The Baltimore Area’s Best Swimming Holes

Beaver Dam Swimming Club
Nestled on a 30-acre complex, this freshwater quarry is not to be missed by rope-swing aficionados. 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville

Hammerman Beach (Gunpowder Falls State Park)
Open year-round for daytime use inside Gunpowder Falls State Park, this area includes 1,500 feet of beach for swimming on the banks of the Gunpowder. 7200 Graces Quarters Road, Middle River

Hart-Miller Island State Park
This 1,110-acre island is located in Baltimore County where the Middle River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Mouth of the Middle River

North Point State Park
North Point features numerous beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay and includes a waterfront that is open to swimmers and waders. 8400 North Point Road, Edgemere

Patapsco Valley State Park
There are many reasons to visit the gem of Central Maryland, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, bird watching, and picnicking. But swimming—or more accurately, dipping—in the cool waters of the Patapsco River sometimes gets forgotten. 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City

Rocky Point Beach
The 375-acre park sits at the mouth of the Back and Middle rivers and is open year-round for fishing, boating, and picnicking from sunrise to sunset—and for swimming at the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day, when lifeguards are on duty. 2200 Rocky Point Road, Essex