahoma summers are HOT, and what better way to enjoy childhood and stay cool than to head to the Oklahoma swimming holes and fresh water pools!
Oklahoma has some incredible natural swimming holes to explore with the family, and most naturally stay cool even in the summers, making the trip a refreshing treat. And we have rounded up a few go-tos from locals and visitors alike. We can’t think of a more fun way to beat the Oklahoma Heat!
Oklahoma Swimming Holes & Fresh Water Pools to Visit with Kids This Summer
Bath Lake | Medicine
127 E Lake Dr, Medicine Park, OK 73557
1.5 hour drive from OKC
Bath Lake was formed in the 1920s as the town’s swimming hole and has since remained a hidden gem in the state and has the Wichita Mountains as the backdrop to this swimming area. Open 7 days a week, starting Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day from 10am-8pm. $3 per swimmer over the age of 5.
Travertine Creek | Sulphur
901 West 1st Street, Sulphur, OK, 73086
1.25 hour drive from OKC
Also known as “Little Niagara”, Travertine Creek is one of the most popular swimming holes located in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Known for its 65 degree temperatures and crystal clear waters, this is a great stop for exploring.
Pawnee Bathouse | Pawnee
801 Pawnee Lake Rd, Pawnee, OK 74058
1.75 hour drive from OKC
Turner Falls Park | Davis, Oklahoma Swimming Hole
I-35 & US Highway 77 Davis, OK 73030
1.75 hour drive from OKC
This is one of our favorites! You can check out all there is to do in the Davis and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area here, including Turner Falls and the Arbuckle Mountains.
Spring Creek | Locust Grove
Smokey Valley Camp Ground: 2223 SE 61.6 Drive, Locust Grove, OK, 74352
2.25 hour drive from OKC
Spring Creek flows 34 miles through Delaware, Cherokee and Mayes Counties before emptying into Fort Gibson Lake and is considered one of Oklahoma’s “most pristine streams”.
Blue Hole Park 84 S 447, Salina, OK 74365
2.5 hour drive from OKC
Blue Hole Park is in Salina, OK and boasts blue waters and cool temps (50-60 degrees all year!). The cost is $15 per car to swim, and the hours are daily from 9am-8pm beginning the Saturday before Memorial Day until Labor Day. *Water shoes recommended!
Artesian Beach | Gage
E0480 Road, Gage, OK, 73843
3 hour drive from OKC
A little further of a drive from OKC, this swimming hole is a must-visit Oklahoma destination. the Gage Artesian Beach is a natural swimming pond in Ellis County, Oklahoma with a diving board, basketball goal, and pool slide.
Smokey Valley Campground is a 2hr+ drive from OKC, not the 1 hour as suggested here.
You are exactly right! We made that change. Thank you.