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
Pennington Creek, W 6th St, Tishomingo, OK 73460, USA
Linda Lee/Google Reviews
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
Travertine Creek, Oklahoma 73086, USA
jonathanw100/Flickr
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
Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center, 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
Laura B Techo/Google Reviews
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
Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
sarahbelle1/Flickr
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
Illinois River, Tahlequah, OK 74464, USA
OakleyOriginals/Flickr
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
Blue Hole Park LLC, 84 S 447, Salina, OK 74365, USA
Nate Tanner/Google Photos
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
Bath Lake Medicine Park, Medicine Park, OK 73557, USA
cstar55 / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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
Pawnee Bathhouse, 801 Pawnee Lake Rd, Pawnee, OK 74058, USA
Pawnee Recreational Area/Facebook
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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Swimming Holes In Oklahoma

Melissa M | May 01, 2021

Does Oklahoma have any beaches?

Some of the best beaches in Oklahoma include:

 

For a landlocked state, you may be surprised to find that the Sooner State has several beaches where you can sit in the sand and relax. Foss Lake has over 60 miles of shoreline and a beach that is as sandy as the ones you’d find along the coast. Sunset Beach provides wonderful places to spend some time and offers many recreational activities as well. Lake Murray in Ardmore has several beaches and is so picturesque you may never want to leave. With over 12,000 acres, there’s a lot to explore both on and off the water.

What are the best waterfalls in Oklahoma?

Some of the best waterfalls in Oklahoma include:

 

One of the most beautiful and tallest waterfalls in the state is located at Natural Falls State Park in Siloam Springs. Take a loop trail to view the majestic 77-foot-tall Natural Falls, with water that falls into a natural blue pool below. It’s absolutely breathtaking! If you would like to hike along a trail that leads to several waterfalls, then make your way to McGee Creek State Park and hike along some of the 25 miles of trails through the forest, past creeks, and past waterfalls. There is a campsite available here if you would like to spend more time chasing waterfalls.

What is summer in Oklahoma like?

Oklahoma summers can be hot and humid and may seem very long for some years. There are many days with temperatures over 100 degrees and rainstorms often occur. For a visual look at what Oklahoma summers are like check out this article with a humorous look at Oklahoma summers.

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