Have you ever thought about nude camping?
If so, you'll be happy to know that it's a thing. A big thing, in fact, and there are hundreds of resorts and campgrounds where you can go naked camping.
You can even try out nude camping for yourself in your local national forest, depending on local regulations.
In this article, we're diving into all-things-nude camping. You'll learn:
- What nude camping is.
- The legalities of naked camping.
- What a nude camping experience is really like.
- The best places to be nude in nature in the US.
- And even the best nude beaches to try before you go camping.
Let's get into it.
What Is Nude Camping?
Nude camping is exactly what it sounds like: camping without clothes. It's a thing, and there are plenty of campsites and organizations that cater to nude campers.
Believe it or not, nude camping can be a totally freeing and exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors. Naked camping is typically done in a private setting, and you can control your entire experience.
If you're interested in giving nude camping a try, read on for tips on how and where to do it.
Is Naked Camping Legal on Federal Lands?
This question is a bit complicated to answer. In general, nude camping isn't illegal, but caveats apply. Places like National Parks, National Forest Lands, and BLM land have slightly different rules.
From a federal standpoint, nude camping on federal lands isn't illegal. However, certain state regulations may prohibit naked camping in some areas.
For BLM land and national forests, nude camping typically isn't illegal if it isn't bothering anyone, unless state or local laws explicitly prohibit it.
For National Parks, the NPS has no rules prohibiting nudity, except for disorderly or obscene conduct while in the nude.
In fact, the NPS actual rules on nudity are pretty vague and hard to follow.
All we know is:
From Section 2.34 of Resource Protection, Public Use and Recreation in the national parks:
“A person commits disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public alarm, nuisance [emphasis added], jeopardy or violence, or knowingly or recklessly creating a risk thereof… Uses language, an utterance, or gesture, or engages in a display or act that is obscene, physically threatening or menacing… [Or] Creates or maintains a hazardous or physically offensive condition.”
So, if you want to give nude camping a try by yourself, research your state and local laws before heading deep into your local national forest.
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Where Can I Go Nude In the US?
Believe it or not, there's an association to help you with that.
The American Association for Nude Recreation provides resources for nude camping, nude outdoor activities, and all things nude recreation.
If you're serious about giving the naturist lifestyle a try, it's great to find like-minded community. And the AANR is perfect for it!
Benefits of Nude Camping
So, what's the allure of nude camping? Why do people do it?
Connection to Nature
Nude camping can help you feel more connected to nature. It might not seem like much, but being able to feel the sun and wind on your entire body is exhilarating.
And have you ever gone skinny dipping? It's amazing! Few things feel more freeing than being nude in nature.
To quote the AANR:
“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.”
Increases Self Confidence
Believe it or not, nude camping and nude recreating can actually help to increase your self confidence.
It's a liberating experience that helps many people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
In a world that's obsessed with looks, body image, weight, and more, the freedom of being free to be fully yourself is a respite from society.
According to the American Association for Nude Recreation:
“Most first-timers adjust to social nudity in a matter of minutes and discover it’s not nearly as big a deal as they thought it would be.”
Deeper Connections
Not only will you experience a deeper connection with yourself and with nature, but you can connect more deeply with others, too.
In our world, clothing is often a status symbol. It's something we decorate our bodies with to show off our style or what we do for work.
It's also something we hide behind.
When you strip away (literally) the costume you wear on a daily basis, you open yourself up to more meaningful conversations. Being vulnerable in that way allows you to be more vulnerable when making friends, which can lead to lasting and fulfilling friendships.
More Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vitamin that every single human is lacking in – unless you get your levels checked and adjusted regularly.
Our bodies create vitamin D when exposed to the sun, but we often don't get enough sun exposure to make as much as we need.
When you're nude, your entire body gets sun exposure, which means more opportunity for production of that essential vitamin.
Friendly Etiquette Tips for Nude Camping
If you're considering heading to a nude campground or RV park for the first time, here is some handy etiquette and tips.
