Naturism camping, more commonly known as nude camping, is gaining popularity. More people are finding the benefits of getting back to what nature intended.
Types of Nude Camping
The types of people that enjoy nude camping are very diverse. There are different goals and/or intentions of each individual naturist. Before you try naturism camping, you must be clear on your beliefs and goals of social nudity and find people to camp with who have the same beliefs as you. Following are some thoughts on why people like to camp in the nude:
- A nude camper wants to enjoy the great outdoors unencumbered by clothing and other hassles.
- Feeling the sun and breeze on your entire body is wonderful.
- Many nude campers have completely moral objectives in mind and just want to enjoy nature.
- According to the Naturist Society, "social nudity is not a code word for sex. "
- Some naturist campers do have the goal to 'hook up' or meet other adults that have like-minded motives.
- Some want to have sex in a completely free party atmosphere in a socially accepted setting.
Finding a Location for Nude Camping
Finding a location to camp in the nude is probably the biggest challenge that naturists are faced with. If you want to be with groups of other people who are nude camping, there are a few organized nude camping areas as well as nude beaches you can visit. If you would like to find a secluded spot to camp where you won't be seen, you will need to do some research. Maybe you already know of remote camping areas that will give you the privacy you need. If you aren't aware of any secluded campsites, visit the forest service websites in the area you would like to camp. Visit blogs and websites to connect with people who know where the best spots are.
Organized Nude Campgrounds
- Goodland New Jersey: One of the oldest nudist parks in the country
- Passport America: Bell Acres Georgia Nudist Resort
- Blue Lake Resort Illinois: Family oriented nudist camping-shedding our clothes, not our morals
- Sequoians in San Francisco Bay California: Family friendly recreation
- Two Creeks Campground Minnesota: Private adult only camping
Etiquette and Rules
The types of rules you encounter in naturism camping will depend on the type of camp you are attending. If you are camping by yourself, there will be no rules or etiquette to follow. If you are staying at a family friendly campground, there will be plenty of rules to follow, as children will be present. Some nudist camps are clothing optional and others are clothing prohibited, so the rules will be different for each of these types of camps. Do your research to find out what type of camp you are attending and the atmosphere that will prevail. Some camps are all about getting back to nature in the nude, others are about meeting people with adult ideas in mind. Some etiquette rules to keep in mind when you are camping nude with a group are:
- Be respectful
- Follow the camera and photo taking rules of the campground
- Carry around a towel, to sit on or cover up with
- Respect personal space and boundaries
Benefits of Naturism Camping
According to the American Association for Nude Recreation, "Nude recreation embraces the joy of living and experiencing nature in the most natural way possible. To relax and be nude is to let yourself be totally free." Naturism camping can be done totally in the nude or partially nude. Camping in a tent, cabin, or recreational vehicle is part of the experience. Some of the benefits people achieve while enjoying a naturism camping trip are:
- Relaxation
- Positive body image
- All over body tan
- Soaking up vitamin D
- Stress relief
- Increased self-esteem
- Acceptance
- Class and wealth distinction disappear
- Rejuvenation
- Freedom from clothing and stress
While nude camping isn't for everyone, those who enjoy it find that it is a wonderful source of recreation.
