I spent a long time wandering down gravel roads before I found the trailhead to Kings River Falls, and although it was worth it in the end, I would recommend printing out your directions ahead of time because there is a good chance you will lose service on your way to this swimming hole. Head east on Park Central Square toward Park Central E (413 ft) Turn right onto Park Central N (177 ft) Continue onto N Boonville Ave (0.4 mi) Turn right onto E Chestnut Expy (0.1 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (1.5 mi) Continue straight to stay on E Chestnut Expy (2.1 mi) ), but its nothing a regular car cant manage as long as you slow down and drive carefully. If you can get to the campground before nightfall, I suggest setting your camping equipment aside and heading straight to the water. With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri's most popular state parks. Copyright 2023 Diventures. Mainstream lodging is easy to find in places like St. Louis, where you can stay and do activities in the city, then make day trips to the state parks for swimming. For the brave, there are 10- to- 20-foot cliff jumps around the beach from the steep ledges of the quarry. There is a great interpretive center where you can learn about the Trail of Tears and the native Cherokee Indians. The Twin Lakes Recreation Area, lying in the southern outskirts of Columbia, offers doggy fun. Twin Bridges Bar and Grill has live music most weekends during floating season and offers a selection of bar food and home-style cooking. Places to Swim near Springfield - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Springfield MA Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Common, "Shoal Creek" by AbeEzekowitz at en.wikipedia. Summers can be brutal in the Ozarks, and nothing eases the sting of a sunburn or jolts you out of mid-afternoon lethargy like a dip into a 40-degree spring. Public Beach #1 in the Lake of the Ozarks is one of a few public beaches that are easily accessible. Scuba is for everyone and Diventures is the premier place for all things scuba. Did you know that we can also find some of the clearest lakes in Missouri, too? Use your discretion. Water intersects this fairway about 130 yards from the green. Besides the beautiful scenery, one of the great things about Lake Sylvia is its accessibility. Towering pine and oak trees surround the lake, creating an idyllic location that feels far, far away from the everyday worries of life. Many people enjoy swimming at the beach and also taking a float trip down the river, so you can tackle two types of activities in one location. One of the best and most popular beaches in Missouri is at Mark Twain Lake in Mark Twain State Park near the village of Florida, which is the birthplace of the famous American author. Deep pools, cascading waterfalls, rope swings and peaceful camping spots can be found along a 7-mile section of County Road 68 near Sand Gap, Arkansas. You can see the spot from the road, and from there its just a short climb down an embankment to the water. Read more. What is a great swimming hole for kids in Missouri? Visitors also like this beach because of the diversity of recreation available, from swimming and boating to fishing and hiking on the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, which is easily accessible from the Dewey Short Visitor Center. To get there, start at the entrance to Indian Creek Campground and take County Road NE7111 for 2.9 miles. The main swimming hole is a short walk from the campsites, and Richland Creek is a sight to behold at dusk. Or, depending on the water flow, you might be able to find a natural waterslide running down the rock wall, but dont blame us if you end up with a bruised bum. Even if youre not a swimmer, the falls are beautiful and make a great picnic location. Take a peek at the beauty that awaits on this, This is the only swimming hole in Missouri featuring pink granite shut-ins. You would think that swimming would at least come with a purchase of a campsite Campsites are very limited for basic site", "Very easy trail well marked but the end of the trail isn't marked well. This is also a spot that is better visited earlier in the season or when the water is up. Make sure you wear water shoes since you'll be climbing on rocks. Youll find this quaint spot across from the post office. Posted by 2 years ago. A steep dirt road leads into the recreation area, so large campers and RVs might want to steer clear. Follow US-160 to meet our friendly, certified swim instructors at Diventures in Springfield today! Springfield This hotel, located 12 miles from the Bass Pro Shop, offers grocery shopping service and a picnic area. To enjoy some fun in the sand, take Highway 165 from Branson to Table Rock Dam. Hours: Dawn to dusk, parking lot gate is locked at sundown. Address: County Road NN-526, Winona, Missouri. This is a review for swimming holes in Springfield, MO: "Very easy trail well marked but the end of the trail isn't marked well. We've recorded your comments. Head to Table Rock Lake for a day at the beachMoonshine Beach, that is. 1. Whether it's hanging out in a quiet lake cove, exploring one of Missouris pristine Ozark rivers or plopping in a pool, state parks offer swimming experiences that the entirefamily can enjoy. If you want to extend your day outdoors, you can rent a kayak or paddleboat at the marina and paddle along the designated aquatic trail. After you're done warming up (which these days would take approximately two seconds), jump on into the pristine waters. If you dont mind a little walk, you can walk down to their creek near their pond and splash around. Lake Boutin Beach is a popular spot for local triathlons and swimming events. Read more about this, 1514 Co Rd 253, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA, Rocky Falls features that famous clear running water of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Close. You can book a campsite or stay in a cabin or vacation rental near the lake. Truman Lake, officially called the Harry S. Truman Reservoir, is a 56,000-acre water playground, including a public beach, in Warsaw, Missouri. Located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, this is known as one of the best places for a refreshing dip. intersection of Highway 125 and State Highway JJ in Rogersville is a public access area on the Finley River that is a popular swimming spot. Right on Table Rock lake, this is a large resort including a hotel with pool/hot tub, campground and cabins plus a floating restaurant, boat rentals and full marina. 