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The Best Campgrounds Near Natural Swimming Holes Across The South
Dipping into a swimming hole near your campsite is the key feature at these campgrounds across The South.
Camping is a quintessential American past-time — and its better when there’s something to do nearby. Bonus if that something is swimming, and extra-double-bonus if that swimming happens in a naturally-fed swimming hole. Nowhere in the United States does swimming holes like The South, where you can camp nearby to spring-fed lakes, natural offshoots to some of the country’s most important rivers, and warm-water pools that’ll keep you toasty on a chilly evening. Some are full-on wild while others have amenities like a ladder or walk-in pool access, but all make for an epic time camping and swimming with friends or family. These campgrounds are the highest-rated campgrounds near swimming holes in The South, as rated by users of The Dyrt.
Fall Creek Falls State Park Campground – Tennessee
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.65
Photo: Danita Delimont /Shutterstock
Waterfalls are a precursor to many a good swimming hole. Nowhere is this truer than at Fall Creek Falls State Park, where you can camp nearby to the iconic waterfall and swim in its aftermath. The campground itself is huge – five wings with more than 214 campsites. Campers have access to bathhouses, a general store and snack bar, and even an 18-hole golf course and an Olympic-sized swimming pool (not that you’ll need it because the swimming holes are far more refreshing). There are several to choose from:
- George Hole: A designated natural swimming area located between the park entrance and the campgrounds. It features a grassy beach area with concrete steps leading into the water
- Cane Creek Cascades: A 45-foot waterfall near the Betty Dunn Nature Center with a swimming hole
- Cane Creek Falls: An 85-foot waterfall accessible via the Cable Trail, leading to a swimming area at its base
- Cascade Waterfall Swimming Area: Located close to the Betty Dunn Nature Center
Greenbrier Campground – Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.63
Photo: Andy Stacy/Shutterstock
The best swimming holes tend to be inlets aside a river, as is the case at Greenbrier Campground near Gatlinburg. Here, you can duck away from the campsites into the cool waters of the Little Pigeon River, enjoying some tucked-away privacy surrounded by the beautiful Smokies. The campground features good WiFi and connectivity, making it ideal for remote workers. Camp in your tent, vehicle, or book a yurt for a glamping upgrade. There’s plenty of hiking, biking, offroading, and more nearby and to top it off, Ole Smokey Brewery is just up the road.
Foster Falls Campground — South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.39
Photo: Rob Du Bois /Shutterstock
Foster Falls offers more primitive camping than Greenbrier, and if that’s your jam, the soothing, mellow flow of Little Gizzard Greek is yours to enjoy. Spend some time swimming along the hike to the 60-foot Foster Falls waterfall, visible from the Fiery Gizzard Trail. The 26 campsites are suitable for tent campers and smaller RVs. Note that there are no electrical hookups or potable water onsite.
Davidson River Campground – Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.57
Photo: Jill Lang /Shutterstock
Hikers and anglers alike post up at Davidson River Campground, but its those who grasp the tenacity of an excellent swimming hole who truly love this spot. The campground features a traditional swimming hole with a sandy beach and a deeper area where visitors can swim against the current. This spot is a favorite among campers, especially during warm weather, and offers a refreshing place to cool off after a day of hiking or exploring the forest – there’s even a small ledge to jump off, which tends to be a hit with kiddos. Some campsites have electric hookups, others are more primitive, but all have one thing in common – easy access to the nearby Sliding Rock, a 60-foot natural waterslide that ends in a deep swimming hole.
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area – Mountain View, Arkansas
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.83
Photo: Bonita R. Cheshier /Shutterstock
Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is itself renowned for its clear streams, picturesque bluffs, and lush woodlands. There are two swimming holes along North Sylamore Creek – the main swimming area that is marked with a bathhouse and pavilion, and the upper loop swimming site, across a low-water bridge from the campground’s upper loop. There are 32 individual campsites and two dedicated for larger groups. Hiking abounds in the area, and an additional highlight is the Blanchard Springs Caverns, which you can visit with an organized tour to see the naturally-formed underground caverns.
