The Best Swimming Holes In Oklahoma

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: June 5, 2023
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There’s no denying that summers in Oklahoma can get sweltering. To cool off and beat the heat, make a trip to one of these refreshing swimming holes!

Blue Hole Park

Blue Hole Park, Oklahoma Swimming Holes

In addition to being a popular swimming destination, Blue Hole Park is a great place for crawdad fishing.

©Professional pictures 20/Shutterstock.com

Blue Hole Park’s crystal-clear, chilly waters have long drawn swimmers from the surrounding Tulsa area. This well-liked summertime vacation spot is perfect for crawdad fishing and old-fashioned family entertainment. 

Little ones will love the shallow area. There is also a concession booth, where you may get food between diving sessions. For lengthy journeys, camping spaces for RVs and tents are provided. It should be noted that wearing sandals or water shoes with straps is advised for swimming in Blue Hole Park.

Gage Artesian Beach

Artesian Beach in Gage, Oklahoma, Swimming Holes in Oklahoma

Gage, Oklahoma, is the home of Artesian Beach.

©Leaflet/Wikimedia Commons – License

Artesian Beach, possibly Oklahoma’s most distinctive swimming hole, is a must-visit location. This is because of both its history and its cold waters. Once an oil drilling crew suddenly encountered water, they developed this well-liked swimming hole in the early 1900s.

A natural pool was created as the water erupted from the adjoining Oklahoma dirt. The beach currently has cement walls and a sand-like lake bed. These came after a brief time as a health resort that advertised the therapeutic benefits of the emerald mineral waters.

Take the whole family and enjoy seeing how much fun the youngsters have on the slides and diving platform.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw Recreation Area, Oklahoma, Swimming Holes in Oklahoma

Chickasaw National Recreation — originally Platt National Park — is a popular place for visitors looking to swim.

©Kit Leong/Shutterstock.com

Since the early 1900s, when it was still Platt National Park, visitors to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur have coincided with increasing temperatures. The chilly waters of Travertine Creek surround Little Niagara, one of the most well-liked swimming spots in the park.

Additionally, wonderful locations to take in the gushing and gurgling of the water while enjoying a meal along the seashore are Garfield Falls, Panther Falls, and Bear Falls. Call the office and confirm that enough rain has fallen to fill the stream and that the water is running before visiting the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Turner Falls Park

Turner Falls, Oklahoma Swimming Holes

Water cascades into a lake at Turner Falls, creating a serene place to swim.

©Sari ONeal/Shutterstock.com

Turner Falls Park near Davis is home to one of the state’s highest waterfalls that pours into a natural pool underneath. You’ll also find picturesque mountains and breathtaking views around the swimming hole.

For a weekend of swimming, sliding, and roasting s’mores over a bonfire, reserve a cabin nearby. In the warmest months of the year, an afternoon spent at Turner Falls is a genuine Oklahoma experience. 

During the busiest months, tens of thousands of people come to take advantage of the cool water and nearby hiking and cave exploring.

Medicine Park Creek

Medicine Park Creek, Oklahoma Swimming Holes

Medicine Park is a resort town in Oklahoma that is situated near the Wichita Mountains.

©Richard G Smith/Shutterstock.com

The first cobblestone hamlet in Oklahoma, Medicine Park in southwest Oklahoma, was a well-liked vacation destination in the 1920s and 1930s. The region, once frequented by starlets, outlaws, and other celebrities, has recently undergone a renaissance as a well-liked holiday destination close to the Wichita Mountains. 

For both locals and tourists, Medicine Park Creek offers beautiful waterfalls and a wonderful swimming area. Also, a number of bridges cross the town’s central creek, making it simple to reach all of Medicine Park’s attractive sights.

Pennington Creek Park

Pennington Creek, Oklahoma Swimming Holes

The water at Pennington Creek cascades over a dam, creating a waterfall.

©Charles Lemar Brown/Shutterstock.com

Swim in the calmly running waters of Pennington Creek close to the dam, to which a 15-acre park close to the town’s core is home. The swimming hole that the dam produces, which is sizable and scenic, draws in many people seeking to cool themselves on hot summer afternoons.

Beautiful trees and local vegetation surround the swimming area, and the cool, invigorating water only enhances the natural beauty of the place. At Pennington Creek Park, extend your journey to Tishomingo by bringing a tent.

There are numerous more attractions close by, as well as on-site restroom and shower facilities.

Mountain Fork River at Beavers Bend State Park

Mountain Fork River at Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma Swimming Holes

Mountain Fork River is part of Beavers Bend State Park.

©Silvio Ligutti/Shutterstock.com

Beavers Bend State Park is renowned for its stunning autumn colors when the leaves turn, but outdoor enthusiasts swarm to this idyllic Oklahoma location in the summer to take advantage of the strong currents of the Mountain Fork River. 

Close to Broken Bow, you’ll find a little inlet close to the park’s center that makes a great swimming hole and meeting place for friends and family. Bring some extra cash with you for nearby attractions like the nearby mini golf course, paddle boat and canoe rentals, snack shop delights, and even a snow cone booth.

Illinois River

Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Swimming Holes in Oklahoma

The Illinois River in Oklahoma is close to Tahlequah, where the river’s visitors can curb their appetite after a swim.

©mattman7474/Shutterstock.com

The Illinois River, which is bordered by lush vegetation and unusual rock formations, has long been a popular spot for kayaking and rafting. There are various public access locations along the river every few kilometers, so don your swimsuit and dive in. 

Swimming is permitted at the Watts Public Access location as well as Round Hollow, Stunkard, Peavine, Edmonson, No Head Hollow, Todd, Echota, and Sequoyah Club. Along the river, there are various camping locations and float trip providers. 

Following a day on the lake, if hunger strikes, nearby Tahlequah for pizza, coffee houses, and more are perfect ways to curb your appetite!

Summary Of The Best Swimming Holes In Oklahoma

RankSwimming HoleSoutheast Oklahoma
1Blue Hole ParkSalina
2Gage Artesian BeachGage
3Chickasaw National Recreation AreaSulphur
4Turner Falls ParkDavis
5Medicine Park CreekComanche County
6Mountain Fork River at Beavers Bend State Parksoutheast Oklahoma
7Pennington Creek ParkTishomingo
8Illinois Riverclose to Tahlequah
Summary Table Of The Best Swimming Holes In Oklahoma

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Richard G Smith/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!

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