It’s summertime! And while that means a great many things, it also means the mercury is rising to almost unbearable temperatures. So, what is there to do when you can’t even walk out your front door without breaking into a sweat? Go swimming of course! Check out the list below for some of the state’s best swimming spots.

  1. Wolf River

curated by Gary Bridgman/Flickr Spanning over 60 miles, the Wolf River offers quite the diverse landscape – white sandbars near the upper portion of the river and expansive views of salt marshes at the mouth of the river. While the river may be known for its natural beauty it is also the perfect place to cool off.

  1. Shongelo Lake

www.smithcounty.ms.gov Located about five miles north of Raleigh, Shongelo Lake is part of a small but beautiful recreation area making it the ideal place for a secluded dip.

  1. Clear Springs Lake

John L.H./Yelp Tucked away in the Homochitto National Forest, Clear Springs Lake is ideal for those looking for privacy. Not only is the spring-fed lake guaranteed to be nice and cool but it is situated in the middle of a campground. After a relaxing swim you won’t have to drive all the way home.

  1. Bogue Chitto Water Park

www.tripadvisor.com A local favorite, the Bogue Chitto River is the epitome of summer fun. The river’s gentle flow and small rapids are ideal for canoeing and tubing while the sandbars are great for taking a break… and a dip!

  1. Merit Water Park

dlowaterpark.com Located in Simpson County, this 25-acre water park, which includes a small waterfall and an old fashioned swimming hole, is located on Rials Creek. And the best part? Rials Creek is spring fed which means it is nice and cold all year long.

  1. Ross Barnett Reservoir

Michael Massa/Flickr The 33,000 acre reservoir, also known as “the Rez,” has been a local favorite for many years. It’s now become a tourist attraction with visitors coming from all over to partake in water sports, camping, swimming, and fishing. There are several parks located throughout the reservoir that offer designated swimming areas.

  1. D’Lo Water Park

dlowaterpark.com Referred to as “one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets," the D’Lo Water Park is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Located on the Strong River, the park is extremely wooded and peaceful making it an excellent place for a relaxing dip on a hot summer day.

  1. Dunn’s Falls Water Park

Visit Mississippi/Flickr Situated on the Chunky River, Dunn’s Falls looks as if it came straight from a magazine! The picturesque 65-foot waterfall flows into the crystal clear water below which is perfect for a day of swimming with the family.

  1. Seminary Falls

www.okatomacreek.com Once referred to as “the falls on the Okatoma”, Seminary Falls has become quite the popular spot. The Okatoma is often associated with canoeing and kayaking, but the falls are the perfect place to stop for a quick dip. And for the adventure seekers, there is a diving platform.

  1. The Chute on Okatoma Creek

www.okatomacreek.com Another popular stopping spot on the Okatoma is The Chute. One of three rapids along the Seminary – Sanford route, The Chute offers fun for everyone. The water may be a bit shallow but it is a great place for a quick dip.

These are just a portion of the places to cool off in Mississippi. Keep this list going by adding to it in the comments section below!

curated by Gary Bridgman/Flickr

Spanning over 60 miles, the Wolf River offers quite the diverse landscape – white sandbars near the upper portion of the river and expansive views of salt marshes at the mouth of the river. While the river may be known for its natural beauty it is also the perfect place to cool off.

www.smithcounty.ms.gov

Located about five miles north of Raleigh, Shongelo Lake is part of a small but beautiful recreation area making it the ideal place for a secluded dip.

John L.H./Yelp

Tucked away in the Homochitto National Forest, Clear Springs Lake is ideal for those looking for privacy. Not only is the spring-fed lake guaranteed to be nice and cool but it is situated in the middle of a campground. After a relaxing swim you won’t have to drive all the way home.

www.tripadvisor.com

A local favorite, the Bogue Chitto River is the epitome of summer fun. The river’s gentle flow and small rapids are ideal for canoeing and tubing while the sandbars are great for taking a break… and a dip!

dlowaterpark.com

Located in Simpson County, this 25-acre water park, which includes a small waterfall and an old fashioned swimming hole, is located on Rials Creek. And the best part? Rials Creek is spring fed which means it is nice and cold all year long.

Michael Massa/Flickr

The 33,000 acre reservoir, also known as “the Rez,” has been a local favorite for many years. It’s now become a tourist attraction with visitors coming from all over to partake in water sports, camping, swimming, and fishing. There are several parks located throughout the reservoir that offer designated swimming areas.

Referred to as “one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets," the D’Lo Water Park is a paradise waiting to be discovered. Located on the Strong River, the park is extremely wooded and peaceful making it an excellent place for a relaxing dip on a hot summer day.

Visit Mississippi/Flickr

Situated on the Chunky River, Dunn’s Falls looks as if it came straight from a magazine! The picturesque 65-foot waterfall flows into the crystal clear water below which is perfect for a day of swimming with the family.

www.okatomacreek.com

Once referred to as “the falls on the Okatoma”, Seminary Falls has become quite the popular spot. The Okatoma is often associated with canoeing and kayaking, but the falls are the perfect place to stop for a quick dip. And for the adventure seekers, there is a diving platform.

Another popular stopping spot on the Okatoma is The Chute. One of three rapids along the Seminary – Sanford route, The Chute offers fun for everyone. The water may be a bit shallow but it is a great place for a quick dip.

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