Before splash parks and over-the-top swimming pools, the only option on a hot summer day was to hunt down a lake, creek, or other water sources to be able to jump in and cool off. It’s not as common now for people to head out into the woods or a park in hopes of finding such a hidden gem, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still exist. Not far from Cincinnati is the beautiful Caesar Creek State Park. Here, you’ll find not only a large beach and lake to explore, but also hidden swimming holes along its many trails. These natural swimming holes near Cincinnati will surely cool you off and, at the same time, take you right back to the good old days.

Less than an hour northeast of Cincinnati, Caesar Creek State Park is a favorite park in our area and it's a great place to cool off in the summer.
Google/French Fried Finds
There aren't many places around town where you can sink your toes in the sand and hike to a few hidden swimming spots, but Caesar Creek has it all.
The park's 1,300-foot public beach is like a mini vacation, just a short drive from the city.
Google/Andres Gomez
Take a towel and some sunscreen (and perhaps one of those ridiculously large floats) and relax in this massive swimming hole, while boats pass and the sun dips below the trees. The park has plenty to offer, but this lakefront beach is a summery paradise.
If you prefer to work a bit to reach your swimming destination, take a hike on one of the trails and see what you can discover.
Google/Shanna Shelton
The trails at Caesar Creek are some of the best around and take you over swinging bridges, along creeks, and to beautiful waterfalls that make for the perfect spot to relax and cool off.
There are a number of little swimming holes along the trails, so pick up a map at the Visitor Center and set off on a summer adventure.
Google/Gabriel Schuyler
The park also has a marina if you want to experience the large lake by boat.
Facebook/Caesar Creek State Park
You can even rent jet skis on Caesar Creek Lake!
Bring your own boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and get on out there!
Facebook/Caesar Creek State Park
Fancy water parks have their place in our summer of fun, but there's something nostalgic, simple, and relaxing about a day at a natural swimming hole, whether it's a big lake or a hidden creek.
Photo Courtesy of Jason Hale / @jasonhalephoto
Caesar Creek State Park is so close to Cincinnati that there's really no reason not to check out all it has to offer, and your first stop should be the beach or a hiking trail to cool off in one of their natural swimming holes that will take you right back to the good old days.

The waters of Caesar Creek State Park are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day, and they’re not far from Cincinnati. Do you enjoy seeking out swimming holes and jumping in? Have you splashed around at the lake or creeks of Caesar Creek? What are your favorite swimming holes near Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments below – we love hearing from you!

Caesar Creek State Park is located at 8570 East State Route 73, Waynesville, OH 45068. For more information, visit its official website and follow along on its Facebook page.

For more day trips around Cincinnati, you should check out this summer, head on over to our previous article that lists some of our favorite summer adventures near the Queen City.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Swimming holes near Cincinnati

Sarah M. | June 20, 2022

What are some other beautiful swimming holes near Cincinnati?

If you're up for a trip south of the border (the Ohio/Kentucky border, that is), we have just the destination for you. It's so great, in fact, that we consider it a bucket-list must for all intrepid explorers and nature lovers!

Since you enjoyed the above day trip adventure that was a fun reminder of what summers were like during the good old days, then we think you'll love the following adventure at Red River Gorge. Head to the Sheltowee Connector / Suspension Bridge Trail for some Red River Gorge swimming. It’s along this trail that you’ll find an incredible natural swimming hole in Kentucky, among other surprises, that are fun-filled and filled with nostalgia. You will know you've reached the spot when you see a calm area of water, a small beach, and a rock that seems to have been placed there just for jumping into the water. This area is so epic, that you will probably find yourself in good company; you'll see adventurers jumping from the rock into the cool water below, and it’s quite exhilarating if you decide to try it for yourself! (If you prefer a less crowded experience, you'll want to save this swimming hole near Cincinnati for mid-week, early in the day.) This is one trail within Red River Gorge where you can enjoy a natural swimming hole as well as other exciting features, and we think it belongs on everyone's summer bucket list!

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Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA