Old Twin Bridges is a privately run swimming and camping spot on the crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek near Locust Grove, Oklahoma — part of the famous string of spring-fed swimming holes along this pristine Ozark stream in the state's Green Country. Named for the historic twin bridges that once crossed the creek here, it offers a private, well-loved stretch of clean, cold water for a classic summer creek day about an hour east of Tulsa.

Spring Creek is the star. Fed by underground springs, it runs famously clear and refreshingly cold all summer long — some of the most pristine water in Oklahoma — making it a wonderful place to swim, wade, float on a tube, and cool off when the heat is cranking. The gentle, gravel-bottomed creek is well suited to families and casual swimmers, and there's a laid-back, old-fashioned feel to a day spent on its banks.

Please note this is private property with a fee. Old Twin Bridges is a privately owned access point, not a public park, so you pay to enter: generally around $5 for adults and $3 for children for a day pass, with camping available for an additional charge. There are signs marking the swimming-hole access, and the owners ask that visitors respect the private property and not trespass onto neighboring land. Facilities are simple, so come prepared to be largely self-sufficient.

The spot is part of a cherished local tradition. This stretch of Spring Creek near Locust Grove has been a summer gathering place for northeastern Oklahomans for generations, and several private and public access points — Old Twin Bridges among them — string along the creek, each offering its own slice of the clear water. The “twin bridges” name harks back to the old crossings over the creek, giving the place a bit of nostalgic, small-town Oklahoma character to go with the swimming.

A few tips for a good visit. Bring water shoes for the rocky, gravelly creek bottom, plus tubes or floats to make the most of the clear water, and pack a cooler and everything you'll need, since amenities are minimal. There are no lifeguards, so keep a close eye on children and swim within your limits. Weekdays are quieter; summer weekends draw a livelier crowd, so arrive early to claim a good shady spot.

Summer is prime time, when the spring-fed creek stays cool no matter how hot the day. Pack out every bit of your trash to help keep this beautiful stretch of Spring Creek pristine, respect the owners' rules, and enjoy one of northeastern Oklahoma's clearest, most refreshing places to cool off — a classic Spring Creek swim with a bit of local history in its name.