A dog enjoys a pet-friendly swimming hole

Fido's Favorite Swimming Holes

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When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than cooling off with a refreshing swim. We’ve rounded up some of the best pet-friendly parks and beaches where your four-legged doggy paddler can go for a dip. Beat the heat and get some exercise at these dog-friendly swimming holes across the U.S.

Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Stowe, VT
a dog swims at Smugglers’ Notch State Park
Skinny-dipping dog. Photo by @Retriever_cali

Smugglers’ Notch State Park is THE place to enjoy cool air on a hot summer day in Vermont’s Green Mountains. After a quick 20-minute hike to Bingham Falls, Fido can wade in the swimming hole at the base of a 25-foot waterfall. The park also has ponds and streams where your pooch can practice his “beast” stroke. Less than an hour away, Fido can enjoy more off-leash swimming at Niquette Bay State Park’s pet swim area in Calm Cove.

Book a dog-friendly room at The Stowehof, a pet-friendly hotel surrounded by 26 unspoiled acres with mountain vistas. Explore the property with your pup and allow him to go for a swim in the on-site pond.

James Island County Park

Charleston, SC
a dog playing at James Island County Park Pet-Friendly Swimming Holes
Don’t stop retrievin’, hold on to that feeling… Photo by @Maddieethegolden

A visit to James Island County Park is a great way to spend a hot and humid day in Charleston with your pup. Fido can cool off with a swim at the park’s man-made dog beach or run and play with new friends on four acres of open grassy space. Once your canine is dog-tired, clean him up at the on-site dog wash station.

Enjoy more views of the water with a stay at the pet-friendly La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Charleston Riverview, located next to Wappoo Creek and the Ashley River. The hotel welcomes you and your pet with clean and comfortable rooms. Before tucking in for the night, take an evening stroll along the West Ashley Greenway.

a dog taking a swim at Tanner Park
Learning how to doggie “poodle.” Photo by @Mochi_banks

Lauded by locals as one of Salt Lake City’s best parks for dogs, Tanner Park offers a couple of chill swimming holes where pups can take a dip. The 10-acre park near Parley’s Canyon features a river and several nature trails where furry friends can run and splash off leash. Be sure to hike Parley's Historic Nature Park Trail Loop, a dog-friendly, 1.9-mile trail that cuts through Tanner Park and is suitable for all skill levels. For more doggie paddling in Utah, visit Willow Creek Dog Pond, just 40 minutes away in Park City.

Tune into a unique stay at the Art Cottage at Baldwin Radio Factory. The building that houses this historic home once produced the world’s first headphones, and now serves as a warm and inviting retreat for you and your pooch to enjoy together.

Tom Harvey Memorial Dog Park

Blanchester, OH
Tom Harvey Memorial Dog Park
Photo by BringFido/Emily

From state parks like Hocking Hills and Hueston Woods, to dog parks like Bow Wow Beach, Ohio is full of dog-friendly off-leash swimming holes. Tom Harvey Memorial Dog Park is a favorite among Buckeye doggy paddlers. Canines are free to explore nine acres of fenced grassy areas, woods, trails, and, of course, a pond for swimming. Humans can watch from benches dotted throughout the park or from the swing nestled among the trees. The park is privately owned, but open to the public, and donations are welcome.

Cozy up in a cabin at Cowan Lake Retreat. Fido can relax on the deck and soak up nature while enjoying lake views.

Timber Creek Dog Park

Blackwood, NJ
a dog playing at the Timber Creek Pooch Park
Fetch in the water > fetch on dry land. Photo by @Rob.rawls

Timber Creek Dog Park is a nine-acre fenced space for off-leash play and swimming, located inside a 128-acre wooded park in the Garden State. Your pooch can practice his doggy paddle in Big Timber Creek before strapping on his leash for a walk on one of the park's many trails.

Stay nearby in the City of Brotherly Love. Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia’s 19 pet-friendly spa rooms or suites offer large jetted tubs for a pampered stay with your pooch. Located in Downtown Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, you’ll be close to all the action when you feel like stepping out.

