Posted in Missouri Nature, On The Water April 01, 2023 by

These 10 Swimming Holes Have The Clearest, Most Pristine Water In Missouri

Pools are great and all, but nothing beats the summer heat like an afternoon wading, tubing, floating, or splashing around a natural swimming hole. Fortunately, we’re never too far from a refreshing Missouri swimming hole, where we can get a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat. Here are 10 of the best swimming holes in Missouri.

1. Finger Lakes State Park – Columbia
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The clear, cool waters of the quarry lake in Finger Lakes State Park are perfect for beating the summer heat. Although most access the lake via the beach, if you head to the opposite end of the lake, there's a nice little swim platform. Did you know you can also paddle at Finger Lakes State Park? Learn more about this Missouri state park in our previous article.
1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA
2. Big Creek in Sam A. Baker State Park – Patterson
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Dying to take a dip? Head to Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson for the refreshing waters of Big Creek. You can reach this gorgeous Missouri swimming hole via a scenic trail.
Patterson, MO 63956, USA
3. Big River in St. Francois State Park – Bonne Terre
Trip Advisor/Cryptic_Tourist
Kiddos love to splash in the shallow shore, while more adventurous types should hike Mooner's Hollow Trail to access some secluded, clear, cool swimming holes. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this Missouri trail that leads to a swimming hole.
8920 US-67, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
4. Castor River Shut-Ins - Fredericktown
Amidon Memorial Conservation Area/Facebook
This is the only swimming hole in Missouri featuring pink granite shut-ins. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. Read more about this natural swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article.
1514 Co Rd 253, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
5. Rocky Falls Shut-In – Winona
Google/Gene Harrison
Rocky Falls features that famous clear running water of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The shut-in pool at the base of the waterfall provides awesome views of the 40-foot falls - the largest in the state. It's a popular spot for Missourians, and visitors, who want to cool off in the summer. Take a peek at this waterfall swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article.
Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO 65588, USA
6. Lake Lincoln – Troy
Google/Harold Osorio
It's no wonder Cuivre River State Park's beach is a popular summer hangout - the water feels just as good as it looks. Bring all of your beach gear for a day of fun under the sun. Check out this Missouri beach in a previous article.
678 MO-147, Troy, MO 63379, USA
7. Johnson's Shut In – Middle Brook
N/Flickr
No list of Missouri swimming holes would be complete without this one. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Get a glimpse of the summer fun that awaits at this natural waterslide in Missouri.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA
8. Wakonda Lake – La Grange
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Wakonda Lake features the largest natural sand swimming beach in the Missouri state park system. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. Read more about this lake with the clearest water in Missouri in a previous article.
State Park Road, State Pk Rd, Union Township, MO 63448, USA
9. Stockton State Park
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Don't you feel cooler already just looking at a photo of this cool, clear lake? Stockton State Park is home to one of the clearest lakes in Missouri and a gorgeous gravel beach.
19100 MO-215, Dadeville, MO 65635, USA
10. Blue Spring
All Trails/Rich Widener
This North Fork spring is gorgeous. It's located downstream from Hammond Mill Park.

What do you think are the best swimming holes in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Looking for more Missouri summer ideas? Check out this awesome little known lake in Missouri! And for even more swimming hole fun, check out these seven Missouri swimming holes that will make your summer epic!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Swimming Holes In Missouri

July 27, 2022
Beth Price-Williams

What is the clearest lake in Missouri?

With the many swimming holes in Missouri, we’re never too far from an easy and fun way to stay cool during the summer. Did you know that we can also find some of the clearest lakes in Missouri, too? Lake Lincoln in Troy is right at the top of that list. It sits at the end of a soft sandy beach, which beckons beachgoers all summer long. Long Branch Lake in Macon is another beautiful body of water that boasts pristine water. The lake is popular with swimmers as well as boaters. Work up a good sweat while playing a game of volleyball on the sand before diving into the crystal clear water. You’ll absolutely love the man-made Table Rock Lake in Branson. However, there’s only one swimming beach that leads into the lake – and that’s Moonshine Beach. The spacious beach is reminiscent of the ocean and offers plenty of space to kick back and relax.