Looking for places in the Sooner State to cool down during the hot summer months? Oklahoma has some incredible natural areas with epic views and some of them are near lakes, waterfalls, and hidden pools of water. That means there are plenty of swimming places in Oklahoma to be discovered. No summer is complete until you have visited these swimming holes in Oklahoma. So let's get right to it and share a few of our favorite places to swim in OK.
1. Pennington Creek - Tishomingo
Here you will find a 15-acre park that provides a fun day of activities, from a simple picnic to jumping in the creek after a long hike. Read more about Pennington Creek in our previous coverage.
Join Go Wild History as they travel to Pennington Creek Park in Tishomingo, definitely one of the best Oklahoma swimming holes:
2. Travertine Creek - Sulphur
Located in Chickasaw National Park, this creek is a popular destination for those wanting a cold and clear place to swim. Don't forget to bring your tennis shoes and hike the 1.5-mile trail that runs along the creek. Read our previous post for more information on Travertine Creek.
3. Beavers Bend - Broken Bow Lake
Find a calm stream, crystal-clear lake, or an old swimming hole to jump in and cool off. With over 180 miles of shoreline on Broken Bow Lake, you will have plenty of places to get wet. Read more about Beavers Bend in our previous coverage.
4. Turner Falls - Davis
Who doesn't love swimming near gorgeous one of the prettiest waterfalls in Oklahoma? Plan on spending some money for access to this park. Read our previous post for more information on Turner Falls and check the Turner Falls Park website for current pricing.
The beautiful Turner Falls in Davis, OK is another one of our featured secret swimming holes in Oklahoma. Take a tour of this incredible area with Park Junkie Katie:
5. Illinois River - Tahlequah
This summer in Oklahoma, cool off down the Illinois River on a raft, canoe, or kayak. It's a great family activity but be mindful that on the weekends you might encounter some "party" crowds along the way. Read more about floating along the Illinois River in this article.
6. Blue Hole Park - Salina
Bring your water shoes and enjoy the ice-cold spring water that feeds this spot. The rocks are a little bothersome but the crystal blue water is worth the drive at Blue Hole Park.
7. Bath Lake Swimming Hole - Medicine Creek
This swimming pool is filled with water from nearby Medicine Creek. While you are here, you can check out the unique cobblestone architecture that surrounds this water or take a swim at the other lakes in the park. Read more about the Medicine Creek swimming hole and the surrounding town in our previous article.
8. Pawnee Bath House Water Park - Pawnee
The beautiful sandstone rock bath house sits atop a 2-acre fresh-water pool. Enjoy the sandy beach, high dive, water slide, diving board, paddle boats, and even a water trampoline. Read our previous post about the Pawnee Bath House for more information.
Check out this exploration of the Pawnee Bath House in Pawnee, Oklahoma in this video from Roaming Ryan:
Have you been to any of these Oklahoma swimming holes? What are your favorite spots for staying cool in the hot summer months? Share your favorite swimming holes in Oklahoma with a comment.
There is nothing better than finishing a long hike with a dip in a cool pool of water. Here is a trail that leads to some prey neat places to swim in Oklahoma.
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