Top 9 Swimming Spots in Reno

Whether you’re a tourist or a Reno local, you’re bound to recognize our dry climate. But being in a high desert doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the water. Check out this guide to discover the top swimming spots in Reno. Our list offers a variety of swimming options, including outdoor and indoor pools, rivers, and lakes, which you can enjoy throughout the year.

Idlewild Pool

Idlewild Park is a popular public park in Reno with great amenities like a beautiful rose garden, skate park, and picnic area. Located west of Midtown Reno, the site also has a public outdoor pool for which visitors can pay a small fee. The Idlewild Pool is only open during the summer months and has open swim hours for families. If you want to swim laps, check the hours for lanes. The main pool has eight 50-meter lanes, 16 25-yard lanes, and two half-meter diving boards. There’s also a 30-by-60-foot training pool.

Easy access stairs and an automatic pool lift provide accessibility for everyone. While you’re there, consider taking advantage of the showers and free day-use lockers that only require you to bring your lock. Lap swimmers can request paddles and kickboards for assistance, and those of any age can participate in swim lessons to develop their skills. As for payment to access the pool, you can pay a one-time drop-in fee or purchase a card that gives you ten visits or access for the entire summer.

Traner Pool

Another public pool in Reno worth checking out is Traner Pool in northeast Reno. As an outdoor pool, it’s only open during the summer and charges a small drop-in fee for all swimmers and spectators. The pool has a maximum depth of 10 feet and hosts eight 25-yard lanes if you’re interested in lap swimming. While people of all ages love Traner Pool, the water slide and playground make it a particularly popular attraction among children. The automatic lift and ADA-compliant stairs ensure the facility is accessible.

Northwest Pool

Northwest Pool, west of the West University neighborhood, is the first indoor pool on our list. Open year-round, it offers swimming opportunities for exercise and casual children’s fun. The main pool consists of eight 25-yard lanes with a maximum depth of 10 feet. The training pool is 30 feet by 60 feet and has a maximum depth of 3 feet.

You can enjoy both family open swim and hours reserved for lap swimming. The pool also offers a water fitness schedule with certified instructors’ aerobic classes. Convenient amenities include free day-use lockers, ADA pool lifts, stairs, and kickboards available upon request. Open swim hours may vary based on lessons and other activities, so you may want to call first to inquire about availability.

Helms Lake at Sparks Marina Park

Sparks Marina Park offers locals a variety of amenities, from playgrounds and volleyball courts to a dog park. At the center of the park is the 77-acre Helms Lake, a top spot if you’re looking for an outdoor lake experience with a beach. It provides an area exclusively for swimming, as you can use other parts of the lake for fishing, boating, and even scuba diving. Swimmers may use the public restrooms and buy snacks from the seasonal concession stand. When you want to rest, lie on the beach with a blanket and a good book.

Grand Sierra Resort Pool

The Grand Sierra Resort is a four-star hotel that promises a luxurious stay, but you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy its fantastic pool. Daily admission grants you access to the main pool and complimentary lounge chairs available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to make your experience even more luxurious, consider renting an umbrella, private cabana, or private daybed.

Aside from the main resort pool, there are two hot tubs that maintain 101 degrees year-round and a splash pad for the kids. Additionally, guests can access an exclusive VIP infinity pool that offers the appearance of the water extending to the horizon. When you work up an appetite, get a bite to eat and unwind at The Pool Bar and Fire Pit Lounge.

Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center Pool

Aside from special events, the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Pool Center is open year-round. Located near the University of Nevada, Reno, this indoor pool is heated to approximately 86 degrees and has four 25-yard lanes with a maximum depth of 5 feet. There’s free access to showers and day-use lockers, but you must bring your lock. Special equipment like automatic pool lifts and easy-access stairs make this facility ADA compliant.

While the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Pool Center has open swim hours, most visitors are there to swim laps or participate in the center’s water fitness classes or swim lessons. You can request kickboards or paddles, and the swimming lessons are available for all ages, from babies through adults. If you’re celebrating a birthday or other event, you’ll be glad to hear this facility is available to rent.

Truckee River at Wingfield Park

Consider hopping into the Truckee River at Wingfield Park for a fun river swim. This island park, located in the heart of downtown Reno, offers a variety of outdoor recreation options. In calmer areas of the surrounding river, you can swim with friends or sit on a raft and float with the current. More active parts of the Truckee River, such as the Truckee River Whitewater Park, are perfect for kayaking, river tubing, or even whitewater rafting. The park also hosts many events, such as the famous summer event series, Artown.

Sand Harbor State Park

If you want to enjoy the experience of swimming in majestic Lake Tahoe, consider visiting Sand Harbor, State Park. This site is home to crystal-clear water, gently sloping beaches, and fascinating rock formations. You can go for a swim, rent a kayak, or even participate in a scuba diving excursion. Two boat ramps allow anglers to make their way out to the lake’s center, and picnic areas sheltered with cedars and Jeffrey pines are the perfect spot for relaxing barbecues.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area

Another Lake Tahoe beach that’s excellent for swimming is Kings Beach State Recreation Area. It sits on the lake’s northern edge and offers you access to the same crystal-clear water as Sand Harbor State Park. If you’d like to enjoy other water activities, you can try the many water sports rentals, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and peddle boats. Park amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a boat ramp.

Having served the Reno area for decades, our De Castroverde Law Group team knows and loves the best swimming spots in our city. We hope our list of recommendations helps you plan a fun aquatic adventure for you and your family. If you have other suggestions for top swimming spots, please let us know.