OZARK COUNTY’S 10 BEST PUBLIC Swimming Holes
The hot, humid days of summer are upon us, and those looking for a nice place to cool off in Ozark County are in luck. From shaded creeks to ice-cold spring-fed river water to rocky lakeshore bluffs, there are several places in these beautiful hills to take a quick dip or stay all day long.
We’ve compiled this list of 10 public water accesses in Ozark County that make great swimming holes. We can’t pick our favorites from the bunch, so they are listed here in no particular order:
1. Pontiac bluffs
Bull Shoals Lake
Why we like it: Bull Shoals Lake is a popular summertime hangout for locals and tourists alike, and the Pontiac bluffs is a favorite jumping spot for many daredevil lake-goers.
The bluffs can be accessed from a path that leads down from the back of the Pontiac campground, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campground that is managed by Pontiac Cove Marina.
The height of the bluffs from the water fluctuates with the lake level, offering thrill seekers a jump that can be mild or wild, depending on conditions. We’ve heard of bluff jumpers age 6 to 96 who have taken the plunge over the years.
Those who are just looking to swim as opposed to bluff jumping will find a pathway that they can scramble down to get to a lower rock ledge to enter the water. That is also how jumpers usually climb back up to the top, but be warned there is no shallow area once in the water.
While you’re there, also check out Pontiac Cove Marina where you can buy fish food to feed the fish that congregate around the docks - and check out the rest of the marina store and its offerings. Then visit Just Jackie’s restaurant and/or Lake Bums Brew Co. for something tasty to eat and drink. Jackie’s is within walking distance of the bluffs, and Lake Bums is a very short drive out of the park and across the street.
Fireworks enthusiasts should mark their calendars and plan to visit Pontiac Cove on Saturday, Aug. 31, for the annual “Light Up the Lake” fireworks show over Bull Shoals Lake.
Directions: To access the Pontiac park, turn off on Pontiac Cove Road off W Highway in Pontiac. Once you’ve turned off the road, take the first right to go toward the campground and another right before the pavilion and playground. That loop should bring you down to campsites 11-14, where you will find a pathway that leads to the bluffs.
2. Sycamore Access
Bryant Creek
Why we like it: The Sycamore Access is a Missouri Department of Conservation managed public access point on Bryant Creek, a waterway that is large enough to be called a river rather than creek, despite its name.
The access, located near the historic Hodgson Mill, provides a good-sized parking lot near the turn off on Highway 181. After parking, swimmers can walk to where the black top ends and the ground gets sandy and leads to Bryant Creek. Although the shoreline isn’t shaded, mature trees and bluffs line the far side of the river, making it a scenic spot to spend an afternoon.
The open bank offers a large area for visitors to spread out with chairs, canopies and coolers, and the water is shallow enough at shore for little ones to play but deep enough mid-stream for adults to cool off. For those who would like to explore a little more, swim across the river to where the cold waters flow out from a spring that originates in front of Hodgson Mill.
While you’re there, also check out historic Hodgson Mill. The mill, located on the property adjacent to the access, is privately-owned but used widely by the general public and has stop-in visitors most days of the week.
The historic mill was built in 1898 and was operational and actively used for decades. The mill is also featured in the logo of the nation-wide brand of Hodgson Mill flours and milled products.
Although the bright red mill and the beautiful turquoise spring that sits in front of it are the main attraction, don’t stop there. Walk down the grassy area beyond the mill, to a beautiful area with a bridge that gives another vantage point of the spring and creek.
Bring a picnic lunch and utilize the picnic tables located in front of Hodgson Mill or its property directly across Highway 181.
Directions: Sycamore Access is located off Highway 181, 12 miles north of Gainesville.
3. Althea Spring
North Fork of the White River
Why we like it: Althea Spring is one of the most picturesque swimming holes in the area, in our opinion.
The striking blue spring water is beautifully accented by a flush of green vines and foliage, but don’t let the beauty fool you. The icy, cold spring water is not for the faint of heart. Despite the water temperatures, on hot summer days, the spot is frequented by those who enjoy its cold water for swimming and jumping. Several large stones line the bank, providing a fairly easy way into the water.
A sign at the spring indicates that it is the 23rd largest spring in the state, and was named for the daughter of Dr. Paul Patrick, who was an early owner of the land.
