Chittenden County, Vermont
Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks Park in South Burlington sits on a rocky Lake Champlain shoreline where red sandstone ledges slope into clear water — a striking geological feature that has made this a popular local swimming spot for generations.
- Day use
- Freshwater
About this place
Red Rocks Park in South Burlington sits on a rocky Lake Champlain shoreline where red sandstone ledges slope into clear water — a striking geological feature that has made this a popular local swimming spot for generations. The park's less-trafficked rocky points and coves, reached by short trails through the wooded uplands, have an informal clothing-optional tradition that's been known to Burlington-area residents for decades.
The C/O habit concentrates at the quieter rock ledges away from the main beach area, where the characteristic red Chazy limestone drops into the lake and provides flat sunbathing surfaces facing west — catching afternoon sun and sunset views toward the Adirondacks across the water. Lake Champlain's water is cold until late July here, reflecting the latitude and depth of this section of the lake.
Red Rocks is a South Burlington city park rather than a state park, and the management is light-touch — there's a parking fee in summer, a small beach area, and the rest of the park is essentially undeveloped woodland shoreline.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
Burlington and South Burlington locals, UVM affiliates, Chittenden County outdoor regulars who know the quieter sections of the park.
How to find it
Red Rocks Park is off Central Avenue in South Burlington, Vermont. Drive to the main park entrance and walk the shoreline trails toward the quieter rocky points to the north and south of the main beach. Summer parking fee applies.
Things to watch out for
The main beach area is family-oriented and clothed — the C/O tradition is at the quieter rock ledges reached by trail. Read the area before disrobing. Lake Champlain in June and early July is genuinely cold for swimming.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Informal C/O at the quieter ledge areas, away from the main beach. The park is also used by families and dog walkers — use discretion.
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