Inks Lake State Park Campground – Burnet, Texas
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.58
Photo: Natalia Silyanov /Shutterstock
Devil’s Waterhole is a deep, spring-fed pool surrounded by pink granite cliffs within Inks Lake State Park – and it’s the most aptly-named swimming hole in The South. It’s big – swimming, kayaking, and cliff jumping are on the docket here. The waterhole is accessible via a short hike from nearby parking areas or by paddling across Inks Lake. The campground features some 200 site, many along the shoreline, with some rustic and tent-only while others have electric hookups and more space. If you do bring a paddleboard or boat, also bring a pair of binoculars, as wildlife viewing is pristine from the water.
McKinney Falls State Park Campground – Austin, Texas
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.4
Photo: Silvio Ligutti /Shutterstock
Swim above or below the waterfall at McKinney Falls State Park in Texas. The deeper Upper Falls swimming area is better for paddleboarding and cliff jumping, while the shallower Lower Falls offers a mellower experience. There are 81 campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, as well as six newly remodeled cabins. Amenities include restrooms with showers, picnic areas, and a park store. Here you can also visit the remains of colonizer Thomas McKinney’s 19th-century homestead, for whom the waterfall is named, and the Smith Rock Shelter, as well as go fishing.
DeSoto State Park Campground – Fort Payne, Alabama
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.76
Photo: Julie rubacha /Shutterstock
DeSoto Falls is about seven miles from the campground, but camping in the state park is the best place to rest after splashing the day away at one of Alabama’s most beautiful swimming holes and waterfalls. As a perk, the swimming hole is a quick walk from the parking lot of the falls, and from here you can cliff jump, wade, or just sit on the sideline with a beverage and take it all in. Within the main park area, Laurel Creek flows into the West Fork of the Little River, providing additional spots for swimming for much of the year. The 94 campsites come equipped with full hookups for tents and RVs. Each site includes picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. You’ll sleep among thick green foliage that helps keep campsites somewhat private.
Dogwood Campground — O’Leno State Park, Florida
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.72
Photo: William Silver /Shutterstock
O’Leno State Park offers a designated swimming area along the Santa Fe River, situated just downstream from the historic suspension bridge. This natural swimming hole is roped off for safety and is a popular spot during the warmer months. Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming conditions can vary based on river levels and seasonal changes. The Dogwood Campground has 27 sites with water and electrical hookups. The park is popular for wildlife viewing and on-water activities like paddleboarding in addition to swimming, so bring those binoculars and plan to stay a couple nights.
Charlton Campground – Royal, Arkansas
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.69
Photo courtesy The Dyrt
Three loops offer 46 campsites at Charlton Campground, about 17 miles west of Hot Springs, Arkansas. As the name of the nearby town suggests, this region is a solid place to go scouting for swimming holes – and for campers, the spring-fed swimming hole on Walnut Creek is place to be at Charlton Campground. The area features a concrete swim platform and a ladder for lowering yourself into the water – an epic place to cool down during those hot Arkansas summers.
Colorado Bend State Park Campground – Bend, Texas
Rating on The Dyrt: 4.15
Photo: Christian Perry /Shutterstock
Spicewood Springs is a series of spring-fed pools and waterfalls nestled within lush vegetation, offering a refreshing escape from the Texas heat. The photo above depicts Kraus Spring, one of the most popular swimming holes there, accessible via the Spicewood Springs Trail, a 3.8-mile loop that features multiple creek crossings and scenic overlooks. The trail is moderately challenging, with some elevation gain and rocky terrain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended. When it’s time to crash for the evening, there are 43 developed campsites and if you’re willing to backpack in, access to dozens of dispersed sites nearby that allow for some solitude along with your thoughts. Beyond swimming, the Gorman Falls Trail leads to a stunning 70-foot waterfall and the park is a popular destination for caving (if you can handle the thrill). 
