Swimming in Yellowstone: 7 Places for Soaking, Boating, and Water Sports

Swimming in Yellowstone is a refreshing summer activity but is only recommended in designated spots. Most of Yellowstone’s waters are too cold—or too hot—for swimming, but a few places inside and nearby the park allow visitors the chance to safely enjoy Yellowstone’s rivers, lakes, and nearby hot springs. Whether you’re looking for a natural swim in the Firehole River, a day of boating on Yellowstone Lake, or a relaxing afternoon in a Montana hot spring, Yellowstone and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone! This guide covers some of the best places to swim in and around Yellowstone, with tips for making the most of your summer adventures. Here are 7 great places for swimming, soaking, boating, and water sports around Yellowstone National Park!

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1. The Firehole Swim Area (inside the park)

Yellowstone offers limited opportunities to swim or soak due to cold lake temperatures and boiling hot springs. The Firehole Swim Area, located two miles south of Madison Junction on Firehole Canyon Drive, is the only place to swim inside the park. While it generally opens mid-summer, always check ahead of time, as opening dates are subject to change based on snowmelt. Check the current opening status of the Firehole Swim Area here.

No lifeguards are on duty at the Firehole Swim Area (or anywhere in the park), so swimming in Yellowstone means doing so at your own risk. Since this is the only designated place to swim in the park, the Firehole Swim Area can get crowded, especially in the afternoon. It’s best to visit earlier in the day for a quieter experience.

Note: Swimming is currently not allowed at Boiling River in Yellowstone, as this area was impacted during the 2022 floods.

2. Yellowstone Hot Springs (Gardiner, MT)

Located just north of Yellowstone near Gardiner, Montana, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers a relaxing soak in natural hot spring pools with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. (Note: Yellowstone Hot Springs is not affiliated with Yellowstone National Park and is located outside the park’s boundaries. Soaking in hot springs inside the park is prohibited.)

At Yellowstone Hot Springs, you’ll find three outdoor pools—a “cold plunge” of about 60-65 degrees in temperature, a hot pool that’s approximately 105 degrees, and a main pool with a temperature of around 98-100 degrees. Yellowstone Hot Springs is open year-round and is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring the park.

Admission fees apply, but you can save money by bringing your own towels. Learn more about Yellowstone Hot Springs here; Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am-9pm.

Yellowstone Hot Springs is about 10 minutes from Yellowstone's North Entrance.

3. Chico Hot Springs (Pray, MT)

Chico Hot Springs, located in Paradise Valley about 30 miles north of Yellowstone, is a historic resort that features natural hot spring pools for guests and day visitors. These pools are heated naturally, with temperatures ranging from around 96°F to 103°F, making them perfect for a soothing soak after a day of hiking or exploring. The larger pool is great for swimming, while the smaller pool is ideal for a relaxing soak.

In addition to the hot springs, Chico Hot Springs also offers lodging, dining, and spa services. Winter visits to Chico are especially magical, as the surrounding mountains are covered in snow. Chico Hot Springs pools are open to both resort guests and day visitors, making it an accessible and enjoyable stop for anyone visiting the Yellowstone area.

Chico Hot Springs is open for day visitors daily from 8am-11pm. Admission fees apply, but you can save money by bringing your own towels. Learn more here.

4. Wade Lake (West Yellowstone, MT)

Wade Lake, located about an hour outside Yellowstone’s West Entrance, is a hidden gem for those looking for a calm and scenic place to swim. The lake’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters make it one of the most picturesque swimming spots in the area. While the water can be chilly, especially in the early summer, it’s perfect for a refreshing dip on hot days.

In addition to swimming, visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Nearby campsites allow for overnight stays, making it a great destination for a day trip or overnight getaway.

The following suggestions are great spots to get on the water and enjoy water-based activities like boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, and river rafting, but are generally not recommended for swimming.

5. Yellowstone Lake (inside the park)

While Yellowstone Lake is far too cold for comfortable swimming, it’s a fantastic spot for water-based activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. As the largest high-elevation lake in North America, Yellowstone Lake offers breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities to explore its calm waters. Kayakers and boaters can take in the stunning scenery, with the Absaroka Range and surrounding forest providing a beautiful backdrop.

