The Best Swimming Spots in Missouri: Lakes, Rivers, and More

Missouri is a state with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and exciting recreational activities. One of the state’s most beloved attributes is its abundance of rivers and lakes, which provide endless opportunities for swimming and other water-related activities. Whether you seek the calm of a sandy beach or the excitement of fast-moving rapids, Missouri’s waterways cater to all types of swimmers. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best swimming spots throughout the state, highlighting both lesser-known hidden gems and popular hotspots.

Keep reading to explore our list of 12 of the best swimming spots in Missouri, including lakes, rivers, and more!

1. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is renowned for its unique geological features, which include a series of shut-ins – narrow gorges formed by natural water erosion – that create pools and small waterfalls. While swimming in the shallow parts of the park’s stream is allowed, it is important to note that the shut-ins can be dangerous due to their strong water currents.

The park offers visitors a variety of other recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and picnicking. There are several trails throughout the park that provide scenic views of the surrounding forest and rock formations, and the park’s campgrounds provide rustic camping options for those who want to stay overnight. Overall, visitors to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park can enjoy a unique outdoor experience and take advantage of the park’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

2. Finger Lakes State Park 

Finger Lakes State Park is a Missouri State Park located near Columbia, MO. The park has a four-acre swim beach, which is open from Memorial Day weekend until late September. Visitors can also swim in other bodies of water within the park, except for the boat ramp area. Swimming is at your own risk. The park also offers paddle boats, fishing, and camping opportunities. Please note that the park is also home to an off-road vehicle park, which could impact some visitors’ experience.

3. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and water lovers alike. Located on the shores of the sprawling Lake of the Ozarks, the park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.

In terms of swimming, there are several designated swimming beaches within the park that are open during the summer months, complete with changing rooms, restrooms, and showers. The park also offers boat rentals and boat launches for those who prefer to enjoy the lake from the water.

For those who want to stay overnight, the park has a variety of camping options, including both traditional tent and RV sites, as well as more rustic cabins for those who prefer a little more comfort. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse array of recreational opportunities, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a haven for anyone who loves spending time outdoors and on the water.

4. Stockton Lake

Visitors to Stockton Lake in Missouri enjoy water sports and swimming. They take advantage of the clear waters that beckon them to water ski, scuba dive, fish, or swim. There is a designated swimming beach at Stockton State Park, which is perfect for those who wish to enjoy the lake for swimming. However, there have been occasional issues with elevated bacteria levels during heavy rains, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Visitors should also note that there have been incidents of swimming accidents at Stockton Lake, so it’s always important to exercise caution when swimming in any body of water. Overall, Stockton Lake is a great destination for those looking for water-based recreational activities.

5. Cuivre River State Park

Cuivre River State Park is a large and rugged state park in northern Missouri, encompassing 6,400 acres. While there are many recreational opportunities here, including hiking, camping, and fishing, there is only one designated swimming spot in the park, which is Lake Lincoln. The public swimming beach on Lake Lincoln is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day, with a change house provided for visitors. Although many people choose to cool off by swimming in the rivers and streams at this state park in Missouri, it is advised to do so at your own risk.

Visitors should note that water quality is regularly sampled and monitored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the park has several hiking trails that provide scenic views of the forested Ozark landscape, making it a popular destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

6. Current River

Current River is a popular and scenic river in Missouri that’s known for its clear waters and abundant recreational opportunities. Visitors to the area can enjoy swimming, fishing, and floating down the river on inner tubes or canoes. Some search results indicate that there are several swimming spots along the river that are popular with visitors, including Watercress in Van Buren (Lower Current River) and some sandy beaches.

Several state parks are also located along the river, including Current River State Park, which offers two lakes and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy while they’re there. It’s important to note that the river has currents and deep drop-offs in some areas, so it’s essential to exercise caution and follow posted warning signs. Overall, Current River is a great destination for those looking to experience the beauty of Missouri’s natural landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming.

7. Lake Wappapello

Lake Wappapello is a large reservoir located in Southeast Missouri. The lake has several designated swimming areas where visitors can enjoy the water, including Rockwood Point Beach, Redman Creek Beach, and Peoples Creek Beach. These swimming areas are open to the public and are generally monitored by park personnel during the summer months.

Visitors who want to swim at these beaches should note that swimming is at their own risk and there are no lifeguards on duty. It’s also important to keep an eye on children, especially in the water, for their safety.

In addition to swimming, Lake Wappapello State Park also offers camping, hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors should note that the water quality at the lake can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors and that the water may sometimes be less than ideal for swimming.

8. Sam A. Baker State Park

Sam A. Baker State Park is a beautiful state park located in southeast Missouri, known for its natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek. There are several swimming spots in the park, including Rockpile Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. There is also a swimming pool located near the campground which is a great option for families with young children.

Visitors to Sam A. Baker State Park can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. The park has two campgrounds and an equestrian campground, providing ample opportunities for visitors to spend the night and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In addition, the park offers several hiking trails, including the Shut-In Trail, which follows the St. Francis River and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

9. Meramec State Park

Meramec State Park is a scenic state park located in eastern Missouri, on the banks of the Meramec River. The park features a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and swimming. While there are no designated swimming areas at Meramec State Park, visitors are welcome to swim in the river at their own risk. Some visitors suggest that there is an easy swimming hole in the campground area where visitors can take a dip.

Water enthusiasts might enjoy exploring the Meramec River as it winds past scenic cliffs, forested regions, and a spectacular cave entrance. Visitors can even take guided tours of Fisher Cave, one of more than 40 caverns in the park, on a seasonal basis for a small charge. There are also more than 13 miles of trails throughout the park that you can explore to see the sights.

10. Pomme de Terre Lake

Pomme de Terre Lake is a beautiful lake located in southwest Missouri, and it is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. There are two designated swimming beaches at the lake, one located in Nemo Park and the other in Wheatland Park, both of which are open from April 16th to September 30th. Visitors can also swim off of their boats or head to one of the lake’s many coves for a more secluded swimming experience.

While swimming, visitors should be aware of the lake’s varying depths and underwater hazards, such as submerged rocks and logs. It’s important to note that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources samples the water quality at all designated swimming beaches in the state park system on a weekly basis during the summer months to ensure the safety of visitors.

Apart from swimming, Pomme de Terre Lake offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing for bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, and muskie, as well as boating and water skiing. Pomme de Terre Lake is a great destination for those looking to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in Missouri.

11. Blue Springs Ranch

Blue Springs Ranch is a family-oriented camping destination located in Bourbon, Missouri. The ranch offers visitors a range of activities, including camping, cabins, float trips, horseback riding, zipline, rock climbing, and more. One of the main attractions of Blue Springs Ranch is the spring-fed swimming hole located on the property. Visitors can cool off in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot summer day.

The ranch also has a swimming pool that visitors can use if they prefer swimming in more chlorinated waters. Additionally, Blue Springs Ranch provides access to the Meramec River, allowing visitors to float, kayak, and canoe their way down the river. Blue Springs Ranch is a great destination for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities in Missouri, with swimming being one of the many options available.

12. Swan Creek

Last, but certainly not least on the list, Swan Creek is a hidden gem for swimming enthusiasts in Missouri. It has multiple swimming holes and rocky bluffs for jumping into the water. The water is also crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and other water activities. Due to its secluded location, away from any major highways or tourist hotspots, the area is relatively uncrowded even on hot summer days. All these features make Swan Creek a perfect destination for those looking for a secluded and peaceful place to cool off during hot summer days in Missouri!