Swimming Holes of Northwest Arkansas

With the summer heat lasting through early fall, there is no better way to beat the heat than swimming. If you love the great outdoors but want to cool off and have an adventure, then keep reading because this guide will tell you some of our favorite swimming holes! With an abundance of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, the Natural State has some of the best swimming holes around. Some are short drives that can be busy on weekends, while others require hikes in and are quieter. If you are looking for somewhere to take the family or swim in town check out our Splash Pad and Public Pools blog!

 

Kings River Falls Natural Area, Witter

The scenic Kings River Falls Natural Area is only an hour east of campus near the small town of Witter, Arkansas. This gem of the Ozarks is located along a 1.8-mile flat and family-friendly hiking trail that can be enjoyed in all seasons of the year. During the warmer months, the highlight of Kings River Falls is the waterfall-fed pool. This pool is great for swimming and cooling off. Kings River Falls stays wet most of the year and doesn't rely on recent rainfall like many other swimming holes in Northwest Arkansas, making for the perfect day trip. 

Kings River Falls swimming hole is a fantastic waterfall-fed swimming hole and provides a unique but unforgettable day trip experience. 

 

White River Park, West Fork 

Located in the town of West Fork, Arkansas, is the West Fork White River Park. Only 15 minutes south of the University of Arkansas, this area is an excellent place for students to jump in the water on their days off. This public park is a local favorite swimming hole because of its deep waters, beautiful scenery, and amenities like pavilions and bathrooms. Caution: Jumping off bluffs can be hazardous due to shallow waters and unseen obstacles; always follow signage and regulations at swimming holes! 

White River is a great swimming hole for people in Fayetteville, with a lot of amenities at the park.

 

Tanyard Creek, Bella Vista

Located in Bella Vista, Arkansas, is the accessible 2.2-mile-long Tanyard Creek Trail. The first portion of this trail is paved, but about a quarter mile in transitions to a well-maintained dirt path. This trail has a lot of cool features like bluffs, bridges, and lots of opportunities to explore the area. Along the route are also many areas to sit, rest, and take in the scenery. Tanyard creek is fed by Lake Windsor, which usually flows year-round. Some of our favorite parts of Tanyard Creek are Tanyard Creek Falls and the swimming area. Tanyard Creek falls is a multi-tiered waterfall that is always gorgeous no matter what time of year it is. Just a little downstream from the falls is a great area to wade in the water and swim, depending on the water level. Since Tanyard Creek is closer to town, it can get busy on weekends. However, the beauty of this area has it taking a spot in one of our favorite swimming holes in Northwest Arkansas. 

The swimming hole and multi-tiered falls at Tanyard Creek are a great way to enjoy this nature park in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

 

Beaver Lake (2 great spots!)

Beaver Lake seems to always make our outdoor recreation lists, and that is for a good reason. The thousands of acres of water and shoreline are great for all types of outdoor recreation, and swimming is one of them. While a lot of the lake is excellent for boating and kayaking, there are two areas we love, especially for swimming. 

Prairie Creek Swimming Area: The Prairie Creek Swimming Area is located on the western part of beaver lake and is closest to Rogers, Arkansas. Prairie Creek has pavilions and tables with a lovely sandy beach making it a perfect stop for your day trip to beaver lake. The main swimming area is clearly marked and fenced by a PVC pipe circle in the water. The site is very family-friendly, and you will most likely run into other families and kids while swimming here. Note before you go: There is a day-use fee required upon entry. 

Hogscald Hallow: 

Hogscald Hollow is located on the Eastern side of Beaver Lake and about an hour's drive from The University of Arkansas. Hogscald is down a dirt road with limited cell service, but it is worth the drive. The cove that this swimming hole resides in is a gorgeous area with gorgeous scenery. There even is a waterfall called Lover's Leap at Hogscald Hollow that makes for the perfect backdrop while you swim. We recommend heading out early in the day as the parking area can get crowded, and the waters fill with boaters and people on stand-up paddle boards. 

Blue Hole, Bella Vista

A hidden gem in Bella Vista is a swimming hole dubbed by the locals as Blue Hole. Blue Hole has a nice rock and sand beach that makes for a perfect place to lay down your towel and have a picnic. The water depth is seasonal, but even in late summer, it is still plenty deep to swim in. Blue Hole can be tricky to locate as it does not appear on maps. Parking for Blue Hole can be found behind Phat Tire in Bella Vista along the Wishing Springs Trail. 

The hidden Gem of Blue Hole in Bella Vista is a local favorite for families to get in the water and cool off. 

To ensure you have a great safe experience, here are a few of our tips:

• Bring a towel because many swimming holes require a short hike or walk to get into them.
• Sandals! The rocks can be sharp and jarring to walk on so shoes or sandals will keep your feet safe and more comfortable. 
• Obey park regulations. Some places don't allow you to jump off bluffs or park in specific locations. 
• Check water levels before you go. After severe rains swimming in rivers can be dangerous after intense rains depending on how fast the water moves. 

We are lucky to have these swimming holes in Northwest Arkansas, so to ensure we keep them accessible and open to the public: stay on trails, clean up after yourself, pack out any trash, and generally keep the area how you found it.