Following the trail beyond the stream a little further down, swimmers will come to a waterfall that is formed as the stream flows over a concrete dam that was placed in the stream by Karl W. Schmidt in 1958. He used the dam and spring flow to power a domestic power plant that provided electricity for the home he shared with his sister, Willa.
An observation deck provides a nice spot for those who don’t want to get wet.
While you’re there, also check out the Patrick access and campground. In addition to the spring, the Patrick access includes a section of riverbank before entering the spring trail that makes for another easy swimming spot. For those who are interested in camping, cross over the concrete one-lane Patrick Bridge and access the Patrick campground, a MDC campground that provides 14 primitive sites with picnic tables, lantern hooks and campfire rings. There are two vault toilets in the campground but no water, electricity or dump site.
Directions: Althea Spring is located off a short walking trail at the MDC access at Patrick Bridge, located on H Highway in the Caulfield area. It is also accessible from the North Fork of the White River for those floating. Once you’ve floated by Patrick Bridge, keep an eye out to the left, where the spring flows into the river.
4. Warren Bridge
Bryant Creek
Why we like it: Like Sycamore, Warren Bridge is another MDC-managed access for Bryant Creek. The spot is a popular take out for those who canoe or kayak with their own boats (there are no public outfitters on the Bryant like the North Fork of the White River). In fact, a good float trip option is from Sycamore Access to Warren Bridge.
But for those interested in a swimming hole, the area is also a great option. It includes a large gravel bank and a slow gradient of water that allows for easy swimming. It’s a popular spot for fishing, as well.
While you’re there, also check out Roy’s Store, located just over 10 miles away in Dora. The one-of-a-kind country store and restaurant offers up a little bit of everything. Although inventory changes throughout the year, the store has such varied items as fuel, snacks, heirloom seeds, coon-skin caps, kayaks and animal feed. The full-service restaurant, located inside the store, offers up good, down home cookin’ all day, and beloved Dora baker Bertie Klock stocks the shop with fresh, homemade pies that can’t be missed.
Directions: Warren Bridge is located on County Road 328, which can be accessed off H Highway in Dora or off FF Highway, north of Gainesville.
5. Hammond Access
North Fork of the White River
Why we like it: North Fork Recreation Area (NFRA), known locally as Hammond Access, provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River. The river has a total of nine major springs flowing into it, which means the water temperature runs cold all summer long.
After turning into the access area, the road splits two ways. Taking the first right leads visitors to a canoe and kayak launch area, which is used frequently by area outfitters and those launching their own boats. That area also provides access to a designated swimming area, which was separated from the boat launch area in a major renovation at the access a few years ago. The US Forest Service said the change was aimed at safety, separating those who were using the area for swimming from buses and other vehicles backing down to unload boats.
From the day use area, visitors have views across the river of the mixed hardwood and pine forest and the rock bluffs that envelope the waterway. Take a quick dip or bring a chair and stay all day.
There is a day use fee required for this area. It is $2 per vehicle, $10 per bus or $20 for an annual pass. Payment can be made at self-service stations at the access. Pit toilets are also available.
While you’re there, also check out Blue Spring, also located at NFRA, is a 30-foot in diameter ice blue pool accessed from a short trail. It contributes around 8 million gallons of frigid, clear water to the North Fork of the White River.
A quarter-mile hike through the Mark Twain National Forest sets the stage for this beautiful Ozark County treasure. The spring and its setting are stunning with a rocky bluff surrounding three sides of the water. The popular summertime hangout is the perfect place to cool off on hot days.
Although swimming and jumping from the bank are common, visitors should be warned that the US Forest Service asks that no one swim in the spring or especially jump from the rocks into the spring. More than a few daredevils have attempted to jump or dive off the bluff into the spring and ended up leaving the area by helicopter ambulance. Please don’t be the next one to make an emergency exit.
The NFRA is also the jumping off point of several longer hikes and backpacking routes including those in the rugged Devil’s Backbone Wilderness area and the 35-mile long Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail. In general, we don’t recommend hiking this time of year due to ticks and chiggers, but we think it may be worth scoping out the trailheads and maps to plan a future trip in fall or winter.
Directions: North Fork Recreation Area is located of CC Highway, four miles east of Dora.
6. Theodosia Park
Bull Shoals Lake
Why we like it: Theodosia Park, a US Army Corps of Engineers-managed access, offers an easy place to access the shoreline of Bull Shoals Lake for swimming and other water sports. The park spans the bank of Bull Shoals Lake and offers a view of the Theodosia bridge. It also adjoins the property of Theodosia Marina Resort, which makes it a convenient spot to access the resort’s many offerings.
