Looking for a swimming hole near Greenville, SC to cool off in the South Carolina heat? We love swimming holes because they are great for swimming, wading and splashing in nature. If you’re wondering “where are the swimming holes near me?” you’re in luck, because these lakes, rivers, and creeks are the perfect spots to get wet on a hot summer day.
Pack a few beach towels and your bathing suits and head to a nearby swimming hole to cool off!
Jump into the crystal clear water, find a hidden gem swimming beach, glide on a rope swing into a natural pool. All this and more is waiting at swimming holes near Greenville, SC.
Are swimming holes better than swimming pools? We’ll let you decide.
If you’re looking for more options, don’t miss our huge guide Where to Cool Off, Splash, and Swim in Upstate, SC. It also includes splash pads, water parks, and pools.
This article includes Swimming Holes “Great Places to Swim Near Me”:
Swimming Holes in South Carolina
Lake Keowee public access parks
Lake Jocassee public access parks
Lake Hartwell at Twelve Mile Recreation Area
Long Shoals Wayside Park
Wildcat Wayside
Cedar Shoals Creek, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Chau Ram County Park
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Pleasant Ridge County Park
Lake Placid, Paris Mountain State Park
Pinnacle Lake, Table Rock State Park
Oconee State Park
Swimming Holes in North Carolina
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Midnight Hole
Graveyard Fields
Schoolhouse Falls
Silver Run Falls
Sliding Rock in Cashiers
Gorges State Park
What? That’s not enough swimming holes for you?
If you love swimming holes and want more, here’s a great list of Swimming Holes in North Georgia. Pack a lunch and make it an awesome day trip adventure!
A note about safety: While there are hundreds of waterfalls within a short driving distance of the Upstate, exercise extreme caution when wading and splashing. While you’ll often see other visitors climbing the waterfalls, venturing off the path is dangerous and can result in injury and even death. In addition to swift currents, slick rocks, and steep drops, other hazards include poison ivy, snakes, and ticks.
Be sure to check the websites for hours of operation and current safety information.
South Carolina Swimming Holes
Lake Keowee, Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Swimming is permitted in Lake Keowee, but there are no designated swimming areas within Keowee-Toxaway State Park and lifeguards are not present. There is a small parking area down by the boat ramp in the park where you could take a dip.
The better option, in our opinion, is to hike the Natural Bridge Trail loop and find a spot to cool down in Poe Creek as an alternative to swimming in the lake. If you take the Raven Rock Trail, you can swim in the lake through access points on the trail. There are a dozen small pools and rapids that are perfect for some water fun. Admission to this park is free.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC | 864.868.2605
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
You can also swim in Lake Keowee at High Falls County Park and South Cove County Park in Seneca. Both parks have a beach area but there are no lifeguards on duty. There is a parking fee of $2. Mile Creek County Park is another great option with a small beach and a parking fee of $5.
High Falls County Park | 671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC | 864.882.8234
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
South Cove County Park | 1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC | 864.882.5250
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
Mile Creek County Park | 757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SC
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
Lake Jocassee at Devil’s Fork State Park
Nearby Devil’s Fork State Park also has no lifeguards, but a popular swimming spot in Lake Jocassee. A strip of beach with shallow water attracts a crowd on hot days. Get there early as the parking lot fills up and then you have to wait to get into the park.
$8/adults, $4/kids 6-15, free/children under 6 years old
Devil’s Fork State Park | 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC | 864.944.2639
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Lake Hartwell at Twelve Mile Recreation Area
For swimming on Lake Hartwell, head out to Twelve Mile Recreation Area. In addition to the sandy beach, you’ll find a playground, drinking water, and flush toilets.
Twelve Mile Park | 113 12 Mile Park Rd, Clemson, SC | 888.893.0678
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Long Shoals Wayside Park
One of the top destinations in the Upstate for summer water fun is Long Shoals Wayside Park. Here Little Eastatoe Creek flows through flat, gently sloping shoals to form a natural water slide – complete with plunge pool at the base.
Located just off the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, you can bring a picnic and spend the entire day exploring. The facilities are very primitive, but do include a picnic area. Check SC DHEC for swim advisories.
Long Shoals Wayside Park | Just off Scenic Highway 11 between Table Rock and Lake Jocassee, Pickens, SC | 864.654.6738
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour
Wildcat Wayside
Another popular spot is Wildcat Wayside. The pool beneath the 10-foot cascade can get pretty crowded during the weekends, but your visit can be combined with a trip to nearby Caesars Head or Table Rock State Parks for a full day of fun.
