Are there any good swimming holes?

Hey Sam. There are no designated swimming areas at Raven Rock State Park due to the dramatic changes in river levels through this stretch of the Cape Fear. It is not recommended by any staff as there are multiple water rescues a month. If you're wanting to get your feet wet, there are 6 different creeks that run in different areas across the park and along several trails. Little Creek Loop is a good one and not too bad of a hike, whereas Campbell Creek is larger and more difficult but does also have the creek along half of the loop. And just to clarify from another comment below, there are no kayak put-ins in Raven Rock State Park. There is canoe-in camping as an option, but the park doesn't have boats to rent out nor does it have a put-in for boats. Most people plan their trips to launch before the Buckhorn Dam or from Lillington where there is a public wildlife boat ramp.

I agree with serenity.. I would not swim in that river..

There is access to the river for kayaking, I have not used them but the website has information regarding them. I would probably not swim in the river personally.