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Best Swimming Lakes Near DC You Need to Discover

No ocean? No problem at Greenbrier State Park. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

5/14/23 - By James Smith

When the summer heat descends on the DC area, there are plenty of nearby swimming lakes and watering holes where families can make a splash and cool off. These swimming lakes (all within a two-hour drive) are a fun, natural alternative to the area's swimming pools and water parks. Many of them are within state parks and national forests, which offer a variety of other fun activities like hiking, fishing, and camping.

Here are our favorite swimming lakes and watering holes near DC where families can beat the heat and reconnect with nature. Many of these awesome swimming spots even offer a Tom Sawyer-like adventure that will have the kids swinging, diving, and absolutely grinning. And if you're looking for more places to swim out in nature, try taking a day trip to one of several parks with beaches near DC.

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Swimming Lakes Near DC: Cunningham Falls State Park
Enjoy the sandy beach at Cunningham Falls State Park. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Swimming Lakes Near DC in Maryland

1. Cunningham Falls State Park — Thurmont

Driving distance: About 70 minutes from Washington, DC
Dates open for swimming: Daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Lifeguards: On duty 11am-6pm Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

Outdoor activity is everywhere at Cunningham Falls State Park. Enjoy boating, fishing, camping, and—of course—swimming. There are three designated swimming locations in the park, including at William Houck Lake. Cunningham Falls is home to Maryland’s tallest waterfall, although swimming is not allowed near the falls. There is a small per-person entry fee that's cheaper for Maryland residents.

2. Beaver Dam Swimming Club — Cockeysville

Driving distance: About 70 minutes from Washington, DC
Dates open for swimming: Various dates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (see website for dates and hours)
Lifeguards: On duty during all operating hours

In addition to its two pools, this 30-acre park is famous for its freshwater swimming quarry and its rope swing. At its deepest, the quarry water measures 40 feet. Visitors must be 4 or older to swim in the quarry, and children ages 4-8 must wear a life vest (available for rent on site). One- or two-person floats are permitted in the quarry as well. The club also features shaded areas with grills and volleyball courts. Bring your own food or purchase some from the snack bar. There's an admission fee for everyone ages 2 and older.

3. Greenbrier State Park — Boonsboro

Driving distance: About 70 minutes from Washington, DC
Dates open for swimming: Daily from the first of weekend of May through the last weekend of September
Lifeguards: On duty 11am-6pm when the park is open for swimming

This popular destination (it fills up on summer weekends) in the Appalachian Mountains features three distinct beach areas. Some of the beach areas have roped-off swimming sections to protect swimmers from potential hazards. Traditionally, parents with little children prefer the middle of the three beaches. The water is clear and the bottom is sandy. There is a small per-person entry fee that's cheaper for Maryland residents.

Swimming Lakes Near DC: Patapsco Valley State Park
Take a dip in the Patapsco River at Patapsco Valley State Park. Photo courtesy of the Chesapeake Bay Program, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

4. Patapsco Valley State Park — Ellicott City

Driving distance: About one hour from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: None on duty, so swim at your own risk

This 16,000-acre state park is intersected throughout by the Patapsco River, and swimming is allowed in much of it. Experts say the deepest part of the river is in the McKeldin area, near College Park. The park is popular with hikers, who often ditch their field packs for a dip anywhere not in the vicinity of whitewater rapids. Families can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, biking, and more. There is a small per-vehicle fee to enter the park.

5. Seneca Creek — Poolesville

Driving distance: About one hour from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: None on duty, so swim at your own risk

A few yards from the former Poole’s General Store along Old River Road in Poolesville you’ll find one of the best-kept water secrets in the DC area. It’s a short walk from the road to the water’s edge, making it a simple chore to carry those inner tubes, folding chairs, and other essentials. Seneca Creek begins in Gaithersburg and runs for nearly six miles, emptying into the Potomac. The swimming hole is immediately north of the River Road bridge and is completely free.

Swimming Lakes Near DC in Virginia

6. Keep Loudoun Beautiful Park — Leesburg

Driving distance: About one hour from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: None on duty, so swim at your own risk

The 3.4-acre Loudoun County park includes riverfront along Goose Creek, which has been designated a Virginia scenic river. There is a boat launch, a fishing area, and a wading/swimming area that's ideal for little ones. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's picnic tables.

7. Lake Anna State Park — Spotsylvania

Driving distance: About 90 minutes from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: On duty 10am-6pm weekdays and 10am-7pm weekends and holidays, from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day

Lake Anna features a charming beachfront on one of Virginia’s most popular lakes. Swim in the lake at this family-friendly destination and afterward pan for gold, a popular activity among visitors. Also enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife-spotting, and camping. There is a small per-person swimming fee for everyone age 3 and up from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, when lifeguards are on duty.

Swimming Lakes Near DC: Lake Arrowhead
Pack a chair and an umbrella and enjoy Lake Arrowhead. Photo courtesy of Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce

8. Lake Arrowhead — Luray

Driving distance: About two hours from Washington, DC
Dates open for swimming: Various dates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (see website for dates and hours)
Lifeguards: On duty during all operating hours

This 34-acre lake features a white-sand beach that is perfect for young swimmers and the parents who have to watch them. A concession stand is open in the summer, and families can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a nature trail. There is a small entry fee for everyone age 3 and up. A short distance away, near downtown Luray, is Luray Hawksbill Greenway, which includes a rope swing for those looking to make a splash into Hawksbill Creek.

9. Overall Run — Shenandoah National Park

Driving distance: About 90 minutes from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: None on duty, so swim at your own risk

Home to the highest waterfall in all of Shenandoah National Park, Overall Run features three interconnected swimming holes about two miles downstream from Overall Falls. A rock formation at one of the venues makes for a natural water slide. Be mindful, however: Since the swimming holes connect directly to the falls (which bring mountain water downriver) water temperatures even in the summer can be chilly. There is a per-vehicle fee to enter the park.

10. George Washington National Forest — Front Royal

Driving distance: About 90 minutes from Washington, DC
Lifeguards: None on duty, so swim at your own risk

George Washington National Forest offers several options for swimmers. One favorite swimming spot, near Elizabeth Furnace campground in Fort Valley, can be especially busy on weekends. For a less-crowded experience, continue to Emerald Pond, which experts say has some of the bluest water in the state. The waters here are fed by a natural spring, making them surprisingly warm. Buzzard Rock Hole, popular with hikers, is another popular destination.

What to Know Before You Go

There are a few things to consider when visiting swimming lakes or watering holes.

Make sure you won’t be trespassing. Keep to those destinations located on public lands.
Leave the water at the first sign of a thunderstorm.
Some rocks might be topped with slippery algae blooms, so be careful as you traverse the rocks.
Bug spray and sunscreen are essential in the summer.
Always respect the power of flowing water; swim with a buddy or group.
These swimming holes are, first and foremost, home to wild animals, fish, and birds. Respect their territories.