Kruse Park Dog Beach

Muskegon, MI
A dog splashing at the  Norman F. Kruse Park a Pet-Friendly Swimming Holes
Splash zone. Photo by @Sexologistmegan

Let Fido off his leash in the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan. Dogs must be leashed while on the sand, but can swim freely at Kruse Park Dog Beach. The park can get crowded on the weekends, but luckily, there’s over one mile of beach to explore and find your spot!

Pet-friendly vacation rentals in the area include Savannah Sands Beach Cottage, a vintage, waterfront two-bedroom cottage on Lake Michigan. Laze on one of the decks with your dog after a fun day of swimming.

Dog Beach at Downs Park

Pasadena, MD
A dog swims at Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach
"Come on in, the water’s fine." Photo by @Aura_pup

Located off the main park’s perimeter trail, Dog Beach at Downs Park is a great spot for new doggy paddlers to learn to swim or veteran canine swimmers to enjoy some time in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. Once she’s done with her water fun, leash your pup up for a walk on more than five miles of paved and natural trails in the park.

The historic William Fell Baltimore Tapestry Collection by Hilton in nearby Baltimore is a relaxing spot to rest your head after hiking and splashing around the park. The European-style hotel boasts stately rooms, an intimate pub, and a new innovative food experience.

Stodder’s Neck Dog Park

Weymouth, MA
two dogs playing at the Stodder’s Neck Dog Park  a Pet-Friendly Swimming Holes
Best. Day. Ever. Photo by @Piperthenotshepherdmix

Located on a peninsula at the mouth of Weymouth Back River, Stodder’s Neck Dog Park is a “pawfect” swimming hole for your pup. Canines can splash and play in the crisp waters of the river, and then hike the harborside walking trails to be rewarded with amazing hilltop views. Dogs are allowed off leash in designated areas of the park.

You and your pooch are invited to enjoy oceanfront living at this modern home with a fenced space, located on George Lane Beach.

a dog playing at Tubbs Hill a  Park Pet-Friendly Swimming Holes
Sh- sh- shake it off! Photo by @Adventureswitholidog

Enjoy Idaho’s Lake Coeur d’Alene by visiting Tubbs Hill for an afternoon swim. The park encompasses over 120 acres of trails, overlooks, caves, and beaches along the lake. Let Fido take a dip before or after you explore the two-mile interpretive loop trail that outlines the perimeter of Tubbs Hill. The walk takes you past historic points of interest and breathtaking scenery.

Book a dog-friendly room at The Roosevelt Inn and you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast in the morning. The inn also boasts an impressive antique collection and a nice lawn where Fido can play.

The Getaway at Emerald Glen Farm

Morris, NY
a dog Diving into the Getaway at Glen Highland Farm
Dive into fun. Photo by @Meb1203

At The Getaway at Emerald Glen Farm, dogs are always welcome to play off leash on the property’s 175 acres of meadows, trails, forests, dog beaches, ponds and creeks. It's a unique escape for you and your furry friend, set in the scenic countryside of Upstate New York.

After a full day of fun, retire in pet-friendly accommodations on the farm, which range from creekside tents to well-equipped cottages and cabins.

Beavers Bend State Park

Broken Bow, OK
a dog at Beavers Bend State Park
Aquaholic. Photo by @Niathegoldenretriever

Water-loving hounds will want to visit Beavers Bend State Park, located within the Ouachita National Forest, because of its pristine lakes and rivers surrounded by towering pine trees. Pups can take a refreshing dip in Broken Bow Lake after hiking along one of the pet-friendly trails. For those looking to spend the night in the park, Beavers Bend has several dog-friendly cabin rentals.

If you’d rather stay in a hotel, book a room at the Rodeway Inn Broken Bow - Hochatown, with a grassy area for Fido and a free breakfast for you. The hotel has a pool if you’d like to swim a few laps while your dog takes a nap in the room.

South Llano River State Park

Junction, TX
a woman and her dog at South Llano River State Park
Just keep swimming. Photo by @Camilla.gk

Bring Fido to the heart of Texas Hill Country at South Llano River State Park, where, in addition to swimming, he can join you on the river in a kayak, canoe, or on a tubing excursion. The state park also boasts 18 miles of multi-use trails to explore with your leashed pup.

Located on six acres just outside Kerrville, this cozy cottage sleeps four to six and is perfect for weekend getaways. Your pup will love frolicking underneath the large oak trees on this picturesque property.

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