National Parks of New York Harbor
29 mi southwest · National Park Service
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
Outdoors
Swimming holes and lakes near White Plains
Lakes, rivers and beaches near White Plains where swimming is allowed on public land.
8places to swim
29 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
June–Augustbest months
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Closest picks
Gateway National Recreation Area
33 mi south · National Park Service
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook
42 mi south · National Park Service
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
Map of all 8 places
Map of 8 places loads as you scroll.
Within 30 miles (1)
National Parks of New York Harbor
These 12 sites preserve more than 400 years of American history! We invite you to explore the past and investigate its relevance in our lives today.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Paddling
- Picnicking
30 to 75 miles (5)
Gateway National Recreation Area
Spanning 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City, the park is both the gateway from the ocean into New York Harbor, and the gateway to the National Park Service for millions of visitors every year.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Swimming
Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook
Welcome to Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook Unit! There are a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities available at the park including history tours, living history demonstrations, hiking, birding, kayaking, camping,…
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cultural Activities
- Evening Programs
- Fishing
Fire Island National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and…
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Alosa Campsites
The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream.
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
75 miles and farther (2)
Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
In 1958 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Buffumville Dam in Charlton, Massachusetts to provide flood risk management for downstream communities.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Guided Interpretive Walks
- Hiking
- Hunting
West Hill Park
On a quiet back road and across an old fieldstone bridge lies West Hill Park, where the West River widens to form a large, natural pool.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ranger programs
- Swimming
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown White Plains. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around White Plains
A WALK AROUND TOWN
Walking Downtown White Plains
An August 2023 walk along Martine Avenue, Mamaroneck Avenue and Court Street to the library plaza. A film shared by Walking & Driving Incognito.
Watch on YouTube ↗
A WALK AROUND TOWN
Downtown White Plains Walking Tour, 2011
A July 2011 walk around downtown from Church Street along Mamaroneck Avenue and Main Street. A film shared by Go Treasure Hunting.
Watch on YouTube ↗More outdoors near White Plains
- Hiking near White Plains
- Camping near White Plains
- Fishing near White Plains
- Boating and kayaking near White Plains
- Biking and mountain biking near White Plains
- Picnic spots near White Plains
- Wildlife viewing and birding near White Plains
- Snow play and winter sports near White Plains
- Parks in White Plains
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for swimming near White Plains?
National Parks of New York Harbor (National Park Service), about 29 miles southwest of White Plains as the crow flies. Next are Gateway National Recreation Area (33 mi) and Camp Gateway - Sandy Hook (42 mi).
When is the best time for swimming near White Plains?
Based on White Plains’s average highs, June–August. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including National Park Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.