417-883-7417 | The large public recreation area in the Trail of Tears State Park includes a nice public beach on Lake Boutin near Jackson, which is popular in the summer. It's a gorgeous spot to take a swim and to slip down the natural waterslide. Although most of the destinations are easy enough to find, some are a little off the beaten path (which is what we want, right?). The mercury is starting to creep up, which means its time to gather the family, hit the road and make a splash at one of these gorgeous swimming holes within driving distance of 417-land. Rocky Falls is a segment of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which protects river systems. Francis National Forest. Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA 3. When I jumped last summer, I ended up hitting the bottom and bruising my foot. Here's a few ways we're working on our mission right now: Providing information, Building and maintaining local trails, Helping and teaching kids to fix their bikes, Cleaning up local parksto provide safe and clean places to enjoy nature. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Stay informed by signing up for our monthly Park Board Newsletter. What you can do, though, is enjoy the large, serene pool below the cliff. Before you head down to the water, there are a few things to know. Get a glimpse of the summer fun that awaits at this, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, USA, Wakonda Lake features the largest natural sand swimming beach in the Missouri state park system. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Missouri, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in St. Louis, MO, 16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kansas City, MO, 14 Top-Rated Trout Fishing Lakes & Rivers in Missouri, Missouri in Pictures: 15 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks, MO, 10 Top-Rated Resorts at Lake of the Ozarks, 10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Columbia, MO, 10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Springfield, MO, Where to Stay in St. Louis: Best Areas & Hotels, 10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Branson, MO, 12 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Branson, MO, 14 Top-Rated Resorts in Branson, Missouri, 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Eureka Springs, AR, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, lodging is easy to find in places like St. Louis. Springfield, in southern Missouri, has great historical sites and natural areas, including caverns. I've been to a few, and although this places has a ton of amenities, I feel like it is capitalizing on every aspect as often as possible. There are several campgrounds and RV parks located close to the beach, or you can stay at the Hampton Inn Rolla or the Best Western Coachlight in Rolla, which are just a few miles away. There was a wonderful swimming hole my dad and I would frequent where Pierce Creek meets Little Meramec River, about 1 mile west of Lonedell in Franklin County. There are a few road crossings along the route. Join us on social media and stay up to date on swimming lessons and scuba diving at our Springfield location! Website. I have not swum here, but I have lots of friends that say this is their favorite spot. Stay for the weekend in the lodge or rough it at one of the campsites. Every time we walk, kids are wading and enjoying time with their families! There are several options to float on the North Fork, but if youre like most of us, its easiest to go through an outfitter. St. Louis has great free activities, like the public zoo and the famous St. Louis Arch. It is such a gorgeous location and one of my favorite places to pull out a camera to capture our family splashing around. Sit on the dam and let your legs dangle in the rushing water. Did you know you can also paddle at Finger Lakes State Park? There were lots of kids on the water, but as with any float trip, youll run into some partiers. Read more about this natural swimming hole in Missouri in our previous article. The clear, cool waters of the quarry lake in Finger Lakes State Park are perfect for beating the summer heat. Address: 37352 Shrine Road, Florida, Missouri. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Add Location. Twin Bridges offers several different lengths of floats. Fugitive Beach bills itself as family-friendly; there are lifeguards on duty, and you will definitely see lots of kids while youre there. This tends to be a pretty popular spot, and it can get quite busy. When you stroll down the grassy slope to the swimming hole, youll feel a bit like youve stepped right into a Norman Rockwell painting. Your Instagram game. According to the National Park Service, Rocky Falls was formed when molten rock from deep within the earth burst onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. Things to Do: While finding the best beaches in Missouri might top your list, there are some other great activities in the state that you might want to work into your itinerary. Out of the way spots most likely abound, but are unknown to this writer. . To have the complete North Fork experience, jumping into the bone-chillingly cold spring is a must. The samples are analyzed at the Environmental Services Program laboratory in Jefferson City, and results are posted online. Along with swimming, Lake Sylvia offers camping, hiking and fishing. When youre shoulder-deep in the lake, looking out over the water and into the green kaleidoscope of the Ouachita Forest, you wont have a care in the world. Located on the Piney River, Dogs Bluff is a nice little swimming hole that is easy to find and easy to access. If you are new to Missouri and looking for an easy swimming spot while on vacation, Grand Glaize is a nice pick. There is a baseball field, tennis courts, etc. We begin our season in May, Memorial Weekend, 2023, for 7 days a week of family fun, a relaxing outing with friends, or just being a kid again. The parks located on big impounded lakes offer some of the Midwests top water recreation. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes' trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. Privacy Policy. The waterfall was constructed near the children's area and combined with a 180-foot pool. If youd rather take it easy, below the falls lies a large swimming hole where you can enjoy calm waters. Good day swimming spot. There are many entrances along the way to the Trail. Dont forget to consider flotation devices, chairs, water shoes and shade. The gravel road to get to this site is a bit rough (hello, potholes! Scuba diving lessons for kids are a fun and safe way for kids to deepen their love of the water. Swimming holes around Springfield area? Another bonus is how easy it is to reach. Theres a big flat rockhence the nameand a rope swing thats easily visible from the road. One of our favorite things to do in the summer is going to a swimming hole to splash around, fish, look for animals, get a tan, and spend time together! There are some great swimming holes in Missouri for kids. Take a look at the most notable dog-friendly beaches in Missouri. 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