The Coolest Swimming Holes Near DC to Visit This Summer
Don’t forget the floatable cooler.
When the weather’s warm (or downright swampy in Washington DC), it’s time to find an off-the-beaten path place to take a cool dip. While there are spas and plunge pools in town, The District is also surrounded by water like lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and don’t forget, our largest body of water—the Chesapeake Bay—that are perfect for summer cannonballs.
There are plenty of scenic spots within hours of the city that make for an easy getaway and day trip. Whether you want to swing on a rope-like Tarzan, swim laps in fresh-water, or get soaked underneath a secret waterfall, these swimming holes near DC are your best bet for summer fun.
Swimming holes and rivers near DC
Cockeysville, Maryland
Just north of Baltimore sits Beaver Dam Swimming Club, a fresh water reservoir, which covers about four acres of open-water swimming in an old rock quarry. The watering hole is known for having a rope swing that would make Tarzan proud. If you're terrified of heights, you can opt to relax in one of two fresh-water swimming pools.
Colonial Beach, Virginia
For beachgoers looking for sandy stretches with calmer waves (and no Bay Bridge traffic), head to Colonial Beach on Virginia’s Northern Neck. What feels like a beach is actually the Potomac River with a boardwalk along the water with plenty of swimming and a beachfront for building sand castles. North Beach is our favorite of the four beaches here. It’s quiet and close enough to the action on the Boardwalk, with secluded shady spots perfect for a post-swim picnic.
Poolesville, Maryland
Skip the pool and head straight to Poolesville, Maryland. This small town is located in Montgomery County’s northern farm belt region and features a babbling creek that’s extremely kid-friendly. The water only reaches your knees, and you can pick a shaded spot to picnic or quietly read a book with the sounds of the Seneca Creek in the background. It’s also an easy and accessible option that’s just an hour outside DC.
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Just outside Harrisonburg, Virginia, you’ll find several mountain streams, including along the Fridley Gap trail, a secluded hike that takes you past a somewhat secret waterfall and watering hole. Dip your toes in or dunk yourself to cool off. But warning: These mountain streams run ice-cold, which means it might be an eye-opening plunge.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Near the border of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia sits Harpers Ferry, a tuber's delight for relaxing river runs near DC. With tubing companies dotting the river and Harpers Ferry Adventure Center is a popular spot. Just be sure to wear water shoes or sandals because this riverbed is notoriously rocky and most float trips will require them. For all your beverage needs, many of the tube companies will supply you with a floatable cooler that you can tie and tow to your tube. Be on the lookout for riverbank rope swings, where you can hurl yourself out and into the water.
Swimmable lakes near DC
Hesston, Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania's Alleghenies region, sits an 8,300-acre lake set in a wilderness area that includes two public swimming beaches. The Seven Points Recreation Area Beach is the larger of the two. In addition to swimming, there’s a federal campground, private marina, picnic areas, nature trails, and a mountain bike skills park. Meanwhile, the smaller beach, Tatman Run, is quieter and less developed and offers beautiful views just a few minutes away from hiking in Trough Creek State Park.
Boonsboro, Maryland
This man-made lake is near the Appalachian Trail and features crystal-clear water on a 42-acre site. In the summer months, it’s ideal for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. If you're looking to get out on the water, there're also boat rentals available.
Spotsylvania, Virginia
Lake lovers can head south of DC to this large man-made lake, offering sandy beaches, swimming areas, and a healthy stock of largemouth bass. You can also cruise around on a pontoon boat, or rent one of the sprawling log houses that line the lake.
Thurmont, Maryland
It’s a short hike to reach Cunningham Falls, Maryland’s largest waterfall, which tops out at 78 feet and features several cascading waterfalls. The pool at the bottom of the falls is perfect for frolicking, and the swimming lake nearby is where you can relax on a pool float in much calmer waters. Adjacent to the waterfalls is Hunting Creek Lake, a man-made lake with warm water and leisurely opportunities for swimming, fishing, camping, and canoeing.
Natural springs near DC
Capon Springs, West Virginia
Travelers have been coming to Capon Springs since the late 1700s to take in a relaxing and restorative dip. At this private resort about a two-hour drive west of DC, the springwaters constantly flow and even power a water wheel on a nearby creek. The facility is classified as a “bathing beach” of pure water instead of your chemically-laden pool, and it’s a third-generation owned resort with many historic and quaint touches.
Bedford, Pennsylvania
Head to Bedford Springs for a natural hot springs resort with deluxe spa treatments and some much needed R&R to recharge. For centuries, weary travelers have flocked to The Omni Bedford Springs Resort, a historic hotel tucked away in the foothill of Pennsylvania’s Cumberland mountains. Surrounded by a small town brimming with Main Street charm, experience a sulfur soak while also enjoying the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, along with water sports and fly fishing.