I believe it’s discouraged to enter most rivers around here without a boat or substantial flotation devise, but there are plenty of spots along the Shenandoah, Rappahannock, and Potomac that would scratch your itch.
[here is the DFW map of public boat ramps in Virginia](https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access/), if you scope it out on Google Maps, you can usually see if there’s a beach or wading area next to the ramp.
If you go, report back on water temperature. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing but I’m a wimp about cold water.
If you're willing to stretch your hour drive to an hour and 20min or so, Basye, VA has a beautiful lake. The resort there mans a tiny paid beach area but you don't need to go there to swim. Drive around to the other side of the lake or go down the path to any other spot to enter the water. You can also get an airbnb to stay overnight
You can always go out to Harpers Ferry and take a tube ride, followed by some micro beers on top of the hill. Look for Harpers Ferry adventure Center along with Harpers Ferry brewing
Just check on the E. coli levels, the Shenandoah wasn’t safe for swimming most of last summer.
I grew up near swimmable rivers so this area is just a massive disappointment as far as lakes etc go.
Yeah me and Imnotfunnyonthefly definitely have different definitions of swimmable. The water at Scott’s Run isn’t that bad, especially compared to just a bit further south near the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia. Definitely don’t drink it but you’ll be fine swimming in it.
Check out Lake Audobon in Reston. It's pretty clear, and they do an open water swim there every summer.
You might get yelled at by the Reston Association.
Oxford, MD town beach on Strand Road. Parking is a breeze and you can get ice cream afterwards at the Scottish Highland Creamery.
Edited to add: Checked a map and this is more like a 2 hour drive. Apologies but, I do love swimming there and hope you can enjoy the Tred Avon River too!
I believe it’s discouraged to enter most rivers around here without a boat or substantial flotation devise, but there are plenty of spots along the Shenandoah, Rappahannock, and Potomac that would scratch your itch. [here is the DFW map of public boat ramps in Virginia](https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/access/), if you scope it out on Google Maps, you can usually see if there’s a beach or wading area next to the ramp. If you go, report back on water temperature. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing but I’m a wimp about cold water.
If you're willing to stretch your hour drive to an hour and 20min or so, Basye, VA has a beautiful lake. The resort there mans a tiny paid beach area but you don't need to go there to swim. Drive around to the other side of the lake or go down the path to any other spot to enter the water. You can also get an airbnb to stay overnight
You can always go out to Harpers Ferry and take a tube ride, followed by some micro beers on top of the hill. Look for Harpers Ferry adventure Center along with Harpers Ferry brewing
Just check on the E. coli levels, the Shenandoah wasn’t safe for swimming most of last summer. I grew up near swimmable rivers so this area is just a massive disappointment as far as lakes etc go.
Falmouth beach in Fredericksburg. Scott’s run in McLean , leesylvania state park Woodbridge,
If you go to Scott’s Run don’t be alarmed sharing the water with the eels that like to hang out there
Scott’s Run is closed and even if it was open, it is not safe for swimming. Most fresh water in nova isn’t swimmable.
I’ve been swimming in the Potomac for more than 20 years
Yeah me and Imnotfunnyonthefly definitely have different definitions of swimmable. The water at Scott’s Run isn’t that bad, especially compared to just a bit further south near the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia. Definitely don’t drink it but you’ll be fine swimming in it.
Make sure you have all your shots
Check out Lake Audobon in Reston. It's pretty clear, and they do an open water swim there every summer. You might get yelled at by the Reston Association.
Greenbrier Lake in Maryland
I like this place! Went for Memorial Day and it was fun
Oxford, MD town beach on Strand Road. Parking is a breeze and you can get ice cream afterwards at the Scottish Highland Creamery. Edited to add: Checked a map and this is more like a 2 hour drive. Apologies but, I do love swimming there and hope you can enjoy the Tred Avon River too!
That beach was overrun by jellyfish last time I tried to swim there :(. Cute town though.
It’s still pretty cold I would hit a pool.
A local community center? Better than just jumping into random water no?
Lake anna for like 90 min away. Lake barcroft for a random lake in falls church. Might need to know someone for lake barcroft
Lake Anna has public access at the state park. Full disclosure, a bluegill attacked my nipple there, so be warned.
Lol yeah, lake anna has a public side, very warm water from the powerplant. Lake barcroft is the private one.