The Best Swimming Holes In Arkansas

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: August 16, 2023
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With approximately 10,000 miles of streams and rivers, over 600,000 acres of lakes, and other natural features, Arkansas should have plenty of places for you to enjoy. Browse a few swimming holes while you’re out exploring, whether you’re looking for dazzling treasures, taking in the state and national parks, or exploring The Folk Capital of America.

The Ouachita National Forest’s center contains the Walnut Creek swimming hole.

Collins Creek

Courtesy of a restoration pipe that was built following the construction of the Greers Ferry dam, this freezing cold stream emerges from Greers Ferry Lake. The creek includes cascading falls and plenty of spots to unwind and cool down after a day of fishing or trekking. It is more of a wading creek than a swimming area. 

The sole natural trout stream in Arkansas is Collins Creek, which has both brown and rainbow trout. Only visitors who are 16 and under are permitted to fish, and capture and release is the only authorized method. You can access the waterfalls from either the top or bottom, and there is a parking space nearby.

Collins Creek, Arkansas

The sole natural

trout

stream in Arkansas is Collins Creek, which has both brown and rainbow trout.

©DWBMedia/Shutterstock.com

Little Missouri River

Before it reaches the Narrows Dam, which forms Lake Greeson, the Little Missouri River travels through the Ouachita Mountains, starting in western Arkansas southeast of Mena. The Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is technically an extinct volcano in Arkansas and the only open-air diamond mine on the planet, is passed by the river beneath the dam. 

The 1/4-mile Little Missouri Falls walk is regarded as a simple trek because of its short length.

Many visitors like splashing around and swimming in the Little Missouri River’s chilly waters while admiring the splendor of the Little Missouri Falls. 

One of thirteen outstanding swimming places in Arkansas was dubbed the Little Missouri River! The spring and autumn seasons are ideal for seeing the falls. In fact, the falls are extra lovely because of the spring rains. 

The recreation area along the Little Missouri River is a favorite spot. It is free to utilize this recreation facility, which has picnic tables and restrooms. The picturesque hiking trail and flowing waterfalls are popular attractions in this area.

Little Missouri Falls, Arkansas

Many visitors like splashing around and swimming in the Little Missouri River’s chilly waters while admiring the splendor of the Little Missouri Falls.

©Shawn Herrington/Shutterstock.com

Walnut Creek

The Ouachita National Forest’s center contains this swimming hole. The Charlton Recreation Area also referred to as Camp Charlton, offers a variety of attractions, including swimming, hiking, and camping with basic or full hookups. 

The swimming spot is a portion of Walnut Creek, a chilly mountain spring-fed spring. It is given that taking a quick rinse in the stream will instantly cool you off if you are overheated on a very hot day.

Because of the temperature of the water, it’s best to save this swimming location for the climax of summer weather! When you’re done cooling off, locals say it’s the perfect spot to skip stones! 

Ouachita Mountains

The Ouachita National Forest’s center contains this swimming hole.

©Tammo2011 / CC0 1.0 – License

Lake Sylvia 

The Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is located in the northeastern portion of the Ouachita National Forest, tucked amid picturesque pine and oak-covered slopes. Only 38 miles west of Little Rock, the tranquil 18-acre lake is well known for its swimming and fishing options. 

Visitors have the option of hiking, taking a leisurely nature walk, backpacking along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, trail running, or gravel grinding on the system of trails. A swimming beach, restrooms, and picnic areas are also present.

Lake Sylvia, Arkansas

The Lake Sylvia Recreation Area is located in the northeastern portion of the Ouachita National Forest, tucked amid picturesque pine and oak-covered slopes.

©BierstadtMassif, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Twin Falls of Richland

Two beautiful waterfalls can be reached by hiking to Richland Falls and Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area. At the Richland Creek Campground, the climb to Richland Falls and Twin Falls of Richland Creek commences. Follow the right road leading to the day-use area from the campground’s gate. 

You will reach Richland Falls shortly. The falls, which extend across the entire creek, is around eight feet tall. Here, you can take a rest or even go swimming if you want to. Upstream till you come back to Big Devil’s Fork Creek. Here, take a left and proceed upstream along the creek. The fork is only a short walk from Twin Falls.

The highlight of the hike is Twin Falls, which is in my opinion one of Arkansas’ most beautiful waterfalls. Spend a lot of time here hanging out and snapping photos.

Twin Falls at Richland Creek

Two beautiful waterfalls can be reached by hiking to Richland Falls and Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area.

©Ross Ellet/Shutterstock.com

Lake Ponder

Because of how closely connected Crowley’s Ridge State Park is to daily life in Northwest Arkansas, it’s simple for residents to overlook the park’s unique geology and ecology. The ridge is essentially an island creation of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers’ historic courses. 

With its mixture of mild slopes and spectacular rises, rising around 200 feet above the plain, it runs for over 200 miles from Missouri to Arkansas. An old-fashioned bathing place is Lake Ponder. Relax on the beach, take a dip in the spring-fed water, rent a pedal boat or kayak, or play some beach volleyball. 

The lifeguards are on duty in the summer. Walcott Lake in the park is primarily for fishing. It’s modest, but you catch trophy-sized largemouth bass and catfish. Launch a boat or make a cast from the barrier-free pier.

Lake Ponder at Crowleys Ridge State Park

Lake Ponder is a spring-fed lake in Crowley’s Ridge State Park intended for swimming.

©Dennis Adams, Federal Highway Administration/Public Domain – License

Summary of the Best Swimming Holes in Arkansas

Swimming HoleLocation
1Collins Creeknear Herber Springs
2Little Missouri RiverOuachita Mountains
3Walnut CreekOuachita National Forest
4Lake Sylvianortheastern portion of the Ouachita National Forest
5Twin Falls of RichlandRichland Creek Campground
6Crowley’s Ridge State ParkLake Ponder

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ross Ellet/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How was Collins Creek made?

Courtesy of a restoration pipe that was built following the construction of the Greers Ferry dam, this freezing cold stream emerges from Greers Ferry Lake. The creek includes cascading falls and plenty of spots to unwind and cool down after a day of fishing or trekking. It is more of a wading creek than a swimming area. 

Where is a good waterfall hike?

Two beautiful waterfalls can be reached by hiking to Richland Falls and Twin Falls in the Richland Creek Wilderness Area. At the Richland Creek Campground, the climb to Richland Falls and Twin Falls of Richland Creek commences. Follow the right road leading to the day-use area from the campground’s gate. 

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