Swimming

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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.

Pool Closures and Request for Public Comment

Eleven swimming pools will not reopen as of Summer, 2022. Those pools include Roan Mountain, Warriors' Path, Panther Creek, Cove Lake, Booker T. Washington, Harrison Bay, David Crockett, David Crockett Birthplace, Norris Dam, Paris Landing, and Tims Ford. The swimming pools at those parks were closed in 2020 and 2021 due to complications related to COVID-19. Reopening the pools is unfeasible due to aging facilities, declining visitation pre-COVID 19, and high expenses. Tennessee State Parks has allocated $400,000 for each park to invest in new outdoor recreation activities. State parks officials encourage Tennesseans to voice their opinions on options for alternative, year-round outdoor recreational operations at each park. The public comment period closed on January 19, 2022.

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 space 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. There is an admission fee for day guests, which varies by location. Most cabin and camping guests pay a reduced price. Our pools are perfect locations for birthday parties and provide hours of entertainment without breaking the budget.

For more information on hours and days of operation, pool passes, pool party rates, or other specific information call your park of interest. *Please note: Pools at Edgar Evins, Montgomery Bell, Natchez Trace, and Pickwick Landing are for Lodge and/or cabin guest use only. 

Tennessee State Parks Pool Passes

Each summer, Tennessee State Parks offers statewide pool passes. Each pass includes 40 entries to any of the public Tennessee State Park pool locations below. These passes are available for purchase online and at participating Tennessee State Park pool locations. Pool passes do not work at pools reserved specifically for Lodge/cabin guests as noted below (***). If you have questions in regards to Tennessee State Parks pool passes, please email State.Parks@tn.gov.

***Please note: Pools at Edgar Evins, Montgomery Bell, Natchez Trace and Pickwick Landing are for Lodge and/or cabin guest use only. 

Swim Beaches

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 open seasonally, free and offer bathhouses and scenic lake views; however, no lifeguards are on duty.

Streams and Creeks

Cool creek water, perfect for wading and splashing can be found at many of our parks.