10 Places to Swim Near DC If You Want to Avoid Bay Bridge Traffic – NBC4 Washington

Beaver Dam Swim Club in Cockeysville, Maryland

Dive into a freshwater quarry while swinging on a rope or spend the afternoon swimming in one of the two pools at the Beaver Dam Swim Club. If you need a break from the water, head to one of the club's basketball or volleyball courts, or use the club's grilling facilities to prepare your own feast. You can bring your own food and drinks, but alcohol is not allowed. There is also a snack bar. See entry prices here.

Or: 10820 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Maryland
Distance from Washington DC: 57 miles

Tubing in the Harpers Ferry area

Float along the pristine Shenandoah River for beautiful views of downtown Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, after renting an inner tube. Two outfitters can provide buoys and personal flotation devices (and floating coolers, for an additional fee), and take you by car to and from the waterfront. Both let you choose your own adventure: float on calm waters or slide down rapids for beginners from class I to III.

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center (37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, Virginia) offers everything you need for a day on the water, plus ziplining, rafting, or a ropes course at its base. Accommodation is available on the grounds via cabins and a riverside or mountaintop campsite.

River Riders Family Adventure Resort (408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia) is also open for the season. In addition to tubing access, you'll also find an adventure park, campground, and several cabins for rent.

Distance from Washington DC: About 60 to 65 miles

Greenbrier State Park

A white-sand beach on a 42-acre man-made freshwater lake draws crowds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. You can rent rowboats and paddleboats by the hour or go fishing for trout, largemouth bass and bluegill with a Maryland fishing license. The park also includes 11 miles of hiking trails.

Or: ​​​​​21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland
Distance from DC: About 60 miles

Northern Neck Region of Virginia

Virginia's Northern Neck region, where the Potomac, Rappahannock and Chesapeake Bay rivers meet, offers several beaches, quaint inns and plenty of shopping. If you're looking for a swim, check out a few:

Distance from Washington DC Mileage varies depending on your specific destination. Colonial Beach is 63 miles from Washington DC

Hunting Creek Lake at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Maryland

Hunting Creek Lake in Cunningham Falls State Park has three designated swimming areas where you can cool off. Lifeguards are on duty between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., but if they are not on duty you may swim at your own risk. Arrive early to ensure the park does not reach capacity.

Want to extend your stay? Make it a weekend getaway by renting an RV nearby.

Or: William Houck Campground, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland
Distance from Washington DC: 70 miles