With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to find the best places to cool off in Missouri. This guide highlights some lesser-known swimming spots that are worth a visit. From spring-fed pools to natural waterparks, these locations offer great opportunities for a refreshing dip and a day of fun. Whether you are looking for a good swimming hole within an hour’s drive of St. Louis or somewhere to spend a long weekend, this list includes something for everyone.
From cliff jumps and rope swings to off-the-beaten-path spots with clear water, Missouri has some truly great swimming holes near St. Louis and beyond.
Use this list to quickly navigate through our recommendations!
Devil’s Pool
Big Spring
Round Spring
Finger Lakes State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Echo Bluff State Park
Meramec Spring
Huzzah Creek
Rock Bridge State Park
Greer Spring
Castor River Shut-Ins
Fugitive Beach
Rocky Falls
Devil’s Pool
Devil’s Pool is a scenic swimming spot located below a waterfall in the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve. It offers a refreshing dip in a beautiful natural setting, accessible via hiking trails. This is a great place for a short drive from St. Louis.
- Location: Near Ridgedale, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~80 miles (south)
- Highlights: Scenic pool below a waterfall, part of the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, short distance from the parking lot.
Big Spring
Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the United States, is situated within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Its crystal-clear waters and picturesque setting make it ideal for family outings. This spot is perfect for those looking for a refreshing swim in southeast Missouri. The area offers calm waters and is a favorite spot among locals.
- Location: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Van Buren, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~120 miles (south)
- Highlights: One of the largest springs in the U.S., crystal-clear water, picturesque setting, great addition to your summer destinations.
Round Spring
Round Spring is a spring-fed pool located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It is popular for canoeing and swimming, with facilities available for visitors. It’s a wonderful place to cool off during the summer heat. The water levels here are perfect for a quick swim.
- Location: Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Distance from St. Louis: ~180 miles (south)
- Highlights: Spring-fed pool, surrounded by natural beauty, popular for canoeing and swimming, lovely spot for families.
Finger Lakes State Park
Finger Lakes State Park, a former coal mining area, has been transformed into a series of lakes perfect for swimming and kayaking. It offers a unique recreational experience near Columbia and is a favorite spot for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to cool off during the hot Missouri summer months.
- Location: Near Columbia, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~100 miles (west)
- Highlights: Former coal mining area turned into lakes, offers swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving, picnic tables available for family outings.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park features a natural waterpark with rock formations and rushing water, perfect for swimming and exploring. It can be busy on weekends, so early arrival is recommended. This park is an absolute staple for any Missouri summer adventure. The deep water pools here are perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Location: Reynolds County, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~200 miles (south)
- Highlights: Natural waterpark with rock formations and rushing water, busy on weekends, short walk to the swimming area.
Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff State Park, located near Eminence, features the scenic Sinking Creek and stunning bluff views. It offers modern facilities and camping options, making it a great spot for a family getaway. It’s a very beautiful park with plenty of activities for everyone, including a fitness center nearby.
- Location: Near Eminence, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~180 miles (south)
- Highlights: Sinking Creek, beautiful bluff views, modern facilities and camping, great spot for a picnic.
Meramec Spring
Meramec Spring is a spring-fed swimming hole known for its clear waters and tranquil setting. It is also a popular spot for trout fishing and picnicking, making it a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy. The area features picnic tables and river access.
- Location: St. James, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~60 miles (southwest)
- Highlights: Spring-fed swimming hole, known for trout fishing and picnicking, perfect for the whole family.
Huzzah Creek
Huzzah Creek, located in Crawford County, offers clear water and a gentle current, making it perfect for float trips and swimming. It’s a great spot for a relaxing day on the water with picnic areas available. The gravel road leading to the creek adds to the adventure.
- Location: Crawford County, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~150 miles (west)
- Highlights: Clear water, gentle current, great for float trips and swimming, short distance from parking lot.
Rock Bridge State Park
Rock Bridge State Park near Columbia is known for its scenic rock formations, caves, and creeks. Visitors can explore Devil’s Icebox Cave and Connor’s Cave for a unique experience. This friendly park is great for a scenic hike and exploring rock formations.
- Location: Near Columbia, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~120 miles (west)
- Highlights: Scenic rock formations, caves, and creeks, Devil’s Icebox Cave and Connor’s Cave, great for a long walk.
Greer Spring
Greer Spring, located in the Mark Twain National Forest, is the second-largest spring in Missouri. It offers a serene and less crowded swimming experience, accessible by a short hike. The cool water here is perfect for a summer swim.
- Location: Mark Twain National Forest
- Distance from St. Louis: ~220 miles (south)
- Highlights: Second largest spring in Missouri, serene and less crowded, accessible by a short hike, part of the Ozark Trail.
Castor River Shut-Ins
Castor River Shut-Ins, found in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, features natural water slides and scenic views. It’s a less crowded alternative to Johnson’s Shut-Ins and perfect for a day trip with great views. The stone ruins nearby add a historical touch.
- Location: Amidon Memorial Conservation Area
- Distance from St. Louis: ~230 miles (southeast)
- Highlights: Natural water slides, less crowded than Johnson’s Shut-Ins, scenic views, river level ideal for swimming.
Fugitive Beach
Fugitive Beach in Rolla offers a unique swimming experience in a repurposed quarry. It features a water slide, cliff jumps, a sandy beach, and a bar and grill for a full day of fun. This is a great spot for a little swim and some fun in the sun. Kite surfing is also a popular activity here.
- Location: Rolla, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~100 miles (south)
- Highlights: Water slide, cliff jumps, sandy beach, bar and grill, good number of options for activities.
Rocky Falls
Rocky Falls is part of the Ozark Scenic Riverways, where a beautiful waterfall cascades into a basin pool. It’s a great spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, making it a wonderful place to visit.
- Location: Winona Township, MO
- Distance from St. Louis: ~220 miles (south)
- Highlights: Waterfall flowing into a basin pool, part of the Ozark Scenic Riverways, calm waters ideal for swimming.
What to Expect at Missouri’s Natural Swimming Holes
Many of Missouri’s best swimming holes are spring-fed, off the beaten path, and often surrounded by trees and rocky bluffs. You’ll find cold, clear water, rope swings hung from old branches, and deep pools perfect for cliff jumping. Some spots, like Blue Hole and Johnson’s Shut-Ins, are known for great swimming and scenic views. Make sure to arrive early on summer weekends, as some of the more popular spots tend to get busy!
These are just some of the amazing places to cool off in Missouri during the summer heat. Whether you’re looking for a quick swim or a full day of activities, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your water shoes, picnic supplies, and life jackets for a safe and enjoyable time!
If you are looking for spots to cool off even closer to St. Louis, make sure to check out these recommendations!