WORTH THE DRIVE: 4 swimming holes to complete your summer

Perla Manzano, 14, and her brother, Juan, 9, pile up rocks along the shore line as they play in the water at the Buck Creek State Park beach Monday, June 19, 2017. Bill Lackey/Staff

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Perla Manzano, 14, and her brother, Juan, 9, pile up rocks along the shore line as they play in the water at the Buck Creek State Park beach Monday, June 19, 2017. Bill Lackey/Staff

To some people, summer doesn’t feel complete without dipping in some water that’s just a little cooler and more natural than a swimming pool.

For those people living in Dayton, finding a safe and legal spot where you can do that can be tricky. Luckily, Ohio has a few popular swimming holes that aren’t too far away from Dayton.

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Here are 4 natural swimming locations within a two-hour drive from Dayton.

Know of any great swimming spots you and your friends love to frequent in the summer? Let us know at contact@dayton.com and we’ll be sure to add it to this list. 

🌲Caesar Creek State Park

Address: 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, Ohio

Caesar Creek is the first place Daytonians looking to cool off and get some sand between their toes should turn to. The State Park is located in Waynesville, just under 40 minutes from downtown Dayton. Visitors can pay a $3 campground fee to use the smaller campground beach, or can use the public State Park beach for free. The park has a 1,3000-foot public beach with a beautiful treeline across the way.

The beach at Caesar Creek State Park stretches 1,300 feet along the shoreline, northwest of the new marina.      TY GREENLEES / STAFF

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🌲Mineral Springs Lake

Address: 160 Blue Gill Road, Peebles, Ohio

Mineral Springs in Peebles is approaching the Appalachian region of Southeast Ohio, which of course comes with beautiful scenery.

Open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mineral Springs Lake is open to public swimming through the Mineral Springs Lake Resort campground. The resort beach even has a few floating inflatables for swimmers to play on.

ajc.com

Credit: Arizona Schearing, Facebook

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Credit: Arizona Schearing, Facebook

🌲Indian Lake 

Address: 13156 State Route 235 N. Lakeview, Ohio

Indian Lake is one of the most popular summer destinations in Ohio. With lakeside restaurants, swim-up bars and scenic boat houses, Indian Lake will feel like a mini-getaway, even just for the day.

From Dee Sommer at Indian Lake

Credit: Apple Cassidy

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Credit: Apple Cassidy

🌲Buck Creek State Park

Address: 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield

A doable 41-minute drive from downtown Dayton, Buck Creek is a popular swim spot in Springfield for families. There are also wetlands and meadows full of wildlife in the park for exploring.

Lana Snow, left, and her sister, Natalia, play in the water at the Buck Creek State Park. Bill Lackey/Staff

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey

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