Although swimming in the lake isn’t recommended due to the cold water temperatures, which hover around 40°F even in summer, paddling along the shoreline offers a chance to experience the serenity and beauty of the area. There are multiple boat launch sites around the lake, and guided kayaking tours are also available for those who want a more structured adventure.

6. Yellowstone River (Gardiner, MT)

The Yellowstone River near Gardiner, Montana, offers various spots for water sports, especially during the summer when the river levels drop and the water warms up. Gardiner is located just outside the park’s North Entrance. River access spots can be found along the riverbanks, though caution should be taken due to the river’s strong currents in certain areas.

Head to the McConnell Public River Access (turn left before the Sinclair Gas Station on US-89 near Gardiner), Cinnabar River Access (near Yellowstone Hot Springs), or to access points along Paradise Valley, such as the Emigrant Rest Area, Dailey Lake (popular for fishing), and Mallard’s Rest (a popular fishing and paddling access area).

The Yellowstone River is a popular destination for fishing, paddling, and rafting, with numerous local outfitters offering guided trips. Rafting on the Yellowstone River provides a thrilling way to experience the river’s rapids, with both half-day and full-day trips available. The stretch near Gardiner offers Class II and III rapids, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for adventure. (Scenic float trips are also available!) The rafting season typically runs from May through September, depending on the river conditions.

Rafting along the Yellowstone River in Gardiner, MT.

7. Lewis Lake (inside the park)

Lewis Lake, located in the southern part of Yellowstone, is another great place to get on the water, though swimming isn’t the main attraction here due to the lake’s chilly temperatures. This glacial lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

Lewis Lake offers stunning views of the nearby Absaroka and Teton mountain ranges, providing a peaceful backdrop for paddling adventures. The lake is usually quieter than Yellowstone Lake, making it a great place for those looking to avoid larger crowds. Boat rentals are available nearby, and non-motorized boating is a popular way to explore the lake’s shoreline and inlets.

FAQs About Swimming in Yellowstone

Can you swim anywhere in Yellowstone National Park?

Not everywhere in Yellowstone is safe or allowed for swimming. The Firehole Swim Area is a designated spot where swimming is permitted seasonally, while other parts of the park remain too dangerous due to cold temperatures or geothermal activity.

Can you swim or soak in hot springs in Yellowstone?

No. Swimming, soaking, and touching hot spring areas inside Yellowstone National Park is prohibited. Always stay on designated trails.

Are there hot springs near Yellowstone for swimming or soaking?

Yes, two hot spring areas are open for swimming outside the park’s North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. Yellowstone Hot Springs and Chico Hot Springs offer relaxing hot spring pools where visitors can swim or soak year-round.

What is the best time of year to swim in Yellowstone?

The best time to swim in Yellowstone is during summer, typically from mid-July to early September. This is when the weather is warmer, rafting and boating season is in full swing, and the Firehole Swim Area may be open. During other times of the year, head to Yellowstone Hot Springs or Chico Hot Springs—both are outside the park and offer a relaxing soak year-round.

Can you swim in Yellowstone Lake?

Swimming in Yellowstone Lake is not recommended due to its extremely cold water, which averages around 40°F, even in summer. However, the lake is popular for boating and kayaking.

Can you go rafting in Yellowstone?

While rafting inside the park is not allowed, you can go rafting on the Yellowstone River just outside the park’s North Entrance in Gardiner. Rafting trips are available throughout the summer and offer a fun way to experience the river’s rapids and scenic views.

Is the Boiling River open for swimming in Yellowstone?

No. Swimming is currently not allowed at Boiling River in Yellowstone, as this area was impacted during the 2022 floods.

Do I need a permit for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing in Yellowstone?

Yes, if you plan to take a watercraft on Yellowstone’s lakes, you’ll need a boating permit and a Yellowstone Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection. Boating permit fees for non-motorized boats are $20 for 7 days or $30 for the season, and for motorized boats are $40 for 7 days or $60 for the season. (These fees include the AIS inspection.)

Learn more about boating in Yellowstone at nps.gov.

Plan Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you never miss out, whether you’re enjoying water sports in the summer or spotting wildlife in the spring. Crafted from personal experience over 9 years and 10 trips (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the stress out of planning a vacation to America’s first (and one of its largest) national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide!

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Happy Travels!