Guests should be warned that when the lake is high, the Corps access is usually flooded and not accessible.
While you’re there, also check out Theodosia Marina Resort and Cookie’s Restaurant. The Marina offers fish food to purchase, which can be thrown into the water near the marina to feed large carp that hang out there. The marina also offers boat rentals, bait and tackle, dock stalls and a gift shop with snacks, drinks, t-shirts and souvenirs.
After a long day of swimming, visit Cookie’s Restaurant to order off the menu at breakfast, lunch or dinner. They also offer a selection of delicious homemade pies and desserts.
Directions: The Theodosia Park is located off Highway 160 in Theodosia, just west of the Theodosia bridge. Turn at the sign for Theodosia Marina Resort and continue down the road, turning into the US Army Corps of Engineer park to the left before Cookie’s Restaurant.
7. Spring Creek
Bull Shoals Lake
Why we like it: This Missouri Department of Conservation property is located in the Isabella area and offers a courtesy dock, boat ramp and big open shoreline that’s perfect for swimming.
Back in the day, there was a pretty busy campground located at Spring Creek, and if you look close, the remnants can still be seen in the wooded area on the drive in. The campground was closed several years ago. Now, the area is mostly used by fisherman and swimmers to access Bull Shoals Lake. There are lots of room for groups to spread out, and the water is shallow at shoreline, allowing little ones to splash and play easily.
While you’re there, also check out Lost Woods Hideaway Golf Course, Restaurant and Pub in Theodosia, located about six miles away. If you’re hungry, order off the menu. The business also offers a disc golf course, pickle ball, bocce ball, corn hole and a sand volleyball court, which can be used for a very reasonable daily fee for non-members.
Directions: Spring Creek Access is located at the end of HH Highway in the Isabella area.
8. Cook’s Landing
Bryant Creek
Why we like it: This quiet Missouri Department of Conservation property is officially called the Florence “Flo” Cook Access, but it’s known locally as Cook’s Landing. It’s on Bryant Creek, just upstream from where the creek dumps into Norfork Lake at Tecumseh.
It’s a no-frills place without any amenities, but that means there usually isn’t a crowd. The bank is rocky, so water shoes are recommended. There isn’t a lot of room for parking, but there is enough space to fit a few vehicles there.
While you’re there, also check out Miller’s Kountry Store, which offers some of the best hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes and other treats around. The store offers fuel, snacks, drinks and a full menu to order from. They also carry a variety of unique, locally made items including East Wind rope sandals.
Directions: To get to the access, turn off Highway 160 onto County Road 308 in the Hardenville/Tecumseh area just west of Miller’s Kountry Store. Then go north on the road for three miles to the access.
9. Blair Bridge
North Fork of the White River
Why we like it: Blair Bridge is a Missouri Department of Conservation access on the North Fork of the White River, located upstream from Patrick Bridge and Althea Spring and downstream from Hammond (North Fork Recreation Area). Blair Access isn’t as expansive as Hammond, but it does provide a concrete ramp that gives users access to the river. It’s a popular hangout in summertime and is used by swimmers and floats. For those who plan to swim for the day, avoid staying on the bridge where floaters are backing vehicles down to unload boats. The access also includes a couple first-come, first-serve campsites, a pit toilet and parking spots.
While you’re there, also check out Pettit’s Canoe and Campground for their canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals, as well as their beautiful riverside campground, which lies a short distance from the public access on the other side of Blair Bridge. Plan another trip out to the river with the outfitter in late summer or early fall.
Directions: Blair Bridge Access is located on County Road 354 off H Highway in the Caulfield/Dora area. It can also be accessed from KK Highway.
10. Caney Creek
Caney Mtn. Conservation Area
Why we like it: Although you might not be able to fully swim in Caney Creek at Caney Mountain Conservation Area, it sure is a fun place to splash around.
The creek, which runs throughout the Missouri Department of Conservation area, has a shelf rock bottom with a shaded canopy of trees that provides the perfect oasis during hot summer days. Minnow and crawdads are plentiful and fun to catch with nets and buckets.
One of our favorite places to splash around is at the low water bridge near the headquarters off Highway 181. The ankle-to-knee deep water is clear and cold. If you walk upstream from the bridge there is a little swimming hole that gets a bit deeper for those who wish to take a dip. Below the bridge, the stream spills over rock ledges, causing small waterfalls that create a blissful sound while relaxing and playing nearby.
