Southwest Cove

Drive Route 5A along the east shore of Lake Willoughby to its south end in Westmore. Roadside parking along 5A was the norm and fills quickly on summer weekends; the state built an overflow lot for about 80 cars off 5A in 2021 to reduce shoulder parking, and Westmore has discussed parking fees at the lake's North Beach. From the road a short trail with stairs leads down through the woods to the cove, past a sign warning that you may encounter nude bathers. Flood damage has left parts of the path uneven. There is no public transport, and the stairs make it unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Regulars describe a calm, respectful and mostly local crowd, with people reading, swimming and chatting quietly, and say inappropriate behavior is not tolerated. The setting below the cliffs and the shallow, clear water get consistent praise. Complaints center on scarce parking on hot weekends, an eroded path after floods, no toilets, and very cold water. Some neighbors have objected to the nudity over the years, and regulars worried in 2017 that state park rules could be applied to the cove, though that did not happen.

Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.

Vermont has no statewide ban on simple public nudity, and Westmore has declined repeated requests (reported around 2008) to adopt an anti-nudity ordinance. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation reviewed the beach and left its use unchanged, posting a trailhead sign warning of nude bathers; in 2017 the state said its management plan for Willoughby State Forest was not meant to change current uses.

Naturism at Southwest Cove sits under United States's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.

Full country law: United States public nudity guide.

Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.