This Natural Water Park in Illinois Is a Summer Dream Come True

One of the most well-known swimming holes in Illinois is the epitome of a natural wonder, and it's refreshing. The one-mile hike to Bell Smith Springs, a natural water park in Illinois, is part of the experience. Sandstone cliffs line some parts of the park's trails, and huge boulders create fascinating forms in vibrantly blue pools.

Today, this hidden swimming hole in Ozark, draws attention from around the state for being one of the best cliff jumping spots around. Beyond that, there are swimming areas, narrow staircases, and a one-of-a-kind ladder that has transformed this rocky wonder into a kind of natural water park. And we think it’s one of the best places to swim in Illinois. Here’s why.

What Makes This Natural Water Park So Unique

Bell Smith Springs is located within the Shawnee National Forest near the small town of Ozark, IL. There are eight miles of trails and a natural rock bridge worth checking out if you have time to explore the entire area. Between the rock formations, narrow canyons, high bluffs, hidden waterfalls, flowing springs, and swimming holes, the rugged terrain of this 1,300-acre park contrasts with the expansive prairie lands in other parts of the state, making it a unique destination to explore in Illinois.

Plus, the landscape of the park feels like a natural waterpark, featuring ladders, steps, large boulders, and lots of pooling water from Bay Creek. Locals enjoy scaling the massive boulders, chasing the seasonal waterfalls, and getting their feet wet in the swimming holes. This is the kind of place where families (especially with younger kids) can spend an entire day. It's easily one of the best swimming holes in Illinois.

What to Expect When You Visit

Take the one-mile Bell Smith Springs White Trail Loop to get to the swimming hole. I suggest plotting your path based on whether you want to start your day swimming and dry in the sunshine, or if you'd prefer to build up a sweat and cool off at the end. Some visitors to the park mentioned going cliff jumping at points across the park. Do so at your own risk, and always double-check the depth of the water before you leap!

While the thrills of visiting Bell Smith Springs gravitate around the water and the massive rocks, some other features in the park will get your heart pumping. The stone staircase cutting through the sandstone can turn treacherous if you try to run up with wet feet! Sometimes, dogs and even young children have found this climb a little nerve-wracking, but there is an alternative route to get down if need be.

The Devil’s Backbone sounds like it could be the name of a high-speed waterslide thrill, doesn’t it? It’s actually the name of a series of boulders rising out of water within Bell Smith Springs. If you are more of a "lie on a beach chair" type than a water slide rider, there are huge angled rocks you could swim up to and sunbathe on for a bit. The thrills you get at Bell Smith are really up to you! There are a few water holes around the park, but some are better for swimming than others.

Not to alarm you, but you should be on the lookout for snakes before you dive in. Better safe than sorry when it comes to that, in my opinion! Along the Sentry Bluff Trail, ladder rungs extend from the side of a mossy boulder. It would take me a moment to muster the courage to climb this, but for the views from the top, you have to give it a try. It's part of the fun here!

A huge canyon runs through the park. Standing at the top of the cliffs, you can enjoy a scenic view of the rock formations that make them seem almost abstract. One of my favorite elements of Bells Smith Springs is that you can get an almost bird's-eye view of some of the swimming holes. If you decide to tack on some hiking to your water park adventure, check out the Mill Branch Trail.

A rope swing dangles just above the water off the trail. I would be too tempted not to swing on it and cannonball into the turquoise water below! All across Bell Smith Springs there are trickling creeks and shallow streams. While I wouldn't go so far as to suggest tubing down these, they could be fun to explore by foot for a little while. Definitely pack some hardy water shoes for this journey!

Best Time to Visit This Illinois Swimming Spot

You'll want to plan your trip a day or so after the area has received some heavy rains. Naturally, the summer, from June to August, is when you want to take a trip here. The spring-fed pools offer a place to cool off when the weather is warm outside. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, consider visiting on a weekday when the park is much quieter. If the weather is warm enough, late spring might be ideal as well, but the water temperature in the swimming holes will be on the colder side.

With multiple parking lots, there will be enough spots, but the lot near Hunting Branch will be the easiest way to access the swimming holes without the extra climbing. Although I think scaling the steps is part of the fun here. Bring everything you need for a day of fun, and remember that facilities are primitive and only available near the parking lot. Be sure to visit Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area for more information.

As part of my Illinois summer bucket list, I'm preparing my road trip snacks now to make sure I get out to Bell Smith Springs as soon as I can. This free natural water park is a sweet reminder that the best playgrounds are found in nature and waiting to be discovered. If you are planning to make it out to Ozark (I recommend that you do), visit the Enjoy Illinois site to find more places to see in the area.