Top Four Queer Swimming Holes in the South

By Kelly M. Marshall

As summer closes in, I’m struck by the overwhelming desire for a queer swimming experience, a place where we can all gather and connect with the water in a joyful way that simultaneously quenches the heat and the need for community. But I hesitated. Do places like that exist in the South?

As a person of trans experience, two concepts guided my hunt: natural settings and safety. There is something deeply healing about connecting with nature, but I wanted to make these offerings with the knowledge that the members of my community would be physically and emotionally safe to be their embodied selves. So, without further ado, I present the short list of summer destinations for you and your queer coterie.

Hippie Hollow, Austin TX

Nestled just outside of Austin, the queer mecca of Texas, Hippie Hollow has a longstanding history of gay culture and is the only legally-recognized clothing-optional public park in the state. Formerly called McGregor Park, it was informally nicknamed “Hippie Hollow” during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Splash Days and Otter Fest are specifically LGBTQ-oriented events which occur at the swimming hole on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and the second weekend in July. Crystal blue water, limestone jetties, and a relaxed, no-judgment zone sets the stage. The park rangers are helpful, friendly, and take no bullshit from detractors or hecklers. They will summarily boot anyone out who raises complaints from the other beach-goers. When the sun starts to set, change into your clothes and grab dinner and drinks at The Oasis just down the road.

Beaver Lake, Eureka Springs, AR

Eureka Springs has been dubbed the LGBTQ haven of Arkansas and happens to have many queer owned-and-operated places to camp and stay along the aptly named (and beautiful) Beaver Lake. Eureka Springs is a small and picturesque spa town (read: hot springs) nestled in the Ozarks. The first same-sex marriage license in Arkansas was issued in Eureka Springs back in May of 2014. They have three LGBT Pride-oriented events, called Eureka Springs Diversity Weekends. In addition to boasting the highest gay-per-capita population in the country, this little town has garnered national attention as being the most aggressively inclusive place in the South. Beaver Lake itself is a sprawling man-made lake formed by the Beaver Dam across the White River. There are a multitude of modern campsites and cabins to stay in, and because of its proximity to Eureka Springs, the staff and owners of these establishments are also inclusive and welcoming.

Key West, FL

Once home to Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway, Key West has often been touted as another queer haven in the South. Its diverse and progressive past goes back to its days as a melting pot of pirates, indigenous people, Spaniards, and later, Bahaman immigrants and Cubans. Now, it’s a diverse population of artists and queer folks. The city was one of the first in the U.S. to elect an openly gay mayor. Popular attractions include queer-oriented sailing charters, offshore excursions, a ballet theatre, art studio tours, eco-tours, snorkeling, kayaking, you name it. There is a cornucopia of queer accommodations, businesses, and support while you hit the beach, work on your tan, and make new friends.

Upper Creek Falls, Asheville, North Carolina

The Upper Creek Falls aren’t in Asheville, but I suggest a day trip from there. In 2010, the Advocate dubbed Asheville the “12th Gayest City in the US,” and it’s just gotten queerer since. It has around 83 percent more gay and lesbian residents than the average American city, and there are plenty of queer owned-and-operated businesses to support. Upper Creek Falls itself has been cited by more than a few gay travel websites as the place to go swimming in North Carolina. It’s a beautiful green oasis complete with cascading waterfalls, a swimming hole, and a rope swing. Afterwards, check out the Asheville nightlife—consider skipping the requisite gay bars and instead check out The Wedge for a great local brew and The Orange Peel for a show.

There you have it: four destinations in these United States to quench your thirst for swimming in the great outdoors as well as connecting with queer community. Hopefully you’re inspired to adventure out and have yourself a hot, nature-filled, queer summer. Just don’t forget the sunblock!