Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse

Walnut Cove, North Carolina · on Hanging Rock Park Lake · Hanging Rock State Park

Verified · 5 independent sources · top-verified

WATER: lake
ACCESS: Designated swim area
FEE: $6.00
SEASON: Best in summer

About Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse

Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse is an official swim area and swimming hole on a 12-acre lake within Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Winston-Salem. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the lake and its historic bathhouse offer designated, fee-based, lifeguarded swimming each summer, a solid option for anyone looking for lifeguarded places to swim near Winston-Salem.

The swim lake sits within Hanging Rock State Park's 9,011-acre mountain landscape in the Sauratown Mountains of Stokes County, surrounded by forested hills; the broader park also contains rock outcrops, a mountain cave, and multiple waterfalls (Upper Cascades, Hidden Falls, Lower Cascades), though those falls are separate from the lake itself.

Swimming at Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse

Swimming takes place in a 12-acre constructed lake with a sand beach and a lifeguarded designated swim area; a diving platform is present (though it may be closed at times due to staffing). The setting suits families and casual swimmers rather than wilderness swimming, given the developed bathhouse, concession stand, and fee-controlled access.

How to get to this swimming hole

Parking: Dedicated parking at the main park entrance area, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road, Danbury, NC 27016, near the lake/bathhouse; the park also has separate parking areas for Lower Cascades, Dan River access, Tory's Den, climbing access, and mountain biking.

The walk in

No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. The lake/bathhouse swim area is a drive-up destination with dedicated adjacent parking; no trail hike is needed to reach the water, just a short walk from the lot to the beach/bathhouse.

Plan your visit

Bringing kids

Good for kids

Lifeguarded, designated swim beach on a constructed 12-acre lake with sand beach and diving platform; children's admission pricing ($4 ages 3-12) reflects a family-oriented, developed setup rather than a wilderness swim spot.

Parking

Free

Dedicated parking lot at the lake/bathhouse area (address given by NC State Parks as 2847 Hanging Rock Park Road, Westfield/Danbury, NC 27016/27053). General park day-use entry and parking are free; a separate per-person swimming fee ($6 adult / $4 child, ages 3-12) applies in-season, not a parking fee.

Restrooms

Yes

Restrooms and changing area inside the historic CCC-era bathhouse at the lake; a concession stand and visitor center are also on site.

Hours

Swim lake: Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (2026 season ends Monday, September 7, 2026), with free swim 5:00-5:30 p.m.; the broader park grounds are open daily year-round with seasonal gate-hour changes not itemized in sources found.

On the water

Restrictions: Personal boats and watercraft of any kind (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, motorboats) are explicitly NOT allowed on the lake; only the park's own rental boats may be used, and renters must be at least 16 years old.

The park itself is the sole boating operator on this lake; no outside kayak/canoe/paddleboard outfitters serve this specific lake per sources checked.

Rentals nearby

Hanging Rock State Park (boat rental concession)

Rental boats on the lake (specific boat type - rowboat/canoe/paddleboat - not specified in sources found); personal watercraft of any kind are not permitted as an alternative

Prices: $10.00/hour

At the lake bathhouse/beach area, within the park · Same window as swim season (Memorial Day-Labor Day), renters must be 16+, last rental at 4:30 p.m., all boats returned by 5:30 p.m.

Backstory

The lake and bathhouse were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1935 and 1942. The bathhouse, designed by architect Robert S. Ormand in a rustic style, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse: FAQ

Does Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse charge a fee?

Swimming fee charged in-season: adults $6.00, children (ages 3-12) $4.00; free swimming 5:00-5:30 p.m. General park day-use entry is free. Boat rentals $10/hour.

Is Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse kid friendly?

Do I need to hike to reach Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse?

No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.

Where do I park for Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse?

When is the best time to visit Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse?

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend (summer), matching the park's official swim-lake operating season.

What are the rules at Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse?

Swimming permitted only in the designated lake area between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend during posted operational hours (2026: Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., with reduced hours in late August and lake operations ending September 7, 2026). Personal watercraft are prohibited on the lake.

What water body is Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse on?

Hanging Rock State Park Lake Bathhouse is on Hanging Rock Park Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.