Swimming Lakes started with a simple frustration: finding a good lake for a swim takes far too long. The details that matter, like how warm the water gets, whether there’s a beach, where to park and what it costs, are scattered across park websites, forums and old reviews.
So we put it all in one place. Every lake guide covers the essentials you need before you get in the water, and every state guide helps you find the best lakes near you.
What you’ll find on every lake
Before you go
Water temperatures are typical seasonal ranges, not live readings. Conditions change: beaches close, fees rise and water quality varies with the weather. Always check the official park or local authority website before you travel, and swim safely within your ability.
Spotted something wrong?
If you know a lake well and something on our page is out of date, we’d love to hear from you. Corrections from local swimmers make the directory better for everyone.