13 Free Swimming Holes near Ithaca, NY
first prev 1 next lastShowing Swimming Holes within 50 miles Distance miles of Ithaca, NY, USA City, Zip, or Address
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Ithaca, New York
2.3 miles SOfficial swimming with a lifeguard and diving board in the large, deep pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls near Ithaca — a fee-required, easy-access alternative to Treman.
Swim
Six Mile Creek Area
Skaneateles, New York
2.5 miles SESeveral swimming spots in Six Mile Creek south and east of Ithaca, New York — clothing optional in some locations; see local guides for access details.
Swim
Treman State Park
Ithaca, New York
4.3 miles SWLifeguarded swimming in a deep pool beneath a dramatic waterfall with a diving board — then hike the Gorge Trail above to the fantastically beautiful 115-foot Lucifer Falls.
Swim
Taughannock Falls State Park Beach
Trumansburg, New York
8.5 miles NWLifeguarded Cayuga Lake swim beach at Taughannock Falls State Park, a short walk from the gorge trail to the 215-foot falls, on NY 89 north of Ithaca.
Camp, Hike, Kayak, Swim
Fillmore Glen State Park
Moravia, New York
18.7 miles NA charming dam-formed swimming area at Fillmore Glen State Park near Moravia, New York — 6-to-7 feet deep with lifeguards, a jumping spot (no diving), grassy sunning area, and stairs to the water. $7 per car, or walk in free.
Swim
Rock Stream
Rock Stream, New York
23.8 miles WSwim near Rock Stream, New York
Swim
Rattlesnake Gulf
Utica-Rome, NY, New York
33.7 miles NECLOSED. This is now private property with No Trespassing posted. A 2-mile round-trip hike to a 25-foot waterfall with a swimming hole at the base — expect downed trees, slippery rocks, and a small day-use fee at this seasonal Upstate New York spot.
Swim
Cayuga Lake State Park
Seneca Falls
33.8 miles NA lifeguarded state park beach on the north end of Cayuga Lake, east of Seneca Falls. Swimming runs late June through Labor Day, with a $7 vehicle fee in season and frequent algal bloom closures.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, New York
35.0 miles NSwim near Skaneateles, New York
Swim
Champlin Beach
Hammondsport
36.4 miles WTown of Urbana park and lifeguarded swim beach at the south end of Keuka Lake, just east of Hammondsport on Route 54, with picnic areas, kayak rentals and no listed entry fee.
Hike, Kayak, Swim
Chenango Valley State Park
Chenango Forks, New York
37.4 miles SEA glacier-scoured, spring-fed kettle lake hosts a beautifully developed official swim beach with a lifeguard at this popular upstate New York state park.
Swim
Sugar Creek
Troy, Pennsylvania
47.5 miles SSwim near Troy, Pennsylvania
Swim
Kershaw Swimming Beach
Canandaigua
48.8 miles NWFree, lifeguarded city beach on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake at Kershaw Park, open daily in summer (May 24 to Aug 21 in 2026). Swimming only in the marked area with guards on duty.
Canoe, Kayak, Swim
