Swimming Holes in MD

Discover 17 amazing natural swimming destinations across MD. From pristine lakes to refreshing rivers, find your perfect swimming spot.

17
Swimming Holes
10
Types
3
Free Access
14
Fee Required
17 locations found
Quarry
Fee

BEAVER DAM

BALTIMORE

A guide to the official Beaver Dam swimming hole in Maryland. Details on facilities, access, fees, and safety for swimming and diving in a quarry.

Quarry
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River (Tidal)
Fee

BETTERTON BEACH

CHESTERTOWN

Visit Betterton Beach, a free Kent County beach on the Sassafras River. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating with picnic facilities and parking.

Sassafras River
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Creek
Free

CAMP HARDING PARK

HAGERSTOWN

Guide to the unofficial swimming hole near Camp Harding Park, MD. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes for this natural water spot on Licking Creek.

Licking Creek
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Lake
Fee

CASCADE LAKE

WESTMINSTER

Plan your visit to Cascade Lake near Westminster, MD. Details on swimming, fishing, water slide, petting zoo, fees, and directions for a family-friendly day trip.

Unknown
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Waterfall
Fee

CUNNINGHAM FALLS S. P.

FREDERICK

Plan a visit to the unofficial swimming hole at Cunningham Falls State Park, MD. Find directions, safety tips, and seasonal info for this waterfall and lake area.

Unknown
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Bay
Fee

ELK NECK S. P.

WILMINGTON (DE)

Swim in the Chesapeake Bay at Elk Neck State Park, MD. Find directions, $2 vehicle fee, facilities, and safety tips for a family-friendly visit.

Chesapeake Bay
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Bay
Fee

FERRY PARK

CHESTERTOWN

Visit Ferry Park in Rock Hall, MD, for a free Chesapeake Bay beach with swimming, picnic areas, and sunset views. Find directions, facilities, and visitor tips.

Chesapeake Bay
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Creek
Free

Green Ridge State Forest Swimming Spots

HANCOCK

Explore unofficial swimming and tubing spots on Fifteen Mile Creek in Maryland's Green Ridge State Forest. Find directions, safety tips, and access notes.

Fifteen Mile Creek
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Creek
Fee

Gunpowder Falls State Park Hereford Area Swimming Holes

BALTIMORE

Find access points for swimming and tubing in the Big Gunpowder Falls. Guide to Bunker Hill, Hobo Beach, Raven Falls, and more with safety tips.

Big Gunpowder Creek
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Creek/River
Fee

Gunpowder Falls State Park Central Swimming Areas

BALTIMORE

Visit the unofficial Long Green Creek swimming hole (The Pool) in Gunpowder Falls State Park. Find directions, access notes, and safety tips for a refreshing Maryland swim.

Varies-see below
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Lake
Fee

LOCH RAVEN

BALTIMORE

A guide to the unofficial Loch Raven swimming area near Baltimore, MD. Includes directions, trail info, safety tips, and important regulations.

Loch Raven Reservoir
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Creek
Fee

MEADOWSIDE

BALTIMORE

Plan a visit to the unofficial Meadowside swimming hole on North Branch Rock Creek. Find directions, safety tips, and details for wading near Baltimore, MD.

North Branch Rock Creek
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River
Fee

Patapsco Valley State Park Swimming Holes

BALTIMORE

Find unofficial swimming holes in Patapsco Valley State Park, MD. Guide to Sykesville & Henryton spots with rope swings, fishing, and river access.

South Branch Patapsco River
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River
Fee

Potomac State Forest Swimming Holes, Maryland

OAKLAND

Guide to unofficial swimming holes in Maryland's Potomac State Forest, including directions to cascades, deep pools, and river access near Oakland.

Potomac River & tributaries
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Creek
Fee

Rocks State Park Swimming Holes, Maryland

EDGEWOOD

Guide to swimming and tubing at Rocks State Park's Deer Creek spots: Wilson Creek, Hills Grove, and Kilgore Falls. Find directions, fees, and safety tips.

Deer Creek
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Fountain
Free

SILVER SPRING KIDS FOUNTAIN

WASHINGTON DC

Visit the Silver Spring Kids Fountain in Maryland for free water play. Find directions, parking tips, and family-friendly activities in the downtown plaza.

Fountain
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Waterfalls/River/Creek
Fee

Swallow Falls State Park Swimming Spots

OAKLAND

Find unofficial swimming spots, waterfalls, and rope swings at Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland. Plan your visit with directions, access notes, and safety tips.

Youghiogheny River/Muddy Creek/Tolliver Run
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Safety & Responsibility

  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, and hazards change quickly.
  • Follow posted signs and local regulations. Do not trespass.
  • Never jump or dive without checking depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for non‑swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

Overview

MD features 17 natural swimming spots across 10 water types. Expect varying access and conditions by season; arrive early on weekends, pack out trash, and always verify current rules and water levels before you go.

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Ready to discover more? Check out swimming holes in other states or browse our complete directory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many swimming holes are in MD?
Our directory lists 17 natural swimming destinations in MD, spanning 4 water types: Creeks (5), Lakes (2), Bays (2), Rivers (2). Of these, 3 (18%) are free to access and 14 require an entry fee or parking pass.
What types of swimming spots does MD have?
MD's 17 listed swimming destinations include rivers and creeks with natural swimming access, lakes and reservoirs, and waterfall plunge pools. Notable water bodies include Quarry, Sassafras River, Licking Creek, Chesapeake Bay, Fifteen Mile Creek.
Which swimming holes in MD are free?
3 of the 17 swimming holes in MD (18%) are listed as free to access. The remaining 14 are in managed areas such as state parks or national forests that charge a day-use or parking fee — typically $5–$10 per vehicle. Always verify current fee information with the managing agency before your visit, as prices change.
Where are the best areas to find swimming holes in MD?
Swimming destinations in MD are clustered around BALTIMORE, HUNT VALLEY, CHESTERTOWN, BETTERTON. 17 of the listed sites are officially sanctioned swimming areas, typically in state or national parks with better access and signage.
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in MD?
Based on the conditions reported across MD's listed sites, fall tends to offer the best swimming conditions — warm enough water with manageable crowds. Late spring is ideal for waterfall flows; check USGS streamflow data before visiting any river site after rainfall. Always check current weather and water conditions before heading out.
Are swimming holes in MD safe for families and children?
Safety varies significantly by location. 17 officially managed sites in MD typically have clearer access, signage, and in some cases lifeguard coverage — these are generally the best starting points for families. Unofficial or backcountry swimming holes require more caution: always check water depth before letting children enter, watch for currents — even slow-looking rivers can have strong undertow, and avoid swimming during or after heavy rain. Supervise children closely at all times.
Do I need a permit or reservation to swim in MD?
Most swimming holes in MD do not require advance permits, but some high-traffic locations within national forests and popular state parks have moved to timed-entry reservation systems, especially on summer weekends. 14 sites charge a day-use or parking fee. Check the official website of the land management agency — US Forest Service (fs.usda.gov), BLM (blm.gov), or your state parks authority — for the most current access rules before your trip.