Swimming Holes in Louisiana

Louisiana's swimming is mostly at artificial reservoirs and the Gulf coast barrier islands. Chicot State Park near Ville Platte has a large reservoir beach. The Kisatchie National Forest in the central part of the state has swimming at Fullerton Lake. The Saline Bayou National Wild and Scenic River in the western forest has canoe-access swimming in a landscape of longleaf pine and Spanish moss. For cold-water swimming hole geography, Louisiana residents head north to Arkansas — three hours from Shreveport to the Buffalo River country.

Always check current conditions before visiting — water levels, algae advisories, and access roads change seasonally. Never swim alone in remote sites. Tell someone your plans. Explore all swimming holes on the Trek4Free map →