If you love the great outdoors and want a naturist experience in camping, consider spending time at nudist campsites across America. Each year, especially during the warmer months, thousands of people venture to camps, colonies, resorts, and clubs to enjoy camping without clothes.
Join the AANR First
One thing to keep in mind about nude camping is that in order to pitch a tent and enjoy all activities provided, most nudist campsites require visitors to join the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). The membership fee varies widely depending on the type of membership you wish to purchase and entitles you to the AANR newsletter, among other benefits.
Once a member, you can find a campground that is affiliated with the organization, and camp. The overnight camping fees are about the same as they are at traditional campgrounds, starting at $20 per tent per night. Many sites allow for RV camping as well and have electric and water hook-ups. Generally, campsites are open from April to October. There are many parks around the country that are open to people who want to bare it all.
Where to Find Nudist Campsites
Nude campgrounds and resorts are found in many states, with some located in colder climates being seasonal and others situated where it is warm open year-round.
California Camping Options
These campsites are located where the weather is pleasant year-round, offering tent camping and RV spaces in addition to a variety of outdoor activities for everyone.
- DeAnza Springs, located about 70 miles from San Diego, is one of the largest clothing optional resorts in North America that is open year-round; its high desert location keeps it warm. There are two swimming pools, a fitness center, volleyball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and horseshoes, plus great hiking nearby. They offer tent and RV camping, plus furnished travel trailers in "park model" villas. Membership fees start at $250 and go to $600. Hook-ups and rentals for members start at $5 for camping and about $10 for RV sites. Holiday weekends and special events may be subject to a two or three-day minimum.
- Glen Eden Sun Club is one of America's largest family orientated nudist resorts. The RV park is located in Corona, California. This park is open year-round and has a number of facilities including a children's playground, gym, sauna, pools, dog park, clubhouse, and a chapel. Rental units are available in a variety of configurations and there are both tent and RV sites. There are member and non-member weekly rates for RV and camping sites. Many categories of membership are offered with rates ranging from a single introductory package to one for couples and one those in the military, to name a few.
- The Sequoians family nudist park in Castro Valley, California is a gated community boasting 80 acres to hike in the nude. This is a social nude membership club that welcomes all visitors and guests at their Saturday "potluck" dinner, just remember to bring a dish for six! Amenities include a heated swimming pool, co-ed showers, full community kitchen, fire pit, children's area, pool table, WiFi, designated smoking areas, social activities, and an indoor and outdoor music stage. There are tent, trailer, and RV facilities at various price points that depend on the membership category and amenities purchased. The park is open year-round and runs a monthly series of events.
Nudist Camping in Florida
They don't call it the Sunshine State for nothing! With warm temperatures and scenic vistas, Florida is an excellent choice for camping in the buff.
- Hidden River Resort is located 30 miles west of Jacksonville on 88 acres along the banks of the wild and scenic St. Mary's River. The resort, open year-round, offers a full bathhouse with hot showers inside and outside, hot tub, swimming pool, horse and bike trails, a large covered pavilion equipped with an outdoor kitchen, 30 and 50 amp campsites, tent sites with or without power, and a dump station. Pets are welcome and there is a pet "off leash" play area. They are expanding to accommodate permanent and seasonal residents. Contact them directly at 912-843-2603 for rate information.
- The Riverboat Nudist Club, north of Tampa, Florida, is an adult, 18 and above facility. The highlight here is massage including therapeutic and neuromuscular massage in addition to myofascial deep tissue and relaxation massage. There is a monthly membership fee, usually applied to winter vacationers or monthly campers, that starts at $100 for singles. There is also an annual membership fee that ranges from $475 for singles to $575 for couples. The Riverboat Club does not rent RVs, tents or cabins, and here, staying in your car is considered RV camping. They are open year-round with a variety of activities listed on their website.
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Sunnier Palms Nudist Park in Fort Pierce, Florida is open year-round and welcomes RV, day visitors, and tent campers. This park has many amenities including a heated swimming pool, hot tub, shuffleboard, petanque court, and a volleyball, badminton, and yoga area. A highlight here is 12.5 miles of wildlife sanctuary nature trails. The clubhouse hosts community dinners, dances, concerts and more. Tent camping with no hook-ups by the week starts at about $180 for members of AANR and from about $225 for non-members. Members of AANR or the Naturalist Society get discounted rates on membership to Sunnier Palms.
Northeast and Midwest United States
These campgrounds located in climates with cold winters are opened seasonally in the spring, summer, and autumn.