Carry A Towel (Or Two)
Carrying a towel is one of the top etiquette tips for nude camping or nude recreating, no matter where you are.
It's frowned upon in the naturist lifestyle to sit on anything with your bare bottom. So, you should always carry a towel with you to sit down wherever you go.
And if you plan to go swimming, bring along an extra for drying off.
Don't Forget Your Shoes!
Nude camping is great, but you'll still need your shoes. Whether you're going hiking or the pavement is scorching hot from the sun, you'll be happy you brought your favorite shoes along.
Leave Your Phone and Camera in the Car, Tent, Or RV
Every cell phone these days has a camera on it, and a camera is a no-no at a nudist resort or nude campground.
People go nude camping to experience freedom. And that freedom means a lot of things: freedom from clothing, freedom from judgement, and freedom from prying eyes.
Put simply: leave your phone or camera at camp.
Familiarize Yourself With The Rules
No matter where you're going, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of the location.
Each nudist campground and nude resort has their own set of rules, etiquette, and regulations.
Some have adults-only hours, too, so if you're bringing family keep that in mind.
Tips for Your Nude Camping Experience
In addition to following nude camping rules and etiquette, here are a few more tips to help you get the most out of your experience.
Research Beforehand
Always do your due diligence and do plenty of research. When selecting a nude campground, check out their website and read reviews.
See if you can find forum information on them, too. Also, look and see if they are AANR compliant. Not all nude campgrounds are “family friendly” or wholesome in nature. So, be sure to do your research to avoid any uncomfortable stays.
“Clothing Optional” Helps
Look for nude camping resorts that are clothing optional – this gives you the opportunity to disrobe as you feel comfortable.
Clothing optional means you have the opportunity to still wear clothes if you're not yet ready to walk around in your birthday suit.
Contact The Owners
The naturist community is a friendly bunch of folks, and if you have unanswered questions or concerns after doing your research, give the campground a call.
The owners and resort staff will be more than happy to answer any questions and alleviate any concerns you might have.
Bring Sunscreen
Even if it's not the middle of summer, sunscreen is essential. Parts of your body that never see the light of day will be exposed. And you will be susceptible to sunburn all over your body.
Bring a high SPF and re-apply often.
Try Being Nude In Nature First
Feeling nervous? You can always try other public nudity options before committing to a full camping trip.
Check out the AANR website for information about nude activities coming up, or head out to the nearest nude beach near you for a day in the nude.
Where You Can Be Nude In Nature Before Trying Nude Camping
If you want to try public nudity in small doses before heading out on a nude camping trip at a campground, going to a nude beach can be fun!
You can pick your own spot at a nude beach and hang out in the sun while listening to the waves or wading in the water.
Here are 5 of the best nude beaches (lake and ocean) to be nude in nature.
- Haulover Beach Park, Miami, Florida
- Baker Beach, San Francisco, California
- Gunnison Beach, New Jersey
- Black's Beach, San Diego, California
- Hippie Hollow, Austin, Texas
You can find other places to be legally nude in nature through the AANR website.
Best Nude Camping Locations in the USA
Here are the best nude camping locations in the USA. From nude resorts, nude campgrounds, and nude RV parks, you'll find a little bit of everything here.
1: Cypress Cove Nudist Resort
Location: Kissimmee, Florida
The Experience:
Cypress Cove Nudist Resort is a family-friendly nudist resort in Kissimmee, Florida.
Everyone is welcome here, unless you're a single man accompanying a family or couple – which seems to add to the family-friendly vibe.
For newcomers, the tour of the landscaped grounds and beach is followed by basic nudist etiquette training based on the AANR's standards. And all of this happens before you're even in the nude.
2: Olive Dell Ranch
Location: Colton, California
The Experience:
Olive Dell Ranch is a nudist club, campground, RV park, and resort located in southern California.
This nudist resort has campsites, rental cabins, and RV hookups for any kind of camping stay.
