Johann Hunt
Across the U.S., certain lakes, rivers, and swamps hide more than just natural beauty. They’re home to ancient, armored predators you definitely don’t want to surprise with a splash. Before you leap into them, check out these 20 water bodies that are home to dangerous alligators.
Lake George, Florida
Lake George is Florida’s second-largest lake and home to an immense alligator population. Locals often spot massive gators basking near boat ramps or silently gliding through lily pads. Though it’s a popular site for boating and fishing, swimming is not recommended.
Lake Jesup, Florida
Located in central Florida, this lake is widely recognized as one of the most alligator-populated bodies of water in the state. Estimates suggest thousands of alligators call it home. Additionally, the marshy edges are teeming with wildlife, which makes it extremely risky for anyone to venture near the waterline alone.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park in Florida is famous for its incredible biodiversity and high alligator presence. This vast subtropical wetland is the only place where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Airboat tours and wildlife viewing are popular, but swimming is prohibited, and caution is needed due to invasive Nile crocodiles spotted between 2009 and 2014.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida
This lake may be a hub for fishing, but beneath its murky surface, alligators are a common sight. Lake Okeechobee spans 730 square miles, which is a huge area to effectively monitor for safety. Visitors are strongly warned against swimming, especially during dusk or dawn, when alligator activity tends to peak dramatically.
Alligator Lake, Florida
True to its name, Alligator Lake in Osceola County, Florida, is full of gators. It lives up to its reputation, with large reptiles often seen sunning themselves on its banks. Interestingly, this lake is a hotspot for both photographers and herpetologists. But for swimmers? It’s absolutely off-limits.
Sawgrass Lake, Florida
Situated in Pinellas County, Sawgrass Lake is popular for its boardwalk and wildlife viewing, but it’s also home to numerous alligators, as the shallow waters and thick vegetation provide ideal hiding spots. Park signs here warn visitors that swimming could invite an accidental and potentially dangerous encounter with local predators.
Caddo Lake, Texas
Caddo Lake spans the Texas-Louisiana border and looks like something out of a fairy tale—Spanish moss, cypress trees, and lots of alligators. Wildlife rangers advise against swimming due to frequent gator sightings near launch points and campgrounds. Canoeing is safer, but only in daylight and designated areas.
Cypress Lake, Louisiana
Located on the University of Louisiana campus, Cypress Lake is a swamp-like body of water that serves as an educational wildlife preserve. Several alligators live here permanently, and though it’s fenced off, the proximity to campus means occasional close calls.
Lake Lewisville, Texas
In 2015, a 9-foot gator was spotted near the Lake Lewisville dam, which led to temporary beach closures. While boating continues, local officials strongly discourage swimming beyond marked safety zones or secluded coves. Once known as a favorite weekend escape in Dallas, recent sightings of alligators have shifted the mood.
Brazos River, Texas
Hikers and kayakers often spot large alligators lounging along the Brazos River’s muddy banks. The river’s shifting depths create hazards for swimmers, and its southern stretches are home to diverse wildlife. Visitors are advised to enjoy the scenery safely from the shore.
Waccamaw River, North And South Carolina
The Waccamaw River is a dark, slow-moving body of water surrounded by swamps and dense vegetation that flows through North and South Carolina. It’s an ideal habitat for alligators, and frequent sightings near boat docks and fishing holes keep locals on high alert.
Savannah River, Georgia
Forming the Georgia–South Carolina border, the Savannah River isn’t just scenic—it’s also crawling with gators. Park rangers advise boaters and paddlers to stay vigilant, especially during the warmer months when alligator sightings spike. Swimming is also officially discouraged.
Sunflower River, Mississippi
This river in Mississippi has made headlines for producing some of the state’s largest alligators. Hunters and wildlife officials have caught gators over 14 feet long here, according to the LA Times. While fishing is common, locals know better than to take a dip, as murky waters make it impossible to spot approaching danger.
Yellow River, Alabama
Birdwatchers and fishermen are common here, but swimming isn’t, because the Yellow River’s muddy depth and shifting currents make it a recipe for disaster. Wildlife agencies report consistent alligator sightings along its banks. Winding through Alabama and Florida, the Yellow River cuts through remote swampland, perfect for gators.
Perdido River, Alabama
Straddling the Alabama–Florida border, the Perdido River offers peaceful kayaking routes, but peace ends where gator territory begins. Sightings are frequent, particularly in marshy segments near the Gulf. Although the river looks inviting, swimming is not recommended. Officers stress that alligators are highly territorial, especially during breeding seasons.
Withlacoochee River, Florida
This river’s current can change suddenly, making it dangerous for swimmers anyway. Adding to it, the Withlacoochee River is bordered by dense vegetation and marshland, which is ideal for gators. Hikers and anglers often spot them sunning on the banks. Locals know that it’s better for paddling, not plunging.
Juniper Springs, Florida
According to CBS News, after a 14-foot alligator repeatedly charged kayakers here, authorities shut the waterway in May 2025. This stunning spring in Ocala National Forest looks like a dream, until the “bull gator” shows up. It’s a sobering reminder that even scenic spots demand caution and respect for wildlife.
Goose Creek (Cooper River), South Carolina
In an unfortunate 2023 incident, a diver searching for fossils in this river was mauled by an alligator. Despite rapid rescue efforts, the attack highlighted a hidden risk in this otherwise tranquil-looking stretch. Swimming or diving alone in these dark, debris-filled waters has since been labeled as a dangerous choice.
Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina
Winding through Georgia’s coastal Camden County, the Crooked River stretches approximately 26.8 miles and flows into Cumberland Sound, bordered by saltmarshes and freshwater wetlands. Its name comes from its serpentine path, which creates a natural labyrinth of inlets and bends—ideal for wildlife like American alligators.
Lake Kissimmee Canal, Florida
Beyond the lake itself, the surrounding canal system is equally dangerous. Multiple gator attacks have occurred in recent years, including a fatal one involving a canoe. The narrow, low-visibility water makes it hard to detect reptiles in time. Warning signs line the shore for a reason—heed them.