Swimming
  • Calm lake with trees, a swimmer, and a stone path under a clear blue sky.
    • People stand on a wooden platform on a lake, with lush trees in the background.

    Swimming at Tennessee State Parks

    Tennessee State Parks offer various opportunities for visitors to swim during the summer months.

    Whether cooling off in the rippling waters of a mountain stream, enjoying the shade of a poolside umbrella, or strolling on a sandy beach by one of our many scenic lakes, beating the summer heat has never been easier.

    Find a Park with Swimming

    • Sunset over the ocean with gentle waves and an orange sky.

    Swim Beaches

    As the summer days draw near, everyone will be looking for ways to beat the peak of the heat. We can summarize our plans with two words: Beach trip! We're already daydreaming of a day lounging on the sand, splashing in the water with our favorite beach hat, and soaking up the long summer days.

    Swim beaches are popular destinations for family fun. Play in the sand, wade in the water, or float in a tube. Most swim areas are free, open seasonally, and offer bathhouses and scenic lake views; however, no lifeguards are on duty. 

    Swimming Pools

    Our public swimming pools are a perfect retreat from the summer heat. Most are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and have lifeguards on duty during swimming hours.  

    Amenities often include sunbathing spaces with lounge chairs, bathhouses and snack areas, diving boards, and children's wading pools.  

    Most park public pools are closed on Monday and Tuesday, except for holiday weeks. Our pools can also be rented for birthday parties or other summer gatherings. 

    The following parks only allow lodge or cabin guests access to the lodge pool:

    Edgar Evins

    Montgomery Bell

    Paris Landing

    Pickwick Landing

    • photo taken in the sky of the pool, several buildings, and shelters
    • Outdoor pool with diving board, kids waiting in line. Trees in background.

    Pool Passes

    Visitors may have the option to purchase a pool pass for up to 40 entries to the pools at Cumberland Mountain, Fall Creek Falls, and/or Standing Stone. These passes are available online and at participating Tennessee State Parks pool locations. Pool passes do not work at pools reserved specifically for lodge/cabin guests. If you have questions in regards to Tennessee State Parks pool passes, please contact us.  

    Purchase Pool Pass

    Please note: As of 2025, the Henry Horton State Park pool will not reopen. For those near Henry Horton State Park, there are several access points throughout the park for those interested in swimming in the Duck River and several area swimming pools for visitors to enjoy. 

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    Learning Playscapes

    In August 2023, after optimistic public meetings, Tennessee State Parks announced that six pools that had previously closed would be replaced with year-round, nature-based Learning Playscapes.

    No events are scheduled at this time, but there's always more to explore.

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