Wildcat Wayside | US 276/SC 11, Cleveland, SC
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Riley Moore Falls, Sumter National Forest
In Sumter National Forest you’ll find one of our favorite swimming holes, Riley Moore Falls. The huge pool, a large sandy beach with gradual entry, and the 50 feet wide waterfall make it a one-of-a-kind summer destination.
However, you’ll want to prepare for the hike in to the falls; bring a picnic and plenty of drinking water in addition to your swimsuits on the two-mile round trip hike. If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, you may want to park on the gravel road and hike up the logging road instead of driving. It adds maybe another half mile to the hike.
Riley Moore Falls Trail | Westminster, SC | 864.638.9568
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Cedar Shoals Creek, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
To the southeast of Greenville, 10-foot high Horseshoe Falls on Cedar Shoals Creek has long been popular with the locals as a picnic area and swimming hole. Part of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the falls are just a short hike on a paved path from the parking area on Horseshoe Falls Road.
Musgrove Mill State Historic Site | 398 State Park Road, Clinton, SC | 864.938.0100
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
Chau Ram County Park
From sandy beaches to small rapids, Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County is a great destination for water adventures. There is a good swimming hole on Ramsey Creek at the bottom of Chau Ram falls, and swings and playground equipment provide a break from the water play.
$2/car
Chau Ram County Park | 1220 Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster, SC | 864.647.9286
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the state, and in addition to the historic bridge and grist mill foundations you’ll find Beaverdam Creek, a small creek that is great for cooling off on a hot summer day. It’s not really a swimming hole, more like a wading area. Nearby picnic tables make it a convenient picnic-and-play spot.
Campbells Covered Bridge | 171 Campbells Covered Bridge Road, Landrum, SC
Distance from Greenville: 40 minutes
Pleasant Ridge County Park
Pleasant Ridge County Park is better known for its bike trails, but Leroy Smith Nature Trail offers easy access to Pleasant Ridge Falls – a great spot for splashing around.
Pleasant Ridge Park | 4232 Highway 11, Marietta, SC
Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes
Lake Placid, Paris Mountain State Park
The closest lake with a public swimming area to Greenville is in Paris Mountain State Park. Access to the swimming area at Lake Placid is included with the park entry fee; for hours see the website. Swimming is not allowed in any of the other three lakes in the park. Kayaks are for rent here for a small fee.
$6/adults, $3.50/kids 6-15, free/children under 6 years old
Paris Mountain State Park | 2401 State Park Road, Greenville, SC | 864.244.5565
Distance from Greenville: 0 minutes
Pinnacle Lake, Table Rock State Park
The Pinnacle Lake swimming area at Table Rock features a little sandy beach and picnic area. Kayaks and small boats are for rent here for a small fee. Wading is also allowed at your own risk in the Carrick Creek waterfall near the observation deck.
$6/adults, $3.50/kids 6-15, free/children under 6 years old
Table Rock State Park | 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC | 864.878.9813
Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes
Oconee State Park
A little further down Highway 11, Oconee State Park also has a designated swimming area available Memorial Day – Labor Day weekend.
$5/adults, $3.25/ages 6-15, free for kids 5 and under
Oconee State Park | 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC | 864.638.5353
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Lake Greenwood State Park
This beautiful South Carolina lake State Park has a gorgeous lake for swimming. There are also picnic benches. $3/adults, $1/kids 6-15 or free with your SC State Park Pass.
Lake Greenwood State Park | 302 State Park Road, Ninety Six, SC | 864.543.3535
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Calhoun Falls State Park
Another gem of a SC State Park, there is a small beach at Calhoun Falls State Park. Camping there is a lot of fun and you can swim in the lake. $3/adults, $1/kids ages 6-15
Calhoun Falls State Park | 46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls, SC | 864.447.8267
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Lake Murray
Near Columbia, SC is Lake Murray. You’ll find a beach area with swimming, though no lifeguards are on duty. The area is roped off and relatively shallow. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day at the lake! There is a parking fee of $5 for the nearest parking lot.
Lake Murray | 1832-1834 North Lake Drive | Lexington, SC 29072
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour and 30 minutes
North Carolina Swimming Holes
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Enjoy a pool with natural, spring-fed water at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, North Carolina. They have open swimming dates over the summer and every person 12 and under are provided with a mandatory life vest. Water is 25-feet deep so adults can use life vests as well.
