8 Beautiful Swimming Holes in Oklahoma That You Must Check Out This Summer

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 are idyllic spots to cool down on a summer day. 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, Travertine Creek is a popular destination for those wanting a cold and clear place to swim. Remember 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, a 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 State Park in our previous coverage.

4. Turner Falls - Davis

Who doesn't love swimming near the largest waterfall in Oklahoma? Between the Caribbean blue water and the idyllic landscape, this is one swimming hole in Oklahoma you'll find hard to leave. The good news is that you can camp at Turner Falls 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 two-acre freshwater pool. Enjoy the sandy beach, high dive, water slide, diving board, paddle boats, and even a water trampoline. Admission is $3 per person. Visit the Travel OK website for hours of operation.

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 this article with someone you want to visit one of these swimming holes in Oklahoma with.

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 neat places to swim in Oklahoma.