15 Free Swimming Holes near Biscuit Basin to Fairy Falls and Firehole Meadows
first prev 1 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of 85PFF3MC+XH City, Zip, or Address
Firehole River
Madison, Yellowstone National Park
9.8 miles NA thermally warmed Yellowstone river with a calm swim area that is beautiful and historic for anglers — but stay strictly out of the main current, which has been fatal. Check with a ranger before entering.
Hot Springs, Swim 17.5 mi
Tear Drop Lake
Ashton, Idaho
20.6 miles SWA small, lively lake in the Targhee forest for kayaking, swimming, and an easy loop trail — family fun with primitive lakeside camping.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Swim 0.9 mi
Buffalo River Campground
Island Park, Idaho
21.8 miles WAn easy, clear, and often warm float on the Buffalo River near Island Park, with slow enough current to paddle back upstream in a canoe or kayak after your run.
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
23.9 miles SA lily-pad-dotted lake hidden in the Targhee National Forest with a gradual beach entry perfect for wading, a floating dock for jumping, and no motorized boats.
Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim 15.9-16.6 mi
Union Falls & Ouzel Pool
Grant Village, Yellowstone National Park
25.0 miles SA ~16-mile backcountry trek into Yellowstone's remote Bechler region rewards you with a 250-foot waterfall and Ouzel Pool — a warm-spring-fed swimming hole you can jump into.
Backpack, Hike, Hot Springs, Swim
Loon Lake
Ashton, Idaho
25.7 miles SCamp, Kayak, and Swim near Ashton, Idaho
Camp, Kayak, Swim
Porcupine Creek
Ashton, Idaho
31.0 miles SWA backcountry hunting, fishing, camping, and swimming spot in Targhee National Forest, surrounded by forests, meadows, a creek, and unmarked trails — bear country, so pack and store food carefully.
Camp, Swim
Boiling River
North Entrance, Yellowstone National Park
36.9 miles NWhere a hot spring pours into the Gardner River in Yellowstone, warm soaking awaits — but never enter the scalding upstream runoff channel, which reaches 113–140°F. Check with a ranger first.
Hot Springs, Swim
Wade Lake
Cameron, Montana
38.4 miles NWCamp, Canoe, Kayak, and Swim near Cameron, Montana
Camp, Canoe, Kayak, Swim
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Yellowstone National Park
40.2 miles NEA suspension bridge over the Yellowstone River leads to sandy creek-side beaches and a mild backcountry trail past Yellowstone's largest granite slab — great for all ages.
Camp, Hike, Swim 4.8 mi
Aldous Lake and Hancock Lake
Kilgore, Idaho
45.1 miles WTwin alpine lakes — Aldous and Hancock — on a scenic 1.5-to-2.5-mile hike near Kilgore, with beautiful mountain scenery and heavier weekend crowds.
Backpack, Camp, Hike, Horseback, Swim
Fall River Bridge
Ashton, Idaho
45.1 miles SWA rope swing under a railroad bridge and a swimming hole just north — pull off Highway 20, check the mid-river rocks for water level, and enjoy a quick summer splash.
Dive, Swim
Twin Bridges
St. Anthony, Idaho
45.4 miles SWAn old abandoned bridge with two jump levels, a rope swing, and a little sandbar upstream — rarely crowded and great for families on warm days.
Dive, Swim
Fun Farm Bridge
Saint Anthony, Idaho
49.0 miles SWJump from road level, the bridge top, or the bars below at the Funny Farm Bridge — still an active road, so stay alert for vehicles, especially large trucks.
Dive, Swim 3.6 mi
String Lake
Alta, Wyoming
49.3 miles SA shallow, warm lake connecting Jenny and Leigh Lakes at the base of the Tetons — the clear water lets you see the bottom from a kayak, wade easily with kids, and access wilder open water beyond.
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim
