Highlands Natural Pool — Attraction in Ringwood

Highlands Natural Pool has been trending on social media, and while the setting is peaceful and unique, it didn’t quite live up to the hype for me.

The pool is spring-fed and chemical-free, which gives it more of a natural pond feel than a traditional pool. That’s cool in theory, but there’s no real shallow end, and the water feels heavy. Treading for long stretches was surprisingly tiring. I’d recommend bringing a pool float so you can relax in the water more comfortably.

One thing to know: there’s very limited seating near the pool. Just a few benches on a small paved area, so unless you bring your own beach chair, there’s not much of a place to sit. It almost feels like your best option is to stay in the pool. That said, there’s a good amount of shaded space with picnic tables a bit farther from the water, which helps if you’re planning to hang out for the day.

We arrived around 3 PM and the parking lot was already full. We had to park down the street and figure out where the entrance was. The $20 entry fee felt a little steep given how bare-bones the amenities are. Cell service is spotty and the Wi-Fi didn’t really work.

All in all, it’s a fine place if you come prepared—with a float, a chair, and a low-key attitude. But it’s definitely not the hidden gem the internet makes...

If you want to spend a day lounging by a pool, this is not the place for you unless you are a member. This pool is unwelcoming to day pass visitors by way of the extremely limited lounge chairs around the pool itself. Members are allowed in the pool an hour before it opens, so all the seating around the pool is gone for day pass visitors before it even opens. My family of 3 arrived when the pool opened, paid $50 dollars to get inside, and sat on our towels on the pavement in the direct sun. A group of 8 day visitors also sat on the ground next to us for ($160). There are no umbrellas in the actual pool area and the only shady seating is a special roped off area for members only. The members are all senior citizens who seems to know each other. They happily sat in shady lounge chairs, while all the younger people and families who came for the day sat on park benches or the hard ground. I find it shameful these people don't think to provide more seating for visitors. I don't think they realize day pass visitors supplement their discount membership fee with high day pass rates. Day passes are $20 per adult, $10 per child. Family Membership - $383 Couple Membership - $307 Individual Membership - $205 Senior Couple - $230 Senior / Veteran Individual...

What a great place!! Peaceful, quiet, restful. $34 for 2 people to enter. They do not allow music and it is a wonderful thing. Don't get me wrong, I love music. All types, hip hop, house, ambient, but not when I want to be surrounded by nature and relax. Unpaved parking lot and it is a bit of a walk to the pool area entrance from the parking area. You will get a wrist band that will allow you to leave and return the same day if necessary, like if you want to get food and bring it back. The water was absolutely wonderful. There is no beach area. The pool is surrounded by a fence and you have to find a spot somewhere along the fenced in area or outside the pool area where they have tables and chairs. They have a snack hut where they sell chips and noodle flotation devices for $3. The water is clean, cool, and refreshing. In the deeper area, it is a natural bottom, so you will feel vegetation on the bottom, if your feet touch. I saw no snakes and no frogs as some others have mentioned in their reviews. Friendly folks there as well and the staff are wonderful. You will lose your phone service there so just be aware. If you love nature you will love this. Can't wait...