As we make our way through another sweltering summer, check out these fun swimming spots (many of which are free!) to cool off in the area’s many rivers and streams while experiencing a new neck of the woods.

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)
Located in Gunpowder Falls State Park, this area—equipped with lifeguards on duty—includes 1,500 feet of beach for daytime 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, Essex 

Mayo Beach Park
Pack up a cooler and spend the day lounging on the sand at this Anne Arundel County beach, which is free to visit (with an online reservation) Memorial Day through Labor Day. 4150 Honeysuckle Drive, Edgewater 

North Point State Park
North Point features 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 Park and 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

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Updated June 2025. Fact-checking by Alana McCarthy Light