In the summer, many pools are either closed or operate with a restricted status because of COVID-19 safety precautions. Finding a suitable place to cool off and enjoy the plunge can be challenging. Luckily, Mother Nature is here to assist. Many beautiful lakes and watering holes within a half hour from Washington, DC, make for an ideal summer day trip. If you’re looking to hang in a rope-like Tarzan, swim laps in a freshwater lake, or soak in the azure waters of the eerie waterfalls in these pools, they are the best option for fun during summer over socially long distances.
Atsion Recreation Area
A half-hour drive from Center City brings you to Atsion Lake in Wharton State Forest. You can enjoy a swim in the summer with lifeguards on guard. The famous lake is filled up, so the website recommends calling before arriving. If you’re looking to make a weekend of it, it is possible to camp out in the park as well.
Lake Absegami
Lake Absegami is a little less than an hour far from Center City. You can canoe, swim and kayak on the 67-acre lake if lifeguards are present from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are hiking trails throughout. Entry fees for cars range between $5 and $20. the walk-in fee is $2.
Whitefish Lake, Montana
It is located at the base of the snow-clad Rockies in Northwestern Montana; sparkling Whitefish Lake is picturesque and marked. If you participate in the crowds at City Beach in Whitefish (where you can also hire paddleboats) or take a single swimming session in Les Mason State Park, you won’t enter the frigid zone. Whitefish Lake is shallow enough to allow warming up, making this one of the top swimming lakes close to your home. Find the most picturesque vacation spot within the state you live in.
Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Are you in search of a pool close to your home? With many islands lined with waterfalls, even youngsters can dip beneath Wright Creek Falls as they fall into the lake. Lake Jocassee is excellent in the hot summer months in South Carolina. It’s less crowded than many other lakes, too, thanks to a single access point in Devil’s Fork State Park. Lake Jocassee is particularly popular for scuba divers who visit the lake to enjoy its crystal-clear, clean waters and cool spots such as sunken Chinese junk, as well as a cemetery and a basketball court.
Canopus Lake – Carmel, New York
1 hour away from Midtown Manhattan
The 100-acre lake within Fahnestock State Park boasts a vast beach, with places to picnic and hiking trails close by as well as rowboat rentals and camping for families. There’s also an eatery as well as restrooms with shower facilities. Be aware that lifeguards don’t patrol the swimming pool.
Lake Taghkanic – Ancram, New York
1 hour, 45 mins from Midtown Manhattan
The stunning Hudson Valley state park swimming lake is a sandy one to swim on. It also features playgrounds, toilets, restrooms, and a snack bar. There are also picnic areas, hiking trails, kayak and paddleboat rentals. If you cannot stay for just a day, you can book a camping or a cabin at the shoreline. It’s one of our most-loved places to visit during summer.
North-South Lake – Haines Falls, New York
2 hours, 15 minutes away from Midtown Manhattan
If you’re planning to take your family camping, take a look at booking a stay for a stay at North-South Lake Campground. Swimming is accessible at the two beaches of the lake as there is a lifeguard on duty (call the campground for specific times). Children can have fun with various activities, including horseshoes, hiking, and playing in the playground.
Blue Marsh Lake
Blue Marsh Lake, an artificial lake located east of Reading, Pennsylvania, sits in Tulpehocken Creek and has a swimming beach (no lifeguards available), boat launch, bike trails, and hiking trails as picnic tables.
Locust Lake
With no traffic, you could reach this lake of 52 acres within just two hours. It is located on the edge of Locust Mountain and is a popular fishing and swimming area. It is important to note that there are no lifeguards at the pool, so take your swim at your own risk.
Crater Lake, Oregon
The deepest of America’s lakes (1,943 feet, to be precise) is also one of the purest: scientists believe Crater Lake contains some of the purest waters in the world. It’s also a stunning blue shade, ranging between cobalt and sapphire. While it’s not hot–the average summer temperature of the lake’s surface isn’t above 60 degrees–the lake is well-loved by swimmers who cool off after their mile-long trek to the point of access.
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
As calm oases, southern mountain lakes entice people to their feet with promises of cool, refreshing air, pine-scented breezes, and tranquil views. The lake is situated in an unspoiled area of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, an old-growth forest located outside Robbinsville, a town. Robbinsville (population about 622), Lake Santeetlah delivers all of this and more such as campsites and hiking trails, a largely undeveloped shoreline, and is one of the top swimming lakes close to you.
West Beach, Berneray, Isles of Harris, Outer Hebrides
The crystal clear waters that are part of Berneray Sands are what have drawn thousands of people to its beaches throughout the year. It is located on the Isle of Berneray in the Outer Hebrides, the beach is spectacular, and you can enjoy stunning views toward the hills of Harris. You can swim, stroll through the dunes, and marvel at the island’s beautiful landscape.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Just to the west of Poconos lies Poconos National Recreation Area. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area It is a vast 70-acre park with a myriad of waterfalls, pools, and a variety of places to cruise on the Delaware River. Are you unsure where to begin? The main headquarters is in Bushkill, PA, approximately two hours from Center City, give or take.