They allow day visits, too, and have frequently planned activities like bingo, potlucks, dances, and even a 5k – all in the nude. This nude campground has plenty of amenities like tennis courts, hiking, a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and more.Â
Related: The 10 Best RV Shows You Absolutely Cannot Miss
3: Orvis Hot Springs
Location: Ridgway, Colorado
The Experience:
Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway, Colorado, is a hot springs nudist oasis.
This clothing optional hot spring resort boasts fresh, mountain air and the ability to soak in 10 pools and ponds full of natural lithium spring water.
Pool water temps range from 65 to 112 degrees and the resort has on-staff massage therapists to further your relaxation.
You can choose to stay at the resort campground – tent camping only, or you can stay in the resort lodge. All camping and resort guests have private, 24-hour access to the hot springs.
4: Shangri La Ranch Nudist RV Park
Location: New River, Arizona
The Experience:
If you’re looking for a quintessential nudist RV park experience, Shangri La Ranch might be right for you. Shangri La Ranch Nudist Resort is located in New River, Arizona.
This clothing-optional resort has activities like pickleball, stitching and crafting, yoga, cards, line dancing and more: all in the nude.
Shangri La Ranch is a family-friendly clothing optional resort where you can go at your own pace and embrace nudity as you become more comfortable.
There is RV camping or resort room rental available – no nude tent camping at this location.
Related: Best RV Clubs to Save Money While RVing
5: Valley View Hot Springs
Location: Orient Land Trust, Colorado
The Experience:
Valley View Hot Springs is yet another Colorado nudist hot springs location.
This nude campground is located in the Orient Land Trust, a 2,200 acre hiking, hot springs, and camping destination in the San Luis Valley of Colorado.
This family-friendly nudist campground is clothing optional.
You can find nude tent camping, nude RV camping, and nude car camping at this remote and primitive location.
6: Spruce Hollow Campground
Location: Mesick, Michigan
The Experience:
Spruce Hollow Campground is a beautiful Michigan nude camping experience where you’re nestled into the tall pine trees of the upper peninsula.
This campground has beautiful, rustic camping sites that are first-come first serve. Both nude tent camping and nude RV camping are allowed here – and so are your pets.
This is an adult, couples-only nude campground.Â
Related: Best Battery Powered Heaters for Camping
7: Blue Lake Resort
Location: Erie, Illinois
The Experience:
This nudist campground is a family-friendly nude campground located in northwest Illinois.
Blue Lake Resort has 20 acres of sunny and shaded areas for camping across 98 acres of farm land.
This campground is open from May to October and features a clubhouse with a screen porch and sunbathing deck, a snack bar and whirlpool room, a huge pond pool with a sandy beach, sand volleyball, and a lot more.
There are 20 RV spots at this campground, so make your reservation early if you want to give this spot a try.
8: The Magic Circle
Location: Quartzsite, Arizona
The Experience:
What is the Magic Circle? The Magic Circle is a clothing-optional BLM camping area in the desert in Quartzsite, Arizona.
This is not your run of the mill campground with hookups, shower buildings, or other amenities.
This is a loosely organized designated area of desert where RVers and van lifers come and camp together and revel in the nude.
You can even find a clothing-optional hiking, biking, and trail running trail in the Magic Circle on AllTrails.
And the Magic Circle has gained in popularity in recent years! Camping is free unless you plan to stay long-term, in which case you will need a LTVA permit.
Nude Camping Wrap Up
While the thought of nude camping with strangers might conjure ideas of adult-only activities and themes, that's actually pretty far from the truth.
Nudism and naturist society is more mainstream than you might think, and there are plenty of family-friendly nude outdoor recreation, nature, and camping opportunities than you might think.
If you want to give nude camping a try, you can't go wrong with any of these campgrounds.
Or, if you're simply curious about the naturist experience, find your nearest nude beach or swimming hole and head out for the day!
Carrie Wilder
Carrie has a passion for location independence and nomadic lifestyles. After traveling full-time in an RV and living the van life, she created Making Money and Traveling to help others make the switch to a remote lifestyle. Learn more about Carrie on the About page or connect on social media below.Â
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