Report from a long-time visitor:” Deep Bottom is a local swimming hole in Wallace NC. One side of the Cape Fear River is sandy and beach like, the other side is a deep spring. Local rumor is that nobody knows how deep the water is because no one has been to the bottom. There are a couple of ropes for swinging, and a couple of ladders in trees to jump from. This is a local hang out and well as swimming hole, so be prepared for that. It is free, and clothing would be optional depending on whether anyone is there or not. And although there is not much of a current, care should be taken when jumping from the trees and ropes.... there have been more than one death there in recent years (although it is thought to have more to do with the underage drinking than the river). There is nothing besides river here... no bathrooms, camping sites, etc."

"There is also a privately-operated lake close by called Lake Leamon with camping sites. web site. The lake was formed when the interstate was built, and now has a sandy beach area as well as a diving platform. This lake is directly off Interstate 40 in Wallace, NC. After getting off the interstate, one should take an immediate right onto River Village Pl/ Lake Leamon Rd. and follow the path to the lake. There is a charge to enter."Courtesy of swimmingholes.org