The closest options for swimming near Rexburg, ID include Rexburg Rapids water park, the BYU-Idaho Hart Building pool on campus, Rigby Lake (about 15 minutes south), and Heise Hot Springs and Green Canyon Hot Springs, both roughly 30 minutes away. Students living at The Landing have quick access to all of these spots, along with the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center, which rents kayaks, paddleboards, and river tubes for a day at the lake or on the water.
Whether class just let out on a hot September afternoon or you’re planning a weekend trip with roommates, Rexburg and the surrounding Upper Snake River Valley offer more places to swim than most students expect from a small college town.
Best Places to Swim Near Rexburg, ID
Rexburg’s swimming options range from an in-town water park to natural lakes and hot springs within a half-hour drive. The table below breaks down the closest options by type, distance, and what each one is best for.
| Spot | Type | Distance from Rexburg | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rexburg Rapids | Outdoor water park | In town | Slides, lazy river, groups |
| BYU-Idaho Hart Pool | Campus indoor pool | On campus | Lap swim, quick workouts |
| Rigby Lake (Jefferson County Lake) | Spring-fed lake | ~15 min south | Beach days, kayaking |
| Heise Hot Springs | Hot springs resort | ~30 min east | Waterslide, soaking, groups |
| Green Canyon Hot Springs | Indoor hot springs | ~30 min east | Cooler-weather swimming |
| Egin Lakes | Shallow lake | ~25 min north | Sunbathing, casual dips |
| The Cable Factory | Wakeboard cable park | Just outside Rexburg | Wakeboarding, paddleboarding |
Each of these gets its own breakdown below, including what to expect and when it’s open. Start with whichever spot best matches your plans for the day, whether that’s a quick swim or a full afternoon trip.
Where Can You Go Swimming Within a Short Drive of Rexburg, ID?
Rexburg sits in the Upper Snake River Valley, surrounded by spring-fed lakes, hot springs, and the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Because the city itself is compact, none of the options below require more than about 30 minutes in the car — an easy day trip between classes or on a weekend.
The sections below break down each option in more detail, including what to expect, when it’s open, and what makes it worth the drive.
What Is Rexburg Rapids, and Is It Good for Students?
Rexburg Rapids is the first place most students think of, since it’s the only public pool actually located in town. It’s a full outdoor water park rather than a simple lap pool, which makes it a good fit for groups rather than a quick solo swim.
Rexburg Rapids Is the City’s Own Water Park
Rexburg Rapids, located at 50 W 2nd N in downtown Rexburg, is the city’s outdoor water park and the only public pool actually located in Rexburg. It has been open since 2011 and features two water slides, a splash park, a lazy river, a splash climbing wall, and a lap pool. It’s a popular choice for groups of roommates or ward activities looking for a low-key afternoon in the water.
Season Passes Make Repeat Visits Affordable
Rexburg Rapids typically operates during the summer months, from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day, with hours that can shift based on weather. The park sells both single-visit and season passes, and it’s worth checking current pricing and hours directly before heading over, since schedules can change week to week.
For students who want water park fun without leaving Rexburg, it’s hard to beat the convenience of a facility that’s already inside city limits. It’s one of the easiest options to plan around a busy class schedule.
Can Students Swim at the Pool on BYU-Idaho’s Campus?
Not every student wants to drive somewhere to swim, and BYU-Idaho’s campus pool solves that problem. It’s a practical option for anyone looking to fit exercise into a busy class schedule rather than plan a full outing.
The Hart Building Pool Serves the Whole Campus Community
For students who want a pool without leaving campus, the BYU-Idaho Hart Swimming Pool is located inside the John W. Hart Physical Education Building. It’s a comprehensive aquatic facility used for open swim, lap swim, and swim lessons, and it’s open to the broader campus community, not just varsity athletes.
Lap Swim and Open Swim Fit Around Class Schedules
The pool generally runs on a varied schedule from early morning to late evening most days, which makes it easy to fit in a swim before an 8 a.m. class or after a late study session. Since access rules and hours can change by semester, it’s a good idea to check BYU-Idaho’s current recreation schedule before your first visit.
Between its central location and long daily hours, the Hart Building pool is often the simplest option for a routine swim during the school year. It’s a solid default choice whenever a bigger trip isn’t in the cards.
What Lakes and Swimming Holes Are Near Rexburg?
Once you’re willing to drive a little further, Rexburg is surrounded by lakes and swimming holes that feel more like a getaway than a quick dip. These spots tend to work best for full afternoons rather than a between-class break.
Rigby Lake Is the Closest Lake Beach
Rigby Lake, officially known as Jefferson County Lake, sits about 12 miles south of Rexburg, just off the North Rigby exit. Unlike most lakes in the area, it’s fed by an underground spring, which keeps the water noticeably clear compared to typical murky reservoirs. On-site amenities include:
- Sandy beach and swimming area
- Volleyball courts and a walking trail
- Kayak and paddleboat rentals
- Picnic shelters and a campground
Rigby Lake charges a small day-use fee and is open seasonally, with hours generally running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s an easy first stop for a group looking to spend a Saturday outdoors without driving far.