Prices range from $22-$35/person
Carrigan Farms | 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC | 704.664.1450
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours
Midnight Hole
Hike the three-mile round trip trail to the emerald lagoon swimming hole. Lots of space to play in the water but be sure to be careful around the slippery rocks. Free parking. The Big Creek Trail is closed from May – July 14, 2022 for trail maintenance except for Friday-Sunday. No dogs are allowed on the trail.
Type in “Big Creek Trail” on your GPS. The trail head is in the Great Smoky Mountains in NC, right past Waynesville
Distance from Greenville: 2 hours
Graveyard Fields
Sounds like a strange name for a swimming hole, but don’t let that scare you. Graveyard Fields swimming hole right off the Blue Ridge Parkway has everything you need in a swimming hole (including paved parking and restrooms!).
Mile marker 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Schoolhouse Falls
This swimming hole is awesome because you can walk behind the waterfall. Schoolhouse Falls is located in Panthertown Valley just north of Cashiers, North Carolina. The hike to the falls is 2.5 miles round trip and not very hard. It’s mostly downhill on the way there so the hike back is a little more difficult.
Park at Cold Mountain Gap in Panthertown Valley | (precise directions)
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Silver Run Falls
This hidden swimming hole in North Carolina near Cashiers is a little harder to find than others and is located in Nantahala National Forest. You have to pay attention to the road and look for a sign that says “Silver Run Falls”. The hike to the falls is around a quarter-mile and pretty easy. The waterfalls flow into a tranquil pool, perfect for smaller kids.
From Greenville on your way into the Sapphire Valley, head west on Hwy 64 towards Cashiers and turn left on Hwy 107.
Parking is about four miles on the left.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes
Sliding Rock in Cashiers
Not to be confused with the larger Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, the Sliding Rock in Cashiers is smaller but just as fun – and free. Located about 10 minutes from the heart of Cashiers in North Carolina, you can pull off the side of the road, grab a towel, and hike the short distance to the big granite rock and take your chances by sliding down into the frigid water.
From Cashiers on Hwy 64, take Hwy 107 south and turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road.
Limited parking available in just under three miles.
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes minutes
Gorges State Park
My kids love the Hidden Falls swimming area not far from Rainbow Falls (downriver – never swim above a waterfall, never) in Gorges State Park. The swimming hole is certainly hidden. It took me three tries to the park to find it. It’s off a little, unmarked trail maybe an eighth of a mile before Rainbow Falls to the left of the trail. If the water is high and fast, this one is not safe for swimming. Use common sense.
Gorges State Park | 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC | 828.966.9099
Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes
The Reedy River is Not Safe for Swimming
However appealing the Reedy River may be on a hot day, it is not safe for swimming. Bacteria levels are tested regularly, and results from sections in Travelers Rest all the way through Mauldin to Waterloo are in excess of federal standards.
Despite its pleasant appearance, the Reedy River is contaminated with high concentrations of harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections to humans.
For these reasons wading, swimming, and climbing on the rocks in Falls Park and Cedar Falls Park are prohibited, and you would be smart to keep children and pets out of the river.
Something for Everyone
Sandy beaches, natural sliding shoals, waterfall pools – it’s easy enough to stay out of the Reedy when you’ve got all these options! Whether you need a break from the sweltering humidity, are looking for a day trip with a cool-down at the end, or just want to take a refreshing dip without the chlorine, there’s something in the Upstate for everyone.
Hot enough out there?
Whew.
Here’s our HUGE list of places to swim, splash, and cool off near Greenville, SC
Thank you for informing people about the Reedy River. As a native, it worries me to see those who don’t know play in the water at Falls Park. If it’s mentioned, people think you’re being rude. Again, thank you!
Please provide directions to Long Shoals Wayside Park. from downtown Greenville Thank you!
Can you put this into your GPS?
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Long+Shoals+Roadside+Park/@34.9482435,-82.8516659,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x72270d73fb0f3323!8m2!3d34.9482435!4d-82.8516659
Lake Placid at Paris Mountain State Park does not have life guards.
Thank you so much for this, especially the note re: the Reedy River. I took my grandson to Rock Quarry Park this morning and we had a wonderful time. BUT I WONDERED whether the water was clean enough to play in. We took a good shower with Dial soap, so I hope he’s okay. Just wish I had seen your warning before!
Thank you for taking the time to publish this list! It’s terrific!
Does anyone know if any of the parks, swim holes, etc allow dogs to swim? Thank you in advance!