- Berkshire Vista Resort nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts welcomes couples, singles, and families from the beginning of May to the middle of October. Resort amenities include free WiFi, a clubhouse and restaurant, pool bar and grill, hot tub, swimming pool, hiking trails, snack bar, flush toilets and special events throughout the season. There are 150 RV sites with waterand 30/50 amp; most sites have sewer connections too. Seasonal memberships start at $800 and 10-day specials start at just over $220 with AANR membership. Park model cottages are also available and start at around $100 per night.
- Juniper Woods is a family-oriented, clothing optional, nudist-friendly resort on 65 remote acres surrounded by lakes, trees, and meadows in Greene County, New York. Hiking, fishing, boating, and meadow sunbathing in these scenic surrounds are highlights. There are 50 private wooded campsites and all have 20/30/50 amp service; several have sewer and full hook-ups. There are modern bathhouse facilities, a swimming pool, a covered pavilion, a clubhouse with a woodstove, party deck with a fire pit, and DJ entertainment in season, along with special events. Camping is seasonal and rates are determined by membership status and the type of site rented.
- Blue Lake Resort in northwestern Illinois focuses on being a family-friendly campground, offering 20 acres of sunny and shaded camping areas on 98 acres of farmland. They are open the first weekend in May through the first weekend in October. A clubhouse with a screened-in porch and a large deck for sunbathing are some amenities offered. A highlight is a chlorinated pond for swimming and a sandy beach. In addition to tent camping that starts at about $330, there are also 20 spots for RVs. Membership for couples and family is just over $300 and membership for singles is just over $250.
- Sunny Haven Recreation Park near South Bend, Indiana is a private, family-oriented nudist park founded in 1947 on the back portion of the founder's farm. The park offers RV, trailer, and tent camping sites as well as accommodation in one of the chalets on the property. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, sauna and hot tub, miniten, volleyball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, petanque, ladder golf and a playground. Membership for families and couples starts at $710 and includes AANR membership, seasonal lot rates with water and electric start at just over $1,300 and primitive tent sites start at just over $900. Seasonal events start in February and the season runs from mid-May through mid-October.
South and Southwest Campsites
A variety of environments from the desert to lush woodlands characterize camping in the south and southwest.
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Shangri La Ranch, located in New River, Arizona, is a family-friendly resort that offers RV and tent camping in addition to motel rooms and cabin rentals. Membership to the resort is required, but newcomers are invited to come for free on their first visit. Day visits are also allowed. Shangri-La Ranch features a clubhouse, pool, spa, meeting space, laundry and a children's play area. A range of activities, from dancing to horseshoes and basketball, is also available. The resort features hiking trails too. Campers may choose from full RV hookups, water and electric RV sites, or tent camping sites. Annual membership rates start at $400 for singles and around $600 for couples; camping rates start at $10 per night. There are also seasonal camping rates.
- Gymno-Vita Park located in Pell City, Alabama is strictly limited to families and couples, no singles allowed. Rooms are available to rent and are just over $30 per night. RV camping starts at $25 per night and tent camping is around $20 per night. All campsites are shaded and have potable water, electricity, and picnic tables. This park is open from April to the middle of October. The park has many amenities including a lodge, game room, swimming pool, bathhouse, volleyball, mile-long nature trail, and a children's play area. Membership starts at $45 a year.
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Wildwood Naturist's Resort located just north of Decatur, Texas boasts 118 acres where families, couples, and singles share the experience of a clothing-free environment in the Lone Star State. There is tent and RV camping as well as cabin rentals. Membership fees start at just over $385. Tent camping starts at around $30 and RV camping with hook-ups starts at $35. Cabin rentals are just under $100 per night with a two night minimum for holidays. There are many amenities here that include two large swimming pools, a large clubhouse, hiking trails, a game room, laundry and a community kitchen.
Rules to Follow
As with any campground, there are rules to follow to ensure that all visitors are responsible in keeping the campsite clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
- No weapons, firearms, or fireworks are allowed on the premises.
- Parents are to supervise their children.
- Nudity is often required in the pool and sauna.
- Before sitting, place a towel under you.
- Trash must be bagged and placed in the dumpsters on site.
- Observe the quiet hours.
- Overt sexuality and voyeurism are not allowed.
- If pets are allowed, they must be kept on a leash unless in a specially designated area.
- Showers are required before entering a pool or hot tub.
What to Pack
As you pack for your camping adventure, here are some items to consider taking along.
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Toiletries
- Cooking stove
- Folding chair
- Lantern
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Casual clothing (it is permitted sometimes in the camp and also needed for leaving the camp)
- Food for grilling
Since privacy is a priority, despite the freedom of not wearing clothing, picture taking is often prohibited. Therefore, it is probably best to leave your camera at home.
Come Back Next Year
Friendships develop as families spend time at the same campgrounds each year. Families meet other like-minded people, people who believe in the wholesomeness of nude camping, and all are eager to return the next season to enjoy the benefits of camping in the buff.