Egin Lakes and the Cable Factory Add More Options
Farther north, Egin Lakes sit near the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes and are shallower than a typical lake, making them a good spot for sunbathing and casual swimming rather than deep-water activities. Closer to town, the Cable Factory is a wakeboard cable park just outside Rexburg that also offers paddleboarding, giving more active students a way to try wakeboarding without needing a boat.
Bridge Jumping Spots Come with Real Risks
Local guides sometimes mention spots along the Henry’s Fork, such as Twin Bridges, where people jump from bridges into the river to cool off. Water depth and current speed at these spots can change quickly with runoff and season, and they aren’t monitored by lifeguards. If you’re considering it, go with experienced friends, check current conditions first, and never jump alone or into water you haven’t verified is deep enough.
Between a spring-fed lake, a couple of shallow sandy spots, and a cable park, students have plenty of ways to spend a full day outside without repeating the same view twice. Just plan around the weather and water conditions before heading out.
Where Can Students Soak in a Hot Spring Near Rexburg?
Idaho’s hot springs are a bit different from a typical summer swim, and a few of the best ones happen to sit within a short drive of campus. They’re worth knowing about for cooler weather as much as for summer.
Heise Hot Springs Combines a Water Slide with Natural Mineral Water
Heise Hot Springs, in Ririe, ID, is about 20 miles east of Idaho Falls and roughly 30 minutes from Rexburg. The resort has a natural mineral hot spring kept around 104 degrees, a milder freshwater warm pool, and a seasonal Summer Pool with a 350-foot waterslide and a diving board, open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. There’s also an on-site pizza restaurant and camping, which makes it easy to turn a swim into a half-day trip.
Green Canyon Hot Springs Is a Good Option in Cooler Weather
For students who want hot-spring soaking outside of peak summer, Green Canyon Hot Springs, located in Newdale, is about a half hour east of Rexburg and heated by a natural hot spring. Its pools are indoors, and the facility includes a swimming pool, a hot pool, and a small cold pool, giving visitors a few different temperatures to move between.
Whether you’re looking to cool off in July or warm up in October, having two hot spring resorts within 30 minutes gives students an option nearly year-round. Either one makes for an easy weekend trip with roommates or friends.
How Can Students Get Gear for a Lake Day or River Float?
Many students head straight to Rigby Lake or the Henry’s Fork without owning any water gear, and that’s where the BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center (ORC) comes in — it provides outdoor rental equipment including rafts, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Popular rentals include:
- Single and tandem kayaks
- Stand-up paddleboards
- Rafts and inflatable kayaks for river floats
- River tubes for a lazy afternoon on the water
Reservations can be made online, and the ORC recommends booking a few days ahead during peak summer weekends when watercraft rentals sell out fastest. With gear this accessible, a lake day can come together with barely a day’s notice.
Why Does Living Near Campus Make Summer Swim Trips Easier?
Where you live affects how easy it actually is to use all of the spots above. Proximity to campus ends up mattering just as much as the swimming spots themselves.
Living at The Landing puts you close to campus, which matters more than it might seem when you’re planning a spontaneous trip to the pool, the lake, or the ORC to grab gear. A short walk or quick shuttle ride to campus means less time spent coordinating rides and more time actually in the water.
Beyond location, residents also get access to community perks that make the rest of a hot day easier to enjoy — think a shared courtyard with fire pits and a grill for cooling off after a swim, or a common room to dry off and relax with roommates.
A Summer Well Spent Near Rexburg
Between Rexburg Rapids, the campus pool, Rigby Lake, and a couple of hot springs within a half-hour drive, students living near BYU-Idaho have more swimming options than a small Idaho college town might suggest. Pair that with easy access to gear rentals through the Outdoor Resource Center, and it’s simple to fill a free afternoon with something other than studying.
Living at The Landing puts you at the center of some of the best pools and places to take a dip in Rexburg. With just a short drive from these places, students living at our off-campus housing near BYU-Idaho experience the ultimate convenience while going to school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest place to swim near BYU-Idaho?
The BYU-Idaho Hart Building pool is the closest option since it’s located on campus, followed by Rexburg Rapids water park, which is in downtown Rexburg.
Is there a public pool in Rexburg, ID?
Yes. Rexburg Rapids is the city’s public outdoor water park, and it’s open seasonally with slides, a lazy river, and a lap pool.
Do BYU-Idaho students have to pay to use the campus pool?
Access and pricing at the Hart Building pool can vary by semester, so it’s best to confirm current hours and any fees directly with BYU-Idaho’s recreation office before your first visit.
Where can students go swimming outside in a lake near Rexburg?
Rigby Lake, about 15 minutes south of Rexburg, is the closest lake with a sandy beach, and it’s popular for its clear, spring-fed water.
Are there hot springs near Rexburg students can visit?
Yes. Heise Hot Springs and Green Canyon Hot Springs are both about 30 minutes from Rexburg and offer natural mineral pools along with additional amenities like waterslides.
Can students rent kayaks or paddleboards near campus?
Yes. The BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center rents kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, and river tubes for trips to Rigby Lake or the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.