While you’re there, also check out the rest of the more than 7,000-acre conservation area. There are campsites, an archery range, a black powder range, wildlife viewing blinds and more.
The area’s three scenic vistas offer picnic tables, fire rings and some of the best views in the county, making them the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch.
A trip to Leopold’s Cabin is also a great use of time. Those who don’t mind to get their feet wet crossing the creek can get an up close look of the outside of the cabin, which was used by A. Starker Leopold in the 1940s as he developed a wildlife management plan for the conservation area. He was the son of Aldo Leopold, a well-known conservationist and author of “A Sand County Almanac,” which was read by millions of people around the globe. There is also an outhouse, stone stairway and thick cane area that are neat to see. A picnic table is located at the top of the hill near the cabin and is a nice spot to sit and take it all in.
It’s wise to download or print a map of the conservation area from the MDC website before you come, as there aren’t maps available and signage is slim (as is cell reception).
It’s also worth noting that although there are three entrances into Caney Mountain Conservation Area, the three entrances do not provide access to each other. There are locked gates preventing traffic to go from one area into another area. For the best creek access, head to the main headquarter entrance.
Directions: Caney Mountain Conservation Area’s headquarters is located off Highway 181, about five miles north of Gainesville.
A few bonus spots
Although these three swimming spots aren’t in Ozark County, they’re close enough to the Ozark County line that they’re worth checking out.
Bonus #1: Buck Creek
Bull Shoals Lake
Why we like it: Buck Creek is a popular spot for swimming and otherwise recreating in the summertime, especially for Ozark Countians on the western side of Ozark County.
The U.S. Army Crops of Engineers access is technically located in Arkansas, but it’s off Highway 125 just past Protem. It offers up several shady and partially-shady campsites, a great swimming area, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, dump station, launch ramp, nice playground and picnic shelter.
While you’re there, also check out the Pioneer Store, where you can order a pizza or indulge in one of their fantastic deli sandwiches. Also, don’t miss the last operating ferryboat in Arkansas, which leaves from Buck Creek and transports passengers and vehicles across the lake, to Peel, Arkansas, where another campground, swimming area, playground and other amenities are available for use. Make a day out of it and visit both Buck Creek and Peel.
Directions: Buck Creek is located off Arkansas 125 in Taney County near Protem.
Bonus #2: Pigeon Creek
Norfork Lake
Why we like it: Pigeon Creek is located on Arkansas Highway 201, an extension of Missouri’s J Highway, and offers several great places to access the lake to swim. Many people use the area near the concrete boat ramp, available shortly after turning into the access, but if you continue down the roadway, several pull offs offer access to the lake bank. A grove of cypress trees is located just a short distance off the access road. It’s worth parking and walking down into the grove under the canopy of the unique-to-the-Ozarks trees that grow out of the lake water in that area.
While you’re there, also check out the Pigeon Creek trail system, which winds through the wooded areas near the boat launch and swimming bank - as well as across Highway 201, where there is a small parking lot and trail maps. The trails are multi-use, and many use them for biking in addition to hiking.
Directions: Pigeon Creek Access is located on Highway 201, approximately six miles from the Missouri state line off Missouri J Highway.
Bonus #3: Hollingsworth Cove
Bull Shoals Lake
Why we like it: For those who would like an off-shore swimming option near Pontiac, Hollingsworth Cove is the perfect spot. The cove is technically located in Price Place, Arkansas, although it is only accessible by traveling through Pontiac in Missouri. Swimmers can drive to the area, park and swim in the waters of Bull Shoals Lake. There are no facilities at this cove, just access to the lake.
While you’re there, also check out the Pontiac bluffs, Pontiac Cove Marina, Just Jackie’s and Lake Bums BrewCo (see previous entry under Pontiac bluffs, page 1, for more information).
Directions: Follow W Highway in Pontiac past the Pontiac Cove Marina, and the road will turn into Marion County Road 151. Follow it until it dead ends.
Editor’s note: It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway, please be careful when using these public accesses. Creek bottoms can be slick, bluffs high and river currents swift. There are no lifeguards at any of the public accesses listed here, so visitors should swim at their own risk and use caution. If there is an emergency, dial 911 to be connected with the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department dispatch office, who can send for help.